the_o true_a god_n what_o that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n be_v and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o attain_v the_o one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o and_o though_o some_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n such_o as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o his_o death_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o other_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d these_o have_v not_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o such_o conclusion_n as_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o principle_n that_o be_v natural_o know_v concern_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v the_o wonderful_a harmony_n of_o the_o purpose_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o likeness_n of_o the_o stile_n thereof_o though_o write_v by_o so_o many_o several_a man_n live_v in_o so_o far_o distant_a age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n the_o exact_a answerablenesse_n of_o so_o 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the_o apostle_n here_o deliver_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o argument_n that_o move_v to_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v weigh_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o a_o truth_n to_o be_v know_v first_o before_o christian_n can_v get_v save_v light_n or_o true_a comfort_n from_o the_o scripture_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 3._o although_o the_o lord_n have_v employ_v man_n void_a of_o true_a sanctification_n to_o prophesy_v some_o thing_n now_o set_v down_o by_o other_o in_o scripture_n as_o his_o mind_n numb_a 23_o &_o 24._o chapter_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mat._n 10.4_o and_o so_o may_v yet_o employ_v such_o man_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n may_v be_v make_v â—â—â—ectual_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o as_o the_o law_n of_o a_o naâ—â—â—â—_n orderly_o publish_v by_o a_o authorize_v messenger_n be_v 〈◊〉_d whatever_o his_o personal_a qualification_n be_v yet_o those_o man_n who_o the_o lord_n employ_v to_o put_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o public_a register_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o compass_v with_o many_o sinful_a infirmity_n register_v by_o themselves_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a holiness_n and_o in_o that_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o all_o especial_o those_o that_o handle_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v infallible_a in_o that_o work_n be_v consecrate_v and_o set_v a_o part_n by_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o call_v they_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n 4._o although_o these_o extraordinary_a man_n do_v find_v themselves_o bind_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o god_n service_n the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n such_o as_o read_n prayer_n hear_v use_v of_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n even_o when_o they_o want_v these_o motion_n and_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n which_o they_o desire_v and_o sometime_o find_v as_o appear_v by_o their_o fix_v set_v time_n to_o themselves_o for_o those_o exercise_n and_o at_o they_o cry_v for_o the_o motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n dan._n 6.10_o ps_n 119.164_o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 148_o 149._o and_o psa_n 63.1_o 2._o &_o 101.2_o yet_o be_v it_o otherwise_o with_o they_o while_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o receive_v and_o publish_v the_o lord_n mind_n which_o now_o be_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o see_v vision_n or_o to_o prophesy_v except_o when_o they_o be_v forcible_o move_v and_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n and_o furniture_n so_o to_o do_v in_o which_o employment_n they_o be_v so_o infallible_o bear_v through_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v or_o miscarry_v all_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n hence_o it_o follow_v also_o that_o although_o the_o lord_n spirit_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o every_o believer_n ezek._n 36.27_o and_o his_o light_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v when_o we_o will_v but_o as_o he_o please_v joh._n 3.8_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o be_v necessary_a in_o some_o measure_n for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o every_o duty_n joh._n 15.5_o yet_o be_v not_o any_o ordinary_a minister_n or_o christian_a to_o stay_v from_o their_o duty_n till_o they_o find_v that_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o desire_v and_o aught_o to_o seek_v after_o but_o they_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n which_o they_o have_v as_o reasonable_a â—_z eccles_n 9.10_o and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n they_o have_v as_o christian_n and_o believer_n isa_n 64.7_o 2_o tim._n 4.6_o and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o wait_v and_o cry_v for_o the_o necessary_a influence_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n cant._n 4.16_o for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o way_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v immediate_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o their_o not_o act_v as_o prophet_n till_o then_o as_o singular_a and_o proper_a to_o they_o and_o such_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v pretend_v to_o or_o imitate_v by_o any_o other_o except_o they_o will_v presume_v to_o seek_v out_o more_o scripture_n from_o god_n after_o he_o have_v close_v his_o book_n with_o a_o curse_n on_o they_o that_o add_v to_o it_o rev._n 22.18_o they_o be_v no_o ordinary_a man_n nor_o act_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n who_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o place_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n ii_o because_o the_o prevail_a of_o error_n do_v ordinary_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o great_a decay_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n chap._n 1._o press_v the_o study_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o diligence_n in_o holy_a duty_n do_v in_o this_o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n guard_v against_o the_o infection_n of_o error_n and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o do_v 1._o give_v forewarn_v of_o the_o rise_n and_o prevalency_n of_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n especial_o such_o as_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n through_o jesus_n christ_n will_v loose_v the_o reign_v to_o all_o licentiousness_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v the_o 1._o and_o 19_o verse_n 2._o he_o do_v at_o large_a describe_v they_o by_o such_o clear_a character_n take_v from_o their_o abominable_a doctrine_n and_o vile_a practice_n as_o may_v make_v they_o know_v and_o hateful_a to_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n 3._o he_o do_v threaten_v they_o with_o no_o less_o terrible_a judgement_n than_o ever_o have_v come_v upon_o the_o vile_a sinner_n that_o ever_o live_v that_o so_o all_o may_v be_v afraid_a to_o drink-in_a their_o error_n and_o 4._o he_o do_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o godly_a some_o ground_n of_o confidence_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o for_o their_o preservation_n both_o from_o their_o error_n and_o plague_n these_o four_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n which_o be_v not_o handle_v apart_o but_o often_o intermix_v throughout_o the_o whole_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a view_n of_o the_o sum_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n forwarn_v of_o the_o rise_n of_o these_o soul-seducer_n describe_v they_o from_o the_o strain_n and_o tendency_n of_o their_o doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o follower_n ver_fw-la 1._o from_o the_o success_n they_o shall_v have_v ver_fw-la 2._o from_o their_o way_n of_o prevail_a and_o certainty_n of_o their_o judgement_n ver_fw-la 3._o which_o last_o he_o confirm_v by_o
not_o so_o thirst_v can_v conclude_v they_o have_v taste_v thereof_o and_o therefore_o a_o eager_a appetite_n after_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v labour_v for_o hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o believer_n seek_v and_o serve_v have_v in_o he_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o sweet_a for_o they_o and_o a_o strong_a bensel_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o let_v out_o the_o same_o to_o they_o whereof_o he_o have_v give_v abundant_a proof_n in_o provide_v such_o a_o remedy_n for_o lose_a sinner_n as_o himself_o to_o die_v for_o they_o tit._n 3.4_o etc._n etc._n in_o his_o daily_a pardon_v of_o their_o daily_a fail_n isa_n 55.7_o in_o his_o succour_v of_o they_o under_o their_o extremity_n heb._n 2.18_o and_o in_o his_o wait_v the_o fit_a opportunity_n for_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o to_o they_o isa_n 50.18_o for_o all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o be_v in_o this_o attribute_n of_o his_o as_o the_o scripture_n cite_v which_o do_v express_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o graciousness_n do_v make_v clear_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v sweet_a to_o all_o that_o ever_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 2._o although_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v in_o some_o sense_n taste_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal_n 145.9_o yet_o only_o his_o own_o elect_a and_o regenerate_v one_o taste_v of_o his_o graciousness_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o forementioned_a effect_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o regenerate_v who_o be_v suppon_v here_o to_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 3._o although_o the_o way_n of_o believer_n partake_v and_o feel_n of_o this_o graciousness_n or_o sweetness_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v spiritual_a arise_v in_o their_o heart_n from_o their_o exercise_v of_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o favourable_a to_o they_o through_o christ_n rom._n 5.1_o 2._o yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o real_a and_o certain_a then_o that_o which_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o outward_a sense_n close_v with_o and_o delight_v in_o their_o proper_a object_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o by_o smell_v psal_n 45.8_o and_o by_o see_v isa_n 45.25_o so_o here_o as_o also_o psal_n 34.8_o by_o taste_v if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 4._o all_o that_o believer_n get_v of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o that_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o they_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o a_o taste_n a_o spare_a measure_n to_o sharpen_v appetite_n after_o more_o for_o so_o it_o be_v here_o call_v a_o taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 5._o that_o which_o prove_v our_o taste_n of_o christ_n sweetness_n to_o be_v kind_o and_o proper_a to_o the_o regenerate_v be_v that_o thereby_o our_o inward_a and_o belove_a lust_n be_v weaken_v and_o we_o be_v make_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o to_o loathe_v they_o and_o our_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n be_v more_o sharpen_v by_o which_o the_o sweet_a feeling_n of_o the_o regenerate_v be_v difference_v from_o those_o which_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v which_o have_v no_o such_o concommitant_n heb._n 6.4_o for_o by_o consider_v the_o connexion_n of_o this_o verse_n with_o the_o former_a two_o it_o appear_v the_o apostle_n have_v press_v mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o desire_v after_o the_o word_n for_o growth_n as_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v in_o they_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 6._o all_o those_o taste_n of_o the_o graciousness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o saint_n may_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o and_o through_o the_o word_n for_o while_o he_o make_v their_o former_a taste_n of_o that_o kind_n a_o argument_n to_o sharpen_v their_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n he_o do_v clear_o import_v that_o both_o their_o former_a taste_n of_o that_o sort_n have_v be_v through_o the_o word_n and_o that_o more_o of_o these_o taste_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o same_o way_n and_o no_o way_n else_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n etc._n etc._n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o so_o will_v desire_v to_o taste_v more_o of_o that_o sort_n 7._o all_o the_o former_a experience_n we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o graciousness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n shall_v sharpen_v and_o put_v a_o edge_n upon_o our_o desire_n after_o more_o of_o that_o sort_n and_o after_o the_o word_n through_o which_o those_o experience_n be_v convey_v for_o to_o quicken_v their_o appetite_n after_o the_o word_n through_o which_o the_o lord_n people_n taste_v of_o his_o sweetness_n he_o mention_n their_o former_a taste_n here_o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v than_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a verse_n 4._o to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n disallow_v indeed_o of_o man_n but_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a 5._o you_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n here_o be_v the_o five_o motive_n to_o the_o hearty_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n take_v from_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o daily_a close_n with_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v therein_o and_o this_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o in_o several_a branch_n as_o first_o that_o christ_n shall_v prove_v himself_o a_o living_n and_o second_o a_o solid_a foundation_n to_o such_o as_o by_o faith_n build_v themselves_o upon_o he_o three_o that_o however_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n reject_v he_o as_o unworthy_a to_o be_v their_o choice_n yet_o be_v he_o the_o father_n choice_n and_o as_o our_o mediator_n in_o high_a esteem_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v our_o choice_n and_o daily_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o ver_fw-la 4._o four_o that_o they_o who_o do_v close_o with_o he_o as_o the_o gospel_n offer_v he_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o some_o measure_n conform_v to_o he_o in_o spiritual_a life_n and_o stability_n five_o that_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o straight_o six_o that_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v fit_a for_o entertain_v communion_n with_o himself_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n as_o in_o his_o spiritual_a temple_n and_o seventh_o that_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o people_n consecrate_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o priest_n be_v of_o old_a to_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n praise_n and_o other_o part_n of_o their_o worship_n which_o christ_n to_o who_o they_o be_v daily_o come_v do_v make_v well-pleasing_a to_o the_o father_n ver_fw-la 5._o from_o ver_fw-la 4._o learn_v 1._o with_o how_o much_o great_a desire_n we_o do_v receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v we_o come_v near_o to_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v therein_o to_o enjoy_v a_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o he_o for_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o current_n of_o the_o apostle_n speech_n we_o may_v see_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o show_v the_o advantage_n of_o receive_v the_o gospel_n he_o show_v the_o advantage_n of_o close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v therein_o import_v these_o two_o to_o be_v one_o to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o sinner_n once_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o do_v close_o with_o he_o as_o the_o word_n offer_v he_o to_o they_o but_o they_o must_v make_v a_o trade_n and_o a_o life_n of_o come_v to_o he_o daily_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v the_o act_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o pardon_n and_o furniture_n for_o every_o thing_n they_o have_v to_o do_v there_o be_v much_o distance_n still_o remain_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o best_a while_o they_o be_v here_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o ps_n 73.28_o and_o still_o a_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o attainable_a philip._n 3.13_o for_o come_v to_o christ_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v believe_v in_o he_o joh._n 6.35_o be_v here_o press_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o he_o before_o and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o word_n in_o the_o present_a time_n as_o signify_v the_o continuation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o who_o come_v etc._n etc._n 3._o there_o be_v no_o growth_n in_o grace_n or_o holiness_n nor_o in_o ability_n to_o oppose_v our_o corruption_n except_o we_o be_v thus_o come_v frequent_o to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n be_v col._n 1.19_o and_o who_o be_v both_o our_o righteousness_n and_o
ought_v to_o have_v the_o write_a word_n so_o rich_o dwell_v in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o confirm_v every_o truth_n they_o deliver_v from_o that_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o same_o that_o though_o minister_n do_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o cite_v particular_o every_o chapter_n and_o verse_n where_o every_o passage_n they_o bring_v forth_o be_v to_o be_v find_v they_o may_v notwithstanding_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o faithful_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n repeat_v to_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o for_o the_o lord_n mind_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n here_o as_o frequent_o elsewhere_o do_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n and_o yet_o suppon_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v well_o acquaint_v at_o least_o with_o the_o letter_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o condescend_v upon_o the_o particular_a place_n judge_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v wherefore_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lay_v etc._n etc._n 2._o true_a faith_n can_v have_v solid_a footing_n no_o where_o but_o upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n nor_o shall_v any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o most_o pleasant_a notion_n about_o christ_n jesus_n till_o they_o see_v they_o ground_v upon_o and_o draw_v from_o that_o word_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o former_a word_n commend_v christ_n as_o the_o object_n of_o save_a faith_n do_v here_o repeat_v again_o the_o same_o commendation_n of_o he_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o so_o faith_n may_v rest_v safe_o upon_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o wherefore_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n 3._o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o alone_o be_v that_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o every_o soul_n that_o flee_v to_o he_o which_o the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n whether_o the_o low_a or_o the_o high_a be_v to_o the_o build_n he_o be_v the_o stone_n first_o lay_v in_o regard_n he_o be_v and_o behove_v to_o be_v actual_o exercise_v his_o mediatory_a office_n before_o any_o sinner_n can_v attain_v to_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o god_n col._n 1.18_o he_o be_v the_o stone_n lay_v low_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n in_o his_o humiliation_n psal_n 22.6_o he_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o every_o believe_a soul_n heb._n 1.3_o he_o be_v more_o curious_o wrought_v than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o building_n as_o the_o chief_a cornerstone_n use_v to_o be_v and_o engrave_v by_o the_o art_n of_o his_o father_n adorn_v he_o with_o all_o perfection_n suitable_a for_o the_o necessity_n of_o poor_a sinner_n zech._n 3.9_o he_o be_v the_o bond_n whereby_o most_o differ_v nation_n such_o as_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o building_n eph._n 2.16_o as_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n knit_v the_o two_o side-wall_n of_o the_o build_n together_o he_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o who_o the_o building_n and_o every_o lively_a stone_n thereof_o be_v complete_a col._n 2.10_o as_o the_o high_a cornerstone_n and_o as_o that_o also_o he_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o ornament_n of_o all_o the_o building_n isa_n 22.24_o in_o all_o which_o he_o be_v resemble_v by_o that_o whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o set_v he_o forth_o to_o our_o capacity_n the_o chief_a cornerstone_n 4._o we_o have_v this_o great_a blessing_n christ_n for_o the_o chief_a cornerstone_n of_o this_o spiritual_a building_n with_o the_o father_n great_a good_a will_n who_o have_v lay_v he_o first_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n or_o decree_n as_o the_o word_n use_v by_o isaiah_n chap._n 28.16_o and_o here_o translate_v to_o lay_v do_v signify_v psal_n 2.2_o second_o in_o his_o actual_a exhibition_n of_o he_o to_o the_o church_n as_o mediator_n first_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o gen._n 3.5_o and_o next_o visible_o in_o our_o flesh_n for_o so_o this_o word_n be_v also_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o publish_n or_o execution_n of_o thing_n former_o decree_v 2_o chron._n 9.23_o prov._n 3.19_o and_o three_o in_o his_o exalt_v of_o he_o when_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o concern_v he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n for_o so_o this_o same_o word_n use_v psal_n 8.2_o be_v translate_v mat._n 21.16_o to_o perfect_v a_o work_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v the_o father_n lay_v christ_n the_o foundation_n or_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o the_o church_n and_o call_v all_o to_o behold_v what_o pleasure_n he_o have_v in_o so_o do_v behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n 5._o the_o father_n condescendency_n to_o give_v his_o own_o bless_a son_n for_o the_o abovementioned_a use_v to_o his_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o which_o this_o similitude_n here_o make_v use_v of_o hold_v forth_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o most_o serious_a consideration_n and_o christ_n this_o chief_a cornerstone_n be_v much_o to_o be_v admire_v as_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o corner-stone_n he_o be_v one_o stone_n who_o be_v both_o the_o low_a and_o high_a of_o the_o building_n philip._n 2.6_o 7._o who_o have_v immediate_a connexion_n with_o the_o least_o stone_n or_o mean_a believer_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o great_a or_o most_o eminent_a whether_o prophet_n apostle_n or_o even_o the_o virgin_n mary_n joh._n 17.20_o 21._o who_o communicate_v a_o influence_n of_o life_n and_o growth_n to_o every_o stone_n lay_v upon_o he_o eph._n 2.21_o and_o who_o never_o suffer_v any_o that_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o to_o fall_v total_o and_o final_o off_o he_o joh._n 10.28_o in_o all_o which_o respect_n we_o be_v here_o call_v to_o admire_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o give_v our_o most_o serious_a attention_n and_o consideration_n to_o the_o father_n in_o give_v he_o by_o this_o word_n which_o serve_v both_o to_o draw_v attention_n and_o admiration_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n 6._o though_o christ_n be_v god_n gift_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v up_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n eph._n 2.14_o which_o often_o have_v the_o name_n of_o zion_n in_o scripture_n obad._n 17._o yet_o with_o a_o special_a reference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o first_o have_v that_o name_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o zion_n be_v first_o preach_v public_o and_o hold_v forth_o in_o promise_n sacrifice_n and_o type_n to_o they_o psal_n 147.19_o 20._o be_v come_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 9.5_o and_o first_o offer_v to_o they_o after_o his_o incarnation_n matth._n 10.5_o 6._o from_o who_o the_o news_n of_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n mica_n 4.2_o and_o by_o who_o christ_n shall_v yet_o have_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o public_a glory_n in_o the_o world_n hos_fw-la 3.5_o rom._n 11.12_o 15._o all_o which_o shall_v make_v we_o pity_v their_o present_a case_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o conversion_n for_o with_o a_o special_a eye_n to_o they_o be_v this_o speak_v behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n 7._o christ_n fitness_n for_o this_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n evidence_v by_o the_o father_n choose_v of_o he_o for_o it_o from_o among_o all_o other_o as_o the_o word_n elect_v signify_v and_o by_o his_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n shall_v strong_o draw_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n in_o to_o he_o and_o move_v they_o to_o dwell_v much_o upon_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o of_o the_o father_n esteem_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o receiver_n of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o god_n through_o he_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v commend_v christ_n before_o from_o these_o two_o epithits_n that_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a as_o motive_n to_o draw_v sinner_n in_o to_o he_o repeat_v they_o here_o again_o as_o delight_v to_o write_v and_o think_v of_o so_o sweet_a a_o subject_n as_o christ_n elect_v precious_a 8._o that_o which_o build_v sinner_n upon_o christ_n this_o chief_a cornerstone_n be_v that_o grace_n of_o believe_v which_o according_a to_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n whence_o the_o apostle_n translate_v this_o text_n be_v the_o fixedness_n or_o stayedness_n as_o this_o same_o word_n be_v translate_v exod._n 17.12_o of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o salvation_n through_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v upon_o he_o as_o its_o necessary_a food_n which_o be_v also_o in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o language_n for_o the_o apostle_n instead_o of_o insist_v further_o upon_o the_o
relate_v the_o great_a thing_n present_a and_o because_o a_o transient_a voice_n be_v more_o easy_o mistake_v or_o forget_v than_o a_o stand_v authentic_a record_n therefore_o the_o write_a word_n be_v a_o more_o sure_a ground_n for_o sinner_n faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n can_v be_v next_o he_o commend_v the_o write_a word_n from_o the_o usefulness_n thereof_o that_o it_o shall_v prove_v to_o sinner_n who_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n a_o comfortable_a directory_n through_o this_o dark_a state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o misery_n until_o they_o get_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o promise_a spirit_n and_o nearness_n to_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o need_v a_o prospect_n of_o glass_n of_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n which_o will_v not_o be_v till_o death_n and_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o write_a word_n believe_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n mind_n be_v the_o sure_a ground_n for_o faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o of_o any_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v give_v to_o sinner_n subject_a to_o forgetfulness_n jealousy_n and_o mistake_n the_o general_a offer_n of_o christ_n and_o free_a promise_n of_o his_o grace_n exclude_v none_o who_o will_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o give_v more_o solid_a encouragement_n to_o self-judging_a sinner_n than_o they_o can_v have_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n call_v they_o by_o their_o name_n for_o that_o will_v ready_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v another_o than_o the_o lord_n or_o speak_v to_o another_o of_o that_o name_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n compare_v the_o write_a word_n with_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n call_v it_o to_o sinner_n a_o more_o sure_a word_n 2._o as_o this_o world_n be_v so_o dark_a a_o place_n that_o our_o own_o reason_n the_o counsel_n or_o example_n of_o other_o will_v often_o leave_v we_o comfortless_o to_o wander_v and_o fall_v in_o snare_n except_o we_o look_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o shine_v in_o this_o dark_a place_n so_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n approbation_n and_o commendation_n who_o do_v apply_v their_o heart_n to_o and_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o this_o word_n as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o rule_v of_o their_o manner_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o err_v in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 3._o although_o the_o light_n be_v now_o clear_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o be_v before_o christ_n come_v yet_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o light_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o dark_a like_o the_o light_n that_o shine_v out_o of_o a_o room_n where_o a_o candle_n be_v in_o a_o room_n where_o the_o candle_n be_v not_o see_v so_o much_o do_v this_o similitude_n of_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n import_n 4._o though_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o shall_v the_o word_n give_v comfortable_a direction_n to_o all_o that_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o it_o under_o all_o their_o cross_n confusion_n and_o difficulty_n and_o these_o who_o make_v it_o a_o lamp_n to_o their_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o their_o path_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v at_o last_o such_o a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a sight_n of_o christ_n as_o shall_v banish_v all_o darkness_n and_o doubt_n and_o such_o a_o near_a union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o the_o bright_a morningstar_n glorious_o present_a by_o his_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o personal_o also_o in_o humane_a nature_n converse_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o word_n or_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n only_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o heaven_n till_o which_o time_n we_o will_v never_o be_v above_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n and_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n eph._n 4.13_o cant._n 4.12_o verse_n 20._o know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 21._o for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n last_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o write_a word_n from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o the_o interpretation_n or_o true_a meaning_n whereof_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o wit_n or_o proper_a invention_n of_o any_o whereof_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o reason_n because_o these_o true_o gracious_a man_n who_o be_v consecrate_v and_o set_v a_o part_n by_o the_o lord_n for_o receive_v and_o register_n his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n can_v neither_o speak_v nor_o write_v when_o nor_o what_o thing_n they_o please_v but_o as_o they_o be_v immediate_o move_v and_o infallible_o furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n spirit_n who_o mind_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v must_v be_v know_v first_o to_o wit_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o save_a knowledge_n without_o which_o christian_n can_v profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n hence_o learn_v 1._o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o device_n of_o their_o head_n who_o write_v it_o but_o the_o public_a mind_n of_o god_n so_o none_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o right_a meaning_n nor_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a skill_n or_o invention_n there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o knot_n as_o the_o word_n interpretation_n import_v as_o can_v be_v loose_v but_o by_o humble_a implore_v the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o mind_n it_o be_v as_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o themselves_o do_v that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v reveal_v to_o themselves_o psa_n 119.18_o dan._n 2.22_o zech._n 4.4_o 5._o and_o by_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o act._n 17.11_o and_o make_v use_n of_o other_o help_n that_o god_n have_v give_v dan._n 9.2_o 1_o tim._n 4.13_o 14_o 15._o by_o which_o mean_n through_o the_o lord_n blessing_n we_o may_v come_v to_o some_o save_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n and_o may_v have_v the_o common_a or_o public_a consent_n of_o both_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o every_o save_a truth_n make_v know_v 〈◊〉_d we_o therein_o for_o no_o prophecy_n or_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n this_o principle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o lord_n mind_n none_o can_v of_o themselves_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o so_o till_o this_o principle_n be_v know_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o question_v there_o can_v be_v no_o light_n or_o comfort_v expect_v from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n to_o look_v to_o the_o word_n for_o direction_n and_o comfort_n do_v add_v here_o that_o as_o they_o will_v find_v these_o they_o must_v know_v this_o first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n and_o though_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v full_o persuade_v heart_n that_o they_o be_v his_o mind_n yet_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o natures-light_n but_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n know_v by_o it_o the_o one_o to_o wit_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o omnipotent_a wise_a righteous_a and_o good_a that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a he_o shall_v be_v serve_v and_o that_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n which_o therefore_o he_o be_v both_o wise_a and_o good_a must_v have_v some_o way_n reveal_v that_o reasonable_a creature_n have_v immortal_a soul_n and_o so_o die_v not_o as_o the_o beast_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a happiness_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o man_n do_v ordinary_o seek_v it_o that_o since_o vice_n and_o virtue_n receive_v not_o suitable_a reward_n here_o there_o must_v be_v punishment_n and_o reward_n after_o this_o life_n all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n natures-light_n teach_v though_o dark_o as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o rom._n 1.19_o 20._o and_o the_o write_n of_o those_o that_o never_o know_v the_o scripture_n do_v witness_n the_o other_o again_o to_o wit_n the_o scripture_n clear_o reveal_v these_o same_o thing_n point_v out_o the_o nature_n will_n and_o way_n of_o worship_v of_o
oftentimes_o a_o burden_n to_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n jer._n 23.33_o yet_o must_v not_o the_o lord_n minister_n weary_a to_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n to_o they_o not_o know_v when_o life_n and_o power_n from_o god_n may_v accompany_v that_o truth_n to_o their_o heart_n which_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v they_o before_o and_o as_o often_o slight_v by_o they_o see_v philip._n 3.1_o for_o this_o apostle_n press_v the_o same_o truth_n upon_o the_o hebrew_n which_o he_o know_v paul_n have_v press_v before_o upon_o they_o and_o upon_o all_o other_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n which_o be_v all_o intend_a for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o also_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n speak_v in_o they_o of_o these_o thing_n 2._o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n so_o to_o express_v some_o part_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o his_o word_n that_o the_o sharpest-sighted_a will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o nor_o easy_o take_v up_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o that_o all_o that_o study_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v make_v humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o blindness_n earnest_n in_o employ_v christ_n for_o his_o spirit_n and_o may_v be_v quicken_v to_o pain_n in_o meditation_n compare_v one_o scripture_n with_o another_o and_o the_o use_n of_o other_o command_v mean_n that_o after_o the_o use_n of_o all_o any_o insight_n they_o get_v in_o place_n former_o dark_a to_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o esteem_v of_o for_o there_o be_v in_o paul_n epistle_n some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 3._o although_o no_o man_n without_o special_a illumination_n from_o god_n can_v saving_o take_v up_o any_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o yet_o iâ—_n there_o much_o of_o the_o lord_n mind_n reveal_v therein_o in_o itself_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o who_o humble_o depend_v upon_o christ_n teach_v in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o mean_n so_o that_o the_o simple_a who_o desire_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o may_v save_v and_o comfort_v their_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hinder_v or_o discourage_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v only_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v import_v that_o there_o be_v therein_o many_o thing_n plain_a and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v 4._o those_o truth_n which_o be_v most_o dark_o propound_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o man_n will_v serious_o exercise_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o and_o humble_o employ_v christ_n for_o understanding_n as_o the_o saint_n have_v do_v psal_n 119.33_o 34_o 97._o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v only_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a import_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n plain_a but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v 5_o although_o humane_a learning_n be_v sanctify_v in_o the_o use_n thereof_o may_v prove_v a_o bless_a mean_n of_o fit_v man_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n dan._n 1.17_o act._n 7.22_o and_o 22.3_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o want_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o any_o obscurity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o cause_v man_n dangerous_o to_o mistake_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o man_n will_v not_o become_v humble_a disciple_n of_o christ_n renounce_v their_o own_o wit_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n teach_n for_o the_o word_n here_o in_o the_o original_a unlearned_a be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n act._n 4.13_o to_o signify_v the_o want_n of_o humane_a literature_n but_o it_o be_v a_o word_n that_o signify_v to_o be_v undisciple_v or_o not_o teach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o sense_n they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n 6._o another_o special_a cause_n of_o wrest_v and_o mistake_v these_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v that_o man_n labour_v not_o to_o fix_v themselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n love_n and_o practice_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v plain_a but_o have_v their_o heart_n distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v unstable_a in_o this_o sense_n that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n 7._o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o in_o defence_n of_o vile_a error_n or_o profane_a practice_n for_o there_o be_v a_o metaphor_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v wrest_v take_v from_o those_o who_o by_o torture_n labour_n to_o compel_v the_o innocent_a to_o speak_v against_o their_o mind_n 8._o they_o that_o wrest_v one_o plate_n of_o scripture_n will_v ready_o wrest_v many_o more_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o one_o error_n and_o another_o as_o there_o be_v between_o one_o truth_n and_o another_o for_o they_o that_o wrest_v paul_n epistle_n they_o wrest_v also_o other_o scripture_n 9_o the_o hazard_n of_o man_n force_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o the_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o everlasting_a destruction_n of_o they_o that_o do_v it_o for_o they_o that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n verse_n 17._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n the_o five_o use_n of_o the_o apostle_n former_a doctrine_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o constancy_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o since_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o forewarn_v of_o their_o spiritual_a danger_n and_o inform_v concern_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o wary_a lest_o they_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o that_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v through_o the_o lord_n grace_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n establish_v hence_o learn_v 1._o clear_a forewarning_n of_o spiritual_a danger_n and_o information_n concern_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o do_v lay_v upon_o the_o lord_n people_n strong_a obligation_n to_o watchfulness_n it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o guiltiness_n if_o after_o these_o they_o be_v ensnare_v for_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o foreknowledge_n they_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o his_o former_a doctrine_n a_o special_a motive_n to_o watchfulness_n wherefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v 2._o there_o be_v no_o error_n nor_o temptation_n so_o gross_a that_o have_v overtake_v other_o whereof_o those_o that_o be_v dear_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v so_o much_o fear_n as_o to_o make_v they_o very_o strict_a in_o watch_v lest_o they_o be_v ensnare_v with_o the_o same_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o these_o in_o their_o unmortified_a part_n beloved_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a 3._o although_o the_o lord_n people_n can_v neither_o total_o nor_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o truth_n or_o holiness_n joh._n 17.11_o 12._o yet_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n establish_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o practice_n of_o holy_a duty_n may_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fall_v from_o both_o as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o warning_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n 4._o the_o possibility_n of_o believer_n fall_v for_o a_o time_n shall_v provoke_v they_o to_o much_o circumspection_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v to_o keep_v very_o strict_a watch_n over_o themselves_o which_o exercise_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o his_o people_n preservation_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v let_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n 5._o the_o lord_n people_n have_v a_o steadfastness_n proper_a to_o themselves_o which_o no_o hypocrite_n can_v attain_v unto_o whereby_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n not_o for_o the_o applause_n or_o example_n of_o other_o or_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n whatsoever_o but_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v to_o know_v and_o their_o heart_n renew_v to_o believe_v and_o love_v the_o truth_n for_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o for_o his_o authority_n that_o reveal_v it_o for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v beware_v lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o proper_a steadfastness_n verse_n 18._o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o six_o and_o last_o use_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n of_o a_o continual_a growth_n and_o progress_n in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o he_o press_v in_o the_o former_a use_n to_o wit_n steadfastness_n and_o close_v with_o a_o song_n of_o praise_n to_o jesus_n christ_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o maintain_v that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v but_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o find_v the_o lively_a exercise_n and_o daily_a growth_n of_o every_o grace_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v to_o steadfastness_n in_o what_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v do_v add_v this_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n 2._o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v a_o special_a preservative_n from_o apostasy_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n to_o keep_v what_o we_o have_v attain_v except_o it_o be_v improven_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o grow_a hand_n mat._n 25.29_o for_o this_o exhortation_n be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a as_o a_o special_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o steadfastness_n grow_v in_o grace_n etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o that_o will_v have_v grace_n to_o thrive_v in_o their_o heart_n must_v labour_v for_o a_o daily_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n in_o their_o mind_n concern_v christ_n sovereignty_n his_o office_n and_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v by_o he_o for_o as_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v here_o press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o steadfastness_n so_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n be_v press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o growth_n in_o grace_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o have_v any_o right_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o break_v forth_o some_o way_n in_o his_o praise_n and_o to_o ascribe_v glory_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v become_v the_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o have_v clothe_v himself_o with_o office_n answerable_a to_o all_o their_o necessity_n as_o be_v import_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v here_o for_o the_o apostle_n that_o know_v he_o well_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o take_v up_o the_o song_n which_o all_o that_o know_v he_o shall_v follow_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n 5._o praise_n be_v a_o duty_n wherewith_o all_o our_o other_o duty_n shall_v be_v close_v both_o for_o the_o help_n we_o find_v in_o they_o and_o for_o the_o pardon_n we_o believe_v to_o obtain_v for_o our_o fail_n upon_o both_o which_o ground_n the_o apostle_n close_v his_o epistle_n with_o praise_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n 6._o praise_n be_v a_o exercise_n for_o the_o discharge_n whereof_o not_o only_o all_o our_o time_n but_o the_o long_a age_n or_o day_n of_o eternity_n as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o that_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o leu._n 10.3_o and_o will_v have_v every_o one_o that_o name_v he_o their_o own_o god_n and_o father_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o for_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n reason_n here_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n or_o if_o you_o name_v he_o father_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v in_o fear_n 2._o as_o those_o who_o may_v call_v god_n their_o father_n will_v not_o want_v their_o own_o press_v necessity_n which_o will_v put_v they_o to_o cry_v to_o he_o as_o man_n do_v in_o great_a extremity_n as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v so_o under_o the_o great_a of_o these_o they_o shall_v still_o maintain_v the_o faith_n of_o that_o stand_a relation_n betwixt_o he_o and_o they_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o in_o earnestness_n and_o confidence_n of_o his_o help_n as_o with_o a_o father_n as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n 3._o while_o we_o take_v up_o the_o lord_n under_o this_o sweet_a relation_n of_o a_o father_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n which_o may_v beget_v in_o our_o heart_n familiarity_n with_o he_o and_o confidence_n of_o obtain_v necessary_a help_n from_o he_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o cherish_v other_o consideration_n of_o he_o and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o stand_v in_o other_o relation_n to_o we_o especial_o that_o of_o a_o judge_n that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o awe_n and_o fear_v of_o offend_v he_o and_o our_o homliness_n may_v not_o mar_v our_o reverence_n for_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o both_o these_o relation_n betwixt_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o child_n to_o be_v joint_o consider_v by_o they_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v 4._o the_o lord_n be_v both_o a_o impartial_a judge_n who_o can_v be_v bias_v either_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o terrify_v by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o hazard_n from_o creature_n job_n 35.7_o 8._o and_o likewise_o so_o exact_a in_o judge_v that_o neither_o person_n nor_o action_n can_v escape_v his_o judgement_n for_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n he_o judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n say_v the_o apostle_n 5._o there_o will_v be_v no_o exercise_n of_o mercy_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o pardon_v of_o sin_n not_o former_o pardon_v at_o the_o last_o reckon_n those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o obedience_n and_o work_n which_o will_v be_v reckon_v they_o philip._n 3.9_o and_o their_o good_a work_n do_v in_o his_o strength_n only_o remember_v rev._n 14.13_o as_o for_o those_o who_o never_o flee_v to_o he_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n rom._n 2.6_o 8_o 9_o for_o the_o apostle_n look_v main_o to_o the_o last_o judgement_n while_o he_o say_v he_o judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n 6._o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n and_o shall_v esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o heb._n 11.13_o and_o therefore_o shall_v live_v in_o fear_n of_o snare_n and_o hazard_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o press_v never_o imitate_v the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n rom._n 12.2_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o such_o sober_a entertainment_n as_o god_n providence_n bring_v to_o their_o hand_n upon_o their_o journey_n heb._n 13.5_o and_o still_o hasten_v towards_o their_o country_n luk._n 12.35_o for_o so_o much_o do_v the_o apostle_n import_n while_o he_o thus_o express_v our_o condition_n here_o the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v 7._o although_o they_o that_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n ought_v never_o to_o fear_v any_o hazard_n from_o flesh_n which_o may_v discourage_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n mat._n 10.28_o nor_o yet_o eternal_a wrath_n further_o than_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o renew_v their_o flight_n to_o he_o and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o his_o service_n who_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o it_o luk._n 1.74_o rom._n 8.1_o yet_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o offend_v their_o father_n flow_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o excellency_n jer._n 10.6_o 7._o and_o of_o his_o goodness_n hos_fw-la 3.5_o as_o make_v they_o watchful_a against_o temptation_n consider_v their_o own_o weakness_n 2_o cor._n 10.12_o and_o quicken_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n heb._n 12.28_o shall_v be_v carry_v along_o in_o their_o heart_n through_o their_o whole_a time_n and_o cherish_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o a_o judge_n if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v etc._n etc._n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n verse_n 18._o forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v not_o redeem_v with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n from_o your_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o your_o father_n 19_o but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n here_o be_v the_o seven_o motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n take_v from_o that_o great_a privilege_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v here_o describe_v 1._o from_o the_o price_n thereof_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n express_v negative_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o base_a as_o the_o best_a of_o corruptible_a thing_n such_o as_o have_v sometime_o ransom_v the_o great_a of_o man_n from_o outward_a bondage_n 2_o king_n 18.14_o 15._o and_o positive_o that_o it_o be_v the_o meritorious_a blood_n of_o the_o innocent_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n which_o behove_v to_o be_v without_o blemish_n exod._n 12.5_o 2._o this_o work_n of_o redemption_n be_v describe_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o towards_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o believer_n in_o it_o to_o wit_n that_o they_o be_v thereby_o deliver_v from_o that_o legal_a dispensation_n which_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a as_o the_o observance_n thereof_o have_v be_v press_v upon_o they_o by_o many_o of_o their_o father_n and_o from_o every_o other_o sinful_a course_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v harden_v by_o their_o father_n example_n and_o precept_n so_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o since_o they_o themselves_o do_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v buy_v with_o so_o excellent_a a_o price_n from_o so_o woeful_a a_o condition_n they_o ought_v therefore_o to_o live_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o redeemer_n in_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n hence_o learn_v 1._o all_o that_o be_v redeem_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v once_o slave_n and_o in_o bondage_n to_o satan_n 2_o tim._n 2.26_o to_o their_o own_o lust_n tit._n 3.3_o and_o so_o under_o subjection_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.3_o for_o redemption_n suppones_fw-la captivity_n and_o bondage_n 2._o there_o can_v be_v no_o freedom_n of_o sinner_n from_o this_o bondage_n but_o by_o the_o pay_n of_o a_o price_n to_o offend_a justice_n god_n mercy_n can_v not_o be_v bestow_v upon_o any_o sinner_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v once_o make_v but_o with_o the_o safety_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o justice_n rom._n 3.25_o 26._o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v except_o the_o price_n have_v be_v pay_v which_o justice_n do_v require_v for_o redemption_n suppones_fw-la also_o the_o pay_v of_o a_o price_n 3._o believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v by_o he_o bring_v to_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n not_o from_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a law_n luk._n 1.74_o but_o from_o any_o right_a satan_n have_v over_o they_o before_o their_o believe_v in_o he_o col._n 2.15_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n gal._n 3.13_o and_o from_o the_o dominion_n and_o slavery_n of_o sin_n tit._n 2.14_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v by_o he_o deliver_v from_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n gal._n 5.1_o for_o this_o privilege_n of_o redemption_n import_v a_o state_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n 4._o not_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o corruptible_a thing_n which_o be_v most_o value_v among_o man_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o price_n of_o redemption_n for_o sinner_n one_o soul_n be_v of_o more_o worth_n than_o all_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n psal_n 49.7_o 8._o therefore_o the_o apostle_n express_v the_o price_n of_o redemption_n negative_o not_o with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o sinner_n to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v redeem_v by_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v clear_a mark_n of_o such_o give_v in_o scripture_n tit._n 2.84_o and_o the_o spirit_n promise_v that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n
sinful_a motion_n in_o christ_n yet_o he_o take_v that_o course_n which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o prevent_v they_o in_o his_o follower_n who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o follow_v his_o step_n in_o this_o as_o a_o mean_a to_o keep_v they_o down_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o etc._n etc._n but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o verse_n 24._o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n by_o who_o stripe_n you_o be_v heal_v the_o apostle_n repeat_v and_o enlarge_v his_o four_o argument_n it_o be_v the_o sweet_a and_o strong_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o press_v patient_a suffering_n for_o well-doing_n to_o wit_n that_o since_o christ_n have_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o endure_v the_o wrath_n due_a to_o we_o for_o they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n upon_o the_o cross_n how_o patient_o shall_v his_o redeem_a one_o bear_v light_a affliction_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o withal_o he_o add_v some_o further_a argument_n to_o press_v the_o same_o point_n take_v from_o the_o sweet_a end_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o advantage_n believer_n have_v thereby_o the_o nine_o in_o number_n be_v that_o the_o very_a end_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v to_o purchase_v virtue_n for_o the_o slay_v of_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o and_o for_o quicken_a they_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n it_o do_v become_v all_o his_o redeem_a one_o to_o follow_v their_o duty_n without_o desire_n of_o revenge_n upon_o those_o who_o put_v they_o to_o suffer_v wrongful_o the_o ten_o be_v that_o see_v the_o redeem_a by_o christ_n have_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a health_n and_o welfare_n by_o virtue_n of_o those_o wound_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o man_n for_o they_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v in_o evil_a part_n wound_n and_o stripe_n from_o man_n for_o follow_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o hence_o learn_v 1._o christ_n suffering_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o redeem_a be_v a_o subject_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o soon_o weary_a to_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o ground_n of_o much_o patience_n and_o comfort_n under_o their_o suffering_n to_o consider_v that_o god_n can_v now_o be_v avenge_a himself_o upon_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n nor_o take_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n at_o their_o hand_n he_o have_v receive_v it_o already_o from_o christ_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v hold_v forth_o christ_n suffering_n ver_fw-la 21._o as_o a_o argument_n to_o constancy_n in_o duty_n notwithstanding_o of_o persecution_n from_o man_n he_o love_v to_o come_v over_o the_o same_o argument_n here_o again_o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o exemplary_a that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o copy_n how_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o right_a under_o our_o suffering_n but_o they_o be_v expiatory_a of_o our_o sin_n and_o satisfactory_a for_o they_o to_o the_o father_n justice_n for_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v forth_o christ_n in_o the_o former_a word_n as_o cast_v we_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o right_a way_n of_o suffering_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o to_o be_v his_o great_a design_n in_o suffering_n he_o add_v this_o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n 3._o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n who_o be_v altogether_o free_a of_o any_o guiltiness_n inherent_a in_o himself_o as_o be_v clear_v from_o vers_fw-la 22._o have_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o elect_a upon_o he_o by_o imputation_n and_o be_v handle_v by_o divine_a justice_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o they_o all_o as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o expression_n he_o bear_v our_o sin_n which_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n signify_v to_o bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n see_v leu._n 20.17_o 20._o ezek._n 23.49_o 4._o as_o sin_n be_v to_o a_o wake_a conscience_n one_o of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n that_o ever_o be_v feel_v psal_n 38.4_o so_o jesus_n christ_n have_v by_o his_o satisfaction_n upon_o the_o cross_n lift_v up_o as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v that_o weight_n from_o off_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o feel_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o chase_v they_o to_o he_o for_o ease_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v never_o press_v any_o such_o down_o to_o hell_n or_o to_o despair_v for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o penitent_a and_o believe_a sinner_n as_o a_o weight_n that_o none_o but_o christ_n be_v able_a to_o lift_v and_o which_o he_o have_v lift_v up_o and_o bear_v who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n 5._o that_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o bear_v our_o sin_n he_o behove_v to_o be_v incarnate_a and_o to_o take_v on_o a_o true_a body_n not_o borrow_v or_o assume_v for_o a_o time_n but_o a_o body_n of_o his_o own_o which_o with_o his_o soul_n be_v personal_o unite_v to_o his_o godhead_n he_o will_v keep_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o that_o his_o converse_v in_o heaven_n with_o his_o creature_n that_o have_v body_n may_v be_v the_o more_o sweet_a for_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n 6._o although_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o christ_n suffering_n for_o we_o be_v in_o his_o soul_n isa_n 53.10_o mat._n 26.38_o yet_o he_o be_v say_v to_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o body_n not_o only_o because_o that_o be_v a_o ordinary_a designation_n of_o the_o whole_a person_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o because_o it_o be_v most_o wonderful_a that_o ever_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v assume_v so_o frothy_a a_o be_v as_o a_o body_n of_o flesh_n because_o his_o bodily_a suffering_n do_v visible_o represent_v his_o love_n to_o sinner_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o sin_n and_o because_o his_o soul_n suffer_v only_o while_o it_o be_v in_o his_o body_n before_o his_o death_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o body_n 7._o our_o mediator_n behove_v to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o painful_a linger_a and_o shameful_a death_n because_o he_o be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o many_o who_o deserve_v such_o kind_n of_o death_n even_o by_o humane_a law_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o illustrate_v the_o terror_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o may_v take_v the_o sting_n out_o of_o such_o kind_n of_o death_n to_o any_o of_o his_o own_o who_o shall_v endure_v the_o like_a for_o his_o sake_n for_o these_o cause_n he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o cross_n 8._o that_o which_o do_v most_o heighten_v our_o esteem_n of_o christ_n love_n in_o give_v himself_o to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o most_o strong_o oblige_v we_o not_o to_o spare_v our_o person_n for_o he_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n and_o of_o our_o unworthiness_n for_o who_o he_o suffer_v both_o which_o the_o apostle_n lead_v believer_n unto_o here_o while_o he_o do_v so_o often_o mention_v he_o and_o we_o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o etc._n etc._n 9_o till_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v apply_v by_o faith_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n they_o be_v alive_a to_o sin_n be_v active_a and_o delight_v in_o the_o commission_n thereof_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o righteousness_n be_v no_o less_o impotent_a for_o any_o spiritual_a act_n or_o holy_a performance_n than_o dead_a man_n be_v for_o the_o action_n of_o the_o live_n as_o be_v suppon_v in_o this_o that_o christ_n death_n be_v for_o these_o end_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n may_v live_v to_o righteousness_n 10._o christ_n intention_n in_o die_v for_o sinner_n which_o he_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n gain_n in_o all_o his_o redeem_a one_o in_o this_o life_n and_o will_v full_o attain_v in_o the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o heart_n may_v by_o the_o virtue_n purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n be_v so_o weaken_v that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o than_o dead_a man_n have_v in_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o live_n and_o that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v quicken_v with_o spiritual_a life_n for_o holy_a performance_n and_o they_o may_v live_v eternal_o praise_v their_o redeemer_n for_o that_o righteousness_n of_o his_o bestow_v upon_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v for_o these_o two_o be_v here_o make_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n death_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o wit_n be_v make_v
good_a joh._n 7.7_o and_o their_o carriage_n a_o shame_n and_o â—â—proof_n to_o other_o 1_o joh._n 3.12_o for_o lest_o from_o the_o former_a â—â—couragement_n any_o may_v expect_v exemption_n from_o trouâ—â—â—_n by_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o do_v in_o this_o suppone_v that_o they_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n 2._o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o righteousness_n sake_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v they_o miserable_a as_o themselves_o be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v psal_n 73.13_o and_o the_o wicked_a world_n do_v ordinary_o judge_v 2_o cor._n 4.13_o that_o by_o the_o contrary_a they_o serve_v both_o to_o promote_v their_o spiritual_a happiness_n the_o time_n of_o suffering_n be_v the_o time_n wherein_o every_o grace_n thrive_v most_o rom._n 5.3_o and_o divine_a consolation_n abound_v most_o in_o their_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 1.5_o and_o likewise_o to_o evidence_n and_o prove_v to_o they_o their_o right_n to_o everlasting_a blessedness_n philip._n 1.28_o a_o special_a measure_n whereof_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o great_a sufferer_n rev._n 7.13_o &c_n &c_n for_o this_o second_o encouragement_n do_v contradict_v the_o lord_n people_n ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o profane_a world_n opinion_n of_o they_o under_o suffer_v if_o you_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n happy_a be_v you_o 3._o the_o best_a of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o hazard_n to_o have_v their_o spirit_n trouble_v and_o perplex_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o hazard_n from_o flesh_n which_o be_v then_o exceed_v sinful_a when_o it_o make_v they_o deny_v the_o truth_n mat._n 26.70_o or_o take_v any_o sinful_a course_n for_o their_o temporal_a safety_n 1_o sam._n 21.10_o 13._o or_o when_o their_o spirit_n be_v thereby_o defile_v and_o mud_v as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a here_o signify_v with_o passion_n against_o the_o instrument_n of_o their_o trouble_n mat._n 26.51_o which_o hazard_n be_v import_v in_o this_o dissuasive_a give_v to_o those_o that_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n fear_v not_o their_o fear_n neither_o be_v trouble_v 4._o they_o who_o are_z sle_z to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o desire_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o sight_n notwithstanding_o of_o suffer_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o or_o to_o have_v their_o spirit_n perturb_v under_o the_o hard_a of_o their_o suâ—â—â—â—ings_n consider_v that_o what_o ever_o they_o suffer_v be_v according_a to_o the_o lord_n fore-appointment_n 1_o thess_n 3.3_o and_o carve_v out_o by_o his_o all-ruling_a providence_n mat._n 10.30_o that_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o under_o thâ—_n suffering_n heb._n 13.5_o 6._o and_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o glorious_a issâ—â—_n out_o of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 4.17_o upon_o which_o ground_n 〈◊〉_d ought_v to_o banish_v fleshly_a fear_n and_o perturbation_n out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d heart_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v fear_v not_o their_o â—eaâ—_n neither_o be_v trouble_v verse_n 15._o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n this_o verse_n contain_v some_o further_a direction_n to_o persecute_a christian_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o carriage_n under_o their_o suffering_n the_o second_o in_o order_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v reverence_v and_o adore_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o sovereignty_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o that_o dispensation_n of_o he_o towards_o they_o in_o put_v they_o to_o suffer_v while_o their_o wicked_a persecutor_n prosper_v which_o direction_n as_o also_o the_o former_a be_v take_v out_o of_o isa_n 8.12_o 13._o the_o three_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v timous_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o such_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v forth_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reason_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o suffer_v for_o the_o four_o be_v that_o their_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v season_v with_o meekness_n even_o towards_o their_o persecutor_n and_o the_o five_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v entertain_v in_o their_o heart_n some_o holy_a fear_n of_o miscarry_v in_o the_o way_n of_o give_v that_o testimony_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o right_a disposition_n for_o sufferer_n to_o entertain_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n who_o though_o he_o be_v matchless_a in_o holiness_n 1_o sam._n 2.2_o and_o can_v have_v nothing_o add_v to_o that_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n by_o any_o creature_n rom._n 11.35_o 36._o yet_o do_v esteem_v himself_o sanctify_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o while_o they_o be_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o holiness_n make_v submissive_a to_o the_o hard_a of_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o they_o psal_n 22.3_o afraid_a to_o offend_v so_o holy_a a_o majesty_n isa_n 29.23_o and_o thereby_o also_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o perform_v all_o his_o promise_n psal_n 111.9_o and_o execute_v of_o his_o threaten_n upon_o his_o enemy_n and_o they_o â—â—b_n 1.12_o for_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n second_o direction_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o spirit_n under_o suffering_n sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n 2._o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n while_o they_o be_v under_o hard_a usage_n from_o wicked_a man_n be_v in_o great_a hazard_n not_o only_o to_o forget_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n over_o they_o to_o use_v they_o as_o he_o please_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n which_o occasion_v much_o perturbation_n of_o spirit_n in_o they_o isa_n 51.12_o 13._o but_o likewise_o to_o entertain_v in_o their_o heart_n thought_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o if_o their_o suffering_n and_o the_o wicked_n prosperity_n be_v not_o consistent_a therewith_o both_o which_o be_v import_v in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n who_o the_o apostle_n represent_v under_o such_o name_n as_o hold_v forth_o also_o his_o sovereignty_n sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n 3._o although_o the_o godly_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v anxious_a concern_v their_o furniture_n in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n mat._n 10.19_o yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v ordinary_a mean_n of_o preparation_n for_o trial_n such_o as_o the_o drinking-in_a of_o the_o solid_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 6.19_o entertain_v the_o presence_n of_o that_o spirit_n who_o reveal_v truth_n not_o yet_o know_v and_o bring_v know_v truth_n to_o remembrance_n when_o it_o be_v necessary_a joh._n 19.26_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o defend_v the_o truth_n by_o holy_a reason_n draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n or_o make_v apology_n for_o it_o as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v and_o answer_v objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o same_o prov._n 15.28_o as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o three_o direction_n be_v ready_a always_o to_o answer_v every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 4._o although_o in_o some_o case_n the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v safe_o answer_v their_o adversary_n with_o silence_n to_o wit_n when_o they_o have_v sufficient_o and_o frequent_o bear_v testimony_n to_o such_o truth_n before_o mat._n 27.12_o 14._o or_o when_o question_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o by_o wicked_a man_n out_o of_o scorn_n prov._n 26.5_o or_o curiosity_n luke_n 23.8_o 9_o 11._o or_o to_o be_v a_o snare_n to_o the_o godly_a isa_n 36.21_o yet_o ought_v they_o still_o to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o fitness_n of_o disposition_n for_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o hold_v when_o the_o glow_n y_fw-fr of_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o other_o call_v for_o it_o the_o season_n and_o manner_n whereof_o every_o humble_a waiter_n on_o god_n shall_v know_v from_o he_o luke_n 12.11_o 12._o and_o 21.14_o 15._o hab._n 2.1_o for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_v they_o here_o to_o answer_v always_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v they_o but_o to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o answer_v every_o one_o that_o ask_v a_o reason_n 5._o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n ought_v not_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o any_o confidence_n or_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o rational_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n as_o may_v not_o only_o convince_v themselves_o but_o such_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v forth_o to_o other_o when_o they_o be_v
the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n do_v partake_v even_o of_o that_o outward_a ordinance_n as_o few_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n in_o that_o it_o be_v equal_o dispense_v to_o good_a and_o bad_a who_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o but_o such_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o ark_n in_o that_o it_o do_v exempt_v all_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n from_o the_o common_a case_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v seal_v to_o the_o elect_n safety_n from_o that_o wrath_n which_o do_v destroy_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a respect_n it_o be_v here_o compare_v with_o the_o ark_n the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o 3._o although_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o believer_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n blood_n apply_v to_o the_o conscience_n yet_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n oftentimes_o ascribe_v the_o same_o to_o the_o instrument_n or_o mean_v by_o which_o he_o do_v convey_v that_o salvation_n to_o they_o compare_n with_o this_o place_n luke_n 7.50_o 1_o tim._n 4.16_o that_o so_o he_o may_v keep_v up_o due_a respect_n to_o his_o own_o mean_n which_o if_o they_o be_v neglect_v or_o despise_v by_o they_o that_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o they_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n baptism_n do_v now_o save_v we_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o small_a hazard_n of_o people_n place_v too_o much_o in_o the_o external_a and_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o if_o that_o of_o itself_o be_v of_o some_o efficacy_n for_o salvation_n against_o which_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o less_o need_n to_o guard_v in_o their_o doctrine_n than_o against_o people_n under_o value_v of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o after_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v baptism_n to_o be_v the_o mean_a of_o our_o salvation_n answerable_a to_o the_o ark_n lest_o any_o may_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o salvation_n because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o external_a baptism_n he_o add_v as_o a_o guard_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n 5._o the_o internal_a baptism_n to_o wit_n the_o application_n of_o christ_n merit_n be_v know_v to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o sinner_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o upon_o their_o conscience_n which_o do_v appear_v first_o when_o they_o do_v answer_v to_o the_o lord_n offer_n and_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o hearty_a acceptation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o engagement_n in_o his_o strength_n to_o obey_v the_o other_o second_o when_o they_o become_v humble_o familiar_a with_o god_n in_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n death_n as_o they_o and_o three_o when_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o he_o to_o answer_v the_o accusation_n and_o challenge_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v against_o they_o in_o do_v of_o the_o former_a two_o for_o all_o there_o three_o which_o make_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o wit_n stipulation_n or_o engagement_n claim_n or_o challenge_v and_o apology_n or_o answer_n be_v in_o the_o signification_n of_o this_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o here_o to_o express_v the_o internal_a part_n of_o baptism_n to_o wit_n the_o application_n of_o christ_n merit_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o which_o effect_n manife_v the_o cause_n even_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 6._o christ_n resurrection_n be_v to_o the_o believer_n one_o chief_a ground_n of_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n former_o describe_v from_o whence_o he_o may_v just_o claim_v to_o absolution_n from_o guiltiness_n since_o his_o cautioner_n discharge_n be_v evidence_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom._n 4.25_o and_o to_o virtue_n for_o subdue_a of_o his_o corruption_n since_o he_o who_o purchase_v it_o be_v rise_v to_o apply_v it_o rom._n 6.9_o 11_o 12._o and_o to_o through-bearing_a strength_n under_o all_o trial_n since_o the_o head_n be_v rise_v the_o member_n must_v needs_o be_v where_o it_o be_v joh._n 14.3_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o may_v answer_v all_o objection_n draw_v from_o his_o guiltiness_n and_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o corruption_n and_o from_o his_o weakness_n to_o go_v through_o trial_n which_o may_v discourage_v his_o heart_n or_o brangle_v his_o faith_n rom._n 8.33_o for_o here_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o the_o believer_n have_v this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n verse_n 22._o who_o be_v go_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o the_o last_o encouragement_n to_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n have_v three_o branch_n first_o that_o since_o their_o head_n and_o mediator_n be_v go_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o name_n to_o possess_v heaven_n second_o since_o he_o be_v in_o high_a dignity_n and_o power_n with_o god_n and_o three_o since_o he_o have_v all_o the_o heavenly_a host_n of_o angel_n at_o his_o command_n therefore_o none_o of_o his_o follower_n need_v to_o fear_v suffer_v in_o follow_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o hence_o learn_v 1._o christ_n withdraw_v of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n from_o his_o people_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o they_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v mistake_v it_o joh._n 16.5_o 6._o that_o by_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o wellspring_n of_o much_o consolation_n whence_o they_o may_v with_o joy_n draw_v answer_n to_o every_o discouragement_n he_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n more_o plentiful_o than_o he_o do_v before_o his_o ascension_n joh._n 7.39_o eph._n 4.10_o and_o have_v in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o his_o ascension_n triumph_v over_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n psal_n 68.18_o and_o make_v 〈◊〉_d patent_n access_n to_o we_o to_o enter_v heaven_n by_o our_o faith_n and_o prayer_n since_o he_o be_v go_v there_o in_o our_o nature_n and_o name_n heb._n 6.19_o 20._o &_o 10.19_o etc._n etc._n for_o as_o a_o consolation_n against_o suffering_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v this_o bring_v in_o that_o christ_n be_v go_v into_o heaven_n 2._o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n have_v with_o the_o father_n signify_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n eph._n 1.20_o etc._n etc._n have_v the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n give_v he_o to_o dispense_v to_o his_o redeem_a one_o act._n 5.31_o be_v another_o strong_a ground_n of_o believer_n consolation_n whence_o also_o they_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o challenge_v given-in_a against_o they_o his_o sit_v there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o they_o that_o the_o work_n of_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_o do_v heb._n 10._o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o father_n be_v abundant_o satisfy_v therewith_o psal_n 110.1_o rom._n 8.33_o 34._o for_o this_o be_v another_o branch_n of_o their_o encouragement_n that_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 3._o whatever_o be_v the_o order_n or_o several_a degree_n that_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o curious_o to_o inquire_v see_v it_o be_v not_o make_v know_v in_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n have_v all_o of_o they_o subject_n to_o he_o as_o his_o messenger_n and_o mighty_a host_n have_v authority_n from_o he_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a psal_n 34.7_o heb._n 1.14_o and_o for_o the_o terror_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o and_o their_o enemy_n psal_n 68.16_o 17._o for_o of_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n be_v this_o speak_v that_o he_o have_v angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n subject_a unto_o he_o 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o subjection_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n may_v be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o the_o few_o oppress_v godly_a especial_o when_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n on_o earth_n and_o their_o messenger_n and_o host_n be_v employ_v against_o they_o as_o in_o this_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v for_o this_o be_v here_o give_v to_o believer_n as_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o their_o encouragement_n in_o this_o chapter_n that_o they_o serve_v and_o suffer_v for_o such_o a_o master_n as_o have_v angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n subject_a unto_o he_o chap._n iu._n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o contain_v a_o enlargement_n of_o the_o former_a purpose_n the_o apostle_n do_v by_o several_a argument_n press_v upon_o the_o redeem_a the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o give_v
in_o the_o next_o he_o commend_v the_o epistle_n itself_o 1._o from_o the_o shortness_n of_o it_o and_o 2._o from_o the_o sweet_a scope_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n freegrace_n whereunto_o they_o do_v adhere_v hence_o learn_v 1._o though_o save_v truth_n shall_v be_v hearty_o embrace_v who_o ever_o they_o be_v that_o carry_v it_o philip._n 1.15_o 18._o yet_o it_o contribute_v for_o the_o better_a acceptance_n thereof_o that_o those_o who_o deliver_v it_o deserve_v and_o have_v a_o good_a esteem_n among_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o their_o good_a for_o to_o make_v thiâ—_n epistle_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v firsâ—_o direct_v the_o apostle_n commend_v he_o that_o carry_v it_o and_o be_v to_o open_v it_o up_o unto_o they_o as_o one_o faithful_a in_o his_o office_n and_o love_v towards_o they_o by_o silvanus_n a_o faithfâ—ll_a brother_n unto_o you_o 2._o it_o become_v those_o who_o be_v of_o long_o stand_v and_o more_o eminent_a gift_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o undervalue_v or_o slight_v those_o who_o be_v of_o short_a stand_n and_o mean_a gift_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o gain_v to_o they_o all_o the_o respect_n and_o esteem_v they_o can_v among_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o the_o message-sake_n which_o they_o carry_v for_o this_o apostle_n be_v among_o the_o first_o of_o those_o that_o christ_n call_v immediate_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o eminent_o honour_v by_o he_o to_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v here_o commend_v silvanus_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o christ_n day_n and_o who_o be_v only_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n call_v to_o expound_v the_o write_a word_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v his_o equal_a by_o silvanus_n a_o faithful_a brother_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o master_n service_n by_o improve_n his_o talent_n whether_o more_o or_o few_o for_o his_o glory_n mat._n 25.21_o 23._o and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o brotherly_a affection_n towards_o his_o fellow-labourer_n express_v the_o same_o by_o work_v to_o their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n col._n 4.11_o and_o to_o the_o people_n by_o a_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a care_n of_o their_o good_a as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n philip._n 4.1_o for_o this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o silvanus_n a_o faithful_a brother_n to_o you_o 4._o it_o be_v neither_o safe_a to_o withhold_v our_o testimony_n concern_v the_o fidelity_n of_o other_o when_o we_o have_v ground_n for_o charity_n that_o they_o do_v deserve_v it_o nor_o to_o be_v positive_a and_o superlative_a in_o commend_v of_o any_o as_o if_o we_o be_v infallible_o persuade_v of_o their_o faithfulness_n for_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o commendation_n to_o silvanus_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n with_o such_o a_o adjection_n as_o signify_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v he_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v gather_v by_o several_a probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n and_o yet_o the_o expression_n do_v import_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o certainty_n to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v concern_v his_o own_o estate_n and_o fidelity_n in_o his_o call_v rom._n 8.38_o 1_o tim._n 1.12_o by_o silvanus_n a_o faithful_a brother_n as_o i_o suppose_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a favour_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o writing_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o trial_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v his_o mind_n isa_n 8.20_o to_o help_v their_o frail_a memory_n the_o better_a to_o remember_v his_o truth_n isa_n 30.8_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n among_o his_o people_n concern_v his_o mind_n which_o will_v far_v more_o ready_o arise_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o deliver_v in_o so_o transient_a a_o way_n as_o satan_n oracle_n be_v and_o that_o his_o people_n when_o they_o have_v not_o occasion_n to_o hear_v his_o mind_n preach_v or_o speak_v by_o other_o may_v have_v it_o with_o they_o to_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o act._n 8.28_o for_o though_o this_o apostle_n and_o other_o have_v preach_v the_o substance_n of_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n to_o these_o same_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v act._n 2._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 25._o and_o though_o they_o have_v silvanus_n a_o man_n able_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n come_v to_o they_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o write_v his_o mind_n to_o they_o by_o silvanus_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o 6._o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n in_o christ_n servant_n and_o a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v much_o of_o the_o lord_n mind_n to_o his_o people_n in_o a_o few_o word_n provide_v it_o be_v with_o plainness_n of_o speech_n so_o will_v people_n be_v the_o more_o able_a to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o retain_v in_o their_o memory_n what_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n commend_v this_o epistle_n which_o have_v in_o it_o the_o head_n of_o all_o save_a truth_n deliver_v in_o much_o plainness_n of_o speech_n from_o the_o shortness_n of_o it_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o brief_o 7._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n minister_n to_o make_v use_n of_o several_a strain_n of_o doctrine_n in_o deal_v with_o people_n sometime_o to_o exhort_v they_o and_o that_o with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o vehemency_n to_o their_o duty_n sometime_o to_o comfort_v they_o against_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n both_o which_o be_v in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o first_o word_n exhort_v at_o other_o time_n again_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v as_o a_o thing_n themselves_o know_v experimental_o and_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.11_o confirm_v the_o same_o from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n act._n 26.22_o and_o 28.23_o and_o testify_v against_o they_o that_o reject_v or_o disobey_v the_o same_o deut._n 8._o 19_o according_a to_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o next_o word_n testify_v by_o both_o which_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o his_o several_a strain_n of_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n especial_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o these_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o minister_n exhort_v and_o testify_v 8._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o all_o right_n preach_v thereof_o be_v to_o make_v offer_n unto_o sinner_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o pardon_v sanctify_a and_o save_v of_o they_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o embrace_v that_o offer_n and_o have_v embrace_v it_o to_o study_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o walk_v like_o gracious_a person_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o doctrine_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o sum_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a word_n to_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wiâ—â—_n deceive_v none_o that_o receive_v it_o they_o will_v find_v the_o lord_n as_o gracious_a and_o his_o way_n as_o sweet_a as_o the_o gospel_n affirm_v for_o it_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n 10._o even_o those_o who_o have_v make_v good_a progress_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v for_o the_o present_a fix_v in_o their_o adherance_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v by_o temptation_n and_o make_v to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o gracious_a offer_v make_v therein_o as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v the_o apostle_n upon_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o such_o for_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o do_v stand_v verse_n 13._o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o babylon_n elect_v together_o with_o you_o salute_v you_o and_o so_o do_v marcus_n my_o son_n here_o be_v the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v salutation_n to_o the_o scatter_a jew_n 1._o from_o those_o christian_n at_o babylon_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o church_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o share_v with_o other_o of_o his_o people_n in_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a mercy_n this_o church_n at_o babylon_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o
the_o consideration_n of_o that_o work_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o during_o the_o delay_n how_o much_o it_o serve_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n for_o this_o way_n will_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o lay_v their_o reckon_n that_o every_o day_n spare_v of_o the_o world_n be_v give_v to_o they_o for_o make_v fast-work_n of_o their_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o fit_v of_o they_o for_o glory_n that_o so_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v quiet_v under_o the_o delay_n and_o account_n that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v salvation_n 2._o these_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v often_o and_o by_o several_a of_o the_o lord_n minister_n harmonious_o press_v upon_o the_o lord_n people_n aught_o to_o have_v a_o special_a weight_n with_o they_o as_o be_v attest_v by_o many_o witness_n to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n more_o full_o clear_v and_o offer_v with_o a_o new_a relish_n from_o several_a hand_n for_o by_o this_o the_o apostle_n bears-in_a the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o preparation_n for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o both_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v agree_v in_o substance_n upon_o the_o use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v even_o as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n also_o have_v write_v 3._o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lift_v up_o themselves_o above_o their_o fellow-labourer_n or_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o person_n and_o labour_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n even_o although_o their_o fellow-labourer_n be_v in_o some_o thing_n inferior_a to_o they_o or_o differ_v from_o they_o yea_o and_o have_v sharp_o rebuke_v they_o for_o their_o fail_n that_o by_o the_o contrary_a they_o ought_v to_o entertain_v and_o to_o express_v love_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o and_o to_o conciliate_v respect_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o gift_n and_o labour_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n â—_o for_o this_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o paul_n in_o the_o priority_n of_o his_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n who_o paul_n have_v withstand_v to_o the_o face_n and_o who_o fail_n he_o have_v register_v in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n gal._n 2.11_o 14._o do_v not_o lift_v up_o himself_o above_o paul_n nor_o labour_n to_o weaken_v his_o esteem_n but_o do_v write_v of_o he_o as_o his_o equal_a belove_v by_o he_o and_o faithful_a according_a to_o his_o gift_n and_o do_v commend_v his_o write_n as_o useful_a for_o this_o people_n even_o as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n also_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v unto_o he_o have_v write_v 4._o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v a_o like_a measure_n of_o gift_n and_o qualification_n for_o his_o service_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n but_o to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o few_o talent_n that_o every_o one_o may_v make_v use_n of_o another_o and_o none_o may_v expect_v fullness_n but_o in_o christ_n himself_o for_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a measure_n even_o among_o the_o apostle_n be_v import_v in_o this_o that_o paul_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v unto_o he_o have_v write_v 5._o whatever_o measure_n of_o gift_n or_o grace_n any_o have_v more_o than_o another_o it_o be_v a_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v humble_o and_o thankful_o possess_v and_o careful_o employ_v for_o his_o honour_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o author_n of_o these_o gift_n not_o only_o by_o those_o that_o have_v they_o but_o by_o every_o one_o who_o do_v discern_v they_o in_o other_o for_o while_o this_o apostle_n speak_v of_o paul_n wisdom_n he_o call_v it_o the_o wisdom_n give_v he_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o prime_a commendation_n of_o a_o faithful_a minister_n that_o he_o have_v faithful_o employ_v his_o measure_n whether_o it_o be_v less_o or_o more_o in_o serve_v christ_n and_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n for_o here_o it_o be_v paul_n commendation_n that_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v he_o he_o have_v write_v 7._o although_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o one_o faithful_a minister_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o another_o among_o the_o people_n yet_o ought_v their_o commendation_n one_o of_o another_o to_o be_v in_o sobriety_n such_o as_o may_v not_o detract_v from_o the_o due_a esteem_n of_o those_o who_o they_o do_v not_o commend_v and_o such_o as_o may_v lead_v people_n thought_n above_o they_o that_o be_v commend_v to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o free-giver_n of_o any_o thing_n commendable_a in_o they_o for_o this_o apostle_n do_v sufficient_o commend_v paul_n &_o his_o write_n while_o he_o say_v of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n give_v he_o he_o have_v write_v 8._o although_o it_o be_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o character_n of_o false_a teacher_n to_o steal_v the_o word_n and_o lessen_v the_o estimation_n of_o other_o minister_n that_o be_v more_o in_o esteem_n than_o themselves_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v cloak_v their_o own_o laziness_n and_o want_v of_o god_n calling_n jer._n 23.30_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o lawful_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o write_n of_o their_o fellow-labourer_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o sometime_o to_o cite_v their_o testimony_n for_o gain_v the_o great_a credit_n to_o truth_n with_o people_n for_o so_o do_v this_o apostle_n here_o who_o not_o only_o press_v the_o same_o truth_n that_o paul_n have_v press_v but_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o a_o vow_n that_o he_o have_v peruse_v paul_n write_n to_o those_o hebrew_n as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o have_v find_v that_o which_o do_v agree_v with_o his_o doctrine_n even_o as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n have_v also_o write_v 9_o although_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v not_o put_v his_o name_n to_o that_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o because_o he_o be_v hateful_a to_o the_o unconverted_a jew_n or_o suspect_v by_o weak_a convert_v who_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o levitical_a law_n or_o because_o he_o be_v sufficient_o know_v and_o of_o unquestioned_a authority_n with_o the_o strong_a sort_n yet_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o apostle_n write_v both_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n by_o compare_v 1_o epist_n 1.1_o and_o 2_o epist_n 1.1_o with_o 1_o epist_n 2.12_o and_o here_o he_o assert_v that_o paul_n also_o have_v write_v to_o they_o which_o write_v of_o paul_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o be_v extant_a 1._o because_o the_o purpose_n in_o paul_n writing_n to_o which_o this_o apostle_n here_o relate_v be_v clear_o hold_v forth_o there_o in_o heb._n 10_o 35_o 36._o 2._o because_o that_o which_o this_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n concern_v the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_v some_o passage_n in_o paul_n writing_n do_v especial_o agree_v to_o that_o epistle_n and_o 3._o because_o that_o write_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n whereof_o this_o apostle_n here_o speak_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v except_o we_o will_v reflect_v both_o upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o fidelity_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v rom._n 3.2_o who_o faithfulness_n in_o that_o matter_n the_o lord_n have_v never_o challenge_v even_o as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n have_v write_v unto_o you_o verse_n 16._o as_o also_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n speak_v in_o they_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o which_o be_v something_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o apostle_n have_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n from_o paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n take_v occasion_n to_o commend_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o epistle_n as_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o withal_o remove_v a_o prejudice_n which_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n rife_o against_o paul_n write_n as_o dark_a and_o obscure_a show_v that_o there_o be_v only_o some_o few_o thing_n in_o his_o write_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o none_o but_o unhumble_v and_o wanton_a spirit_n will_v pervert_v and_o mistake_v as_o they_o will_v do_v much_o more_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o damnation_n hence_o learn_v 1._o although_o the_o frequent_a press_v of_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o people_n be_v