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there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o innate_a likeness_n by_o his_o image_n impress_v on_o they_o in_o their_o first_o renovation_n and_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v within_o they_o and_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a increase_n of_o it_o by_o their_o pious_a imitation_n and_o study_v of_o conformity_n which_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o vicious_a man_n and_o the_o corrupt_a world_n be_v here_o forbid_v the_o imitation_n of_o man_n indifferent_a custom_n be_v base_a and_o servile_a the_o imitation_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n be_v commendable_a but_o the_o imitation_n of_o this_o high_a pattern_n this_o primitive_a goodness_n the_o most_o holy_a god_n be_v the_o top_n of_o excellency_n and_o it_o be_v well_o say_v summa_fw-la religionis_fw-la est_fw-la imitari_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la all_o of_o we_o offer_v he_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o few_o serious_o study_n and_o endeavour_v this_o bless_a conformity_n there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o select_a number_n that_o be_v indeed_o his_o child_n and_o bear_v his_o image_n both_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o life_n this_o impression_n of_o holiness_n be_v on_o themselves_o and_o their_o conversation_n but_o with_o the_o most_o a_o name_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v all_o they_o have_v for_o religion_n alas_o we_o speak_v of_o holiness_n and_o we_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v we_o commend_v it_o but_o we_o act_v it_o not_o or_o if_o we_o do_v it_o be_v but_o act_v of_o it_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o word_n be_v take_v for_o a_o personate_a act_v as_o on_o a_o stage_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o lovely_a god_n
so_o much_o and_o speak_v so_o many_o tongue_n yet_o i_o determine_v say_v he_o to_o know_v nothing_o among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a 1_o cor._n 2.2_o and_o again_o he_o express_v this_o as_o the_o top_n of_o his_o ambition_n that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n that_o conformity_n be_v this_o only_a knowledge_n he_o that_o have_v his_o lust_n unmortified_a and_o a_o heart_n unweaned_a from_o the_o world_n though_o he_o know_v all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o can_v discourse_v well_o of_o they_o yet_o indeed_o he_o know_v they_o not_o if_o you_o will_v increase_v much_o in_o holiness_n and_o be_v strong_a against_o the_o tentation_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o only_a art_n of_o it_o view_n much_o and_o so_o seek_v to_o know_v much_o of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v often_o at_o how_o high_a a_o raâ—e_n we_o be_v redeem_v from_o sin_n and_o provide_v this_o answer_n for_o all_o the_o enticement_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n except_o you_o can_v offer_v my_o soul_n something_o beyond_o that_o price_n that_o be_v give_v for_o it_o on_o the_o cross_n i_o can_v hearken_v to_o you_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o will_n a_o christian_a say_v that_o consider_v this_o redemption_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v prefer_v a_o base_a lust_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n or_o it_o all_o to_o he_o that_o give_v himself_o to_o death_n for_o i_o and_o pay_v my_o ransom_n with_o his_o blood_n his_o matchless_a love_n have_v free_v i_o from_o the_o miserable_a captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v for_o ever_o fasten_v i_o to_o the_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o his_o obedience_n let_v he_o alone_o to_o dwell_v and_o rule_v within_o i_o and_o let_v he_o never_o go_v forth_o from_o my_o heart_n who_o for_o my_o sake_n refuse_v to_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross._n verse_n 20._o who_o very_o be_v foreordain_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v manifest_a in_o these_o last_o time_n for_o you_o of_o all_o those_o consideration_n and_o there_o be_v many_o that_o may_v move_v man_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v none_o that_o persuade_v both_o more_o sweet_o and_o strong_o then_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n and_o among_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o the_o send_n and_o give_v of_o his_o son_n for_o man_n redemption_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v mention_v that_o insist_o further_a in_o it_o and_o in_o these_o word_n express_v the_o performance_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o purpose_n or_o decree_v foreknow_v but_o it_o be_v well_o render_v fore_o ordain_v for_o this_o know_v be_v decree_v and_o there_o be_v little_a either_o solid_a truth_n or_o profit_n in_o the_o distinguish_v they_o we_o say_v usual_o that_o where_o there_o be_v little_a wisdom_n there_o be_v much_o chance_n and_o comparitive_o among_o man_n some_o be_v far_o more_o foresighted_a and_o of_o further_a reach_n than_o other_o yet_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o provident_a man_n both_o want_a skill_n to_o design_n all_o thing_n aâ—ight_v and_o power_n to_o act_v as_o they_o contrive_v meet_v with_o many_o unexpected_a casualty_n and_o often_o disappointment_n in_o their_o undertake_n but_o with_o god_n where_o both_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v infinite_a there_o can_v be_v neither_o any_o chance_n nor_o resistance_n from_o without_o nor_o any_o imperfection_n at_o all_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n neither_o himself_n can_v give_v that_o cause_n to_o add_v or_o abate_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o purpose_n the_o model_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o course_n of_o time_n be_v with_o he_o one_o and_o the_o same_o from_o all_o etenity_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v exact_o answerable_a to_o that_o pattern_n for_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o change_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v jam._n 1.17_o there_o be_v nothing_o dark_a to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n he_o set_v at_o one_o view_n through_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o yea_o from_o eternity_n to_o eternity_n and_o this_o inccomprehensible_a wisdom_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o we_o do_v but_o childish_o stammer_v when_o we_o offer_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n beat_v their_o own_o brain_n and_o knock_v their_o head_n one_o against_o another_o in_o the_o contest_v of_o their_o opinion_n to_o little_a purpose_n in_o their_o several_a moulding_n of_o god_n decree_n be_v not_o this_o to_o cut_v and_o square_a god_n thought_n to_o we_o and_o examine_v his_o sovereign_a purpose_n by_o the_o low_a principle_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n how_o much_o more_o learned_a than_o all_o such_o knowledge_n be_v the_o apostle_n ignorance_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11.33_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n debate_n what_o place_n in_o the_o series_n of_o god_n decree_n be_v to_o be_v assign_v to_o this_o purpose_n of_o send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o flesh_n let_v we_o rather_o see_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a mankind_n admire_v that_o same_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o appear_v in_o that_o purpose_n of_o our_o recovery_n by_o the_o word_n make_v flesh_n that_o before_o man_n have_v make_v himself_o miserable_a yea_o before_o either_o he_o or_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o thought_n of_o boundless_a love_n be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n to_o send_v his_o son_n forth_o from_o thence_o to_o bring_v fall_v man_n out_o of_o misery_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o happiness_n and_o to_o do_v this_o not_o only_o by_o take_v on_o his_o nature_n but_o the_o curse_n to_o shift_v it_o off_o from_o we_o that_o be_v sink_v under_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v it_o himself_o and_o by_o bear_v it_o to_o take_v it_o away_o he_o lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o and_o to_o this_o he_o be_v appoint_v say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 3_o 2._o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n this_o we_o understand_v by_o faith_n that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o learned_a probable_o think_v it_o evincible_a by_o humane_a reason_n yet_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v glory_v most_o in_o that_o and_o be_v repute_v general_o master_n of_o reason_n have_v not_o see_v it_o by_o that_o light_n therefore_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o divine_a belief_n of_o it_o we_o must_v learn_v it_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n that_o be_v the_o only_a eternal_a and_o increated_a be_v and_o therefore_o the_o fountain_n and_o source_n of_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n foundation_n in_o this_o word_n be_v clâ—ar_v the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o building_n and_o such_o a_o building_n it_o be_v as_o do_v evidence_n the_o greatness_n of_o he_o that_o frame_v it_o so_o spacious_a rich_a and_o comely_a so_o firm_a a_o foundation_n and_o raise_v to_o so_o high_a and_o stately_a a_o roof_n and_o set_v it_o with_o variety_n of_o star_n as_o with_o jewel_n therefore_o call_v as_o some_o conceive_v it_o psa._n 8._o the_o work_n of_o his_o finger_n to_o express_v the_o curious_a artifice_n that_o appear_v in_o they_o though_o naturalist_n can_v give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o earth_n stability_n from_o its_o heaviness_n which_o stay_v it_o necessary_o in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o that_o abate_v nothing_o our_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o lay_v its_o foundation_n so_o and_o establish_v it_o for_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o that_o its_o nature_n and_o have_v appoint_v that_o to_o be_v the_o property_n of_o its_o heaviness_n to_o fix_v it_o there_o and_o therefore_o job_n alledege_v this_o among_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o power_n that_o he_o hang_v the_o earth_n upon_o nothing_o before_o there_o be_v time_n or_o place_n or_o any_o creature_n god_n the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v inhabit_v eternity_n complete_o happy_a in_o himself_o but_o intend_v to_o manifest_v and_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n he_o
affection_n may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o it_o to_o this_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o death_n verse_n 25._o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o like_o himself_o and_o carry_v so_o the_o image_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o together_o it_o be_v sometime_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o word_n so_o heb._n 14.12_o and_o so_o here_o but_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n see_v there_o be_v truth_n in_o both_o and_o pertinency_n too_o for_o they_o that_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o extol_n of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o subject_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v like_o he_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v here_o that_o these_o word_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v call_v live_v as_o here_o heb._n 4._o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v express_o repeat_v of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o prophet_n word_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o learned_a man_n that_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v not_o that_o this_o abide_n for_o ever_o be_v use_v to_o express_v god_n eternity_n in_o himself_o howsoever_o this_o incorruptible_a seed_n be_v the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a god_n and_o be_v therefore_o such_o because_o he_o who_o it_o be_v be_v such_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a life_n because_o the_o word_n be_v enliven_a and_o live_v therefore_o they_o with_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a and_o into_o who_o heart_n it_o be_v receive_v be_v beget_v again_o and_o make_v alive_a by_o it_o and_o because_o the_o word_n be_v incorruptible_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o therefore_o that_o life_n beget_v by_o it_o be_v such_o too_o can_v perish_v nor_o be_v cut_v down_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n no_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o certain_a beginning_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n of_o glory_n and_o shall_v end_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o end_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v abolish_v but_o surpass_v the_o endurance_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o man_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o that_o word_n to_o undo_v it_o be_v as_o vain_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v consult_v to_o pluck_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v immortal_a and_o incorruptible_a where_o it_o be_v once_o receive_v by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v obliterated_a again_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v destroy_v it_o although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o their_o attempt_n that_o way_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n by_o his_o word_n have_v breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v many_o and_o strong_a enemy_n such_o as_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o hold_v out_o against_o yet_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o promise_n sake_n he_o will_v maintain_v that_o life_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o its_o perfection_n god_n will_v perfect_v that_o which_o concern_v i_o say_v the_o psalm_a it_o be_v gross_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o that_o be_v thus_o renew_v can_v be_v unborn_a again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v but_o once_o of_o one_o kind_n though_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n here_o in_o this_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o not_o to_o death_n any_o more_o not_o to_o such_o way_n of_o finning_n as_o will_v extinguish_v this_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v here_o give_v the_o permanence_n and_o incorruptibleness_n of_o this_o word_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o general_a way_n and_o not_o to_o know_v what_o that_o word_n be_v but_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o that_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o be_v this_o very_a word_n of_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o of_o which_o these_o high_a thing_n be_v speak_v that_o it_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o surpass_v all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o although_o deliver_v by_o weak_a man_n the_o apostle_n and_o by_o far_o weak_a than_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a ministry_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o lose_v none_o of_o its_o own_o virtue_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o first_o owner_n and_o author_n of_o it_o the_o â—verliving_a god_n who_o by_o it_o beget_v his_o choose_a unto_o life_n eternal_a this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v learn_v thus_o to_o hear_v and_o thus_o to_o receive_v and_o esteem_v and_o love_v this_o holy_a this_o live_a word_n to_o despise_v all_o the_o glister_a vanity_n of_o this_o perish_a life_n all_o outward_a pomp_n yea_o all_o inward_a worth_n all_o wisdom_n and_o natural_a endowment_n of_o mind_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o rather_o to_o hazard_v all_o than_o lose_v that_o and_o banish_v all_o other_o thing_n from_o that_o place_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o to_o lodge_v it_o alone_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o our_o only_a treasure_n here_o and_o the_o certain_a pledge_n of_o that_o treasure_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n to_o which_o bless_a state_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o amen_n chap._n second_o 1_o pet._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1.2_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n verse_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o same_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o manifest_v itself_o in_o give_v be_v to_o his_o creature_n appear_v likewise_o in_o their_o sustain_n and_o preservation_n to_o give_v be_v be_v the_o first_o and_o to_o support_v it_o be_v the_o continue_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o goodness_n thus_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o in_o the_o second_o in_o the_o first_o the_o creature_n to_o which_o he_o give_v life_n he_o provide_v with_o convenient_a nourishment_n to_o uphold_v that_o life_n gen·_n 1_o so_o here_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o the_o proper_a food_n of_o that_o life_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n by_o which_o we_o there_o find_v it_o to_o be_v beget_v that_o be_v here_o the_o nourishment_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v here_o exhort_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o esteem_v and_o so_o to_o use_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n obs._n in_o general_n the_o word_n the_o principle_n and_o the_o support_n of_o our_o spiritual_a be_v be_v both_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o incorruptible_a food_n of_o that_o new_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o incorruptible_a life_n and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a thought_n even_o of_o we_o that_o hear_v this_o word_n be_v far_o below_o the_o true_a excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o the_o stream_n of_o custom_n and_o our_o profession_n bring_v we_o hither_o and_o we_o sit_v out_o our_o hour_n under_o the_o sound_n of_o this_o word_n but_o how_o few_o consider_v and_o prize_v it_o as_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o beginner_n and_o the_o sustainer_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n of_o grace_n within_o we_o and_o certain_o until_o we_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o seek_v to_o feel_v it_o thus_o ourselves_o although_o we_o hear_v it_o most_o frequent_o and_o slip_v no_o occasion_n yea_o hear_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o some_o present_a delight_n yet_o still_o we_o miss_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o from_o its_o true_a end_n while_o we_o take_v it_o not_o as_o that_o engraft_a word_n
which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n thus_o ought_v they_o that_o preach_v to_o speak_v it_o to_o endeavour_v their_o utmost_a to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v convert_v beget_v again_o and_o believer_n nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n to_o regard_v no_o low_a end_n but_o aim_v steady_o at_o that_o mark_n their_o heart_n and_o tongue_n ought_v to_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n kindle_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o come_v down_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v remember_v this_o as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o hear_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n by_o the_o word_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o poor_a despicable_a business_n that_o a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o yourselves_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n in_o your_o hear_n yet_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o way_n wherein_o god_n communicate_v happiness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o work_v that_o believe_v unto_o happiness_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o new_a creation_n as_o it_o beget_v it_o again_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n consider_v it_o thus_o which_o be_v its_o true_a notion_n and_o then_o what_o can_v be_v so_o precious_a let_v the_o world_n disesteem_v it_o as_o they_o will_v know_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foollishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o if_o you_o will_v have_v life_n and_o growth_n by_o it_o you_o must_v look_v above_o the_o poor_a worthless_a messenger_n and_o call_v in_o his_o almighty_a help_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o the_o philosopher_n affirm_v that_o if_o the_o heaven_n shall_v stand_v still_o there_o will_v be_v no_o generation_n nor_o flourish_v of_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v the_o move_a and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o make_v the_o church_n fruitful_a will_v you_o do_v this_o before_o you_o come_v here_o present_v the_o blindness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o the_o deadness_n of_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n here_o be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o thou_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o word_n i_o will_v find_v life_n and_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o neither_o can_v i_o that_o hear_v nor_o he_o that_o speak_v make_v it_o thus_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n say_v thou_o the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o it_o be_v light_a in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n continue_v the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o new_a birth_n he_o mention_v chap._n 1._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n be_n not_o satisfy_v with_o your_o self_n till_o you_o find_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o new_a this_o supernatural_a life_n there_o be_v delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n in_o its_o low_a condition_n that_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o look_v after_o it_o if_o we_o know_v they_o the_o most_o can_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o those_o consider_v therefore_o the_o end_n of_o it_o better_o never_o to_o have_v be_v than_o not_o to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o this_o new_a be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sure_o they_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o shall_v one_o day_n wish_v they_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v what_o a_o poor_a wretched_a thing_n be_v the_o life_n that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a heap_n of_o folly_n and_o misery_n now_o if_o we_o will_v share_v in_o a_o happy_a being_n after_o it_o that_o life_n that_o end_v not_o it_o must_v begin_v here_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o life_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o one_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o other_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v call_v they_o two_o several_a life_n yet_o the_o one_o be_v the_o undoubted_a pledge_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a word_n for_o a_o heathen_a to_o say_v that_o that_o day_n of_o death_n we_o fear_v so_o aeterninatalis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o birth_n day_n of_o eternity_n thus_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o those_o that_o be_v here_o bear_v again_o this_o new_a birth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o sure_a earnest_n and_o counter-pawn_n of_o that_o birth_n day_n of_o glory_n why_o do_v we_o not_o then_o labour_v to_o make_v this_o certain_a by_o the_o former_a be_v it_o not_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o than_o lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n for_o ever_o to_o disregard_n the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n while_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v provident_a for_o it_o and_o then_o when_o its_o go_v out_o cry_v quo_fw-la nunc_fw-la abibis_fw-la whither_o be_v thou_o go_v o_o my_o soul_n but_o this_o new_a life_n put_v we_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o fear_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n say_v st._n john_n speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v pass_v there_o be_v no_o repass_v no_o go_v back_o from_o this_o life_n to_o death_n again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n john_n call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o partake_v of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n in_o comparison_n of_o further_a strength_n attainable_a even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sometime_o express_v as_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o and_o so_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o continue_v infant_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v reprovable_a in_o they_o as_o we_o see_v eph._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o &_o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o heb._n 5.12_o though_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o new_a convert_v and_o so_o may_v possible_o imply_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o beginning_n of_o grace_n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o infancy_n be_v here_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o agree_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o best_a estate_n of_o his_o spiritual_a life_n here_o below_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o milk_n here_o recommend_v be_v answerable_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o infancy_n and_o not_o to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o those_o cite_a place_n where_o it_o mean_v the_o easy_a and_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o it_o as_o to_o strong_a meat_n but_o here_o it_o signfy_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o its_o wholesome_a and_o save_a truth_n as_o the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v a_o stand_a exhortation_n for_o all_o christian_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o whole_a estate_n and_o course_n of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n here_o be_v call_v there_o infancy_n not_o only_o as_o oppose_v to_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o old_a man_n but_o likewise_o as_o signify_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o at_o its_o best_a in_o this_o life_n compare_v with_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v nothing_o so_o far_o below_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o possible_a in_o this_o life_n as_o that_o high_a degree_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o one_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v call_v infancy_n in_o respect_n of_o another_o much_o more_o be_v all_o grace_n infancy_n in_o respect_n of_o glory_n and_o sure_o as_o for_o time_n the_o time_n of_o our_o present_a life_n be_v far_o less_o to_o eternity_n than_o the_o time_n of_o our_o natural_a infancy_n be_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v still_o call_v but_o new_a or_o late_o bear_v our_o best_a pace_n and_o strong_a walk_v in_o obedience_n here_o be_v but_o as_o the_o step_v of_o child_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o go_v by_o hold_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n in_o glory_n when_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o lamb_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v all_o our_o knowledge_n here_o be_v but_o the_o ignorance_n of_o infant_n and_o all_o our_o expression_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o as_o the_o first_o stammering_n of_o child_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o hereafter_o
house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy._n this_o be_v that_o happy_a circle_n wherein_o the_o soul_n move_v the_o more_o they_o love_v it_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v taste_v of_o this_o goodness_n and_o the_o more_o they_o taste_v the_o more_o they_o shall_v still_o love_v and_o desire_v it_o but_o observe_v if_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a then_o desire_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o lord_n graciousness_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o love_n this_o they_o find_v in_o it_o that_o have_v spiritual_a life_n and_o sense_n and_o those_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o this_o engage_v a_o christian_n to_o further_a desire_n of_o the_o word_n these_o be_v fantastical_a delude_a taste_n that_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o write_v word_n and_o make_v they_o expect_v other_o revelation_n this_o graciousness_n be_v first_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o word_n there_o we_o taste_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o still_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v it_o to_o hang_v upon_o those_o breast_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v dry_a there_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n stream_n forth_o in_o the_o several_a promise_n the_o heart_n that_o cleave_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o it_o can_v but_o find_v in_o it_o daily_o new_a taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n there_o it_o read_v his_o love_n and_o by_o that_o stir_v up_o his_o own_o to_o he_o and_o so_o grow_v love_v every_o day_n more_o than_o the_o former_a and_o thus_o be_v tend_v from_o taste_n to_o fullness_n it_o be_v but_o little_a we_o can_v receive_v some_o drop_n of_o joy_n that_o enter_v into_o we_o but_o there_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o joy_n as_o vessel_n put_v into_o a_o sea_n of_o happiness_n verse_n 4_o 5._o 4._o to_o who_o come_v 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 spitual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o all_o his_o duty_n be_v his_o near_a relation_n to_o jesus_n christ._n thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v that_o the_o great_a subject_n of_o his_o doctrine_n both_o to_o represent_v to_o his_o distress_a brethren_n their_o dignity_n in_o that_o and_o to_o press_v by_o it_o the_o necessary_a duty_n he_o exhort_v unto_o have_v speak_v of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n and_o growth_n in_o he_o under_o the_o resemblance_n of_o natural_a life_n he_o prosecute_v it_o here_o by_o another_o comparison_n very_o frequent_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o make_v use_n in_o it_o of_o some_o passage_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v prophetical_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n though_o there_o be_v here_o two_o different_a similitude_n yet_o they_o have_v so_o near_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o meet_v so_o well_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n that_o he_o join_v they_o together_o and_o then_o illustrate_v they_o several_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n a_o temple_n and_o a_o priesthood_n compare_v the_o saint_n to_o both_o the_o former_a in_o these_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o build_n 2._o the_o material_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o structure_n or_o way_n of_o build_v it_o 1._o the_o nature_n be_v a_o spiritual_a building_n time_n and_o place_n we_o know_v receive_v their_o be_v from_o god_n and_o he_o be_v eternaly_n before_o both_o therefore_o style_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n but_o have_v make_v the_o world_n he_o fill_v it_o though_o not_o as_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o be_v his_o palace_n or_o temple_n but_o after_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n the_o high_a and_o stately_a part_n of_o it_o the_o high_a heaven_n therefore_o call_v his_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o glory_n and_o on_o earth_n the_o house_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n be_v call_v his_o house_n especial_o the_o jewish_a temple_n in_o its_o time_n have_v in_o it_o such_o a_o relative_a typical_a holiness_n which_o other_o have_v not_o but_o beside_o all_o these_o and_o beyond_o they_o all_o in_o excellency_n he_o have_v a_o house_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v more_o peculiarly_a than_o in_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n even_o more_o than_o in_o heaven_n take_v for_o the_o place_n only_o and_o that_o be_v this_o spiritual_a building_n and_o this_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o necessary_a conformity_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n so_o it_o hold_v of_o his_o house_n he_o must_v have_v a_o spiritual_a one_o because_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n so_o god_n temple_n be_v his_o people_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n chief_o do_v he_o make_v the_o world_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o in_o it_o he_o may_v raise_v this_o spiritual_a build_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o for_o ever_o to_o have_v a_o number_n of_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o enjoy_v he_o and_o glorify_v he_o in_o eternity_n and_o from_o eternity_n he_o know_v what_o the_o dimension_n and_o frame_v and_o material_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o continuance_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o now_o it_o be_v be_v but_o for_o the_o service_n of_o this_o work_n like_o the_o scaffold_n about_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o this_o spiritual_a building_n shall_v be_v full_o complete_v all_o the_o present_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o appear_v no_o more_o this_o building_n be_v as_o the_o particular_a design_v of_o its_o material_n will_v teach_v we_o the_o whole_a invisible_a church_n of_o god_n and_o each_o good_a man_n be_v a_o stone_n of_o this_o building_n but_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a it_o have_v this_o privilege_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o '_o it_o be_v tota_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la &_o tota_fw-la in_o quâlibet_fw-la parte_fw-la as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o each_o believe_a soul_n have_v the_o same_o title_n and_o dignity_n to_o be_v call_v so_o thus_o each_o of_o these_o stone_n be_v call_v a_o whole_a temple_n temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o take_v the_o temple_n or_o build_v in_o a_o complete_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o each_o one_o a_o part_n or_o a_o stone_n of_o it_o as_o here_o it_o be_v express_v the_o whole_a excellency_n of_o this_o build_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v call_v spiritual_a difference_v it_o from_o all_o other_o building_n and_o preserve_v it_o to_o they_o and_o because_o he_o speak_v immediate_o after_o of_o a_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v a_o spiritual_a building_n particular_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o material_a temple_n wherein_o the_o jew_n glory_v which_o be_v now_o null_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o former_a use_n and_o be_v whole_o after_o destroy_v but_o when_o it_o stand_v and_o the_o legal_a use_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o full_a vigour_n yet_o in_o this_o still_o it_o be_v inferior_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a house_n make_v up_o of_o live_a stone_n as_o this_o but_o of_o a_o like_a matter_n with_o other_o earthly_a building_n the_o spiritual_a house_n be_v the_o palace_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o his_o temple_n the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o palace_n and_o temple_n be_v one_o god_n temple_n be_v a_o palace_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v full_a of_o the_o rich_a beauty_n and_o magnificence_n but_o such_o as_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o a_o spiritual_a beauty_n in_o that_o psalm_n that_o wish_v so_o many_o prosperity_n one_o be_v that_o their_o daughter_n may_v be_v as_o corner_z stone_n polish_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o palace_n thus_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v call_v the_o king_n daughter_n psa._n 45._o but_o her_o comeliness_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o world_n she_o be_v all_o glorious_a within_o through_o sorrow_n and_o persecution_n she_o may_v be_v smoky_a and_o black_a to_o the_o world_n eye_n as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a beauty_n she_o be_v comely_a as_o the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n and_o in_o this_o the_o jew_n temple_n resemble_v it_o right_n which_o have_v most_o of_o its_o riches_n and_o beauty_n in_o the_o inside_n holiness_n
before_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o himself_o for_o they_o testify_v of_o of_o i_o namely_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v only_o then_o write_v and_o to_o evidence_n this_o both_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n make_v so_o frequent_a use_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o we_o find_v so_o much_o of_o they_o insert_v into_o the_o new_a as_o be_v both_o one_o in_o substance_n their_o line_n meet_v in_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o centre_n the_o apostle_n here_o have_v express_v the_o happy_a estate_n and_o dignity_n of_o christian_n under_o a_o double_a notion_n 1._o of_o a_o spiritual_a house_n or_o temple_n 2._o of_o a_o spiritual_a priesthood_n he_o amplify_v and_o confirm_v both_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o former_a verse_n 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o latter_a verse_n 9_o these_o place_n that_o he_o cite_v touch_v this_o building_n be_v most_o pertinent_a for_o they_o have_v clear_o in_o they_o all_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o both_o concern_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o edifice_n as_o the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n of_o isaiah_n 28.16_o behold_v i_o lie_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n etc._n etc._n let_v this_o commend_v the_o scripture_n much_o to_o our_o diligence_n and_o affection_n that_o their_o great_a theme_n be_v our_o redeemer_n and_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o that_o they_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o excellency_n be_v the_o lively_a picture_n of_o his_o matchless_a beauty_n be_v we_o more_o in_o they_o we_o will_v daily_o see_v more_o of_o he_o in_o they_o and_o so_o of_o necessity_n love_v he_o more_o but_o we_o must_v look_v within_o they_o the_o letter_n be_v but_o the_o case_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o see_v we_o usualy_a huddle_n they_o over_o and_o see_v no_o further_o than_o their_o outside_n and_o therefore_o find_v so_o little_a sweetness_n in_o they_o we_o read_v they_o but_o we_o search_v they_o not_o as_o he_o require_v will_v we_o dig_v into_o those_o golden_a mine_n we_o will_v find_v treasure_n of_o comfort_n that_o can_v be_v spend_v but_o will_v furnish_v we_o in_o the_o hard_a time_n the_o prophecy_n here_o cite_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o its_o own_o place_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o cast_v in_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o very_a sad_a denounciation_n of_o judgement_n against_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o prophet_n particular_o with_o this_o evangelicall_n prophet_n isaiah_n to_o uphold_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o worst_a time_n with_o this_o one_o great_a consolation_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o weigh_v down_o all_o both_o temporal_a distress_n and_o deliverance_n hence_o be_v those_o sudden_a ascent_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o prophet_n from_o their_o present_a subject_n to_o this_o great_a hope_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o this_o expectation_n of_o a_o saviour_n be_v so_o pertinent_a a_o comfort_n in_o all_o estate_n so_o many_o age_n before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o how_o wrongful_o do_v we_o undervalue_v it_o be_v accomplish_v that_o can_v live_v upon_o it_o and_o answer_v all_o with_o it_o sweeten_v all_o our_o grief_n in_o this_o advantage_n that_o there_o be_v a_o foundation_n stone_n lay_v in_o zion_n on_o which_o they_o that_o be_v build_v shall_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v 4_o thing_n 1._o this_o foundation_n stone_n 2._o the_o lay_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o building_n on_o it_o 4._o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n 1._o for_o the_o foundation_n call_v here_o a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n though_o the_o prophet_n word_n be_v not_o precise_o render_v yet_o the_o substance_n and_o sense_n be_v one_o there_o both_o the_o foundation_n and_o corner_n stone_n be_v express_v the_o corner_n stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n be_v the_o main_a support_n of_o the_o building_n and_o throughout_o the_o corner_n stone_n unite_n and_o knit_v the_o build_n together_o and_o therefore_o this_o same_o word_n of_o a_o corner_n be_v frequent_o take_v in_o scripture_n for_o prince_n or_o head_n of_o people_n jud._n 20.2_o 1_o sam._n 14.38_o because_o good_a governor_n and_o government_n be_v that_o which_o uphold_v and_o unite_v the_o society_n of_o people_n in_o state_n or_o kingdom_n as_o one_o building_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o alone_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n that_o give_v it_o law_n and_o rule_v it_o in_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n the_o alone_a rock_n on_o which_o his_o church_n be_v build_v not_o peter_n if_o we_o will_v belâ—eve_v s._n peter_n himself_o as_o here_o he_o teach_v we_o much_o less_o his_o pretend_a successor_n he_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o corner_n stone_n that_o knitt_v together_o the_o wall_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v make_v of_o both_o one_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v and_o unite_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n into_o one_o everlasting_a temple_n and_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n elect_v or_o choose_v out_o for_o the_o purpose_n and_o altogether_o fit_a for_o it_o isaiah_n have_v it_o a_o stone_n of_o trial_n or_o a_o try_a stone_n as_o thing_n among_o man_n be_v best_a choose_v after_o trial_n so_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o know_v by_o the_o father_n as_o most_o fit_a for_o that_o work_n to_o which_o he_o choose_v he_o before_o he_o try_v he_o as_o after_z upon_o trial_n in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o prove_v full_o answerable_a to_o his_o father_n purpose_n in_o all_o that_o be_v appoint_v he_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o angel_n combine_v have_v not_o suffice_v for_o that_o business_n but_o the_o wise_a architect_n of_o this_o building_n know_v both_o what_o it_o will_v cost_v and_o what_o a_o foundation_n be_v needful_a to_o bear_v so_o great_a and_o so_o last_a a_o structure_n as_o he_o intend_v sin_n have_v deface_v and_o demolish_v the_o first_o building_n of_o man_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o creation_n it_o be_v god_n design_n out_o of_o the_o very_a ruin_n of_o fall_v man_n to_o raise_v a_o more_o last_a edifice_n than_o the_o former_a one_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o decay_v and_o therefore_o fit_v a_o foundation_n that_o may_v be_v everlasting_a the_o sure_a sound_n be_v the_o main_a therefore_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v for_o the_o true_a honour_n of_o his_o majesty_n which_o nabuchadnezzar_n vain_o boast_v of_o his_o babel_n he_o choose_v his_o own_o son_n make_v flesh_n he_o be_v god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o strong_a foundation_n he_o be_v man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o stone_n whereof_o the_o building_n be_v to_o consist_v that_o they_o may_v join_v and_o cement_v together_o precious_a inestimable_o precious_a by_o all_o the_o condition_n that_o can_v give_v worth_a to_o any_o by_o rareness_n and_o by_o inward_a excellency_n and_o useful_a virtue_n rare_a he_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o world_n again_o therefore_o call_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n wonderful_a full_a of_o wonder_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o frailty_n of_o man_n dwell_v together_o in_o his_o person_n the_o ancient_a of_o day_n become_v a_o infant_n he_o that_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n bind_v up_o in_o swaddle_a clothes_n in_o that_o his_o infancy_n and_o in_o his_o full_a age_n stretch_v forth_o on_o the_o cross_n altogether_o spotless_a and_o innocent_a and_o yet_o suffer_v not_o only_o the_o unjust_a cruelty_n of_o man_n but_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n his_o father_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o yet_o die_a his_o excellency_n appear_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o equal_a with_o the_o father_n the_o sparkle_a brightness_n of_o this_o precious_a stone_n be_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n so_o bright_a that_o man_n can_v not_o have_v behold_v he_o appear_v in_o himself_o therefore_o he_o veil_v it_o with_o our_o flesh_n and_o yet_o through_o that_o it_o shine_v and_o sparkle_v so_o that_o the_o apostle_n s_o john_n save_v of_o himself_o and_o those_o other_o that_o have_v eye_n open_v and_o look_v right_o upon_o he_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o he_o have_v a_o â—ent_n like_o we_o and_o yet_o through_o that_o we_o see_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n the_o deity_n fill_v his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o its_o high_a perfection_n and_o not_o only_o thus_o excellent_a in_o himself_o but_o of_o precious_a virtue_n which_o he_o let_v forth_o and_o impart_v to_o
whole_a epistle_n here_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o the_o great_a fruit_n of_o that_o love_n that_o happy_a and_o high_a estate_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v in_o christ_n that_o the_o choose_n of_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v as_o one_o act_n and_o they_o as_o one_o entire_a object_n of_o it_o one_o glorious_a temple_n he_o the_o foundation_n and_o head_n corner_n stone_n and_o they_o the_o edifice_n one_o honourable_a fraternity_n he_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o they_o likewise_o through_o he_o make_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n he_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o through_o he_o child_n of_o light_n now_o that_o this_o their_o dignity_n which_o shine_v so_o bright_a in_o its_o own_o innate_a worth_n may_v yet_o appear_v the_o more_o he_o set_v it_o off_o by_o a_o double_a opposition_n 1._o of_o the_o misery_n under_o which_o other_o be_v 2_o dly_z that_o misery_n under_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v before_o their_o call_n and_o this_o be_v set_v on_o both_o side_n be_v as_o a_o dark_a shadow_v round_o about_o their_o happiness_n here_o describe_v set_v off_o the_o lustre_n of_o it_o their_o former_a misery_n express_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n by_o darkness_n be_v here_o more_o full_o and_o plain_o set_v before_o their_o view_n in_o these_o word_n they_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 2.23_o where_o as_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o prophet_n he_o be_v raise_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o the_o temporal_a trouble_n and_o deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n to_o consider_v and_o foretell_v that_o great_a restorement_n wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n purchase_v a_o new_a people_n to_o himself_o make_v up_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o the_o prophecy_n be_v fit_a and_o applicable_a to_o both_o so_o that_o the_o debate_n be_v altogether_o needless_a whether_o it_o concern_v the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n for_o in_o its_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n it_o foretell_v the_o make_n up_o to_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v not_o before_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n likewise_o that_o by_o their_o apostasy_n and_o the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n come_v upon_o they_o as_o just_a punishment_n of_o those_o apostasy_n be_v degrade_v from_o the_o outward_a dignity_n they_o have_v as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o be_v spiritual_o miserable_a and_o captive_n by_o nature_n and_o so_o in_o both_o respect_v lay_v equal_a with_o the_o gentile_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o restitution_n as_o they_o st._n paulâ—iseth_v â—iseth_z it_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 9_o and_o â—ere_z st._n peter_n write_v as_o be_v most_o probable_a particular_o to_o the_o dispersed_a jew_n apply_v it_o to_o they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o very_a reference_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jew_n true_o fulfil_v in_o those_o alone_a that_o be_v believer_n faith_n make_v they_o a_o part_n of_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n argue_v at_o large_a rom._n 9_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o so_o their_o present_a happiness_n we_o have_v here_o under_o a_o double_a expression_n they_o be_v not_o a_o people_n destitute_a of_o mercy_n not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n say_v the_o prophet_n not_o a_o people_n say_v our_o apostle_n be_v not_o god_n people_n so_o base_a and_o miserable_a as_o not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o people_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v take_v deut._n 32.21_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o be_v a_o life_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v by_o a_o peculiar_a union_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o soul_n without_o god_n be_v dead_a as_o the_o body_n be_v without_o the_o soul_n eph._n 2.1_o yea_o as_o the_o body_n separate_v from_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o a_o liveless_a lump_n but_o putrify_v and_o become_v noisome_a and_o abominable_a thus_o the_o soul_n separate_v from_o god_n be_v subject_n to_o a_o more_o loathsome_a and_o vile_a putrefaction_n psal._n 14.3_o so_o that_o man_n that_o be_v yet_o unbeliever_n be_v not_o as_o the_o hebrew_n express_v death_n multitude_n of_o they_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o a_o heap_n of_o filthy_a carcase_n again_o take_v our_o natural_a misery_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o captivity_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v against_o the_o jew_n to_o make_v they_o not_o a_o people_n therefore_o their_o captivity_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o reduction_n as_o their_o resurrection_n ezek._n 37._o and_o as_o a_o captive_a people_n be_v civil_o dead_a as_o they_o speak_v so_o be_v soul_n captive_a to_o sin_n and_o the_o and_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n spiritual_o dead_a want_v happiness_n and_o well_o be_v which_o if_o it_o never_o attain_v it_o have_v better_a for_o itself_o not_o be_v at_o all_o nothing_o but_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o soul_n without_o god_n the_o affection_n hurry_v it_o tumultuous_o thus_o captive_a sinner_n be_v not_o be_v dead_a they_o both_o want_v that_o happy_a be_v that_o flow_v from_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v to_o himself_o and_o consequent_o must_v want_v that_o society_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o which_o result_v from_o the_o former_a from_o the_o same_o union_n that_o believer_n have_v with_o god_n and_o the_o same_o be_v in_o he_o which_o make_v they_o true_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o people_n and_o particular_o the_o people_n of_o god_n his_o people_n be_v the_o only_a people_n in_o the_o world_n worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o people_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o refuse_v and_o dross_n although_o in_o the_o world_n esteem_n that_o judge_n by_o its_o own_o rule_n and_o favour_n of_o itself_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v as_o no_o body_n no_o people_n a_o company_n of_o silly_a creature_n yea_o we_o be_v make_v say_v the_o great_a apostle_n as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_n of_o all_o thing_n yet_o in_o his_o account_n who_o have_v choose_v they_o who_o alone_o know_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n his_o people_n be_v the_o only_a people_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o nothing_o in_o his_o eye_n he_o dignify_v and_o beautify_v they_o and_o love_v in_o they_o that_o beauty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o under_o that_o term_n be_v not_o only_o comprise_v that_o new_o be_v of_o believer_n in_o each_o one_o of_o they_o apart_o but_o that_o tie_n and_o union_n that_o be_v among_o they_o as_o one_o people_n be_v incorporate_v together_o and_o live_a under_o the_o same_o government_n and_o law_n without_o which_o a_o people_n be_v but_o as_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n or_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o creep_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o ruler_n 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enlarge_a itself_o by_o conquest_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o it_o be_v the_o province_n to_o which_o this_o epistle_n be_v address_v yet_o the_o apostle_n enjoyn'_v his_o brethren_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o its_o authority_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o question_n so_o to_o be_v move_v as_o to_o suspend_v or_o at_o all_o abate_v our_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o possess_v in_o present_a where_o we_o live_v what_o form_n of_o government_n be_v most_o just_a and_o commodious_a god_n have_v indeed_o be_v more_o express_a in_o the_o officer_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o house_n his_o church_n but_o civil_a society_n he_o have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n in_o the_o choose_n and_o model_v of_o civil_a government_n though_o always_o indeed_o overrule_a their_o choice_n and_o change_n in_o that_o by_o the_o secret_a hand_n of_o his_o wise_a and_o powerful_a providence_n yet_o he_o have_v set_v they_o no_o particular_a rule_n touch_v the_o frame_n of_o it_o 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