he_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n do_v not_o yet_o be_v the_o parent_n be_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o his_o son_n no_o less_o than_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v heathen_a because_o the_o magistrate_n command_v be_v not_o privative_a but_o cumulative_a to_o the_o parent_n authority_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o christian_n do_v cease_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o constantine_n become_v a_o christian_a than_o to_o say_v that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n and_o a_o christian_a master_n do_v expire_v at_o that_o time_n and_o see_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o church_n power_n and_o parentall_a power_n be_v both_o immediate_o from_o god_n without_o any_o mediate_a derivation_n by_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o equal_a duration_n and_o continuance_n also_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o church_n continue_v to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n which_o former_o she_o do_v and_o also_o that_o the_o magistrate_n concur_v in_o his_o station_n for_o the_o strengthen_n thereof_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n for_o any_o delegation_n after_o that_o more_o than_o former_o but_o that_o now_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o civil_a authority_n the_o church_n have_v access_n to_o do_v that_o for_o which_o before_o that_o time_n she_o be_v persecute_v even_o as_o there_o be_v full_a liberty_n give_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o former_o be_v inhibit_v yet_o none_o will_v say_v that_o that_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n for_o what_o be_v allege_v of_o the_o emperor_n call_v of_o counsel_n that_o will_v prove_v he_o to_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n but_o not_o that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o more_o than_o when_o before_o that_o time_n provincial_a counsel_n be_v call_v by_o some_o eminent_a bishop_n it_o will_v prove_v that_o their_o call_n do_v authorise_v they_o but_o rather_o both_o these_o call_n do_v suppose_v authority_n to_o be_v before_o in_o these_o that_o be_v call_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n that_o if_o constantine_n have_v call_v other_o than_o church-officer_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o difference_n ecclesiastical_o he_o can_v not_o have_v derive_v authority_n to_o they_o so_o as_o to_o have_v make_v they_o equal_o ruler_n and_o with_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v church-member_n and_o officer_n which_o yet_o may_v have_v be_v do_v if_o their_o authority_n have_v reside_v in_o he_o alone_o beside_o he_o command_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n also_o as_o be_v say_v whence_o we_o may_v see_v that_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v not_o meddle_v with_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o former_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n neither_o ever_o be_v it_o hear_v of_o that_o a_o magistrate_n do_v excommunicate_a authorize_v or_o ordain_v a_o minister_n and_o such_o like_a wherein_o church-power_n be_v exercise_v and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n mediate_o by_o put_v the_o church_n to_o it_o and_o by_o call_v church-officer_n to_o consult_v in_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v confirm_v by_o his_o authority_n even_o as_o he_o do_v govern_v other_o society_n as_o physician_n lawyer_n etc._n etc._n by_o authorise_v some_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o manage_v what_o concern_v such_o calling_n and_o function_n in_o which_o respect_n say_v some_o the_o function_n be_v different_a from_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o the_o lawyer_n nor_o the_o physician_n more_o than_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n but_o the_o authority_n be_v on_o he_o alone_o to_o this_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o parallel_n be_v most_o unequal_a because_o although_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o by_o his_o station_n a_o physician_n or_o lawyer_n yet_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v skill_n he_o may_v lawful_o do_v any_o act_n incumbent_a to_o these_o station_n which_o do_v indeed_o show_v that_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o act_n do_v reside_v in_o he_o but_o suppose_v he_o have_v the_o theory_n of_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n and_o skill_n in_o they_o yet_o he_o may_v not_o stepâ_n to_o himself_o to_o act_v the_o act_n of_o a_o ministerial_a function_n nor_o as_o a_o magistrate_n to_o sentence_n with_o church_n sentence_n administer_v sacrament_n as_o he_o may_v do_v in_o the_o sentence_n of_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o court_n which_o do_v show_v that_o that_o authority_n do_v not_o reside_v in_o he_o 2._o we_o grant_v that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o govern_v mediate_o as_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o teach_v and_o preach_v mediate_o for_o he_o ought_v to_o provide_v for_o that_o but_o that_o will_v not_o infer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o preach_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o yet_o no_o way_n do_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o controversy_n so_o much_o lie_v on_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o church_n or_o magistrate_n do_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o by_o what_o right_a and_o warrant_v they_o do_v what_o they_o do_v this_o last_o assertion_n therefore_o although_o make_v out_o can_v prove_v nothing_o without_o the_o former_a nor_o will_v the_o instance_n of_o exorbitancy_n in_o church-governors_n infer_v any_o nullity_n of_o that_o power_n more_o than_o the_o enumerate_n of_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a place_n will_v enervate_v that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yea_o we_o be_v sure_a much_o ill_o have_v come_v by_o magistrate_n intrusion_n in_o this_o church_n power_n and_o many_o have_v miscarry_v in_o it_o much_o less_o will_v heap_n of_o slander_n against_o most_o faithful_a man_n do_v it_o who_o god_n eminent_o countenance_v and_o who_o singular_o by_o suffer_v be_v honour_v to_o testify_v for_o he_o such_o as_o mr._n welsh_a mr._n melvil_n mr._n davidson_n and_o other_o who_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o the_o great_a day_n will_v be_v as_o bold_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o be_v approven_v in_o their_o station_n as_o any_o of_o their_o opposer_n or_o traducer_n on_o this_o account_n this_o way_n of_o writing_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o proceed_v from_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v so_o little_a respect_n to_o such_o who_o eminent_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o let_v these_o traducer_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o servant_n prepare_v for_o give_v account_n for_o both_o to_o he_o to_o which_o we_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o absurdity_n wherewith_o he_o do_v load_v this_o truth_n they_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o which_o often_o have_v be_v full_o wipe_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o either_o they_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o 2._o not_o such_o as_o the_o ground_n acknowledge_v by_o he_o will_v infer_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n simple_o that_o a_o man_n in_o diverse_a consideration_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o diverse_a coordinate_a power_n as_o a_o son_n be_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o his_o parent_n as_o a_o child_n and_o member_n of_o the_o family_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o former_o hint_v at_o he_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o parent_n that_o no_o command_n of_o a_o superior_a can_v loose_v he_o from_o it_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n that_o therein_o the_o parent_n authority_n have_v no_o place_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v in_o wife_n who_o in_o some_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n command_n and_o no_o authority_n can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v otherwise_o 2._o we_o say_v that_o this_o same_o absurdity_n may_v have_v be_v instance_a in_o these_o church_n that_o the_o lord_n write_v to_o suppose_v as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v appoint_v some_o who_o the_o church_n have_v call_v to_o her_o synod_n as_o for_o example_n to_o that_o mention_v act_v 15._o to_o some_o other_o civil_a employment_n as_o they_o be_v subject_n will_v not_o the_o same_o absurdity_n of_o the_o interfere_v of_o the_o two_o authority_n have_v follow_v he_o must_v either_o than_o say_v that_o such_o a_o case_n be_v not_o conceivable_a in_o these_o time_n or_o he_o must_v say_v the_o absurdity_n must_v be_v evit_v or_o it_o will_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o way_n approven_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o church_n govern_v of_o herself_o distinct_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v at_o least_o during_o such_o a_o case_n and_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o vindicate_v his_o own_o concession_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o answer_v his_o objection_n 3._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o
circumcision_n nor_o peter_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o a_o equal_a manner_n hence_o that_o argument_n may_v be_v answer_v if_o a_o minister_n be_v a_o minister_n to_o more_o congregation_n beside_o his_o own_o then_o he_o must_v either_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o own_o equal_o and_o so_o have_v common_a charge_n of_o all_o which_o be_v indeed_o absurd_a and_o will_v constitute_v he_o a_o catholic_n officer_n or_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o some_o other_o kind_n than_o to_o his_o own_o which_o be_v also_o absurd_a and_o will_v introduce_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o office_n and_o officer_n it_o be_v answer_v actu_fw-la primo_fw-la he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o all_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o minister_n or_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n but_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la and_o in_o respect_n of_o special_a delegation_n he_o be_v peculiarly_a minister_n of_o that_o congregation_n whereto_o particular_o he_o be_v appoint_v in_o which_o respect_n paul_n and_o peter_n be_v equal_o and_o yet_o not_o equal_o apostle_n of_o the_o same_o catholic_n church_n conclus_fw-la 5._o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o particular_a delegation_n yet_o be_v it_o profitable_a that_o a_o minister_n shall_v exerce_fw-la ministerial_a act_n upon_o occasion_n warrantable_o call_v for_o the_o same_o in_o other_o church_n and_o when_o call_v to_o it_o he_o may_v do_v it_o not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n but_o also_o authoritative_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n and_o commission_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n even_o by_o that_o same_o authority_n and_o warrant_n whereby_o ordinary_o he_o minister_v within_o his_o own_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v act_n of_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o major_n of_o several_a town_n or_o sheriff_n of_o several_a county_n who_o can_v exerce_fw-la authority_n out_o of_o their_o own_o bound_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o herald_n of_o one_o king_n have_v authority_n to_o charge_n in_o his_o name_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v within_o his_o dominion_n although_o for_o the_o better_a supply_n of_o the_o subject_n some_o of_o they_o be_v design_v for_o one_o corner_n some_o of_o they_o for_o another_o of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o they_o be_v like_o ambassador_n authorize_v to_o treat_v with_o rebellious_a subject_n who_o have_v each_o of_o they_o authority_n to_o treat_v and_o conclude_v with_o whosoever_o shall_v come_v in_o their_o way_n although_o for_o the_o better_a carry_v one_o of_o that_o treaty_n some_o of_o they_o be_v design_v for_o such_o a_o corner_n and_o to_o try_v at_o such_o a_o place_n and_o other_o elsewhere_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v joint_o ambassador_n and_o any_o of_o they_o warrant_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o treat_v and_o conclude_v with_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o power_n so_o that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o capitulation_n with_o one_o of_o they_o be_v equal_o strong_a and_o bind_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v close_v with_o another_o although_o for_o eschew_v of_o confusion_n they_o meet_v in_o their_o treaty_n several_o it_o be_v so_o here_o every_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n upon_o god_n occasional_a call_v have_v warrant_n to_o propose_v the_o same_o term_n and_o conclude_v the_o treaty_n with_o a_o sinner_n yea_o to_o seal_v it_o in_o any_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o own_o which_o may_v be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v further_o in_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o the_o power_n and_o commission_n which_o a_o minister_n have_v to_o perform_v ministerial_a duty_n he_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n the_o master_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o his_o ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o therefore_o may_v his_o power_n extend_v itself_o to_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n he_o be_v a_o herald_n authorize_v to_o proclaim_v in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o king_n as_o far_o therefore_o as_o his_o authority_n as_o master_n do_v reach_v so_o far_o may_v his_o ministerial_a delegation_n under_o he_o upon_o just_a occasion_n be_v extend_v indeed_o be_v his_o authority_n derive_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o can_v be_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o mistake_n but_o his_o authority_n be_v derive_v from_o christ_n the_o master_n though_o in_o a_o mediate_a way_n and_o the_o minister_n be_v his_o ambassador_n treat_v and_o perform_v all_o his_o act_n in_o his_o name_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o deny_v this_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o servant_n where_o the_o master_n be_v acknowledge_v 2._o consider_v that_o the_o master_n intent_n in_o send_v minister_n be_v by_o they_o not_o only_o to_o edify_v particular_a congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o be_v say_v a_o minister_n therefore_o in_o his_o act_n as_o a_o minister_n upon_o such_o occasion_n must_v be_v as_o a_o minister_n in_o they_o otherwise_o he_o be_v only_o give_v as_o a_o minister_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n 3._o if_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v principal_a and_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n subordinate_a to_o that_o then_o must_v his_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o the_o case_n foresay_a extend_v itself_o to_o other_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n beside_o that_o particular_a congregation_n because_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n propter_fw-la quod_fw-la unumquedgue_fw-la est_fw-la talâ_n id_fw-la ipsum_fw-la est_fw-la magis_fw-la tale_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o because_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o be_v therefore_o capable_a to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o if_o his_o authority_n reach_v to_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a then_o much_o more_o must_v he_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o have_v be_v clear_v minister_n be_v in_o capacity_n of_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o such_o and_o such_o congregation_n because_o such_o congregation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o minister_n be_v appoint_v to_o edify_v the_o same_o and_o do_v undertake_v that_o particular_a charge_n as_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o general_a end_n of_o edify_v the_o whole_a even_o as_o watchman_n take_v the_o oversight_n of_o such_o a_o post_n because_o they_o be_v watchman_n of_o the_o city_n and_o their_o oversee_n such_o a_o place_n in_o particular_a do_v contribute_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a 4._o their_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v from_o christ_n will_v suit_v as_o well_o in_o one_o congregation_n as_o in_o another_o it_o be_v indefinite_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n without_o respect_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a people_n and_o it_o agree_v also_o with_o their_o office_n and_o his_o end_n see_v therefore_o their_o commission_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v not_o bound_v what_o warrant_n be_v there_o to_o bound_v their_o authority_n as_o if_o as_o ambassador_n they_o do_v treat_v with_o one_o people_n and_o as_o private_a person_n with_o another_o whereas_o their_o commission_n in_o itself_o be_v indefinite_a and_o by_o accidental_a consideration_n but_o appropriate_v some_o way_n to_o one_o people_n more_o than_o another_o for_o further_o clear_v whereof_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o bound_n in_o christian_a policy_n asign_v to_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o may_v they_o authoritative_o as_o apostle_n act_n anywhere_o in_o the_o church_n therefore_o will_v not_o the_o particular_a allot_v of_o congregation_n for_o minister_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n confine_v their_o authority_n within_o the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v apostle_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o may_v use_v apostolic_a power_n in_o any_o part_n thereof_o which_o a_o minister_n can_v do_v yet_o proportional_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o that_o same_o church_n as_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o as_o that_o peculiar_a delegation_n do_v not_o mar_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n when_o it_o be_v call_v for_o any_o other_o where_o for_o although_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n yet_o peter_n have_v still_o apostolic_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o paul_n to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o exercise_v it_o so_o may_v a_o minister_n have_v ministerial_a power_n in_o ministerial_a act_n and_o may_v act_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o when_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o own_o congregation_n 2._o if_o apostle_n may_v use_v apostolic_a power_n and_o as_o apostle_n act_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n then_o may_v minister_n act_v as_o minister_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v a_o proportionablnesse_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n betwixt_o minister_n in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n as_o apostle_n do_v preach_v to_o heathen_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o enter_v they_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o apostolic_a commission_n and_o authority_n it_o will_v follow_v therefore_o that_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o bound_v by_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o
and_o independent_a from_o any_o civil_a government_n 3._o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n perpetual_o belong_v unto_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v not_o temporary_a as_o peculiar_a to_o that_o time_n that_o there_o be_v a_o authority_n employ_v here_o the_o consider_v of_o these_o three_o will_v make_v out_o 1._o if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v commend_v in_o ephesus_n and_o desiderated_a in_o the_o other_o two_o the_o very_a expression_n and_o act_n do_v bear_v forth_o a_o authority_n as_o 1._o that_o be_v commend_v in_o ephesus_n that_o they_o can_v bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o have_v try_v false_a apostle_n and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n all_o which_o hold_v forth_o a_o judicial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o try_v which_o imply_v a_o cite_n of_o such_o a_o party_n and_o witness_n for_o the_o discover_n of_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o against_o a_o elder_a receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n without_o witness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o witness_n without_o power_n to_o call_v they_o and_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o they_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o authority_n the_o word_n add_v and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n do_v confirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o judicial_a find_n after_o trial_n whereby_o they_o decide_v 1._o in_o the_o general_a that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v evidence_n of_o false_a apostle_n and_o then_o in_o particular_a that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v false_a apostle_n which_o presuppon_v this_o trial_n before_o they_o judicial_o pronounce_v than_o which_o nothing_o do_v look_v more_o judicature-like_a which_o will_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o this_o trial_n and_o find_v proceed_v from_o their_o zeal_n and_o not_o bear_v with_o evil_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o trial_n for_o private_a information_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o trial_n tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o prevent_n of_o that_o snare_n among_o the_o people_n which_o no_o personal_a or_o private_a thing_n can_v effectuate_v 3._o it_o be_v a_o trial_n and_o find_v opposite_a to_o what_o be_v reprove_v in_o pergamos_n and_o thyatira_n and_o so_o such_o a_o process_n and_o sentence_n as_o rid_v that_o church_n of_o they_o which_o no_o private_a or_o personal_a act_n can_v do_v 4._o it_o be_v a_o pocee_n and_o trial_n which_o relate_v to_o these_o direction_n which_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o the_o coincidency_n of_o the_o matter_n scope_n and_o other_o circumstance_n do_v demonstrate_v such_o as_o 1._o receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v vers_fw-la 20._o they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v before_o all_o now_o if_o that_o rebuke_n be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n as_o can_v be_v deny_v which_o yet_o be_v but_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n that_o follow_v the_o former_a trial_n than_o the_o trial_n itself_o must_v be_v judicial_a and_o authoritative_a also_o and_o therefore_o so_o must_v this_o trial_n be_v here_o understand_v to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n and_o that_o that_o trial_n precede_v be_v only_o the_o minister_n private_a act_n for_o his_o own_o clear_n can_v be_v admit_v for_o that_o trial_n belong_v to_o many_o as_o after_o will_v appear_v 2._o to_o whosoever_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v it_o infer_v a_o authority_n to_o try_v and_o so_o to_o conveen_v and_o examine_v otherwise_o that_o trial_n may_v be_v make_v ineffectual_a and_o so_o the_o party_n want_v authority_n not_o to_o be_v chargeable_a with_o short-coming_a therein_o or_o 3_o this_o trial_n must_v be_v commend_v to_o church-officer_n without_o authority_n to_o effectuate_v it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o mean_a suitable_a to_o the_o end_n 4._o ministerial_a trial_n and_o reproof_n will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o gain_v the_o end_n and_o to_o make_v a_o corrupt_a member_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n desiderated_a in_o pergamos_n and_o thyatira_n and_o consider_v the_o commendation_n of_o these_o angel_n and_o church_n it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o their_o personal_a averseness_n from_o and_o rebuke_v of_o these_o error_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v reprove_v as_o be_v defective_a which_o must_v infer_v that_o they_o come_v short_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o judicial_a trial_n and_o censure_n which_o be_v here_o commend_v in_o ephesus_n as_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v clear_v 2._o pergamos_n reproof_n vers_fw-la 14._o and_o 15._o be_v thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o that_o they_o approve_v that_o doctrine_n or_o connive_v at_o it_o for_o they_o deny_v not_o the_o faith_n and_o aâtipas_n be_v commend_v as_o a_o faithful_a martyr_n among_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o their_o fault_n that_o such_o live_v in_o the_o town_n or_o as_o other_o heathen_n may_v do_v sometime_o enter_v the_o congregation_n nor_o be_v his_o quarrel_n only_o against_o these_o nicolaitan_n themselves_o but_o against_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v they_o in_o their_o society_n as_o member_n with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o see_v this_o cut_n off_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n and_o relate_v to_o that_o which_o paul_n wish_v to_o the_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 5._o and_o commend_v to_o titus_n chap._n 3._o he_o that_o be_v a_o heretic_n reject_v etc._n etc._n it_o must_v imply_v a_o authority_n and_o power_n without_o which_o this_o can_v be_v do_v this_o un-membering_a or_o un-churching_a of_o a_o person_n be_v a_o censure_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o that_o same_o which_o we_o call_v excommunication_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o this_o church_n have_v that_o power_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v execute_v it_o against_o these_o corrupt_a member_n see_v she_o fail_v therein_o do_v make_v her_o reprovable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o this_o do_v imply_v no_o authority_n and_o power_n but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o society_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o nature_n such_o as_o company_n of_o chirurgeon_n wright_n and_o such_o like_a have_v in_o exclude_v man_n from_o their_o own_o society_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o distinct_a authority_n but_o subordinate_a to_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o even_o these_o society_n in_o these_o thing_n act_v by_o authority_n however_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o so_o the_o argument_n hold_v that_o the_o exclusion_n of_o member_n from_o church-communion_n do_v imply_v a_o authority_n and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n do_v confirm_v the_o same_o for_o if_o every_o society_n be_v furnish_v for_o the_o maintain_n of_o itself_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o must_v also_o the_o church_n be_v except_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o defective_a than_o other_o society_n beside_o even_o such_o society_n can_v not_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o privilege_n grant_v they_o by_o authority_n for_o that_o end_n 2._o we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o argument_n hold_v in_o the_o general_n that_o there_o be_v a_o authority_n necessary_a yet_o will_v it_o not_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v dependent_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o these_o society_n it_o be_v for_o 1._o the_o derivation_n of_o authority_n from_o the_o magistrate_n to_o these_o society_n be_v clear_a for_o such_o and_o such_o society_n have_v that_o power_n because_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o by_o the_o superior_a magistrate_n and_o other_o want_v it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v they_o but_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v plead_v for_o a_o derive_v power_n to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o magistrate_n in_o this_o place_n yea_o the_o great_a opposer_n of_o church-government_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o he_o as_o lâd_v mol._n pag._n 654._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n therefore_o that_o church-government_n shall_v be_v subordinate_a to_o magistracy_n as_o other_o society_n be_v which_o she_o exerces_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v by_o a_o proper_a right_n and_o divine_a without_o delegation_n jure_fw-la proprio_fw-la &_o divino_fw-la non_fw-la delegato_fw-la 2._o the_o magistrate_n may_v enter_v by_o his_o authority_n such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o
such_o society_n and_o exclude_v other_o from_o they_o though_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v do_v unjust_o yet_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o a_o magistrate_n may_v privilege_v any_o with_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a or_o by_o his_o authority_n un-church_n any_o the_o parallel_n therefore_o can_v be_v universal_a in_o these_o 3._o all_o other_o society_n as_o such_o be_v part_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o together_o make_v up_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o common_a government_n but_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n be_v no_o essential_a or_o integrall_a part_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v therefore_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o their_o subordination_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o except_v and_o say_v that_o a_o authority_n may_v be_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o not_o derive_v and_o yet_o be_v by_o he_o appoint_v to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o be_v instance_a in_o that_o power_n that_o a_o husband_n have_v over_o the_o wife_n or_o a_o parent_n over_o his_o child_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o may_v be_v question_v if_o a_o parent_n as_o a_o parent_n be_v subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n although_o as_o a_o man_n and_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n he_o be_v for_o he_o may_v command_v his_o child_n without_o any_o authority_n from_o he_o yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o magistrate_n and_o in_o some_o case_n warrantable_o suppose_v in_o their_o marry_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v the_o magistrate_n increase_v or_o diminish_v their_o power_n although_o they_o may_v strengthen_v they_o or_o mar_v they_o actual_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o yea_o suppose_v a_o parent_n to_o incline_v to_o match_v son_n or_o daughter_n in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o sinful_a or_o inconvenient_a and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o command_v they_o to_o give_v obedience_n and_o again_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v they_o otherways_o to_o match_v the_o magistrat_n command_n here_o will_v not_o loose_v the_o child_n from_o the_o parent_n authority_n because_o although_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v the_o magistrat_n subject_n yet_o their_o obedience_n be_v call_v for_o in_o reference_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n only_o hence_o that_o case_n of_o a_o magistrat_n require_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o parent_n command_v of_o another_o to_o the_o same_o child_n be_v by_o divine_n solve_v by_o this_o distinction_n that_o in_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o magistrat_n command_n the_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o in_o what_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o subject_n but_o in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n proper_o he_o be_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o father_n whatever_o the_o magistrate_n command_v which_o show_v that_o simple_o the_o command_n of_o a_o father_n as_o a_o father_n be_v not_o subordinate_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o person_n there_o may_v be_v two_o supreme_a power_n upon_o divers_a consideration_n who_o may_v command_v without_o subordination_n one_o to_o another_o and_o yet_o their_o authority_n be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a together_o 2._o we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o authority_n of_o father_n and_o husband_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o weaken_v this_o consequence_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n then_o can_v it_o not_o be_v subordinate_a to_o he_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o parent_n husband_n etc._n etc._n be_v personal_a and_o natural_a that_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v derive_v by_o nature_n to_o parent_n husband_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o do_v not_o make_v a_o body_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v member_n of_o another_o great_a body_n whereas_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o incorporation_n complete_a in_o itself_o and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o found_v on_o nature_n but_o by_o god_n positive_a grant_n and_o foundation_n be_v such_o and_o therefore_o authority_n must_v be_v immediate_o derive_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_a to_o wit_n of_o a_o positive_a grant_n by_o which_o its_o be_v as_o a_o church_n be_v derive_v and_o can_v it_o be_v instance_a that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o wit_n a_o complete_a incorporation_n have_v immediate_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o itself_o and_o shut_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n without_o any_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o yet_o be_v subordinate_v to_o his_o power_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o subject_n and_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v subject_a to_o he_o but_o it_o will_v no_o way_n follow_v that_o the_o authority_n or_o government_n wherewith_o she_o be_v furnish_v as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o he_o neither_o can_v this_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o a_o church_n judicatory_a consider_v as_o such_o shall_v be_v account_v independent_a as_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n see_v we_o must_v either_o say_v that_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o ministerial_a and_o pastoral_a duty_n act_v by_o a_o authority_n immediate_o from_o christ_n without_o any_o dependency_n on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o yet_o ready_o can_v be_v admit_v in_o any_o other_o case_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o person_n shall_v command_v without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o the_o minister_n preach_v and_o act_v in_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o magistrate_n name_n mediate_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n or_o by_o none_o at_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v affirm_v and_o what_o great_a inconsistency_n be_v it_o with_o civil_a power_n to_o have_v distinct_a authoritative_a court_n than_o to_o have_v ruler_n distinct_o and_o authoritative_o command_v person_n especial_o themselves_o 3._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n where_o much_o be_v commend_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o notwithstanding_o and_o reproof_n cast_v in_o upon_o this_o account_n because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n that_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n this_o suffering_n can_v be_v no_o defect_n in_o respect_n of_o civil_a authority_n for_o that_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n or_o be_v it_o any_o defect_n of_o any_o personal_a or_o private_a duty_n because_o none_o such_o can_v imp_v other_o person_n teach_v if_o wilful_o they_o will_v set_v themselves_o to_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o be_v think_v defective_a in_o thât_n that_o be_v so_o commend_v for_o faith_n charity_n work_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o thrive_a and_o grow_v in_o their_o private_a condition_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o suffering_n of_o she_o in_o so_o far_o as_o by_o church_n authority_n she_o be_v not_o censure_v and_o restrain_v that_o thereby_o the_o seduce_a of_o christ_n servant_n may_v be_v prevent_v who_o edification_n be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v furnish_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o reference_n to_o her_o own_o affair_n and_o member_n 2._o this_o will_v also_o be_v clear_a by_o consider_v these_o who_o be_v primary_o in_o this_o respect_n commend_v and_o reprove_v in_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o private_a christian_n but_o the_o church-officer_n as_o peculiar_o distinguish_v from_o they_o so_o that_o these_o threaten_n and_o reproof_n do_v otherwise_o belong_v to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o church_n as_o we_o will_v find_v in_o the_o progress_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n give_v of_o this_o but_o because_o these_o fault_n be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o right_v they_o and_o do_v it_o not_o which_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a afterward_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n 3._o these_o act_n be_v either_o act_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o personal_a act_n of_o minister_n and_o church-officer_n both_o which_o be_v already_o overturn_v by_o the_o forementioned_a reason_n or_o it_o must_v be_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a act_n as_o peter_n smite_v of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n or_o it_o must_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o ordinary_a power_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n conceivable_a but_o none_o of_o the_o first_o three_o can_v be_v say_v not_o one_o of_o the_o first_o two_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v not_o the_o three_o because_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o look_v upon_o these_o officer_n as_o furnish_v with_o that_o gift_n nor_o be_v it_o ordinary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o ordinary_a officer_n such_o as_o
can_v their_o authority_n have_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o formal_a remove_n of_o they_o as_o in_o civil_a case_n be_v hânted_v three_o to_o make_v out_o the_o argument_n we_o say_v that_o this_o distinct_a independent_a power_n here_o mention_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o any_o one_o time_n as_o suppose_v because_o the_o church_n want_v christian_a magistrate_n at_o this_o time_n it_o have_v be_v lawful_a to_o exercise_v authority_n independent_a from_o they_o which_o in_o other_o case_n where_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v therefore_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v attribute_v to_o these_o church_n here_o agree_v to_o they_o as_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o all_o church_n at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o duty_n be_v common_a and_o the_o hazard_n be_v common_a to_o church_n at_o all_o time_n therefore_o this_o remedy_n of_o church-discipline_n must_v be_v perpetual_a also_o it_o be_v the_o cure_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o disease_n and_o that_o often_o repeat_v word_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n do_v speak_v in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n alswell_o as_o then_o 2._o if_o all_o other_o direction_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o epistle_n be_v perpetual_a and_o bind_v to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o must_v be_v so_o also_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o this_o be_v to_o be_v account_v temporary_a more_o than_o the_o other_o especial_o consider_v that_o christ_n send_v of_o this_o revelation_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o servant_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o especial_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o these_o epistle_n as_o the_o forcit_v close_o do_v confirm_v it_o must_v then_o be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n mind_n to_o scâape_v out_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v government_n as_o not_o belong_v to_o his_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n 3._o if_o the_o ground_n require_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o church_n during_o this_o time_n be_v perpetual_a agree_v to_o all_o age_n than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v astrict_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n be_v under_o heathen_a magistrate_n alone_o but_o the_o ground_n be_v perpetual_a for_o that_o be_v not_o because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o heathen_a but_o that_o the_o person_n offend_v may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o the_o seduce_a of_o other_o may_v be_v prevent_v now_o these_o end_n be_v perpetual_a which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o study_v in_o all_o time_n and_o see_v church_n authority_n and_o government_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o attain_v of_o these_o end_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o the_o church_n also_o although_o these_o truth_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v partly_o exception_n partly_o objection_n insist_v on_o by_o adversary_n which_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o intend_a purpose_n will_v permit_v a_o forcited_a author_n pag._n 545._o do_v confident_o undervalue_v all_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o deny_v all_o distinctnesse_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o power_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o do_v 1._o assert_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o power_n whatsoever_o be_v supreme_o in_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o heathen_a or_o christian_n by_o that_o place_n rom._n 13.2_o he_o heap_v up_o with_o many_o big_a word_n several_a absurdity_n that_o accompany_v as_o he_o allege_v that_o opinion_n of_o a_o distinct_a church-government_n which_o he_o call_v invidious_o the_o build_n of_o a_o empire_n within_o a_o empire_n yet_o 3._o he_o grant_v that_o where_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o maintain_v it_o not_o in_o that_o case_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n the_o church_n come_v to_o have_v a_o authority_n or_o somewhat_o equivalent_a in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whereby_o she_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o order_n of_o what_o concern_v her_o member_n during_o that_o case_n of_o such_o a_o magistracy_n allanerly_a and_o deny_v any_o other_o authority_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n during_o the_o time_n that_o these_o epistle_n be_v write_v but_o what_o be_v by_o voluntary_a confederacy_n and_o association_n of_o member_n among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o say_v that_o they_o have_v and_o exercise_v no_o less_o authority_n during_o that_o time_n in_o civil_a thing_n for_o which_o end_n he_o make_v use_v of_o that_o place_n 1_o corinth_n 6.1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n in_o reference_n to_o all_o which_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o authority_n can_v be_v deny_v here_o however_o it_o be_v derive_v see_v it_o be_v a_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o exauthorate_a officer_n and_o member_n which_o they_o assume_v as_o he_o speak_v pag._n 654._o yea_o a_o power_n equivalent_a to_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n because_o it_o be_v a_o power_n adequate_a for_o the_o time_n to_o this_o end_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n pag._n 545._o and_o therefore_o we_o say_v if_o this_o confederate_n or_o up-making_a of_o this_o government_n be_v a_o thing_n jure_v call_v for_o and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o assert_v also_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o be_v what_o place_n or_o person_n be_v to_o associate_v together_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o christian_a prudence_n but_o if_o it_o mean_v of_o a_o voluntary_a association_n and_o confederacy_n such_o as_o trade_n and_o craft_n use_v in_o their_o society_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o power_n this_o we_o altogether_o deny_v because_o 1._o if_o that_o confederate_a be_v call_v for_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n than_o it_o be_v not_o voluntary_a and_o free_a and_o this_o authority_n be_v not_o ground_v mere_o upon_o voluntary_a confederate_n because_o as_o it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a to_o a_o convert_a christian_n to_o be_v baptise_a or_o not_o so_o be_v baptise_a it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a to_o he_o whether_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n or_o not_o and_o be_v join_v submit_v to_o its_o government_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o it_o become_v not_o authority_n to_o he_o because_o he_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o he_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v authority_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o these_o false_a apostle_n or_o jezebel_n or_o the_o nicolaitan_n have_v never_o consent_v to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o these_o church_n as_o by_o their_o take_v such_o name_n of_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v like_a they_o do_v never_o yet_o notwithstanding_o have_v these_o church_n authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o church_n have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v equivalent_a to_o what_o the_o magistrate_n have_v and_o may_v exercise_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o equivalent_a to_o this_o than_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o such_o magistrate_n will_v not_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o their_o church-state_n and_o well-being_n as_o otherways_o which_o can_v be_v say_v without_o wrong_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o church_n destitute_a of_o inward_a power_n when_o she_o have_v least_o outward_a protection_n but_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n it_o can_v be_v arbitrary_a and_o mere_o ground_v upon_o the_o confederacy_n but_o must_v be_v authoritative_a upon_o a_o other_o account_n and_o may_v authoritative_o enjoin_v one_o to_o confederate_n and_o so_o confederate_v be_v not_o the_o ground_n that_o constitute_v the_o power_n but_o a_o mean_a make_v way_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o 3._o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o evidence_n or_o proof_n can_v be_v give_v of_o such_o voluntary_a confederate_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o time_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o show_v that_o universal_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v such_o formal_a compact_n actual_o agree_v upon_o and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v government_n and_o authority_n in_o they_o all_o be_v evident_a 4._o suppose_v confederacy_n to_o have_v be_v yet_o can_v they_o never_o have_v constitute_v a_o authority_n and_o government_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a supreme_a power_n especial_o while_o the_o supreme_a power_n oppose_v the_o same_o as_o suppose_v to_o keep_v the_o similitude_n propon_v
exposition_n thereof_o clear_v and_o no_o where_o in_o any_o of_o these_o epistle_n be_v that_o distinction_n so_o clear_a as_o in_o these_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n thereby_o the_o more_o clear_o to_o show_v where_o it_o reside_v and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o close_a let_v he_o that_o have_v ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o to_o extend_v every_o thing_n equal_o to_o all_o the_o member_n for_o than_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o doctrine_n will_v be_v common_a to_o all_o also_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v wâth_n respect_n to_o their_o place_n and_o station_n as_o be_v say_v in_o our_o entry_n to_o speak_v upon_o the_o second_o chapter_n 2._o the_o church_n here_o be_v divide_v in_o angel_n and_o candlestick_n that_o be_v officers_z and_o member_n now_o we_o must_v either_o give_v the_o power_n to_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o title_n of_o angel_n that_o be_v officer_n and_o candlestick_n that_o be_v church_n and_o member_n or_o we_o must_v give_v it_o to_o the_o officer_n alone_o as_o distinct_a from_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o to_o some_o of_o the_o church-member_n and_o not_o to_o all_o for_o that_o be_v again_o to_o sub-divide_a the_o church_n as_o if_o all_o its_o member_n be_v not_o as_o to_o government_n of_o one_o rank_n contrary_a to_o the_o way_n keep_v here_o and_o indeed_o we_o know_v no_o other_o reason_n more_o palpable_a why_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o distinct_o set_v forth_o but_o that_o their_o distinctnesse_n in_o this_o respect_n may_v be_v hold_v forth_o but_o the_o first_o can_v be_v say_v that_o all_o come_v in_o equal_o in_o government_n who_o be_v member_n because_o that_o will_v take_v in_o woman_n and_o child_n therefore_o it_o must_v belong_v to_o the_o officer_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o three_o see_v much_o of_o this_o church-power_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o try_v of_o false_a apostle_n corrupt_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v require_v both_o fitness_n of_o qualificaton_n and_o continuance_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n and_o painfulness_n beyond_o that_o which_o always_o church-member_n use_v or_o be_v call_v to_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o or_o can_v bestow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o and_o see_v these_o be_v certain_a truth_n that_o these_o who_o be_v ordinary_o call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v for_o it_o and_o patient_o to_o follow_v the_o trial_n for_o here_o these_o who_o be_v to_o censure_v be_v also_o to_o try_v it_o will_v follow_v therefore_o that_o this_o power_n in_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o choice_n even_o of_o a_o deacon_n there_o be_v such_o exactness_n require_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o qualification_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o admission_n to_o that_o office_n yet_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o this_o officer_n as_o such_o but_o he_o be_v inferior_a to_o that_o now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o people_n general_o have_v interest_n in_o government_n and_o ruling_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v more_o qualification_n require_v in_o a_o deacon_n which_o as_o such_o be_v but_o a_o service_n than_o there_o be_v require_v in_o these_o that_o govern_v in_o the_o high_a thing_n and_o 2._o that_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v more_o authority_n in_o it_o than_o to_o be_v a_o deacon_n at_o least_o than_o a_o deacon_n can_v have_v as_o such_o because_o the_o one_o govern_v by_o authority_n in_o the_o high_a thing_n and_o the_o other_o as_o such_o but_o serve_v and_o by_o the_o institution_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n it_o will_v seem_v that_o there_o be_v by_o that_o office_n a_o accession_n of_o somewhat_o to_o they_o like_o authority_n more_o than_o they_o have_v before_o or_o other_o member_n have_v and_o see_v this_o accession_n have_v no_o authority_n with_o it_o it_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o say_v that_o a_o church-member_n that_o be_v oversee_v by_o a_o ordinary_a deacon_n have_v authority_n in_o he_o which_o the_o deacon_n as_o such_o have_v not_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o may_v add_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o all_o church-member_n even_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o to_o understand_v many_o question_n that_o may_v be_v agitate_a yea_o we_o may_v say_v further_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o understand_v they_o and_o again_o other_o can_v possible_o give_v their_o attendance_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o intricat_a thing_n which_o may_v draw_v a_o great_a length_n for_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o learned_a thomas_n hooker_n of_o new_a england_n part_n 3._o chap._n 3._o pag._n 36._o and_o 37._o that_o the_o preparation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o elder_n because_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n if_o numerous_a they_o will_v be_v unable_a with_o any_o comely_a conveniency_n to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v all_o the_o circumstance_n with_o all_o the_o emergent_a difficulty_n which_o will_v certain_o and_o necessary_o occur_v in_o such_o agitation_n nor_o can_v in_o reason_n bestow_v their_o time_n and_o pain_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o intricatie_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o work_n will_v sometime_o require_v thus_o far_o he_o which_o do_v certain_o render_v it_o at_o least_o exceed_v suspicious_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v instate_v with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v who_o can_v possible_o wait_v on_o the_o trial_n especial_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o judge_n and_o government_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o these_o epistle_n these_o two_o be_v join_v together_o to_o wit_n trial_n and_o censure_n 3._o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o person_n or_o churchofficer_n above_o other_o church-officer_n to_o who_o this_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v commit_v because_o 1._o it_o be_v to_o the_o officer_n who_o be_v contradistinguish_v from_o the_o people_n and_o be_v not_o comprehend_v under_o the_o title_n candlestick_n or_o church_n but_o that_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o all_o minister_n and_o not_o of_o one_o only_a 2._o by_o this_o one_o angel_n collective_o take_v many_o ruler_n govern_v one_o body_n in_o a_o associate_v manner_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o be_v clear_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 20._o and_o therefore_o 4._o the_o associate_v number_n of_o roll_a church-officer_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o this_o church-power_n because_o it_o be_v to_o they_o that_o christ_n direct_v these_o epistle_n under_o this_o name_n angel_n as_o be_v show_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 20._o it_o be_v these_o he_o commend_v and_o reprove_v it_o be_v those_o to_o who_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o people_n belong_v in_o reference_n to_o these_o snare_n act_n 20.28_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v these_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o trial_n and_o admission_n of_o church-officer_n pertain_v 1_o tim_n 4.14_o which_o be_v the_o work_n here_o commend_v in_o ephesus_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o by_o angel_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v a_o plurality_n of_o unite_a church-ruler_n as_o be_v say_v then_o this_o assertion_n lay_v down_o will_v also_o follow_v for_o no_o other_o rest_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o this_o authority_n to_o close_v then_o in_o the_o four_o place_n we_o may_v short_o lay_v down_o these_o conclusion_n further_o from_o these_o epistle_n 1._o that_o this_o discipline_n and_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v on_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v pretend_v teacher_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophetess_n whether_o mân_z or_o woman_n in_o a_o word_n all_o who_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v by_o church_n censure_n which_o young_a child_n mad_a man_n and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o in_o the_o reach_n of_o 2._o it_o concern_v all_o sort_n of_o case_n whether_o of_o error_n or_o practice_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o last_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o these_o epistle_n 3._o these_o high_a censure_n be_v to_o proceed_v against_o error_n and_o scandal_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n as_o these_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n be_v or_o such_o as_o be_v agrege_v with_o highten_v circumstance_n as_o disobedience_n and_o contempt_n in_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 18._o and_o which_o after_o trial_n be_v clear_o make_v out_o that_o thereby_o the_o sentence_n
great_a vessel_n make_v for_o use_n and_o ornament_n and_o according_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o house_n of_o great_a man_n and_o be_v particular_o mention_v among_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o ceremonial_a worship_n as_o be_v former_o mark_v and_o be_v especial_o for_o wash_v or_o bathe_v thereinto_o now_o these_o consideration_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o world_n as_o express_v the_o vanity_n and_o worthlesnesse_n thereof_o neither_o will_v there_o be_v any_o just_a analogy_n find_v betwixt_o the_o two_o whereby_o the_o one_o may_v be_v find_v to_o resemble_v or_o to_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o other_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v here_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o glorious_a train_n be_v four_o beast_n which_o be_v large_o insist_v on_o vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o and_o 8._o that_o these_o beast_n be_v mention_v immediate_o after_o the_o sea_n of_o glass_n it_o show_v that_o by_o the_o sea_n of_o glass_n must_v be_v understand_v something_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o his_o church_n see_v it_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o other_o commendation_n for_o that_o these_o beast_n be_v mention_v to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n can_v be_v question_v the_o word_n render_v beast_n be_v in_o the_o original_a ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d and_o may_v be_v well_o translate_v live_v creature_n as_o it_o be_v ezek._n 1._o or_o live_v wight_n by_o these_o be_v not_o understand_v angel_n as_o in_o ezek._n 1._o and_o 10._o because_o chap._n 5.10_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v among_o the_o redeem_a and_o vers_fw-la 11._o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o indeed_o their_o follow_a description_n be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o these_o live_a wight_n or_o cherubim_n ezek._n 1._o there_o will_v be_v find_v a_o great_a difference_n nor_o second_o by_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v any_o of_o the_o glorify_a triumphant_a church_n because_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v give_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o also_o reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n chap._n 5.10_o and_o the_o scope_n be_v by_o they_o to_o express_v something_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a we_o conceive_v therefore_o by_o these_o beast_n so_o describe_v be_v understand_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v distinguish_v from_o professor_n who_o be_v call_v elder_n and_o as_o be_v describe_v like_o angel_n to_o show_v their_o eminency_n in_o some_o respect_n beyond_o the_o other_o for_o 1._o these_o beast_n or_o live_a creature_n for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v like_a to_o man_n do_v ever_o go_v before_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o guide_n to_o they_o therein_o 2._o because_o they_o do_v invite_v excite_v and_o inform_v other_o to_o and_o in_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o say_v come_v and_o see_v chap._n 6._o vers_fw-la 3.5.7_o 3._o they_o be_v describe_v as_o these_o cherubim_n or_o angel_n be_v ezek._n 1._o and_o yet_o be_v such_o angel_n as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n they_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n see_v these_o be_v ordinary_o design_v by_o the_o title_n angel_n in_o this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o more_o likely_a that_o they_o be_v describe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o angel_n even_o as_o they_o get_v their_o name_n 4._o we_o will_v find_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o description_n to_o be_v pertinent_o applicable_a to_o they_o as_o 1._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beast_n or_o live_a creature_n to_o show_v a_o special_a activity_n and_o fitness_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o even_o beyond_o other_o 2._o their_o number_n be_v four_o which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o professor_n be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o lord_n message_n to_o all_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o all_o side_n of_o the_o lord_n throne_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o oversight_n of_o his_o people_n as_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n march_v with_o four_o standard_n on_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o ark._n 3_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a of_o eye_n before_o and_o behind_o they_o have_v not_o one_o eye_n but_o many_o eye_n because_o they_o have_v many_o to_o watch_v over_o and_o many_o snare_n to_o give_v they_o warning_n of_o they_o have_v eye_n before_o that_o be_v to_o show_v their_o dependence_n on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a leader_n and_o captain_n that_o go_v before_o his_o people_n these_o that_o be_v under-guides_a have_v their_o eye_n on_o he_o for_o direction_n in_o the_o way_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o lead_v their_o people_n in_o and_o thus_o their_o eye_n before_o be_v mention_v before_o their_o eye_n behind_o to_o show_v that_o ere_o they_o give_v any_o direction_n to_o the_o flock_n that_o follow_v they_o they_o will_v look_v to_o the_o master_n for_o his_o order_n and_o so_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o servant_n look_v unto_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o master_n for_o observe_v of_o their_o direction_n psal._n 123._o 2._o they_o be_v also_o full_a of_o eye_n behind_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v watchful_a over_o these_o commit_v to_o they_o by_o point_v out_o that_o way_n to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v discover_v from_o god_n and_o by_o watchful_a observe_n how_o they_o follow_v the_o same_o as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 32._o vers_fw-la 8._o i_o will_v instruct_v thou_o and_o teach_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n which_o thou_o shall_v go_v i_o will_v guide_v thou_o with_o my_o eye_n which_o be_v to_o express_v the_o most_o tender_a way_n of_o direction_n and_o instruction_n also_o these_o expression_n serve_v well_o to_o show_v their_o particular_a watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o who_o have_v eye_n before_o they_o that_o import_v tenderness_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o eye_n behind_o which_o respect_v their_o tender_a observation_n of_o their_o bypass_a fail_n 4._o these_o beast_n be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o round_o about_o the_o same_o it_o may_v seem_v strange-like_a to_o say_v they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o about_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o the_o scripture-language_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v near_o it_o or_o to_o be_v full_o upon_o it_o and_o this_o part_n of_o the_o description_n show_v their_o nearness_n to_o god_n and_o their_o dignity_n beyond_o other_o for_o the_o elder_n have_v throne_n and_o crown_n but_o these_o beast_n and_o minister_n have_v the_o same_o throne_n with_o the_o lord_n as_o be_v near_o to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o service_n and_o as_o be_v of_o more_o eminent_a dignity_n because_o they_o be_v ambassador_n for_o he_o and_o act_n in_o his_o stead_n and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o they_o be_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n also_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v so_o without_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o throne_n but_o it_o be_v to_o show_v the_o lord_n wise_a way_n of_o dispose_v his_o minister_n unto_o all_o quarter_n for_o his_o church_n edification_n so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o together_o or_o upon_o any_o one_o side_n of_o the_o throne_n but_o they_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o upon_o all_o quarter_n thereof_o for_o edify_v of_o the_o elder_n or_o his_o people_n set_v out_o by_o they_o which_o be_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n as_o we_o former_o hear_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n we_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a description_n of_o the_o several_a shape_n of_o these_o beast_n which_o be_v the_o five_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v describe_v the_o first_o beast_n be_v like_o a_o lion_n the_o second_o beast_n like_o a_o calf_n the_o three_o beast_n have_v a_o face_n as_o a_o man_n the_o four_o beast_n be_v like_o a_o fly_a eagle_n by_o this_o diversity_n of_o form_n or_o shape_n be_v set_v forth_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o furnitour_n which_o the_o one_o holy_a spirit_n use_v to_o dispense_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n as_o 1_o corinth_n 12.4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o hereby_o the_o lord_n show_v that_o as_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v more_o eminent_a in_o some_o grace_n than_o other_o so_o minister_n be_v some_o of_o they_o eminent_a in_o one_o gift_n some_o of_o they_o in_o another_o as_o the_o lord_n mind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v barsabas_n the_o son_n of_o consolation_n with_o bâânerges_n the_o son_n
be_v ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 231_o 232_o 233_o what_o a_o evil_a pride_n be_v among_o churchman_n to_o who_o it_o be_v special_o incident_a and_o how_o it_o hurt_v the_o church_n 426_o 427_o why_o believer_n be_v call_v priest_n 22_o what_o sort_n of_o professor_n these_o be_v describe_v by_o earth_n sea_n and_o tree_n chap._n 7._o 382_o 383_o prophecy_n two_o way_n take_v 4_o that_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v proper_o prophetical_a begin_v at_o the_o six_o chapter_n where_o of_o the_o scope_n and_o object_n of_o the_o pprophecy_n with_o the_o series_n of_o the_o story_n 326_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a observable_a concern_v the_o three_o principal_a prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n to_o wit_n of_o seal_n chap._n 6._o of_o trumpet_n chap._n 8_o 9_o of_o vial_n chap._n 16._o 328_o some_o reason_n prove_v the_o principal_a prophecy_n not_o to_o be_v so_o contemporary_a with_o one_o another_o as_o if_o each_o of_o they_o do_v hold_v forth_o a_o view_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n with_o some_o caution_n about_o this_o 328_o 229_o 330_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n hold_v forth_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o the_o vial_n the_o ruin_n of_o her_o enemy_n ibid._n the_o explicatory_a prophecy_n show_v to_o be_v contemporary_a with_o and_o comprehend_v under_o the_o three_o principal_a prophecy_n 331_o 332_o there_o be_v now_o no_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n either_o for_o bring_v forth_o any_o truth_n not_o former_o reveal_v nor_o can_v one_o be_v warrant_v by_o any_o revelation_n now_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n simple_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n 470_o prophecy_n take_v for_o a_o immediate_a reveal_n of_o gospel-truth_n and_o mystery_n be_v now_o cease_v so_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o such_o a_o gift_n nor_o such_o a_o office_n 470_o in_o what_o sense_n prophecy_n may_v be_v say_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n 471_o no_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n now_o can_v warrant_v one_o to_o set_v down_o his_o light_n authoritative_o although_o it_o be_v truth_n as_o canonic_a scripture_n ibid._n the_o explicatory_a prophecy_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o some_o thing_n premit_v for_o understanding_n thereof_o 627_o r_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o rainbow_n round_o about_o god_n throne_n 271_o that_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a for_o man_n to_o read_v what_o book_n they_o will_v and_o some_o direction_n in_o this_o 64_o 65_o what_o be_v import_v in_o christ_n redeem_n 290._o 297_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a or_o special_a redemption_n be_v more_o comfortable_a 305_o the_o absurdity_n which_o follow_v upon_o conditional_a redemption_n 318_o 319_o argument_n plead_v for_o a_o conditional_a redemption_n of_o all_o answer_v 320_o 321_o the_o mould_n of_o conditional_a redemption_n do_v not_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o follow_v upon_o the_o contrary_a prove_v by_o several_a argument_n 322_o 323_o 324_o 325_o by_o the_o way_n of_o conditional_a redemption_n minister_n be_v not_o warrant_v to_o make_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o large_a than_o the_o contrary_n give_v they_o ground_n to_o do_v 324_o christ_n personal_a reign_n see_v christ._n what_o it_o be_v to_o reign_v with_o christ._n 732_o remission_n of_o sin_n not_o from_o eternity_n 250_o give_v space_n to_o repent_v will_v neither_o prove_v any_o ability_n to_o repent_v nor_o any_o purpose_n in_o god_n that_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o it_o make_v man_n more_o inexcusable_a 169_o 170_o repentance_n three_o way_n consider_v 249_o that_o repentance_n be_v simple_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n 250_o how_o repentance_n do_v not_o concur_v for_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n clear_v 251_o 252_o and_o how_o it_o do_v concur_v 253_o that_o though_o repentance_n take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n may_v be_v call_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o 254_o 255_o 256_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a for_o a_o justify_v person_n obtain_v of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n commit_v after_o justification_n 257_o what_o measure_n of_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a ibid._n several_a distinction_n of_o repentance_n lay_v down_o 258_o 259_o if_o reprobate_n do_v enjoy_v any_o benefit_n of_o christ_n purchase_n 309_o the_o first_o resurrection_n how_o take_v 733_o 734_o the_o qualification_n and_o privilege_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v partaker_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n 734_o 735_o the_o lord_n may_v now_o reveal_v himself_o to_o some_o in_o give_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o foretell_v some_o event_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v 470_o reason_n for_o undertake_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o division_n of_o the_o book_n the_o authority_n of_o it_o john_n the_o apostle_n the_o penman_n thereof_o why_o this_o book_n be_v call_v the_o revelation_n and_o why_o a_o pprophecy_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o why_o the_o revelation_n be_v direct_v particular_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n 20_o some_o consideration_n for_o clear_v the_o prophetical_a part_n of_o the_o revelation_n 267_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o revelation_n divide_v into_o two_o part_n 327_o the_o whole_a revelation_n as_o prophetical_a contain_v in_o that_o book_n seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n ibid._n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o immediate_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o that_o it_o be_v immediate_o impute_v 235_o that_o our_o legal_a and_o evangelical_n righteousness_n do_v not_o differ_v christ_n be_v both_o 245_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o give_v of_o white_a robe_n to_o the_o soul_n under_o the_o altar_n 366_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o rome_n challenge_v precedency_n 425_o rome_n recover_v and_o preserve_v dominion_n and_o grandour_n only_o by_o the_o pope_n mean_n 561_o 562_o rome_n design_v by_o the_o city_n upon_o seven_o hill_n with_o some_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n answer_v 640_o that_o rome_n have_v be_v under_o seven_o sort_n of_o government_n whereof_o papacy_n be_v the_o last_o 643_o 644_o that_o papacy_n be_v the_o seven_o government_n of_o rome_n prove_v 644_o 645_o that_o rome_n under_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o whorish_a church_n ibid._n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o whorish_a church_n and_o antichrist_n seat_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o antichrist_n with_o some_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a clear_v 660_o 661_o 662_o 663_o 664_o the_o author_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o antichrist_n 670_o the_o defection_n whereof_o rome_n be_v find_v guilty_a be_v the_o same_o with_o antichrist_n and_o that_o this_o defection_n whereof_o antichrist_n and_o rome_n be_v guilty_a be_v not_o a_o total_a fall_n from_o christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o a_o corrupt_a the_o principal_a truth_n of_o christianity_n 670_o 671_o that_o defection_n have_v already_o seize_v on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n prove_v 672_o 673_o if_o any_o of_o god_n people_n be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la in_o rome_n before_o its_o destruction_n 680_o the_o necessity_n and_o warrant_n for_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 681_o may_v not_o one_o abide_v in_o rome_n now_o and_o not_o be_v partaker_n of_o her_o plague_n 681_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o quit_v fellowship_n with_o rome_n 682_o the_o lamentation_n which_o be_v among_o rome_n friend_n for_o her_o fall_n 684_o why_o king_n so_o much_o lament_v rome_n overthrow_n 684_o 685_o the_o lamentation_n of_o the_o merchant_n and_o shipman_n for_o rome_n ruin_n and_o who_o these_o merchant_n and_o ship-man_n be_v 685_o 686_o the_o greatness_n of_o rome_n ruin_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o great_a joy_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o her_o fall_n ibid._n the_o amplification_n of_o rome_n destruction_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o 686_o 687_o the_o sin_n for_o which_o rome_n be_v destroy_v be_v neither_o the_o sin_n of_o rome_n as_o heathen_a nor_o as_o under_o that_o fancy_a antichrist_n to_o come_v but_o the_o sin_n of_o rome_n as_o popish_a 687_o 688_o much_o of_o the_o romish_a pomp_n derive_v from_o the_o heathen_n in_o imitation_n of_o their_o high_a priest_n 563_o saint_n the_o saint_n happy_a condition_n set_v out_o in_o several_a circumstance_n 399_o 400_o what_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v import_v 709_o that_o this_o reign_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o understand_v though_o not_o only_o 709_o 710_o more_o particular_o wherein_o this_o good_a condition_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v consist_v 711_o 712_o some_o caveat_n about_o the_o thousand_o year_n reign_n of_o the_o saint_n ibid._n three_o consideration_n more_o add_v for_o understand_v this_o good_a condition_n of_o the_o saint_n 713_o 714_o whether_o all_o the_o saint_n partake_v of_o this_o good_a condition_n or_o if_o it_o
multiply_v there_o be_v no_o question_n of_o this_o see_v the_o most_o wise_a heathen_n have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o 2._o assert_v although_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o 1._o the_o father_n be_v the_o sender_n of_o they_o all_o as_o from_o ver_fw-la 1._o chap._n 1._o may_v be_v gather_v 2._o the_o son_n be_v he_o who_o immediate_o give_v john_n commission_n to_o write_v as_o the_o title_n he_o take_v to_o himself_o do_v clear_a 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o mention_v as_o a_o joint_a speaker_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v etc._n etc._n 2._o more_o particular_o they_o be_v distinct_o mention_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 18._o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o father_n and_o son_n where_o a_o son_n be_v there_o be_v a_o father_n and_o god_n here_o be_v personal_o take_v as_o a_o other_o from_o the_o son_n and_o ver_fw-la 29._o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n as_o distinct_a from_o both_o 3._o they_o be_v put_v together_o chap._n 3.1_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o that_o be_v the_o son_n former_o mention_v god_n that_o be_v the_o father_n distinct_o consider_v as_o another_o person_n the_o seven_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o who_o name_n john_n salute_v the_o church_n former_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v as_o the_o close_a of_o every_o epistle_n show_v 4._o the_o like_a be_v ver_fw-la 12._o where_o the_o son_n speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o me._n the_o father_n be_v design_v by_o the_o title_n god_n the_o spirit_n again_o as_o distinct_a from_o both_o ver_fw-la 13._o 5._o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o ver_fw-la 14._o with_o 22._o where_o the_o faithful_a witness_n god_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v mention_v as_o three_o that_o be_v distinct_a 6._o and_o last_o chap._n 5._o we_o have_v they_o most_o full_o distinguish_v first_o there_o be_v the_o father_n on_o the_o throne_n with_o the_o book_n in_o his_o hand_n ver_fw-la 1._o second_o there_o be_v the_o lamb_n the_o son_n and_o three_o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n ver_fw-la 6._o all_o of_o they_o consider_v as_o distinct_a person_n 3._o assert_v these_o three_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v real_o distinct_a one_o from_o another_o and_o so_o be_v three_o person_n all_o that_o be_v say_v do_v confirm_v this_o also_o for_o 1._o they_o be_v real_o distinct_a though_o not_o simple_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o essence_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v personal_o consider_v the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n be_v not_o the_o lamb._n the_o father_n do_v not_o become_v man_n nor_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o son_n he_o die_v be_v bury_v etc._n etc._n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o none_o but_o of_o a_o person_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v say_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o son_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o suppose_v a_o real_a distinct_a personality_n this_o must_v do_v also_o the_o son_n say_v so_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o first_o and_o last_o the_o son_n have_v the_o same_o title_n chap._n 2.8_o even_o he_o who_o be_v dead_a be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o spirit_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o have_v a_o divine_a omnipresence_n to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o earth_n chap._n 5.6_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o none_o but_o of_o he_o that_o be_v god_n now_o if_o the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n god_n and_o the_o spirit_n god_n also_o and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o yet_o these_o three_o be_v real_o distinct_a than_o they_o must_v be_v distinct_a person_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o personal_a property_n see_v they_o be_v person_n and_o distinct_a 4._o assert_v although_o they_o be_v three_o distinct_a person_n as_o to_o their_o personal_a property_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o three_o one_o god_n essential_o consider_v and_o all_o have_v the_o same_o infinite_a indivisible_a essence_n though_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o this_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n than_o each_o of_o these_o person_n must_v be_v the_o same_o one_o god_n coequal_a and_o coessential_a so_o the_o father_n be_v alius_fw-la another_o from_o the_o son_n and_o each_o of_o they_o from_o other_o but_o he_o be_v not_o aliud_fw-la or_o another_o thing_n but_o the_o same_o hence_o the_o son_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v upon_o one_o throne_n chap._n 5._o they_o concur_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o sovereignty_n to_o write_v and_o he_o that_o send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o god_n chap._n 1.1_o who_o therefore_o will_v avenge_v add_v thereto_o or_o diminish_v therefrom_o chap._n 22._o yet_o that_o one_o god_n be_v the_o same_o three_o person_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 4._o assert_v 5._o these_o three_o bless_a person_n who_o be_v one_o most_o glorious_a be_v have_v yet_o a_o inconceivable_a order_n in_o their_o subsist_v and_o work_v which_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v rather_o than_o to_o be_v search_v we_o shall_v but_o say_v 1._o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o one_o essence_n and_o be_v as_o be_v say_v 2._o they_o all_o have_v it_o eternal_o equal_o and_o perfect_o none_o be_v more_o or_o less_o god_n but_o each_o have_v all_o the_o same_o godhead_n at_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v it_o equal_o and_o eternal_o for_o the_o godhead_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o son_n be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o as_o the_o father_n be_v and_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v never_o without_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n it_o do_v confirm_v all_o these_o that_o they_o have_v one_o throne_n name_n and_o authority_n attribute_v to_o them_o yet_o 3._o the_o father_n subsist_v of_o himself_o and_o do_v beget_v the_o son_n by_o a_o inconceivable_a and_o eternal_a generation_n the_o son_n do_v not_o beget_v but_o be_v beget_v and_o have_v his_o subsist_v as_o the_o second_o person_n from_o the_o father_n so_o much_o the_o title_n of_o father_n and_o son_n import_v here_o the_o spirit_n proceed_v both_o from_o the_o father_n therefore_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n therefore_o be_v he_o say_v also_o to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v neither_o beget_v nor_o be_v beget_v but_o do_v thus_o in_o a_o inexpressible_a manner_n proceed_v from_o they_o both_o for_o the_o second_o if_o any_o shall_v wrangle_v for_o the_o expression_n that_o be_v use_v by_o divine_n in_o this_o mystery_n we_o confess_v that_o many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n have_v exceed_v and_o have_v take_v too_o much_o liberty_n in_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o especial_o shall_v be_v establish_v into_o and_o from_o scripture_n that_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o yet_o three_o who_o be_v denominate_v in_o the_o concrete_a must_v imply_v three_o different_a real_a relation_n or_o subsistence_n or_o person_n and_o this_o essence_n be_v infinite_a and_o communicable_a there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o bound_v it_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n who_o be_v but_o finit_a and_o in_o that_o respect_n also_o incommunicable_a and_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o name_n here_o give_v and_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n will_v amount_v clear_o to_o the_o equivalent_a of_o essence_n and_o person_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o what_o be_v that_o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n who_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v but_o that_o same_o exod._n 3._o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o which_o denote_v his_o be_v or_o essence_n as_o that_o which_o be_v ever_o a_o be_v and_o idol_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o true_a god_n by_o this_o that_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n no_o god_n gal._n 4.8_o it_o imply_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o by_o nature_n he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n may_v be_v essential_o consider_v and_o in_o
general_o to_o write_v what_o he_o see_v and_o 2._o more_o particular_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n for_o this_o title_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o vers_n 8._o it_o be_v our_o lord_n assert_v his_o own_o godhead_n as_o be_v the_o first_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n active_o be_v of_o himself_o god_n essential_a and_o give_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n that_o exist_v joh._n 1.3_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v and_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n not_o only_o everlasting_a himself_o without_o end_n but_o to_o who_o honour_n be_v all_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o beginning_n he_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n they_o be_v all_o for_o he_o quest._n why_o be_v this_o title_n so_o often_o repeat_v answ._n beside_o this_o general_a that_o it_o be_v to_o hold_v out_o christ_n godhead_n therefore_o this_o and_o other_o such_o like_a title_n be_v so_o often_o give_v he_o in_o this_o book_n which_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n and_o benefit_n to_o have_v this_o bear_v in_o upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v repeat_v here_o 1._o that_o john_n may_v know_v from_o who_o he_o have_v this_o commission_n even_o from_o he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o give_v he_o a_o commission_n both_o to_o speak_v and_o to_o write_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o a_o thing_n that_o concern_v minister_n to_o know_v when_o they_o come_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n who_o commission_n they_o have_v that_o they_o take_v not_o this_o honour_n to_o themselves_o nor_o from_o man_n except_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n appoint_v by_o he_o for_o except_o they_o have_v christ_n warrant_n man_v will_v not_o commissionate_v they_o to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o preach_v at_o their_o own_o hand_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o for_o the_o people_n cause_n to_o learn_v they_o to_o take_v the_o word_n off_o john_n hand_n it_o be_v not_o john_n word_n that_o come_v to_o they_o but_o the_o word_n of_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o good_a for_o you_o so_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o same_o jesus_n christ_n that_o give_v john_n and_o the_o apostle_n warrant_v to_o preach_v and_o write_v it_o be_v that_o same_o jesus_n christ_n that_o send_v out_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o preach_v it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n for_o edify_v the_o body_n eph._n 4.12_o his_o warrant_n to_o both_o be_v one_o and_o his_o authority_n commissionate_v both_o be_v one_o and_o both_o be_v gift_n for_o the_o church_n good_a the_o second_o thing_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v the_o commission_n john_n get_v 1._o in_o general_n to_o write_v what_o he_o see_v 2._o more_o particular_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n 1._o write_v what_o thou_o see_v that_o be_v not_o this_o vision_n only_o which_o thou_o have_v see_v but_o all_o the_o word_n and_o circumstance_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v or_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o so_o it_o be_v his_o first_o warrant_n to_o write_v this_o revelation_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n it_o point_v at_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o the_o write_a word_n be_v found_v it_o depend_v not_o on_o man_n but_o on_o jesus_n christ_n that_o give_v warrant_n to_o write_v and_o we_o shall_v look_v on_o the_o bible_n and_o every_o chapter_n thereof_o as_o by_o christ_n direction_n write_v to_o we_o 2._o the_o matter_n he_o shall_v write_v be_v restrict_v write_v not_o every_o thing_n that_o please_v thou_o but_o what_o thou_o see_v to_o point_n out_o the_o guide_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o speak_v and_o write_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o show_v that_o there_o be_v need_n and_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o man_n have_v a_o particular_a commission_n to_o carry_v the_o word_n to_o people_n not_o only_o a_o commission_n in_o general_a to_o write_v or_o to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n but_o for_o every_o particular_a message_n not_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v anxious_a or_o perplex_v about_o their_o warrant_n or_o commission_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o to_o weigh_v well_o the_o time_n place_n person_n and_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v clear_v their_o commission_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v write_v and_o send_v to_o one_o church_n by_o christ_n warrant_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o another_o every_o church_n have_v their_o particular_a message_n and_o commission_n renew_v 2._o more_o particular_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v with_o it_o when_o it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n that_o be_v john_n this_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o lie_v beside_o thou_o but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n send_v it_o therefore_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n 1._o because_o most_o famous_a in_o that_o time_n and_o because_o near_o to_o patmos_n where_o he_o be_v and_o because_o it_o be_v probable_a john_n have_v some_o particular_a relation_n to_o they_o and_o their_o need_n present_o require_v it_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v send_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v welcome_v thankful_o as_o a_o rich_a jewel_n we_o show_v before_o why_o these_o church_n be_v call_v seven_o and_o not_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n vers_fw-la 4._o and_o say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o now_o these_o church_n be_v particular_o name_v we_o shall_v not_o stand_v on_o a_o geographical_a description_n of_o the_o place_n ephesus_z be_v speak_v of_o at_o large_a act._n 19.20_o this_o church_n and_o smyrna_n be_v in_o that_o part_n of_o asia_n the_o less_o call_v jonia_n pergamos_n in_o that_o part_n call_v aetolia_n thyatira_n sardis_n and_o philadelphia_n in_o lydia_n and_o laodicea_n in_o that_o part_n call_v caira_n or_o caria_n which_o not_o be_v profitable_a to_o you_o to_o insist_v upon_o we_o shall_v take_v some_o general_a consideration_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o proceed_v and_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v why_o these_o church_n be_v design_v from_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n wherein_o they_o be_v we_o rather_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o this_o because_o we_o find_v church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n name_v by_o to_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n in_o galatia_n be_v also_o name_v but_o most_o frequent_o they_o be_v name_v by_o city_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n at_o rome_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o titus_n be_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n by_o paul_n appointment_n which_o be_v for_o the_o city_n and_o it_o be_v like_a also_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o these_o about_o god_n make_v the_o gospel_n spread_v from_o city_n to_o country_n about_o as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o word_n spread_v from_o ephesus_n to_o all_o asia_n though_o there_o be_v other_o church_n beside_o these_o that_o be_v within_o the_o wall_n of_o these_o to_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v 1._o because_o the_o city_n or_o town_n be_v most_o famous_a for_o their_o populousnesse_n and_o be_v well_o furnish_v with_o officer_n and_o there_o be_v most_o occasion_n of_o get_v a_o harvest_n of_o soul_n in_o they_o by_o spread_v the_o net_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o which_o accidental_a and_o politic_a consideration_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n some_o city_n be_v more_o famous_a and_o able_a to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o furth-coming_a to_o other_o church_n it_o be_v not_o un-agreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o have_v particular_a respect_n to_o city_n and_o church_n in_o they_o as_o they_o may_v further_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o because_o in_o these_o great_a city_n and_o place_n of_o concourse_n the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o serve_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o go_v round_o in_o a_o circuit_n in_o the_o church_n about_o have_v their_o most_o ordinary_a residence_n as_o it_o will_v seem_v and_o that_o their_o fix_a collegiat_fw-la meeting_n and_o combination_n be_v there_o 1._o because_o we_o find_v no_o particular_a congregation_n mention_v but_o only_o the_o church_n at_o such_o a_o town_n write_v unto_o though_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a congregation_n about_o and_o these_o city_n keep_v not_o the_o word_n within_o themselves_o 2._o where_o they_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o take_v in_o not_o only_o these_o within_o the_o wall_n but_o all_o
let_v we_o speak_v to_o that_o which_o proper_o be_v the_o vision_n it_o hold_v out_o or_o there_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o it_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o church_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o candlestick_n or_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n so_o they_o be_v expound_v vers_fw-la 20._o 2._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o the_o similitude_n of_o seven_o star_n vers_fw-la 16._o so_o be_v they_o expound_v in_o the_o 20._o vers_fw-la also_o we_o shall_v forbear_v any_o further_a exposition_n or_o speak_v of_o they_o till_o we_o come_v to_o that_o place_n the_o main_a thing_n in_o the_o vision_n be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n represent_v these_o way_n first_o in_o his_o office_n second_o in_o his_o excellent_a qualification_n for_o his_o discharge_n these_o office_n three_o in_o his_o care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o actual_a execute_n of_o his_o office_n and_o exercise_v of_o his_o qualification_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n he_o be_v among_o the_o one_o walk_v and_o hold_v the_o other_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o have_v a_o sword_n go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o the_o good_a of_o both_o quest._n 1._o whether_o be_v it_o christ_n that_o appear_v and_o speak_v here_o or_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doubt_n be_v from_o vers_n 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v jesus_n christ_n send_v and_o signify_v these_o thing_n by_o his_o angel_n answ._n it_o be_v he_o that_o appear_v and_o speak_v here_o to_o john_n who_o give_v he_o the_o commission_n to_o write_v and_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o angel_n that_o give_v john_n commission_n to_o write_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o entitle_v himself_o before_o to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o no_o angel_n can_v give_v commission_n nor_o dare_v take_v upon_o he_o these_o title_n and_o style_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o 2._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o to_o be_v christ_n from_o the_o part_n of_o the_o description_n and_o from_o the_o particular_a charge_n that_o christ_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o have_v to_o wit_n in_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o hold_v the_o star_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o send_v a_o sword_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n who_o can_v do_v these_o thing_n but_o christ_n 3._o from_o the_o seven_o epistle_n which_o begin_v with_o some_o part_n of_o this_o description_n as_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o be_v still_o style_v by_o some_o part_n of_o it_o chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o quest._n 2._o whether_o do_v jesus_n christ_n appear_v here_o real_o in_o his_o man-head_n or_o be_v it_o only_o a_o representation_n of_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n for_o signify_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o excellent_a property_n and_o qualification_n that_o be_v in_o he_o as_o sometime_o god_n appear_v of_o old_a to_o weak_a man_n condescend_v to_o his_o capacity_n for_o his_o comfort_n as_o dan._n 7.9_o and_o sometime_o christ_n as_o dan._n 10.5_o to_o which_o this_o vision_n seem_v to_o relate_v answ._n we_o take_v it_o not_o for_o any_o real_a apparition_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o humanity_n or_o as_o he_o be_v man_n conceive_v in_o and_o bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n crucify_v dead_a and_o bury_v and_o in_o that_o nature_n rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v but_o we_o take_v it_o only_o to_o be_v a_o representation_n or_o vision_n of_o the_o glorious_a property_n and_o qualification_n and_o stately_a majesty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o who_o as_o he_o be_v god_n so_o also_o be_v and_o be_v man_n but_o do_v not_o now_o appear_v in_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o as_o god_n reason_n 1._o because_o in_o substance_n it_o be_v the_o same_o vision_n that_o we_o find_v dan._n 7.9_o and_o 10.5_o where_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o god_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o the_o same_o expression_n and_o if_o these_o expression_n can_v be_v apply_v in_o these_o place_n to_o signify_v the_o part_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n which_o god_n have_v not_o for_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o same_o expression_n here_o shall_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o part_n of_o a_o body_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o end_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v before_o he_o in_o this_o representation_n he_o be_v to_o direct_v seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n he_o set_v out_o himself_o by_o some_o excellent_a property_n to_o ground_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n and_o move_v they_o to_o reverence_n receive_v and_o give_v obedience_n to_o what_o he_o writ_n unto_o they_o 3._o look_v through_o all_o this_o vision_n it_o can_v be_v apply_v literal_o the_o seven_o church_n can_v be_v seven_o candlestick_n the_o seven_o minister_n can_v be_v seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v to_o evidence_n the_o excellent_a qualification_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n under_o these_o representation_n and_o therefore_o what_o some_o will_v draw_v from_o this_o or_o other_o representation_n of_o this_o kind_n concern_v christ_n body_n on_o earth_n or_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o his_o humanity_n or_o bodily_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n or_o for_o portract_v of_o his_o body_n as_o winckelmannus_n and_o other_o lutheran_n allege_v have_v no_o ground_n from_o this_o place_n but_o rather_o the_o just_a contrary_n if_o christ_n appear_v after_o his_o ascension_n no_o other_o way_n than_o he_o do_v before_o his_o incarnation_n he_o will_v take_v away_o all_o carnal_a thought_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n on_o earth_n 4._o it_o be_v say_v one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o this_o hold_v out_o he_o be_v not_o indeed_o man_n in_o this_o vision_n but_o appear_v to_o john_n as_o he_o do_v to_o daniel_n some_o way_n represent_v himself_o so_o but_o 5._o the_o application_n and_o exposition_n of_o many_o of_o these_o expression_n chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o hold_v forth_o his_o eye_n to_o signify_v his_o omniscience_n and_o the_o like_a will_v show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o but_o come_v to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o description_n more_o particular_o wherein_o as_o we_o say_v 1._o we_o have_v his_o office_n and_o authority_n 2._o his_o qualification_n for_o execute_v these_o office_n 3._o his_o care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o his_o actual_a execute_n of_o his_o office_n and_o exercise_v of_o his_o qualification_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o his_o minister_n first_o his_o office_n and_o authority_n be_v represent_v his_o kingly_a and_o princely_a office_n under_o his_o garment_n his_o prophetical_a office_n by_o the_o sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n long_o garment_n be_v especial_o use_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n king_n and_o priest_n exod._n 28.29_o aaron_n the_o high_a priest_n and_o his_o son_n have_v holy_a garment_n appoint_v they_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v to_o have_v a_o long_a robe_n curious_o sew_v and_o embroider_v so_o also_o long_a garment_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n of_o authority_n and_o reverence_n and_o christ_n cast_v that_o up_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n mat._n 23.5_o mark_v 12.38_o and_o christ_n be_v clothe_v with_o a_o purple_a robe_n which_o be_v a_o special_a robe_n design_v great_a man_n from_o other_o though_o they_o do_v it_o in_o derision_n to_o he_o he_o be_v gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n a_o girdle_n have_v two_o use_n 1._o it_o be_v use_v for_o neat_v the_o long_a robe_n for_o bind_v it_o up_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v cumbersome_a to_o man_n in_o their_o employment_n luk._n 17.8_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o 2._o a_o golden_a girdle_n signify_v authority_n and_o eminence_n so_o the_o girdle_n of_o king_n signify_v isa._n 22.21_o when_o eliakim_n be_v constitute_v a_o ruler_n it_o be_v say_v i_o will_v clothe_v he_o with_o thy_o robe_n and_o strengthen_v he_o with_o thy_o girdle_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o be_v expound_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o will_v commit_v the_o government_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n and_o i_o will_v lay_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n he_o shall_v open_v and_o none_o shall_v shut_v etc._n etc._n this_o girdle_n of_o christ_n be_v speak_v of_o isa._n 11.5_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v the_o girdle_n of_o his_o loin_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o girdle_n of_o his_o reins_o the_o expression_n hold_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o 1._o the_o authority_n and_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o
excessive_a fear_n prevail_v therefore_o it_o be_v often_o say_v fear_v not_o it_o be_v i_o be_v not_o afraid_a and_o through_o the_o follow_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n he_o ever_o tell_v what_o he_o be_v with_o some_o property_n obs._n 3_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o absolute_a guide_n and_o administration_n of_o what_o concern_v his_o people_n yea_o have_v their_o great_a enemy_n at_o his_o command_n he_o let_v into_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o keep_v out_o who_o he_o please_v he_o give_v order_n in_o all_o obs._n 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a consolation_n to_o god_n people_n in_o time_n of_o their_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n than_o to_o know_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v the_o key_n of_o both_o and_o all_o in_o both_o that_o devil_n will_v not_o win_v out_o of_o the_o pit_n till_o he_o open_v the_o door_n nor_o lengthen_v their_o chain_n one_o link_n but_o as_o he_o let_v it_o out_o rev._n 20.4.14_o 5._o lay_v all_o these_o together_o what_o need_v john_n fear_v if_o evil_a spirit_n act_v by_o christ_n order_n and_o the_o most_o wicked_a in_o hell_n or_o earth_n can_v exceed_v their_o order_n what_o need_v there_o be_v fear_n see_v christ_n keep_v the_o key_n of_o the_o devil_n house_n and_o have_v order_n give_v and_o employment_n carve_v out_o to_o they_o as_o acurate_o as_o he_o have_v to_o man_n on_o earth_n good_a or_o bad_a for_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v his_o servant_n and_o go_v not_o their_o own_o errand_n but_o he_o and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o exceed_v their_o commission_n yea_o they_o must_v not_o nor_o can_v what_o ever_o malice_n they_o have_v in_o prosecute_a his_o order_n what_o ground_n then_o of_o fear_n be_v there_o and_o so_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o comfort_v we_o against_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o outward_a and_o inward_a condition_n there_o be_v nothing_o come_v in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n but_o as_o he_o order_v it_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o son_n it_o be_v good_a if_o our_o meeting_n together_o have_v this_o fruit_n to_o get_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n seal_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n if_o folk_n will_v choose_v a_o good_a friend_n patron_n or_o master_n he_o be_v the_o party_n stick_v to_o he_o and_o fear_v nothing_o vers._n 19_o follow_v the_o three_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v some_o circumstance_n that_o make_v way_n for_o johns_n write_v what_o he_o see_v or_o our_o lord_n repeat_v and_o enlarge_n of_o johns_n commission_n this_o commission_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v to_o tell_v 1._o how_o punctual_a he_o will_v have_v john_n in_o keep_v himself_o by_o his_o commission_n neither_o alter_v nor_o diminish_v it_o nor_o do_v any_o thing_n less_o or_o more_o but_o what_o he_o have_v commission_n for_o 2._o to_o show_v on_o what_o ground_n this_o word_n depend_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v authentic_a because_o john_n write_v it_o simple_o or_o because_o the_o church_n account_v it_o so_o but_o because_o john_n at_o christ_n command_n write_v it_o christ_n will_v have_v the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n discernible_a and_o out_o of_o question_n especial_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n we_o will_v not_o find_v the_o warrant_n of_o any_o so_o often_o repeat_v as_o the_o warrant_n to_o write_v this_o 4._o it_o may_v be_v for_o this_o reason_n johns_n former_a faint_a and_o fag_v may_v have_v make_v he_o forget_v his_o errand_n therefore_o he_o will_v repeat_v it_o to_o he_o to_o tell_v that_o discourage_a and_o faint_v must_v not_o mar_v folk_n in_o their_o duty_n but_o they_o will_v always_o labour_v so_o to_o compose_v their_o spirit_n as_o the_o duty_n they_o be_v call_v to_o may_v not_o be_v neglect_v and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v surprise_v with_o fear_n and_o faint_a yet_o they_o will_v up_o and_o fall_v to_o work_v again_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o repetition_n more_o full_o afterward_o that_o which_o he_o command_v he_o to_o write_v do_v more_o accurate_o and_o distinct_o divide_v this_o book_n nor_o he_o do_v former_o vers_fw-la 11._o so_o that_o these_o word_n be_v the_o compendious_a division_n of_o the_o book_n and_o prophecy_n that_o follow_v and_o we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o division_n of_o it_o in_o three_o sort_n of_o thing_n 1._o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v 2._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v 3._o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o or_o otherwise_o the_o first_o branch_n comprehend_v the_o second_o also_o and_o so_o it_o be_v divide_v in_o two_o 1._o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o in_o thy_o time_n have_v happen_v or_o fall_v forth_o since_o the_o gospel_n begin_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o rise_n and_o victory_n to_o this_o time_n and_o we_o expone_fw-la it_o thus_o and_o do_v not_o refer_v it_o only_o to_o the_o particular_a vision_n speak_v of_o before_o for_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v hold_v forth_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o book_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o and_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o they_o must_v therefore_o be_v of_o one_o sort_n and_o so_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v relate_v to_o the_o time_n past_a the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o the_o time_n present_a as_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o to_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 2._o because_o compare_v these_o word_n with_o vers_fw-la 11._o we_o will_v find_v a_o clear_a difference_n for_o in_o vers_n 11._o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n what_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o look_v to_o the_o particular_a vision_n speak_v of_o there_o or_o to_o the_o follow_a vision_n look_v on_o the_o revelation_n as_o one_o vision_n with_o so_o many_o part_n but_o here_o it_o be_v write_v the_o thing_n in_o the_o plural_a and_o which_o thou_o have_v see_v in_o the_o preterite_n time_n that_o be_v write_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v past_a to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o thing_n present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o so_o we_o expound_v these_o thing_n of_o the_o thing_n past_a from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o this_o time_n according_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o prophecy_n 2._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o be_v the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o two_o follow_a chapter_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o time_n 3._o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o or_o which_o must_v be_v hereafter_o point_n at_o the_o story_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o johns_n time_n to_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n for_o from_o the_o rise_n and_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n here_o it_o end_v not_o till_o it_o bring_v the_o church_n militant_a to_o glory_n and_o put_v the_o wicked_a in_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n chap._n 20._o and_o 22._o i_o mark_v it_o because_o it_o serve_v to_o be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o story_n and_o this_o division_n show_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n thing_n that_o be_v before_o christ_n time_n as_o some_o needless_o draw_v it_o to_o the_o four_o monarchy_n 2._o that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n relate_v not_o to_o a_o generation_n or_o two_o only_a but_o to_o thing_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o though_o some_o little_a thing_n before_o christ_n time_n be_v hint_v at_o in_o this_o book_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o as_o principal_a prophecy_n but_o as_o useful_a to_o expound_v these_o principal_a prophecy_n as_o when_o rome_n be_v speak_v of_o chap._n 17._o and_o its_o bypast_a government_n under_o the_o name_n of_o babylon_n it_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o whore_n which_o john_n see_v again_o two_o thing_n further_o be_v observable_a here_o 1._o our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o care_n and_o respect_n to_o his_o church_n that_o will_v acquaint_v she_o with_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v for_o their_o comfort_n and_o edification_n so_o well_o will_v he_o have_v they_o provide_v with_o lesson_n and_o guard_v against_o all_o time_n and_o what_o ever_o difficulty_n may_v come_v 2._o be_v now_o to_o enter_v to_o the_o story_n which_o he_o be_v to_o write_v he_o divide_v it_o ere_o he_o begin_v both_o to_o make_v
way_n for_o clearness_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o for_o distinctnesse_n in_o the_o uptake_n of_o it_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o intelligible_a to_o they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v read_v it_o he_o draw_v it_o all_o up_o to_o three_o head_n and_o there_o be_v a_o profitable_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o for_o man_n in_o speak_v and_o write_v to_o be_v methodical_a and_o orderly_a our_o lord_n way_n of_o writing_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o confusion_n nor_o enemy_n to_o order_n if_o so_o be_v order_n be_v make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o curiosity_n such_o be_v christ_n order_n here_o and_o to_o that_o scope_n do_v that_o recapitulation_n serve_v heb._n 6.1_o and_o 8.1_o and_o so_o be_v the_o write_n of_o paul_n often_o most_o exact_a in_o this_o vers._n 20._o this_o verse_n contain_v a_o explication_n of_o the_o mystery_n speak_v of_o before_o in_o the_o vision_n which_o john_n see_v at_o least_o of_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o be_v useful_a and_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v as_o usual_o he_o leave_v always_o somewhat_o at_o the_o back_n of_o the_o vision_n to_o be_v a_o key_n to_o open_v the_o rest_n so_o this_o serve_v to_o open_v somewhat_o that_o be_v past_a something_o that_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n and_o several_a time_n hereafter_o there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v supply_v here_o while_o he_o say_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v that_o be_v i_o will_v show_v thou_o or_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n as_o he_o say_v revel_v 17._o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v i_o will_v let_v thou_o know_v what_o it_o mean_v jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n condescend_v to_o open_v up_o so_o much_o of_o the_o mystery_n as_o be_v useful_a and_o needful_a 1._o he_o expound_v the_o star_n and_o then_o 2._o the_o candlestick_n 1._o he_o expound_v the_o star_n the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o star_n signify_v mean_v and_o represent_v the_o angel_n or_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n ordinary_a to_o call_v minister_n angel_n mal._n 2.7_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v for_o he_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n so_o judge_n 2.1_o it_o be_v say_v a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v up_o from_o gilgal_n to_o bochim_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v a_o messenger_n come_v up_o one_o particular_o send_v for_o that_o earand_n minister_n be_v call_v angel_n 1._o for_o god_n special_a employ_v they_o about_o his_o holy_a thing_n beyond_o other_o 2._o because_o of_o that_o their_o sanctify_a station_n to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o conversation_n angelical_a 3._o to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o angel_n by_o other_o that_o be_v the_o dignity_n due_a to_o they_o by_o angel_n here_o be_v not_o mean_v some_o more_o eminent_a nor_o another_o in_o these_o church_n such_o as_o the_o lord_n bishop_n but_o by_o angel_n we_o understand_v all_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n that_o be_v over_o these_o church_n 1._o because_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o indefinite_o whether_o they_o be_v more_o or_o few_o and_o he_o faith_n not_o they_o be_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n as_o it_o say_v the_o seven_o candlestick_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n but_o suppose_v that_o the_o number_n be_v not_o so_o exact_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o if_o the_o number_n of_o minister_n be_v definite_a as_o of_o the_o church_n why_o shall_v the_o manner_n of_o speech_n be_v different_a nor_o say_v it_o the_o eminent_a angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o indefinite_o they_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n as_o philip._n 1._o he_o write_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n suppose_v a_o plurality_n of_o such_o in_o one_o town_n less_o than_o ephesus_n or_o other_o mention_v here_o therefore_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expound_v of_o one_o man_n as_o if_o some_o one_o man_n in_o each_o of_o these_o church_n have_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n because_o our_o lord_n write_v to_o some_o of_o these_o church_n and_o direct_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o more_o as_o when_o he_o write_v to_o smyrna_n chapter_n 2._o vers_fw-la 10._o he_o say_v fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v behold_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v try_v which_o must_v relate_v primary_o to_o the_o minister_n in_o smyrna_n and_o suppose_v more_o minister_n than_o one_o and_o that_o in_o direct_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o such_o a_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o whole_a collective_a body_n of_o minister_n and_o church-officer_n that_o afterward_o he_o distribute_v in_o more_o individual_a person_n see_v the_o note_n there_o and_o on_o chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 24._o where_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n be_v distribute_v in_o three_o 1._o in_o these_o who_o be_v pollute_v member_n thereof_o 2._o in_o these_o who_o be_v free_a of_o these_o pollution_n call_v the_o rest_n 3._o in_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v style_v you_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d as_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o two_o yet_o all_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 3._o what_o be_v then_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n 20.17_o with_o 28._o where_o paul_n have_v the_o same_o business_n to_o do_v on_o the_o matter_n in_o recommend_v the_o care_n of_o that_o church_n to_o some_o for_o prevent_v ill_n which_o he_o foresee_v to_o be_v come_v he_o call_v not_o one_o but_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o give_v not_o to_o one_o the_o charge_n or_o name_n of_o bishop_n but_o to_o all_o of_o they_o he_o commit_v it_o therefore_o see_v paul_n comprehend_v all_o in_o his_o sermon_n under_o that_o name_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d vers_fw-la 28._o and_o will_v by_o writ_n as_o well_o as_o word_n do_v it_o we_o must_v so_o expound_v john_n to_o do_v also_o though_o he_o write_v in_o a_o more_o obscure_a stile_n as_o best_o agree_v with_o this_o prophecy_n for_o this_o argument_n be_v sure_a these_o that_o john_n write_v to_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o of_o other_o church_n be_v these_o who_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o and_o authority_n over_o these_o church_n but_o these_o be_v clear_a to_o be_v many_o elder_n or_o bishop_n act_v 20._o etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n therefore_o take_v we_o the_o stile_n angel_n to_o be_v collective_a i.e._n to_o the_o angel_n see_v the_o stile_n as_o also_o the_o matter_n agree_v to_o all_o or_o minister_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o suppose_v one_o be_v write_v to_o a_o city_n govern_v by_o a_o number_n of_o magistrate_n in_o a_o aristocratick_a government_n may_v it_o not_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o magistrate_n of_o such_o a_o city_n and_o yet_o no_o particular_a person_n be_v point_v at_o but_o the_o whole_a be_v collective_o understand_v and_o so_o we_o conceive_v it_o here_o even_o as_o by_o one_o beast_n chap._n 13._o etc._n etc._n or_o head_n chap._n 17._o he_o do_v express_v a_o civil_a government_n to_o wit_n of_o rome_n before_o it_o be_v monarchick_a so_o may_v he_o be_v understand_v to_o do_v by_o the_o figurative_a title_n angel_n here_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n consider_v with_o all_o that_o the_o thing_n charge_v on_o this_o angel_n or_o require_v of_o he_o be_v such_o as_o agree_v not_o to_o one_o but_o to_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o church-officer_n together_o beside_o more_o minister_n there_o be_v than_o one_o in_o those_o church_n that_o be_v certain_a either_o then_o they_o must_v be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o title_n of_o angel_n or_o else_o take_v in_o as_o contradistinguish_v from_o they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o will_v be_v find_v absurd_a that_o the_o church_n and_o her_o guide_n shall_v be_v some_o way_n contradistinguish_v and_o yet_o minister_n not_o to_o fall_v under_o that_o distinction_n for_o star_n they_o must_v be_v that_o be_v angel_n or_o candlestick_n that_o be_v among_o the_o
to_o our_o spiritual_a edification_n it_o be_v of_o no_o less_o concernment_n than_o the_o other_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v observe_v in_o writing_n reading_z and_o hear_v respective_o as_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o case_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v preserve_v from_o many_o error_n and_o offence_n which_o by_o this_o liberty_n be_v occasion_v and_o many_o person_n save_v from_o much_o hurtful_a and_o unprofitable_a labour_n both_o in_o writing_n and_o read_v lecture_n 1._o chap._n ii_o vers._n 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_z these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v follow_v now_o the_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n wherein_o our_o lord_n make_v they_o know_v how_o privy_a he_o be_v to_o their_o action_n ill_a or_o good_a commend_v the_o one_o and_o reprove_v the_o other_o with_o some_o promise_n and_o threaten_n intermix_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o these_o epistle_n some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o as_o they_o be_v commend_v only_o as_o philadelphia_n and_o smyrna_n or_o discommend_v only_o as_o laodicea_n or_o somewhat_o of_o both_o as_o the_o other_o four_o 1._o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o to_o have_v their_o epistle_n agree_v in_o the_o form_n though_o different_a in_o the_o matter_n as_o 1._o to_o be_v divide_v in_o a_o inscription_n comprehend_v the_o party_n to_o who_o and_o from_o who_o 2._o a_o narration_n or_o body_n comprehend_v the_o particular_a message_n christ_n send_v to_o they_o 3._o a_o conclusion_n comprehend_v some_o promise_n to_o the_o overcomer_n and_o a_o advertisement_n to_o all_o hearer_n to_o profit_n 2._o all_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n themselves_o immediate_o though_o the_o first_o direction_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11._o be_v to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o every_o epistle_n it_o be_v say_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o the_o church_n and_o angel_n or_o church-guides_a be_v so_o indifferent_o and_o promiscuous_o name_v answ._n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o church_n and_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o officer_n be_v so_o exceed_v near_o of_o kin_n each_o to_o other_o and_o in_o their_o interest_n so_o interweave_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n to_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o write_v unto_o her_o officer_n be_v one_o as_o to_o tell_v unto_o the_o church_n mat._n 18._o and_o to_o tell_v unto_o the_o church-officer_n be_v one_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n be_v virtual_o comprehend_v to_o speak_v so_o under_o her_o officer_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o special_a member_n but_o also_o the_o representer_n of_o that_o body_n and_o and_o as_o one_o write_v to_o a_o incorporation_n or_o burgh_n and_o direct_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o magistrate_n thereof_o may_v be_v say_v to_o write_v unto_o the_o burgh_n even_o so_o it_o be_v here_o for_o though_o minister_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o represent_v the_o church_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o ambassador_n they_o be_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o unite_a way_n of_o act_v together_o and_o their_o sympathize_v with_o all_o the_o member_n and_o their_o joint_a interest_n in_o all_o the_o affair_n belong_v to_o the_o member_n and_o the_o reciprocal_a share_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o member_n of_o all_o good_a or_o evil_a temperature_n they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o church_n who_o servant_n they_o be_v for_o christ_n sake_n even_o as_o the_o magistrate_n act_v in_o his_o duty_n represent_v god_n yet_o in_o some_o sense_n also_o may_v be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o people_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v ordinary_o a_o great_a suitableness_n and_o likeness_n between_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v minister_n he_o lukewarm_a and_o they_o be_v lukewarm_a he_o lively_o and_o ready_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o as_o we_o will_v see_v in_o all_o the_o seven_o epistle_n follow_v and_o therefore_o the_o writing_n unto_o and_o describe_v of_o one_o do_v by_o consequence_n include_v both_o especial_o consider_v that_o whether_o the_o church_n estate_n be_v good_a or_o ill_o the_o minister_n have_v much_o influence_n on_o it_o and_o therefore_o both_o in_o reproof_n and_o commendation_n the_o first_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o he_o 4._o because_o the_o order_n christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n do_v so_o require_v he_o reveal_v not_o his_o mind_n immediate_o to_o the_o people_n but_o first_o to_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o our_o lord_n way_n be_v orderly_o so_o as_o may_v prevent_v confusion_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v do_v not_o by_o put_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o people_n but_o by_o put_v his_o minister_n to_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o station_n and_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v peculiarly_a to_o minister_n to_o be_v amend_v in_o the_o epistle_n therefore_o do_v he_o particular_o direct_v it_o to_o they_o 3._o all_o the_o title_n give_v to_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v out_o of_o the_o vision_n chap._n 1._o only_a they_o be_v choose_v and_o pitch_v on_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o scope_n of_o every_o epistle_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o case_n or_o according_o to_o threaten_v or_o promise_v the_o title_n be_v wail_v which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o end_n as_o here_o christ_n presence_n care_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n be_v lay_v down_o when_o he_o be_v to_o discover_v a_o secret_a fault_n in_o they_o and_o to_o threaten_v the_o un-churching_a of_o they_o for_o it_o there_o be_v ordinary_o in_o every_o epistle_n two_o title_n one_o respect_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n write_v unto_o the_o other_o the_o promise_n or_o threaten_v which_o be_v annex_v and_o therefore_o be_v they_o upon_o the_o matter_n often_o in_o plain_a term_n resume_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o epistle_n which_o may_v give_v some_o insight_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o 4._o it_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o to_o begin_v with_o this_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o so_o there_o may_v not_o only_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o christ_n godhead_n but_o also_o to_o remove_v all_o exception_n which_o may_v be_v make_v against_o his_o testimony_n we_o take_v it_o to_o look_v ordinary_o not_o so_o much_o to_o his_o approbation_n as_o to_o his_o omniscience_n simple_o because_o it_o be_v indifferent_o make_v the_o ground_n of_o reproof_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o commendation_n and_o therefore_o be_v use_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o laodicea_n where_o no_o commendation_n be_v give_v for_o more_o particular_a use-making_a of_o these_o epistle_n consider_v 1._o the_o immediate_a scope_n of_o they_o which_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o seven_o church_n according_a to_o their_o several_a condition_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v right_a and_o to_o amend_v what_o be_v wrong_v have_v in_o they_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o then_o estate_n of_o those_o church_n and_o some_o warning_n suitable_a to_o that_o end_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o prophetical_a way_n primary_o to_o represent_v particular_a church_n in_o age_n follow_v yet_o 2._o be_v they_o useful_a in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o other_o church_n be_v doctrinal_o apply_v to_o their_o case_n as_o the_o lord_n apply_v the_o word_n of_o isaiah_n 29.13_o matth._n 15.7_o hypocrite_n well_o do_v isaiah_n prophesy_v of_o you_o etc._n etc._n while_o as_o isaia_n word_n do_v principal_o respect_v the_o people_n in_o his_o own_o time_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o hypocrite_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v intentional_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o may_v it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o like_a case_n yea_o to_o particular_a person_n according_a to_o the_o common_a close_a he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o useful_a in_o application_n than_o other_o
persevere_v so_o then_o their_o labour_n as_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o points_z at_o their_o painfulness_n and_o here_o it_o respect_v their_o singleness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o self-seeking_a but_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v constant_a and_o continue_a they_o be_v carry_v on_o without_o interruption_n in_o prosecute_a their_o zealous_a intention_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v here_o how_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n or_o do_v count_v themselves_o not_o subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o these_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostle_n behove_v to_o do_v can_v be_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o by_o church_n trial_n and_o censure_n especial_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n answ._n 1._o there_o be_v no_o apostle_n nor_o angel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v altogether_o above_o trial_n they_o be_v as_o such_o above_o err_v in_o doctrine_n yet_o may_v and_o shall_v their_o doctrine_n be_v try_v according_a to_o the_o word_n act._n 17.11_o gal._n 1.8_o because_o even_o apostle_n be_v but_o ambassador_n and_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n but_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o etc._n etc._n second_o apostle_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o a_o constitute_v church_n oftentimes_o use_v not_o their_o extraordinary_a authority_n as_o act_v by_o themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o infallibility_n but_o joint_o with_o other_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n clear_v and_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o god_n call_v warrant_v they_o in_o that_o particular_a as_o appear_v by_o peter_n apology_n act._n 11._o and_o paul_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o proceed_n act._n 15._o in_o which_o two_o respect_n it_o be_v suitable_a for_o believer_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o three_o we_o say_v that_o no_o presumptuous_a title_n assume_v by_o one_o self_n nor_o any_o irregular_a walk_n as_o belong_v to_o no_o church_n or_o not_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v exempt_v any_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o trial_n and_o if_o need_v require_v from_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n where_o such_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v reside_v which_o we_o shall_v confirm_v from_o these_o reason_n 1._o not_o from_o trial_n because_o in_o so_o far_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o their_o membership_n and_o their_o office_n behove_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n be_v subject_a to_o trial_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o as_o be_v say_v yea_o 2._o neither_o from_o censure_n suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v err_v and_o they_o actual_o to_o have_v err_v as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o paul_n supposition_n gal._n 1.8_o if_o i_o preach_v another_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o by_o paul_n open_a rebuke_v of_o peter_n when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v gal._n 2.14_o 3._o this_o same_o practice_n may_v confirm_v it_o the_o church_n ruler_n of_o ephesus_n be_v not_o scare_v by_o that_o title_n nor_o yet_o by_o their_o not_o have_v membership_n among_o they_o as_o it_o seem_v such_o can_v not_o have_v be_v ready_o stranger_n and_o thereby_o have_v the_o great_a access_n to_o give_v out_o themselves_o for_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o go_v on_o to_o try_v and_o censure_n which_o be_v particular_o commend_v in_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n 4._o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v from_o that_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church-officer_n for_o edification_n and_o for_o preserve_v the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o from_o infection_n which_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v defective_a if_o man_n have_v liberty_n under_o the_o former_a pretext_n to_o vent_v error_n and_o commit_v scandalous_a practice_n for_o the_o ensnare_a of_o other_o in_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o member_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o simple_o such_o person_n be_v not_o under_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o such_o a_o church_n yet_o eatenus_fw-la and_o in_o that_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o that_o church_n to_o have_v these_o person_n try_v and_o censure_v they_o do_v fall_v under_o their_o authority_n and_o warrantable_o it_o be_v put_v forth_o for_o put_v some_o note_n on_o they_o for_o the_o prevent_n and_o remove_v of_o offence_n from_o the_o people_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a by_o which_o any_o member_n thereof_o if_o no_o particular_a thing_n impede_fw-la may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n by_o communion_n in_o public_a ordinance_n of_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o whatsoever_o church_n though_o he_o be_v no_o particular_a member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o shall_v fall_v to_o be_v see_v that_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o be_v in_o themselves_o reciprocal_a and_o though_o some_o profane_a wretch_n renounce_v his_o own_o privilege_n yet_o that_o make_v not_o the_o church_n to_o loss_n she_o but_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o long_o be_v he_o under_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o particular_a congregation_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v from_o the_o absurdity_n that_o otherwise_o will_v follow_v as_o 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o scandalous_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n who_o can_v not_o be_v reach_v by_o church-censure_n 2._o one_o christian_n may_v offend_v and_o stumble_v another_o and_o tell_v to_o the_o church_n will_v be_v no_o remedy_n to_o it_o mat._n 18._o if_o no_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n over_o such_o a_o one_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n scope_n 3._o a_o door_n will_v be_v open_v to_o a_o loose_a liberty_n within_o christ_n house_n for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n man_n can_v neither_o be_v censure_v nor_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a way_n be_v compel_v to_o take_v on_o church-membership_a or_o live_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n by_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o christian_n sick_a and_o need_v this_o cure_n of_o discipline_n to_o who_o it_o can_v not_o be_v apply_v by_o this_o the_o ordinance_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n all_o which_o be_v absurd_a observe_v 1._o christ_n will_v have_v we_o always_o walk_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o omniscience_n which_o make_v he_o begin_v all_o these_o epistle_n with_o this_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n a_o profitable_a but_o a_o difficult_a truth_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n 2._o christ_n be_v a_o unprejudged_a witness_n and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v so_o by_o his_o church_n he_o bear_v testimony_n unto_o they_o as_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o good_a as_o well_o as_o their_o evil_n 3._o such_o as_o christ_n never_o call_v may_v take_v on_o they_o high_o title_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v confident_o to_o a_o most_o immediate_a call_n carry_v fair_a and_o gain_v respect_n and_o have_v some_o gift_n for_o that_o end_n as_o it_o seem_v these_o have_v who_o call_v themselves_o apostles_n 4._o that_o diligence_n in_o duty_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o often_o go_v together_o to_o do_v and_o to_o bear_v be_v often_o join_v two_o thing_n that_o in_o our_o resolution_n and_o practice_n we_o will_v not_o sunder_v and_o if_o it_o be_v believe_v we_o will_v not_o scare_v at_o the_o very_a shadow_n of_o suffer_v in_o or_o follow_v upon_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o do_v 5._o patience_n in_o suffering_n and_o impatience_n against_o corruption_n and_o corrupt_a man_n can_v well_o stand_v together_o this_o people_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v and_o suffer_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o their_o patient_a suffering_n or_o bear_v in_o the_o one_o word_n relate_v to_o their_o endure_v of_o cross_n and_o their_o not_o bear_v or_o suffer_v in_o the_o other_o word_n relate_v to_o corrupt_v man_n and_o their_o zeal_n against_o they_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o knit_v these_o two_o together_o not_o to_o let_v our_o zeal_n wear_v away_o our_o patience_n nor_o our_o patience_n prejudge_v our_o zeal_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o zeal_n that_o put_v folk_n always_o to_o do_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v shun_v suffer_v that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o there_o
this_o trial_n must_v be_v a_o main_a furtherance_n to_o godliness_n and_o come_v near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n 9_o not_o only_o be_v there_o a_o obstruction_n to_o godliness_n by_o such_o but_o they_o have_v a_o main_a influence_n upon_o the_o advance_n of_o profanity_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o if_o profess_o they_o have_v confederated_a with_o he_o against_o christ._n hence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o from_o they_o do_v profanity_n go_v out_o to_o the_o whole_a land_n jer._n 23._o and_o they_o be_v call_v minister_n of_o satan_n 2_o cor._n 11._o as_o ambassador_n employ_v by_o he_o in_o his_o service_n and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o not_o only_o be_v scandalous_a practice_n commit_v but_o avow_v as_o it_o be_v in_o contempt_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o faithful_a minister_n who_o serious_o study_v the_o promove_v of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o often_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o state_v enimity_n against_o faithfulness_n and_o faithful_a man_n not_o only_o among_o such_o minister_n themselves_o but_o in_o their_o congregation_n and_o follower_n which_o show_v the_o prejudice_n that_o come_v by_o they_o and_o so_o the_o necessity_n of_o remove_v they_o it_o may_v now_o look_v like_o cruelty_n it_o may_v be_v rigid_o to_o pursue_v such_o and_o like_o pity_n to_o spare_v they_o which_o may_v much_o be_v applaud_v unto_o by_o many_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v consider_v what_o hazard_n may_v come_v to_o immortal_a soul_n in_o a_o short_a time_n by_o the_o want_n of_o a_o powerful_a ministry_n much_o more_o by_o the_o have_v of_o corrupt_a man_n either_o in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n in_o that_o station_n and_o what_o thought_n soul_n will_v have_v of_o that_o cruel_a pity_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o be_v persuade_v horror_n will_v affect_v the_o heart_n of_o these_o who_o be_v concern_v consider_v how_o many_o be_v palpable_o in_o hazard_n through_o defect_n in_o this_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o christ_n ordain_v of_o a_o ministry_n be_v only_o to_o have_v man_n bear_v such_o a_o name_n and_o not_o to_o have_v such_o as_o effectual_o and_o serious_o will_v promove_v his_o design_n and_o can_v that_o be_v expect_v whilst_o man_n unfit_a for_o it_o or_o unworthy_a of_o that_o call_n possess_v the_o room_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o deplorable_a condition_n to_o have_v congregation_n desolate_a without_o the_o ordinance_n and_o live_v like_o heathen_n or_o as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n or_o blind_a man_n without_o a_o guide_n be_v it_o any_o less_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o lamentable_a to_o have_v such_o as_o rather_o mar_v than_o further_a the_o main_a design_n which_o breed_v confidence_n and_o security_n in_o some_o natural_a man_n occasion_v profanity_n and_o looseness_n in_o other_o and_o almost_o serve_v to_o no_o end_n but_o to_o keep_v such_o a_o congregation_n from_o one_o that_o may_v guide_v they_o and_o they_o from_o know_v their_o want_n or_o hazard_v and_o in_o sum_n to_o obstruct_v and_o put_v in_o a_o nonentry_n their_o edification_n more_o than_o if_o none_o be_v there_o at_o all_o for_o christ_n way_n appoint_v for_o edify_v of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o only_o to_o have_v the_o form_n of_o ordinance_n by_o man_n supply_v these_o place_n but_o to_o have_v such_o as_o may_v by_o his_o approbation_n follow_v his_o way_n of_o attain_v his_o end_n we_o conceive_v that_o the_o regulate_v of_o the_o entry_n of_o church-officer_n so_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v thereby_o approven_v may_v be_v admit_v and_o of_o the_o trial_n of_o these_o who_o be_v in_o that_o such_o who_o carry_v themselves_o unworthy_o may_v be_v remove_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a end_n why_o church-authority_n be_v give_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o body_n as_o the_o special_a direction_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o do_v regulate_v church-officer_n especial_o in_o the_o admission_n and_o accusation_n of_o elder_n do_v demonstrate_v and_o if_o this_o main_a point_n be_v neglect_v by_o church-officer_n it_o may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o weaken_v if_o not_o to_o break_v that_o authority_n to_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o and_o it_o in_o their_o hand_n just_o to_o become_v despiseable_a which_o nothing_o further_v more_o than_o the_o admit_v and_o permit_v of_o corrupt_a and_o unmeet_a officer_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o people_n delight_n to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o fret_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v amend_v it_o much_o more_o if_o they_o affect_v the_o continuance_n thereof_o and_o concur_v to_o the_o support_v of_o such_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o a_o fill_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o by_o error_n confusion_n or_o some_o other_o way_n so_o bring_v it_o about_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n that_o either_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o face_n of_o ordinance_n at_o all_o or_o have_v the_o carcase_n of_o they_o as_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o curse_n unto_o they_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o content_v themselves_o to_o have_v the_o shape_n and_o form_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n only_o among_o they_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o appoint_v they_o that_o zealous_a and_o pungent_a discourse_n which_o mr._n baxter_n have_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o agreement_n be_v most_o weighty_a and_o convince_a and_o the_o matter_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v this_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v all_o which_o be_v still_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o legal_a trial_n as_o be_v follow_v on_o solid_a ground_n and_o in_o a_o orderly_a circumspect_a manner_n for_o such_o be_v this_o trial_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n by_o the_o angel_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o usual_o be_v cite_v by_o divine_n to_o confirm_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o censure_v her_o officer_n lecture_n ii_o vers._n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o impartial_o testify_v both_o of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a in_o his_o church_n we_o have_v hear_v his_o commendation_n show_v what_o be_v right_a he_o begin_v at_o that_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o testimony_n which_o be_v to_o discover_v what_o be_v wrong_a and_o it_o be_v set_v down_o vers_n 4.1_o more_o general_o by_o a_o transition_n from_o the_o commendation_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o that_o be_v though_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o thou_o be_v commendable_a in_o they_o and_o i_o commend_v thou_o for_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o nevertheless_o add_v that_o be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v something_n wrong_v which_o i_o also_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o will_v quarrel_v for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n right_a this_o show_v 1._o our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o impartiality_n in_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o good_a and_o ill_a and_o 2._o it_o show_v the_o extent_n of_o duty_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o universal_a respect_n to_o all_o his_o command_n and_o fail_v in_o something_n may_v be_v as_o a_o dead_a fly_n in_o a_o box_n of_o ointment_n to_o mar_v the_o savour_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v meet_a for_o believer_n to_o know_v their_o whole_a estate_n their_o ill_n as_o well_o as_o their_o good_a both_o be_v useful_a to_o they_o to_o be_v know_v and_o both_o be_v represent_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n unto_o they_o his_o commend_v of_o they_o alter_v not_o what_o be_v just_o reprovable_a his_o reproof_n prejudge_v they_o not_o in_o what_o be_v commendable_a this_o way_n believer_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o 4._o it_o show_v that_o even_o believer_n shall_v take_v a_o reproof_n as_o well_o as_o a_o commendation_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o mouth_n yea_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v right_a yet_o shall_v a_o reproof_n notwithstanding_o thereof_o be_v digest_v in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrong_v 2._o the_o particular_a reprove_v be_v set_v down_o thou_o have_v fall_v from_o thy_o first_o love_n 1._o by_o love_n here_o be_v not_o understand_v the_o object_n belove_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o widow_n 1_o tim._n 5.12_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o first_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o there_o be_v no_o public_a defection_n in_o
worship_n to_o god_n and_o in_o duty_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v now_o fall_v from_o as_o we_o hint_v at_o in_o the_o reproof_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_v set_v themselves_o to_o recover_v the_o same_o this_o be_v a_o native_a fruit_n and_o companion_n of_o repentance_n careful_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o evil_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n which_o they_o have_v be_v most_o touch_v with_o in_o the_o challenge_n these_o three_o go_v well_o together_o and_o notable_o prescribe_v the_o remedy_n of_o a_o soul_n backslide_v from_o liveliness_n to_o deadness_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o recovery_n of_o their_o former_a state_n which_o will_v not_o be_v attain_v by_o lazy_a prayer_n and_o faint_a complaint_n but_o by_o serious_a up-stirring_a and_o exercise_v of_o these_o three_o self-searching_a repentance_n and_o practice_n and_o that_o in_o the_o native_a order_n as_o they_o lie_v more_o particular_o from_o the_o several_a direction_n observe_v 1._o that_o as_o forgetfulness_n of_o our_o own_o condition_n and_o not_o reflect_v on_o ourselves_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o much_o decline_a and_o backslide_v in_o heart_n and_o of_o continue_v therein_o so_o upon_o the_o contrary_a self_n examination_n and_o remember_v of_o our_o own_o way_n and_o reflect_v on_o ourselves_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o prevent_v decay_n and_o to_o entertain_v a_o good_a frame_n as_o also_o to_o further_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o recover_v a_o frame_n when_o it_o be_v lose_v 2._o believer_n may_v fall_v into_o that_o neglect_n 3._o when_o believer_n become_v negligent_a they_o decline_v in_o part_n though_o not_o whole_o 4._o when_o believer_n fall_v they_o be_v to_o take_v the_o same_o way_n for_o their_o recovery_n 5._o believer_n may_v be_v under_o great_a decay_n and_o yet_o not_o take_v great_a notice_n of_o it_o nor_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v yes_o it_o imply_v further_o that_o where_o the_o decay_n be_v within_o and_o the_o carriage_n fair_a without_o as_o here_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v they_o convince_v of_o it_o from_o the_o second_o step_n of_o the_o direction_n repent_v etc._n etc._n obs._n 1_o that_o repentance_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_a even_o to_o believer_n 1_o joh._n 1.8_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v call_v for_o wherever_o there_o be_v sin_n even_o of_o ommission_n as_o here_o but_o 3._o especial_o where_o there_o be_v decline_v 4._o change_v of_o practice_n where_o there_o have_v be_v sin_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a if_o repentance_n for_o what_o be_v pass_v do_v not_o accompany_v it_o from_o the_o three_o step_n do_v the_o first_o work_n obs._n 1_o that_o believer_n first_o work_n be_v often_o more_o commendable_a than_o these_o which_o come_v after_o 2._o there_o may_v be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o same_o work_n on_o the_o matter_n even_o of_o the_o same_o person_n in_o christ_n account_n 3._o work_n and_o work_v lively_o go_v about_o be_v call_v for_o from_o believer_n christ_n jesus_n be_v no_o legal_a preacher_n yet_o do_v he_o require_v both_o repentance_n and_o work_n from_o these_o ephesian_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v the_o threaten_a or_o certification_n wherewith_o this_o direction_n be_v press_v which_o do_v the_o more_o confirm_v the_o former_a doctrine_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v in_o which_o word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o thing_n threaten_v 2._o the_o person_n threaten_v 3._o the_o certification_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v pronounce_v 4._o the_o person_n threaten_v and_o last_o the_o speediness_n or_o suddenness_n of_o his_o perform_v what_o he_o threaten_v the_o thing_n threaten_v be_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n by_o candlestick_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 20._o be_v understand_v the_o church_n therefore_o by_o the_o remove_n thereof_o must_v be_v understand_v the_o un-churching_a of_o they_o so_o that_o ephesus_n now_o a_o church_n and_o candlestick_n shall_v have_v that_o remove_v and_o not_o be_v continue_v a_o church_n this_o be_v in_o effect_n like_o that_o zach._n 11._o of_o the_o lord_n break_v the_o two_o slave_n and_o refuse_v to_o feed_v that_o people_n any_o more_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a though_o a_o just_a threaten_n which_o may_v put_v we_o to_o inquire_v wherefore_o the_o lord_n thus_o threaten_v this_o angel_n and_o church_n beside_o any_o other_o especial_o consider_v they_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a as_o be_v see_v in_o the_o commendation_n why_o then_o be_v she_o threaten_v and_o how_o usual_o the_o lord_n do_v execute_v this_o shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o when_o the_o word_n be_v open_v 2._o the_o person_n threaten_v be_v most_o especial_o and_o immediate_o the_o angel_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o use_v of_o the_o singular_a number_n thy_o candlestick_n and_o i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o with_o he_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o threaten_a respect_n most_o these_o who_o be_v real_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n because_o especial_o the_o charge_n of_o fall_v from_o the_o first_o love_n and_o direction_n of_o do_v the_o first_o work_n agree_v to_o they_o the_o threaten_v also_o of_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n will_v be_v most_o lay_v to_o heart_n by_o they_o thus_o christ_n usual_o threaten_v yea_o correct_v his_o own_o when_o he_o let_v other_o slip_n amos_n 3.2_o neither_o do_v he_o here_o so_o particular_o charge_v and_o threaten_v the_o heathen_n for_o refuse_v the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o the_o false_a apostle_n or_o nicolaitan_n for_o open_v abuse_v it_o as_o he_o do_v this_o zealous_a angel_n the_o reason_n be_v not_o because_o he_o love_v they_o less_o but_o because_o their_o sin_n come_v near_o his_o honour_n and_o he_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o because_o he_o mind_v their_o good_a he_o judge_v and_o chasten_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n 1_o corinth_n 11.32_o whereas_o he_o suspend_v his_o judge_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o bestow_v not_o a_o reproof_n upon_o they_o until_o judgement_n altogether_o surprise_v they_o 3._o the_o certification_n upon_o which_o this_o great_a judgement_n which_o be_v great_a than_o either_o sword_n famine_n or_o pestilence_n be_v threaten_v be_v except_o they_o repent_v by_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o itself_o and_o its_o acceptation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o merit_n in_o it_o to_o deserve_v or_o any_o move_a impulsive_a virtue_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v he_o to_o pity_v as_o humiliation_n use_v to_o persuade_v man_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o motive_n nor_o yet_o as_o if_o he_o have_v any_o delight_n in_o the_o sadn_v and_o exercise_v of_o his_o people_n but_o that_o he_o may_v show_v the_o peremptory_a connexion_n between_o repentance_n and_o pardon_n which_o in_o the_o order_n of_o salvation_n he_o have_v lay_v down_o thereby_o to_o make_v the_o sinner_n know_v something_o of_o the_o ill_a of_o sin_n and_o worth_a of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n ordinary_o begin_v with_o this_o by_o repentance_n here_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v strict_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v contradistinguish_v from_o faith_n much_o less_o any_o natural_a or_o worldly_a sorrow_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o hypocrite_n but_o we_o take_v it_o as_o it_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o conversion_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v math._n 4.17_o compare_v with_o mark_n 1.15_o because_o it_o be_v propose_v here_o as_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v wrath_n which_o be_v due_a for_o sin_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o faith_n the_o four_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o person_n threaten_v i_o will_v come_v i_o jesus_n christ_n who_o walk_v among_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n i_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n math._n 21.40_o 41._o this_o be_v mention_v first_o to_o let_v we_o see_v christ_n absoluteness_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o church_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o he_o please_v that_o minister_n and_o people_n may_v learn_v to_o hold_v their_o church-being_a of_o he_o second_o to_o hold_v forth_o christ_n peculiar_a authority_n in_o church_a and_o un-churching_a and_o that_o peculiarly_a this_o belong_v to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o enemy_n nor_o persecution_n etc._n etc._n can_v loose_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o be_v but_o christ_n jesus_n or_o they_o as_o order_v by_o he_o the_o five_o be_v i_o will_v come_v quick_o yea_o and_o unexpected_o as_o the_o word_n import_v this_o be_v add_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n threaten_n be_v in_o earnest_n and_o that_o hearer_n
they_o be_v faithful_a or_o defective_a in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o which_o do_v certain_o show_v not_o only_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n but_o also_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o faithful_o exercise_v as_o be_v a_o special_a mean_a and_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o edification_n thereof_o and_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o her_o officer_n to_o exerce_fw-la or_o forbear_v at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o be_v discharge_v as_o they_o will_v have_v christ_n commendation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o as_o they_o will_v eschew_v his_o sharp_a reproof_n on_o the_o other_o and_o as_o they_o will_v prevent_v the_o offence_n and_o destruction_n and_o promove_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n over_o who_o they_o watch_v as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o all_o age_n either_o seek_v to_o oppose_v or_o corrupt_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_a of_o the_o church_n edification_n he_o begin_v even_o under_o heathen_a emperor_n to_o traduce_v this_o government_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o civil_a authority_n and_o do_v provoke_v persecutor_n by_o nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v account_v a_o king_n by_o christian_n and_o that_o according_o they_o do_v keep_v distinct_a court_n under_o he_o which_o the_o politician_n of_o the_o world_n do_v account_v inconsistent_a with_o government_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o primitive_a time_n and_o the_o apology_n of_o christian_n particular_o of_o origen_n against_o celsus_n wherein_o he_o do_v particular_o and_o full_o insist_v upon_o this_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v vindicate_v his_o ordinance_n of_o government_n with_o all_o his_o other_o ordinance_n the_o devil_n set_v himself_o to_o corrupt_v the_o same_o and_o to_o pervert_v it_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o divert_v it_o in_o its_o exercise_n from_o the_o appoint_a end_n of_o edify_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o she_o and_o tyranny_n over_o she_o by_o the_o many_o debate_n concern_v precedency_n which_o he_o stir_v up_o after_o the_o church_n freedom_n from_o heathenish_a persecution_n till_o at_o last_o he_o bring_v antichrist_n to_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v either_o make_v the_o government_n hurtful_a or_o odious_a unto_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o other_o even_o as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o do_v endeavour_v the_o corrupt_v thereof_o by_o error_n when_o he_o can_v not_o altogether_o suppress_v the_o same_o again_o when_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o public_a at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o antichrist_n tyranny_n be_v by_o many_o casten_z off_z he_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o effectuate_v one_o of_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n that_o either_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v no_o distinct_a government_n at_o all_o or_o that_o at_o least_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o another_o form_n and_o of_o another_o nature_n than_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v such_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o government_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o even_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o not_o and_o although_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o do_v not_o profess_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o intend_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o have_v it_o with_o it_o no_o little_a advantage_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o prejudice_n to_o christ_n for_o 1._o by_o this_o mean_v satan_n obscure_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o draw_v man_n to_o undervalue_v the_o same_o as_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o refine_a piece_n of_o civil_a policy_n as_o but_o subservient_fw-fr to_o politic_a end_n and_o the_o uphold_v of_o temporal_a greatness_n of_o man_n in_o place_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o will_v find_v the_o most_o worldly-wise_a and_o politic_a man_n that_o be_v least_o zealous_a ordinary_o in_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o great_a favourer_n and_o abettor_n of_o this_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n see_v christ_n way_n of_o government_n even_o as_o his_o doctrine_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n it_o be_v observable_a also_o that_o where_o this_o opinion_n have_v place_n there_o be_v little_a account_n of_o any_o other_o ordinance_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v prostitute_v promiscuous_o to_o all_o the_o ministry_n be_v either_o account_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o minister_n make_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o arbitrary_o to_o be_v put_v out_o or_o in_o as_o they_o be_v please_v or_o displease_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v special_o intend_v to_o curb_v free_a faithful_a speak_n and_o to_o be_v a_o snare_n to_o make_v they_o flatter_v magistrate_n and_o power_n all_o which_o show_v the_o undervalue_a principle_n that_o this_o opinion_n do_v proceed_v from_o 2._o this_o opinion_n have_v ordinary_o with_o it_o more_o licentiousness_n and_o that_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n for_o necessary_o one_o of_o these_o two_o do_v follow_v either_o many_o error_n and_o scandal_n in_o practice_n be_v account_v light_a and_o not_o censurable_a at_o all_o or_o if_o that_o in_o way_n of_o reason_n be_v grant_v yet_o in_o practice_n it_o be_v never_o perform_v and_o can_v it_o ever_o be_v make_v out_o in_o any_o practice_n past_a or_o possible_o to_o come_v that_o offence_n in_o people_n or_o minister_n have_v be_v so_o exact_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o restrain_v or_o remove_v where_o church-government_n have_v be_v deny_v as_o where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o exercise_n 3._o although_o such_o magistrate_n may_v be_v find_v as_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n exact_o yet_o their_o meddle_v with_o it_o further_v not_o spiritual_a edification_n so_o as_o the_o way_n of_o church-government_n do_v for_o at_o best_o it_o will_v make_v man_n but_o civil_a and_o make_v religion_n look_v like_o the_o way_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o press_v the_o rectify_v of_o nature_n whereas_o a_o church_n reproof_n or_o censure_n have_v both_o more_o edification_n to_o other_o and_o more_o convince_a shame_n to_o the_o party_n themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sin_n thereof_o as_o flow_v more_o immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o more_o direct_o represent_v to_o they_o his_o authority_n and_o their_o reckon_n to_o he_o who_o more_o singulary_o bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o by_o his_o officer_n be_v bind_v on_o earth_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o even_o the_o profane_v in_o experience_n will_v find_v this_o true_a that_o a_o verbal_a church-censure_n which_o consider_v of_o itself_o be_v but_o light_a will_v yet_o have_v more_o impression_n as_o to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a than_o sentence_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o in_o themselves_o may_v be_v heavy_a and_o this_o will_v be_v even_o when_o the_o party_n in_o their_o outward_a carriage_n will_v seem_v to_o reverence_v the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o contemn_v the_o church_n 4._o although_o it_o shall_v be_v yet_o say_v that_o magistrate_n can_v make_v thing_n more_o effectual_a as_o in_o censure_v of_o corrupt_a minister_n and_o such_o like_a which_o indeed_o be_v a_o benefit_n in_o itself_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o consider_v this_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o especial_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o perform_v thereof_o by_o the_o church_n own_o authority_n it_o prove_v more_o disparage_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o if_o minister_n and_o church-member_n shall_v be_v apt_a to_o fall_v in_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o what_o be_v extrinsic_a for_o the_o remede_n thereof_o then_o be_v she_o apt_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sufferer_n of_o profanity_n and_o as_o a_o nest_n to_o unclean_a person_n of_o herself_o if_o by_o the_o magistrate_n course_n be_v not_o take_v with_o she_o and_o although_o by_o his_o mean_n such_o shall_v be_v purge_v out_o yet_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o natural_a man_n this_o imputation_n stick_v to_o the_o church_n as_o if_o such_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v well_o consistent_a with_o her_o profession_n and_o like_v of_o by_o her_o special_a officer_n and_o member_n now_o censure_v of_o these_o by_o she_o own_o authority_n do_v full_o and_o only_o vindicate_v she_o and_o they_o from_o these_o aspersion_n which_o be_v frequent_a upon_o the_o out-breaking_n of_o such_o scandal_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o profane_a man_n and_o this_o revenge_a of_o disobedience_n and_o vindicate_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o end_n of_o this_o church-authority_n which_o by_o no_o
other_o power_n can_v be_v attain_v and_o no_o question_n the_o devil_n love_v to_o have_v scandal_n break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o her_o officer_n which_o do_v once_o put_v a_o blot_n upon_o she_o and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o all_o he_o have_v rather_o that_o some_o other_o do_v it_o than_o the_o church_n herself_o because_o so_o the_o commendation_n become_v they_o and_o the_o blot_n stick_v to_o she_o and_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v he_o proclaim_v to_o all_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n will_v these_o church-officer_n and_o church-member_n be_v for_o all_o their_o profession_n if_o they_o be_v not_o even_o as_o other_o man_n by_o some_o other_o hand_n restrain_v and_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v reflect_v on_o as_o if_o he_o have_v approven_v corrupt_a man_n design_n who_o love_n to_o have_v a_o blot_n on_o the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o have_v she_o vindicate_v from_o it_o because_o by_o this_o the_o church_n be_v capable_a to_o give_v offence_n but_o in_o a_o incapacity_n to_o remove_v they_o or_o to_o vindicate_v herself_o from_o they_o which_o stand_v not_o with_o that_o zeal_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o the_o punish_n of_o fault_n simple_o that_o vindicate_v the_o church_n holiness_n but_o it_o be_v the_o censure_v of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o evidence_v the_o church_n abhorrencie_n thereof_o that_o do_v it_o otherwise_o christian_n and_o heathen_n live_v under_o one_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o same_o indignation_n at_o scandalous_a ill_n and_o so_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o church_n authority_n if_o it_o do_v not_o permit_v fault_n to_o be_v unpunished_a at_o least_o all_o yet_o it_o seclude_v such_o a_o way_n of_o censure_v they_o as_o may_v vindicate_v the_o church_n and_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n thereof_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n and_o if_o we_o may_v so_o say_v put_v she_o yea_o the_o lord_n himself_o in_o their_o reverence_n whether_o she_o shall_v be_v free_a of_o corrupt_a teacher_n and_o member_n or_o not_o or_o whether_o she_o shall_v lie_v under_o that_o blot_n or_o not_o 5._o by_o the_o deny_v of_o this_o ordinance_n the_o other_o ordinance_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v be_v make_v weak_a and_o obstruct_a in_o their_o exercise_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v clear_a for_o by_o this_o the_o rail_v whereby_o it_o be_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n separate_v be_v break_v down_o many_o office_n of_o the_o church_n as_o these_o of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v make_v void_a and_o that_o of_o preach_v make_v contemptible_a or_o maim_v for_o public_a authoritative_a rebuke_v of_o all_o and_o sometime_o of_o some_o in_o particular_a be_v a_o special_a part_n thereof_o now_o where_o church-government_n be_v deny_v either_o the_o minister_n must_v do_v it_o abitrary_o by_o himself_o and_o so_o he_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o a_o snare_n and_o the_o party_n reprove_v to_o be_v stumble_v as_o have_v only_o to_o do_v with_o the_o minister_n who_o may_v partial_o proceed_v therein_o or_o it_o must_v be_v forbear_v and_o so_o his_o ministry_n be_v make_v obnoxious_a to_o despise_v which_o by_o his_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v prevent_v and_o every_o way_n plainness_n and_o freedom_n even_o in_o preach_v especial_o towards_o these_o in_o place_n be_v so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v restrain_v 6._o by_o this_o the_o devil_n aim_v still_o either_o to_o make_v religion_n to_o suffer_v as_o a_o thing_n that_o man_n may_v carve_v on_o according_a to_o their_o interest_n as_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o policy_n therefore_o he_o mix_v all_o together_o or_o he_o do_v continual_o lay_v ground_n of_o jealousy_n and_o difference_n between_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n thereby_o to_o make_v that_o minister_n and_o these_o who_o will_v be_v faithful_a shall_v either_o sinful_o connive_v at_o what_o may_v prejudge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o their_o testify_v against_o the_o same_o make_v themselves_o more_o odious_a to_o the_o ruler_n for_o lay_v this_o once_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church-government_n but_o what_o the_o magistrate_n have_v then_o either_o the_o minister_n must_v say_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o civil-government_n but_o such_o as_o both_o for_o skill_n and_o conscience_n be_v fit_a to_o manage_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o civil_a state_n will_v not_o always_o be_v content_a with_o neither_o often_o be_v it_o possible_a or_o they_o must_v account_v any_o man_n who_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o manage_v civil_a thing_n fit_a also_o to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o christ_n house_n which_o in_o conscience_n can_v always_o be_v do_v whereby_o necessary_o they_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o top_n with_o magistrate_n except_o we_o say_v that_o either_o unskilful_a magistrate_n use_v not_o to_o be_v in_o place_n or_o that_o such_o may_v yet_o be_v tender_a and_o dexterous_a in_o the_o manage_v of_o every_o church_n matter_n that_o come_v before_o they_o and_o on_o the_o by_o we_o may_v say_v that_o see_v qualification_n fit_v one_o for_o any_o place_n and_o government_n be_v simple_o call_v for_o in_o these_o who_o shall_v supply_v the_o same_o though_o sometime_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la they_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v and_o see_v special_a qualification_n be_v require_v for_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o require_v in_o these_o that_o govern_v a_o civil_a state_n and_o will_v not_o be_v account_v simple_o necessary_a to_o they_o it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n these_o two_o government_n be_v not_o conjoin_v in_o one_o person_n see_v he_o have_v not_o always_o conjoin_v the_o qualification_n that_o be_v requisite_a for_o both_o we_o shall_v insist_v no_o more_o in_o this_o the_o read_n of_o these_o epistle_n will_v sufficient_o show_v how_o concern_v this_o truth_n be_v and_o although_o this_o controversy_n be_v abundant_o clear_v by_o the_o write_n of_o many_o worthy_a man_n that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v say_v therein_o yet_o have_v such_o occasion_n from_o these_o epistle_n we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o touch_v some_o thing_n concern_v church-government_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o therein_o whereby_o we_o will_v find_v it_o clear_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o church-government_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a 2._o wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o 3._o who_o be_v the_o subject_n thereof_o and_o 4._o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o conclusion_n or_o observation_n concern_v the_o same_o as_o they_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o text._n 1._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o government_n and_o authority_n within_o herself_o for_o the_o order_n of_o her_o own_o affair_n try_v and_o censure_v of_o her_o own_o member_n and_o that_o immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o any_o civil_a government_n on_o earth_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o government_n and_o authority_n in_o she_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o 1._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o try_v and_o censure_v of_o false_a apostle_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o authority_n and_o government_n 2._o this_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v commend_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v no_o usurpation_n in_o they_o 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n we_o will_v find_v the_o angel_n reprove_v that_o they_o have_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v suppose_v authority_n in_o they_o even_o to_o have_v censure_v and_o cut_v off_o these_o from_o their_o society_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o if_o iâ_n have_v not_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o reprove_v they_o for_o commit_v it_o 4._o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v reprove_v also_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v his_o servant_n which_o do_v imply_v a_o authority_n and_o government_n fit_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o have_v mar_v and_o hinder_v she_o preach_v and_o somewhat_o to_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v do_v which_o be_v not_o do_v by_o they_o otherwise_o our_o lord_n jesus_n will_v not_o have_v to_o reprove_v they_o the_o make_v out_o of_o these_o three_o will_v confirm_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o thing_n commend_v in_o ephesus_n and_o desiderated_a in_o the_o other_o two_o church_n do_v imply_v authority_n and_o power_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a
these_o be_v 2._o that_o will_v not_o attain_v the_o scope_n propose_v here_o which_o be_v in_o part_n the_o recover_n of_o the_o offend_a party_n therefore_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o jezebel_n vers_fw-la 21.22_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repens_fw-la and_o do_v threaten_v she_o but_o conditional_o which_o show_v that_o he_o mean_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a off-cutting_a of_o they_o it_o remain_v then_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o exercise_v of_o a_o ordinary_a authority_n and_o government_n and_o therefore_o such_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o any_o civil_a government_n which_o from_o the_o text_n may_v thus_o appear_v 1._o the_o subject_n be_v distinct_a to_o wit_n church-officer_n 2._o the_o object_n be_v distinct_a to_o wit_n the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o alone_o and_o as_o such_o it_o be_v not_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatira_n but_o the_o church-member_n that_o be_v under_o the_o same_o 3._o the_o matter_n fall_v under_o that_o cognition_n be_v distinct_a to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a to_o soul_n as_o the_o seduce_a of_o christ_n servant_n and_o scandal_n consider_v as_o such_o 4._o the_o censure_n inflict_v be_v different_a to_o wit_n no_o civil_a mulct_n upon_o estate_n nor_o punishment_n upon_o body_n nor_o cancel_v of_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o burgeship_n in_o town_n or_o such_o like_a but_o seclusion_n from_o church-priviledge_n and_o membership_n 5._o the_o end_n be_v distinct_a to_o wit_n the_o reclaim_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o prevent_n of_o soul-hurt_a to_o other_o and_o the_o vindication_n of_o christ_n name_n 6._o the_o manner_n be_v different_a there_o be_v no_o external_a pomp_n nor_o power_n or_o force_n in_o the_o manage_v thereof_o such_o as_o be_v in_o civil_a government_n for_o that_o be_v not_o here_o conceivable_a consider_v the_o afflict_a and_o persecute_a condition_n of_o these_o church_n but_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n and_o trial_n and_o censure_n and_o 7._o they_o differ_v in_o their_o rise_n civil_a power_n be_v derive_v from_o superior_n to_o inferior_n but_o this_o have_v no_o rise_n or_o derivation_n from_o any_o civil_a power_n although_o for_o the_o time_n these_o city_n and_o nation_n want_v it_o not_o but_o do_v arise_v from_o that_o intrinsic_a economy_n and_o power_n which_o accompany_v the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o which_o by_o christ_n appointment_n do_v reside_v in_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n which_o do_v not_o reside_v in_o other_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o town_n nor_o do_v in_o these_o before_o this_o their_o church-state_n 8._o the_o account_n upon_o which_o this_o government_n do_v consider_v person_n and_o action_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a man_n be_v not_o consider_v as_o man_n nor_o as_o indweller_n in_o such_o and_o such_o place_n oneây_v but_o as_o christ_n servant_n and_o action_n be_v not_o consider_v either_o as_o profitable_a or_o hurtful_a to_o man_n simple_o but_o as_o profitable_a or_o hurtful_a to_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v seduce_v of_o christ_n servant_n and_o as_o such_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o jezebel_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o it_o 2._o we_o say_v as_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a government_n from_o the_o civil_a so_o it_o be_v independent_a as_o to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o former_a be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o authority_n and_o government_n include_v here_o and_o in_o the_o former_a respect_n exercise_v as_o distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a power_n then_o in_o be_v it_o will_v also_o necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o authority_n be_v independent_o exercise_v in_o reference_n to_o that_o civil_a power_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o derivation_n of_o this_o church-power_n from_o that_o civil_a power_n as_o be_v say_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dependent_a on_o it_o see_v it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v derive_v it_o and_o although_o some_o except_a as_o be_v hint_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o power_n in_o father_n husband_n and_o other_o such_o natuârall_a relation_n over_o child_n wife_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o be_v dependent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o suppose_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n parent_n do_v combine_v in_o one_o society_n and_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o a_o church_n do_v and_o in_o that_o case_n have_v a_o distinct_a government_n can_v that_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v account_v dependent_a see_v no_o superior_a authority_n can_v mar_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n without_o injustice_n more_o than_o a_o magistrate_n can_v mar_v a_o father_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n towards_o his_o child_n when_o he_o do_v it_o just_o so_o this_o church-power_n not_o be_v a_o personal_a privilege_n but_o belong_v to_o she_o as_o a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o many_o member_n combine_v together_o have_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v grant_v and_o we_o add_v if_o jesus_n christ_n allow_v they_o she_o can_v therefore_o be_v mar_v ãâã_d any_o authority_n in_o the_o exercise_v of_o that_o government_n what_o ever_o injust_a violence_n may_v do_v 2._o it_o appear_v to_o be_v independent_a in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church-government_n among_o christian_n even_o when_o magistrate_n be_v set_v themselves_o to_o undo_v the_o same_o if_o then_o government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o order_v in_o the_o lord_n providence_n that_o civil_a government_n may_v be_v for_o hundred_o of_o year_n enemy_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v in_o these_o primitive_a time_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o church-government_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o place_v in_o the_o magistrate_n or_o civil_a governor_n because_o in_o that_o case_n either_o she_o shall_v have_v no_o government_n at_o all_o which_o by_o these_o epistle_n will_v be_v find_v false_a or_o she_o must_v have_v a_o government_n and_o authority_n destructive_a to_o she_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n thereof_o or_o in_o the_o last_o place_n her_o authority_n must_v be_v independent_a save_v of_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o consider_v now_o that_o these_o to_o who_o christ_n write_v be_v not_o civil_a magistrate_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o access_n to_o expostulate_v with_o they_o for_o their_o ommission_n if_o they_o may_v not_o have_v act_v independent_o on_o they_o 3._o it_o may_v appear_v thus_o that_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v repeal_v by_o his_o authority_n any_o of_o their_o sentence_n then_o be_v their_o authority_n independent_a as_o to_o he_o now_o suppose_v a_o church_n just_o to_o degrade_v or_o depose_v a_o false_a teacher_n or_o to_o cut_v off_o a_o rot_a member_n can_v any_o magistrate_n by_o his_o authority_n continue_v that_o man_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o that_o member_n to_o be_v a_o church-member_n what_o ever_o violence_n may_v do_v suppose_v some_o emperor_n as_o in_o some_o case_n julian_n do_v have_v take_v the_o recognition_n of_o ephesus_n sentence_n against_o these_o false_a apostle_n and_o have_v declare_v it_o null_a will_v not_o still_o their_o sentence_n have_v stand_v in_o force_n notwithstanding_o or_o suppose_v pergamos_n or_o thyatira_n have_v cut_v off_o jezebel_n or_o the_o nicolaitan_n from_o their_o society_n can_v any_o civil_a magistrate_n heathen_a or_o christian_n have_v enact_v they_o to_o be_v continue_v church-member_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o flow_v from_o the_o injustice_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o suppose_v a_o proconsul_n have_v just_o degrade_v some_o judge_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o town_n of_o ephesus_n have_v just_o casten_z out_o some_o member_n from_o their_o society_n yet_o by_o the_o emperor_n interpose_v his_o authority_n as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n both_o may_v have_v be_v full_o restore_v though_o injust_o so_o as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v real_o again_o magistrate_n and_o burgess_n of_o such_o a_o city_n which_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n no_o emperor_n authority_n can_v have_v constitute_v such_o though_o injust_o to_o have_v be_v officer_n or_o member_n at_o all_o of_o these_o church_n the_o difference_n then_o i_o say_v can_v consist_v in_o the_o injustice_n of_o the_o matter_n alone_o for_o both_o be_v injust_a but_o it_o must_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o civil_a sentence_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o church-sentence_n be_v not_o although_o by_o violence_n they_o may_v have_v countenance_v such_o and_o such_o person_n and_o have_v make_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sentence_n in_o many_o thing_n void_a yet_o
that_o many_o chirurgeon_n and_o tradesman_n of_o any_o kind_n do_v live_v under_o a_o magistrate_n and_o law_n which_o will_v admit_v no_o such_o by_o their_o authority_n to_o live_v and_o confederate_a under_o they_o will_v any_o say_v that_o in_o that_o case_n by_o voluntary_a confederate_n they_o can_v assume_v a_o authority_n to_o themselves_o and_o censure_v any_o person_n especial_o against_o their_o will_n without_o wrong_v and_o encroach_a upon_o that_o authority_n under_o which_o they_o live_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o a_o church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o magistrate_n because_o it_o in_o nothing_o lessen_v his_o authority_n or_o withdraw_v any_o thing_n from_o his_o cognition_n which_o former_o use_v to_o belong_v unto_o he_o but_o as_o the_o arise_v of_o a_o new_a church_n within_o a_o nation_n have_v with_o it_o new_a case_n action_n and_o consideration_n of_o person_n and_o deed_n so_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v with_o it_o a_o new_a authority_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o 5._o if_o the_o church_n have_v another_o kind_n of_o interest_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a offence_n than_o in_o reference_n to_o civil_a debate_n than_o this_o confederacy_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o authority_n this_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v according_a to_o the_o former_a principle_n which_o do_v parallel_v both_o these_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o make_v this_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a but_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o church-authority_n do_v far_o otherways_o reach_v church-member_n in_o spiritual_a offence_n than_o in_o civil_a thing_n which_o may_v thus_o be_v make_v out_o 1._o they_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o un-church_n for_o spiritual_a offence_n and_o for_o disobedience_n in_o these_o if_o a_o brother_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o ofttimes_o they_o do_v so_o but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o if_o a_o brother_n have_v be_v disobedient_a to_o a_o arbitrary_a decree_n in_o civil_a thing_n that_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o will_v have_v proceed_v against_o he_o to_o excommunication_n and_o constrain_v he_o to_o have_v submit_v sure_o we_o be_v it_o be_v never_o put_v in_o practice_n at_o least_o till_o antichrist_n arise_v 2._o in_o that_o chapter_n 1_o cor._n 6.7_o and_o 8._o the_o apostle_n reason_v for_o submission_n to_o this_o and_o exhort_v christian_n so_o wrong_v to_o suffer_v the_o wrong_n rather_o than_o to_o pursue_v it_o before_o infidel_n which_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o furnish_v with_o authority_n to_o redress_v civil_a wrong_n as_o she_o be_v to_o redress_v scandal_n and_o therefore_o matth._n 18._o our_o lord_n give_v order_n to_o proceed_v in_o case_n of_o non-satisfaction_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o on_o the_o by_o we_o may_v say_v it_o be_v a_o odd_a thing_n to_o expound_v that_o place_n of_o matthew_n by_o this_o place_n of_o paul_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v only_o there_o warrant_v a_o man_n to_o pursue_v injury_n before_o heathen_a judge_n when_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o church-member_v see_v express_o paul_n enjoin_v they_o rather_o to_o suffer_v wrong_a than_o to_o make_v the_o gospel_n contemptible_a before_o infidel_n by_o the_o contention_n of_o christian_n which_o yet_o that_o exposition_n of_o matth._n 18._o will_v approve_v of_o which_o show_v that_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o church-offence_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o suffer_v and_o bear_v with_o they_o be_v condemnable_a as_o we_o see_v in_o these_o epistle_n 3._o if_o what_o the_o church_n do_v in_o civil_a thing_n be_v common_a to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o any_o rank_n or_o condition_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o christian_n in_o any_o time_n and_o case_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v submit_v their_o difference_n to_o some_o and_o these_o to_o who_o they_o be_v submit_v may_v decide_v and_o upon_o the_o other_o side_n if_o what_o the_o church_n exerce_v in_o reference_n to_o ecclesiastic_a offence_n and_o censure_n be_v not_o common_a but_o so_o that_o no_o submission_n to_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o power_n can_v warrant_v one_o to_o draw_v forth_o such_o censure_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v yea_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n which_o we_o oppose_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o do_v so_o now_o in_o civil_a thing_n for_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o do_v now_o in_o church-thing_n as_o these_o do_v at_o that_o time_n then_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v not_o equal_a in_o civil_a thing_n as_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o so_o consequent_o no_o confederacy_n can_v warrantable_o ground_v this_o church_n authority_n but_o the_o former_a we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a therefore_o etc._n etc._n 4._o it_o may_v be_v clear_a by_o this_o that_o the_o church_n do_v never_o exact_v civil_a mulct_n or_o inflict_v bodily_a punishment_n which_o show_v abundant_o that_o she_o do_v not_o exerce_fw-la authority_n in_o civil_a thing_n equal_o as_o in_o spiritual_a and_o yet_o have_v her_o authority_n be_v only_o ground_v on_o the_o voluntary_a confederacy_n she_o may_v have_v inflict_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o 5._o suppose_v a_o church-member_n have_v wrong_v a_o heathen_a by_o his_o miscarriage_n no_o question_n church-discipline_n will_v have_v reach_v he_o which_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o 1_o cor._n 6._o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o power_n alone_o 6._o that_o direction_n matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n be_v give_v before_o this_o be_v write_v see_v then_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a association_n as_o be_v pretend_v that_o of_o matth._n 18._o must_v be_v of_o another_o kind_n 7._o this_o opinion_n will_v infer_v the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o civil_a power_n in_o civil_a thing_n where_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o christian_n yet_o that_o be_v never_o assert_v by_o any_o 8._o the_o adversary_n themselves_o grant_v that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v do_v much_o more_o in_o church-matter_n than_o in_o civil_a because_o that_o the_o magistrate_n do_v allow_v his_o power_n to_o rectify_v civil_a thing_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v make_v both_o equal_o lawful_a 9_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n have_v repeal_v a_o sentence_n pass_v in_o civil_a thing_n no_o question_n it_o have_v bind_v they_o though_o it_o have_v be_v unjust_a yet_o suppose_v he_o have_v repeal_v one_o of_o their_o church_n censure_n and_o declare_v excommunication_n void_a it_o have_v not_o do_v so_o nor_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v yea_o have_v he_o inhibit_v they_o to_o decide_v a_o particular_a in_o civil_a thing_n they_o will_v not_o have_v proceed_v but_o when_o he_o do_v inhibit_v censure_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v proceed_v and_o actual_o do_v suffer_v martyrdom_n upon_o that_o account_n which_o in_o a_o civil_a action_n i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v 10._o that_o 1_o cor._n 6._o admit_v any_o to_o be_v judge_n that_o man_n submit_v unto_o or_o have_v wisdom_n but_o church-thing_n be_v govern_v only_o by_o these_o who_o by_o office_n be_v ruler_n all_o which_o do_v show_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o assertion_n that_o they_o equal_o meddle_v with_o both_o kind_n and_o yet_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o evert_v this_o authority_n add_v that_o 1_o cor._n 6._o the_o party_n offend_v be_v reprove_v for_o go_v to_o he_o here_o the_o church-officer_n for_o not_o censure_v these_o that_o offend_v which_o suppose_v a_o power_n to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o the_o angel_n have_v be_v so_o censurable_a have_v they_o not_o decide_v civil_a business_n as_o for_o this_o beside_o pag._n 548._o he_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o civil_a thing_n which_o yet_o clear_o be_v here_o assert_v in_o these_o church_n censure_n whereas_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o the_o church_n authority_n during_o this_o time_n be_v only_o build_v upon_o this_o voluntary_a confederacy_n that_o after_o supreme_a magistrate_n become_v christian_a they_o do_v intermeddle_v with_o all_o church_n power_n without_o any_o contradiction_n pag._n 544._o it_o be_v either_o a_o mere_a mistake_n or_o a_o untruth_n a_o mistake_n in_o this_o that_o it_o account_v their_o meddle_v in_o a_o civil_a way_n with_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n still_o meddled-with_a as_o former_o and_o add_v of_o their_o civil_a sanction_n thereto_o for_o strengthen_v not_o for_o diminish_v the_o church_n power_n to_o be_v a_o assume_v of_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v thing_n most_o distinct_a even_o as_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v command_v the_o son_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o his_o parent_n do_v command_v
that_o a_o minister_n may_v independent_o command_v a_o magistrate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o a_o other_o private_a subject_n may_v do_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n and_o authority_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o reporter_n to_o tell_v what_o be_v truth_n but_o a_o messenger_n and_o herald_n authorize_v to_o charge_v all_o hearer_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v herod_n who_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v subject_a to_o herod_n as_o in_o other_o respect_v herod_n be_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o reference_n to_o particular_a governor_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v absurd_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n by_o which_o these_o govern_v supreme_a church-power_n then_o and_o supreme_a civil-power_n in_o distinct_a person_n can_v be_v absurd_a and_o we_o suppose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o authoritative_a officer_n that_o upon_o any_o civil_a account_n can_v so_o independent_o command_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n church-power_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regulate_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o the_o civil_a be_v it_o be_v strange_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o a_o magistrate_n to_o receive_v ministerial_a injunction_n or_o not_o as_o he_o please_v or_o at_o lest_o no_o more_o than_o a_o sick_a person_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o physician_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o send_v minister_n can_v have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o physician_n in_o give_v direction_n for_o health_n or_o will_v it_o be_v think_v equal_o sinful_a or_o lawful_a to_o disobey_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o even_o lay_v aside_o the_o matter_n or_o shall_v every_o one_o skilful_a in_o divinity_n be_v count_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o a_o minister_n as_o the_o counsel_n of_o one_o that_o be_v skilful_a in_o medicine_n be_v to_o be_v count_v of_o the_o same_o weight_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o graduate_n physician_n if_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o weighty_a or_o be_v there_o any_o exception_n of_o some_o more_o than_o other_o from_o ministerial_a power_n because_o of_o any_o outward_a place_n or_o grandouâ_n these_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v without_o wrong_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n 4._o it_o be_v think_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o blind_o to_o act_v according_a to_o church_n conclusion_n and_o determination_n but_o deliberate_o to_o try_v his_o own_o act_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n thereof_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o what_o command_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v lay_v on_o he_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o duty_n if_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n subsequent_a judgement_n do_v demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v supreme_a in_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n the_o same_o will_v prove_v the_o magistrate_n judgement_n in_o the_o case_n foresay_a to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o minister_n that_o therefore_o be_v no_o absurdity_n 5._o a_o ambassador_n from_o one_o king_n to_o another_o or_o to_o some_o inferior_a magistrate_n be_v in_o his_o personal_a carriage_n subject_a to_o the_o authority_n within_o who_o bound_n he_o be_v but_o as_o a_o ambassador_n in_o the_o follow_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o instruction_n and_o as_o such_o he_o be_v only_o countable_a to_o these_o that_o send_v he_o and_o never_o be_v it_o hear_v that_o one_o subject_v his_o ambassador_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v even_o among_o man_n but_o that_o be_v reserve_v at_o least_o for_o some_o other_o appoint_v for_o that_o end_n by_o he_o neither_o do_v a_o magistrate_n account_v a_o ambassador_n independency_n on_o he_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o authority_n now_o minister_n be_v ambassador_n send_v by_o christ_n to_o magistrate_n as_o to_o other_o we_o must_v either_o say_v these_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v must_v judge_v when_o they_o faithful_o exerce_fw-la their_o commission_n or_o not_o in_o their_o master_n name_n which_o be_v absurd_a among_o man_n and_o can_v not_o but_o look_v partial_a like_o or_o we_o must_v say_v they_o be_v not_o countable_a or_o censurable_a on_o earth_n or_o that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o ambassador_n and_o church_n officer_n with_o this_o power_n of_o censure_a man_n who_o shall_v walk_v unworthy_a of_o their_o trust._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o ambassador_n be_v no_o magistrate_n and_o have_v but_o a_o instruct_a power_n answ._n yet_o be_v it_o a_o power_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n such_o as_o church-officer_n have_v and_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o ambassador_n for_o a_o king_n or_o state_n within_o the_o dominion_n of_o another_o instruct_v to_o act_v joint_o for_o his_o affair_n and_o to_o censure_v any_o of_o their_o own_o number_n or_o retinue_n that_o shall_v walk_v unworthy_a of_o their_o place_n will_v any_o magistrate_n think_v that_o these_o wrong_v his_o power_n if_o they_o shall_v some_o from_o their_o fellowship_n without_o his_o warrant_n or_o can_v he_o claim_v to_o recognosce_fw-la their_o deed_n although_o in_o a_o criminal_a case_n he_o only_o may_v have_v access_n to_o punish_v even_o their_o member_n in_o that_o place_n for_o that_o qualification_n of_o his_o concession_n which_o be_v to_o allow_v this_o confederate_a authority_n only_o to_o the_o church_n that_o live_v under_o such_o a_o magistrate_n as_o do_v not_o undertake_v the_o care_n thereof_o we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o free_v it_o of_o absurdity_n if_o this_o distinct_a government_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v perpetual_a for_o 1._o do_v not_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o place_n all_o authority_n in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o require_v absolute_a obedience_n from_o his_o subject_n to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n belong_v to_o any_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o his_o subject_n under_o he_o and_o particular_o that_o place_n rom._n 13._o and_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o assume_v that_o power_n and_o put_v it_o in_o exercise_n yet_o if_o ecclesiastic_a power_n be_v in_o that_o same_o gift_n commit_v to_o the_o magistrate_n with_o the_o civil_a power_n no_o private_a person_n can_v upon_o any_o pretext_n meddle_v therewith_o for_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v abstain_v to_o punish_v some_o kind_n of_o murder_n witchcraft_n etc._n etc._n no_o private_a person_n can_v confederate_a themselves_o to_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o punish_v these_o because_o civil_a power_n to_o punish_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o magistrate_n if_o then_o the_o church_n may_v censure_v scandal_n without_o encroach_a upon_o these_o scripture_n at_o that_o time_n why_o may_v it_o not_o do_v so_o even_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a this_o church_n power_n then_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o magistrate_n commission_n see_v paul_n be_v exercise_v it_o even_o while_o he_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o utmost_a the_o magistrate_n commission_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o quarrel_a christian_n for_o encroach_a upon_o any_o thing_n due_a to_o he_o and_o no_o question_n he_o know_v best_o the_o extent_n of_o these_o direction_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n who_o will_v profess_o disclaim_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o any_o people_n although_o in_o practice_n many_o of_o they_o prove_v negligent_a of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v if_o this_o necessity_n of_o confederate_v for_o exercise_v of_o church-authority_n dothâly_o upon_o the_o church_n only_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v profess_o heathen_a or_o if_o also_o when_o erroneous_a or_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a or_o in_o practice_n negligent_a and_o careless_a like_a gallio_n in_o what_o concern_v the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v astrict_v to_o the_o first_o because_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o a_o erroneous_a magistrate_n then_o to_o a_o profane_a and_o careless_a magistrate_n though_o he_o be_v not_o profess_o a_o heretic_n or_o erroneous_a if_o that_o authority_n be_v not_o improven_v for_o they_o and_o so_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n the_o church_n be_v to_o confederate_a and_o exercise_n authority_n within_o herself_o even_o then_o which_o will_v come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v call_v to_o assume_v this_o authority_n except_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o magistrate_n do_v take_v it_o on_o he_o and_o exercise_v it_o for_o her_o good_a for_o if_o he_o exercise_v it_o to_o her_o hurt_n it_o be_v better_a to_o want_v it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v turn_v near_o to_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assume_v this_o power_n save_v where_o the_o magistrate_n
be_v godly_a and_o according_a to_o conscience_n do_v exercise_v his_o power_n for_o her_o good_a and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v suppose_v that_o the_o magistrate_n profess_v willingness_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v judge_v whether_o such_o and_o such_o a_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o govern_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o assume_v government_n to_o themselves_o it_o will_v come_v to_o this_o that_o it_o must_v rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n of_o these_o private_a christian_n whether_o they_o will_v admit_v the_o magistrate_n to_o govern_v or_o not_o and_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o author_n if_o they_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o light_n to_o be_v one_o that_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v assume_v that_o power_n to_o themselves_o for_o elsewhere_o he_o affirm_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o be_v the_o great_a decider_n and_o that_o a_o man_n have_v better_o do_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o a_o err_a conscience_n than_o against_o it_o yea_o 3._o according_a to_o his_o ground_n they_o may_v not_o only_o assume_v power_n in_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n but_o equal_o in_o civil_a thing_n also_o and_o will_v he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o france_n may_v take_v power_n in_o civil_a thing_n as_o they_o do_v in_o ecclesiastic_a and_o not_o wrong_v the_o magistrate_n or_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o the_o magistrate_n which_o make_v he_o so_o to_o depend_v both_o in_o thing_n ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a upon_o a_o people_n estimation_n of_o he_o 4._o by_o these_o ground_n either_o a_o church_n shall_v never_o assume_v power_n under_o any_o magistrate_n however_o careless_a and_o profane_a and_o so_o as_o be_v grant_v wrong_v herself_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o assume_v power_n they_o declare_v that_o they_o account_v the_o magistrate_n a_o heathen_a erroneous_a or_o atheistical_a etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o great_a irritation_n and_o probable_a occasion_n of_o division_n betwixt_o the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n than_o to_o continue_v this_o power_n distinct_a under_o all_o magistrate_n equal_o and_o true_o it_o look_v not_o like_o god_n ordinance_n that_o put_v his_o church_n oftentimes_o in_o this_o strait_a that_o it_o must_v either_o suffer_v prejudice_n or_o disclaim_v and_o provoke_v the_o magistrate_n so_o as_o to_o account_v he_o a_o atheist_n unworthy_a of_o government_n but_o to_o have_v forfeit_v so_o much_o of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n and_o suppose_v a_o profane_a âon_n succeed_v in_o the_o magistracy_n to_o a_o gracious_a father_n or_o profane_a man_n be_v choose_v to_o succeed_v other_o who_o bare_a rule_n before_o they_o even_o in_o church-affair_n which_o case_n be_v often_o incident_a what_o straight_o will_v it_o be_v to_o the_o church_n either_o to_o continue_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o magistrate_n as_o former_o or_o with_o so_o much_o disadvantage_n upon_o personal_a consideration_n to_o assume_v a_o power_n which_o former_o they_o do_v not_o 5._o either_o the_o church_n assume_v that_o power_n contrary_a to_o the_o magistrate_n command_n and_o so_o there_o be_v clear_a ground_n of_o a_o persecution_n and_o war_n or_o it_o be_v with_o his_o good_a will_n or_o at_o least_o permission_n and_o that_o must_v presuppose_v this_o that_o he_o do_v account_v himself_o heathen_a erroneous_a or_o profane_a which_o can_v easy_o be_v expect_v especial_o from_o a_o man_n not_o so_o deny_v and_o mortify_v as_o such_o a_o magistrate_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v for_o delegated_a it_o can_v be_v see_v in_o that_o case_n this_o assume_v of_o authority_n be_v not_o call_v for_o 6._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o degree_n of_o erroneousnesse_n profanity_n or_o carelessness_n in_o a_o magistrate_n may_v warrant_v a_o church_n to_o assume_v this_o power_n see_v even_o among_o heathen_n there_o be_v degree_n and_o if_o so_o then_o how_o shall_v that_o be_v judge_v suppose_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n shall_v neglect_v church_n affair_n otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o which_o respect_n heathen_n do_v own_v they_o or_o suppose_v he_o shall_v own_v some_o sentence_n punish_v some_o scandal_n which_o it_o seem_v aurelian_a do_v in_o expelling_a samosatenâs_n and_o severus_n in_o command_v to_o give_v again_o to_o the_o church_n a_o place_n where_o they_o use_v to_o meet_v that_o some_o rogue_n have_v violent_o put_v they_o from_o say_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v there_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v employ_v for_o such_o a_o use_n now_o what_o be_v call_v for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v be_v a_o debate_n whether_o may_v not_o such_o heathen_n be_v account_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o become_v not_o these_o primitive_a christian_n to_o have_v retain_v power_n during_o their_o reign_n or_o what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o do_v no_o more_o and_o it_o may_v be_v less_o than_o these_o whether_o be_v these_o to_o be_v retain_v or_o not_o 7._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v in_o such_o case_n whether_o be_v explicit_a confederate_n for_o that_o end_n necessary_a or_o not_o and_o suppose_v some_o will_v not_o submit_v willing_o how_o can_v they_o be_v compel_v or_o if_o so_o be_v they_o liable_a to_o no_o censure_n because_o of_o their_o obstinacy_n it_o be_v good_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_v if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o be_v a_o practicable_a thing_n and_o often_o to_o be_v practise_v it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o the_o church_n great_a hazard_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n of_o churchman_n and_o not_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o experience_n show_v therefore_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o give_v they_o power_n answ._n so_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o error_n be_v from_o church_n teacher_n shall_v they_o therefore_o have_v no_o teacher_n so_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o tyranny_n to_o a_o state_n in_o civil_a thing_n be_v from_o a_o civil_a government_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v allow_v yea_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o corrupt_a church-officer_n wrong_v the_o church_n most_o and_o that_o both_o in_o government_n and_o doctrine_n because_o in_o both_o they_o come_v near_a her_o heart_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o miscarry_v it_o can_v be_v but_o worse_o than_o when_o a_o authority_n more_o extrinsic_a do_v miscarry_v and_o by_o their_o power_n they_o have_v ever_o great_a access_n to_o do_v her_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o this_o rather_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v that_o proper_o the_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o she_o and_o have_v need_v to_o be_v well_o manage_v because_o corruptio_fw-la optimi_fw-la est_fw-la pessima_fw-la but_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o church_n authority_n well_o manage_v do_v hurt_v to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n either_o under_o what_o ever_o magistrate_n it_o follow_v only_o that_o the_o abuse_n of_o church_n power_n be_v ill_a but_o no_o more_o 2._o we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v wherein_o this_o authority_n be_v exercise_v which_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o these_o epistle_n give_v ground_n and_o we_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o these_o four_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o trial_n thou_o have_v try_v they_o that_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n which_o trial_n infer_v authority_n to_o cite_v and_o warn_v party_n to_o call_v and_o examine_v witness_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o to_o take_v oath_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o trial_n and_o witness_v as_o that_o alone_a which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o strife_n among_o man_n heb._n 6._o therefore_o mat._n 18._o the_o lord_n give_v the_o same_o rule_n concern_v procedor_fw-la by_o witness_v in_o the_o church_n which_o moses_n give_v in_o reference_n to_o all_o court_n that_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n etc._n etc._n shall_v every_o matter_n be_v establish_v this_o show_v also_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o complaint_n of_o offend_a brethren_n as_o be_v in_o mat._n 18._o keep_v meeting_n for_o that_o end_n lead_v inquiry_n upon_o the_o cry_a fame_n of_o offence_n as_o be_v like_a they_o do_v in_o this_o case_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o a_o word_n do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o complete_n trial_n for_o where_o the_o end_n be_v approven_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n thereof_o must_v be_v approven_v also_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o power_n here_o to_o judge_v and_o determine_v thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n which_o do_v respect_v these_o two_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o offence_n they_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o error_n otherways_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v
who_o be_v a_o false_a apostle_n and_o who_o a_o liar_n and_o they_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v scandalous_a in_o practice_n and_o so_o what_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o otherways_o they_o can_v make_v no_o progress_n in_o trial_n or_o censure_n for_o they_o must_v find_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o scandal_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o have_v reference_n to_o person_n there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o judge_v such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o be_v guilty_a whereby_o they_o pronounce_v not_o only_o such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v erroneous_a but_o such_o a_o minister_n or_o person_n to_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o text_n and_o so_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v prove_v or_o not_o and_o every_o thing_n tend_v to_o that_o as_o cite_v witness_n and_o party_n hear_v exception_n and_o answer_n etc._n etc._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o power_n of_o censure_v a_o person_n find_v guilty_a these_o word_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o do_v import_n that_o as_o be_v clear_v this_o have_v of_o they_o imply_v a_o fault_n which_o be_v that_o by_o their_o authority_n such_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o ordinary_a censure_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n therein_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o censure_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o both_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v imply_v here_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o these_o church_n and_o they_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v cut_v off_o such_o from_o their_o society_n so_o as_o not_o to_o have_v have_v they_o or_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v therein_o but_o by_o this_o which_o we_o call_v excommunication_n from_o which_o necessary_o this_o follow_v that_o not_o only_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n of_o censure_v but_o particular_o of_o censure_v thus_o by_o cut_v off_o one_o from_o church-membership_a and_o from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o external_a ordinance_n thereof_o this_o be_v call_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n matth._n 18_o a_o account_v of_o one_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n 1_o corinth_n 5.13_o a_o put_v away_o of_o the_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o a_o cut_v off_o of_o troubler_n gal._n 5.12_o and_o titus_n 3.10_o a_o reject_v of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o more_o frequent_o and_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n than_o this_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v his_o church_n with_o this_o power_n to_o censure_v that_o he_o may_v preserve_v a_o majesty_n in_o his_o ordinance_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o most_o part_n but_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v weapon_n of_o his_o own_o kind_n to_o batter_v down_o the_o proud_a imagination_n of_o church-member_n and_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 10.6_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o call_v it_o a_o rod_n 1_o corinth_n 4.21_o and_o a_o punishment_n 2_o corinth_n 2.6_o 4._o there_o be_v here_o a_o power_n of_o order_v and_o make_v law_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v 1._o from_o this_o that_o they_o try_v officer_n whereby_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o church_n have_v her_o law_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o admission_n of_o minister_n before_o they_o can_v be_v account_v such_o and_o that_o these_o who_o be_v find_v by_o their_o trial_n to_o be_v liar_n shall_v not_o be_v account_v apostle_n or_o church-officer_n otherwise_o authority_n in_o the_o former_a respect_n will_v be_v maim_v and_o defective_a 2._o it_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o that_o they_o may_v conclude_v what_o be_v offensive_a and_o what_o not_o who_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n when_o the_o trial_n be_v to_o proceed_v who_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o not_o who_o may_v preach_v and_o what_o may_v be_v preach_v and_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v doctrine_n worship_n and_o order_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o ordinance_n to_o wit_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n beside_o which_o there_o be_v no_o church_n authority_n any_o where_o it_o be_v a_o power_n indeed_o but_o a_o power_n give_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o and_o 13.10_o this_o power_n be_v exercise_v make_v decree_n therefore_o such_o act_n be_v call_v act._n 16.4_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o by_o paul_n a_o set_n of_o thing_n in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o and_o 1_o cor._n 16._o such_o be_v contribution_n for_o the_o poor_a orderlinesse_n for_o prevent_v of_o confusion_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v call_v of_o the_o people_n to_o fast_n as_o act._n 12.5_o and_o 13.3_o and_o chap._n 14.23_o etc._n etc._n try_v prove_v admit_v or_o censure_v of_o officer_n and_o such_o like_a as_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v clear_a the_o three_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v for_o in_o these_o word_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o we_o answer_v 1._o negative_o 1._o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n for_o they_o to_o who_o christ_n write_v these_o epistle_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n but_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o party_n to_o who_o christ_n write_v these_o epistle_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o it_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o none_o therefore_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o church_n power_n yet_o no_o question_n our_o lord_n jesus_n know_v best_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v neither_o be_v it_o like_v when_o he_o account_v they_o to_o have_v authority_n that_o he_o do_v account_v they_o to_o have_v it_o from_o voluntary_a confederate_n for_o the_o time_n for_o he_o account_v their_o neglect_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o breach_n of_o their_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o quarrel_v with_o the_o angel_n of_o sardis_n for_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o he_o commend_v the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o labour_n in_o doctrine_n zeal_n and_o discipline_n as_o duty_n equal_o belong_v to_o the_o ministry_n upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o account_n and_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o election_n to_o be_v a_o magistrate_n over_o a_o church_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v qualify_v in_o reference_n to_o these_o affair_n or_o that_o the_o government_n thereof_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o he_o or_o that_o one_o may_v be_v call_v of_o god_n warrantable_o to_o a_o government_n over_o a_o society_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n of_o no_o lesâe_n concernment_n than_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o yet_o it_o not_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v qualify_v in_o reference_n thereunto_o which_o be_v absurd_a 2._o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o body_n and_o community_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n to_o who_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v which_o appear_v thus_o 1._o by_o the_o same_o argument_n these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n to_o who_o christ_n principal_o direct_v his_o epistle_n who_o he_o commend_v for_o the_o exercise_v of_o this_o power_n and_o reprove_v for_o the_o ommit_v thereof_o but_o these_o be_v church-officer_n contradistinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o common_a inscription_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o be_v distinct_o consider_v but_o also_o chap._n 2._o vers._n 5._o where_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o threaten_n i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n etc._n etc._n which_o say_v that_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a commendation_n of_o that_o trial_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o angel_n who_o he_o consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o the_o church_n speak_v of_o under_o the_o term_n of_o candlestick_n also_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n the_o officer_n be_v especial_o reprove_v as_o appear_v from_o vers_n 24._o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o church-officer_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v former_o speak_v and_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n that_o be_v the_o member_n as_o distinct_a from_o they_o it_o be_v hint_v also_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o pergamos_n as_o the_o
such_o dispute_n teach_v man_n to_o do_v and_o the_o question_n here_o come_v if_o in_o reason_n a_o church-member_n may_v disclaim_v church-authority_n and_o censure_n simple_o or_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la though_o by_o power_n or_o violence_n they_o may_v do_v so_o de_fw-mi facto_fw-la yea_o this_o do_v indeed_o prove_v church-government_n to_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a because_o it_o be_v not_o arm_v with_o worldly_a power_n and_o strength_n as_o other_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o lord_n christ_n say_v of_o his_o kingdom_n joh._n 18._o yet_o be_v he_o still_o a_o king_n and_o it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o high_a guilt_n to_o mar_v this_o either_o by_o overturning_a of_o it_o altogether_o or_o by_o encroach_a on_o it_o and_o thereby_o to_o mar_v its_o freedom_n or_o enervat_fw-la its_o power_n or_o by_o refuse_v to_o submit_v unto_o acknowledge_v or_o authorise_v the_o sentence_n thereof_o as_o man_n place_n call_v they_o to_o do_v we_o may_v therefore_o propose_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o magistrate_n in_o refâference_n to_o this_o 1._o let_v magistrate_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n consider_v what_o they_o do_v lest_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o this_o guilt_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v hard_a to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n and_o although_o some_o will_v make_v encroachment_n on_o this_o government_n to_o be_v a_o sweet_a thing_n which_o man_n easy_o admit_v in_o their_o own_o person_n without_o any_o restraint_n yet_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v bitterness_n and_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v if_o such_o counsel_n tend_v to_o commend_v religion_n and_o further_a it_o or_o not_o which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o to_o mould_n and_o restrain_v it_o so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o own_o greatness_n and_o end_n as_o in_o henry_n the_o 8._o of_o england_n do_v appear_v 2._o they_o will_v consider_v if_o conscience_n put_v they_o to_o it_o or_o if_o the_o most_o zealous_a press_v it_o or_o if_o some_o other_o thing_n drive_v it_o on_o and_o to_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o design_n be_v most_o savoury_a if_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o the_o most_o profane_a or_o otherways_o erroneous_a and_o shall_v magistrate_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o such_o 3._o they_o will_v consider_v the_o absurdity_n and_o consequent_n allege_v if_o they_o be_v hindrance_n or_o ill_n to_o religion_n and_o godliness_n or_o but_o to_o their_o own_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o that_o in_o pretext_n only_o be_v it_o because_o they_o will_v more_o zealous_o or_o profitable_o do_v it_o themselves_o or_o because_o they_o have_v rather_o it_o be_v not_o do_v at_o all_o nor_o do_v by_o they_o and_o such_o like_a if_o it_o be_v the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o own_o power_n more_o than_o of_o christ_n that_n move_v they_o for_o it_o have_v often_o be_v a_o miserable_a mistake_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o seek_v the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o government_n by_o their_o enervate_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o overturning_a of_o their_o own_o if_o magistrate_n can_v in_o conscience_n clear_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o can_v but_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o encroachment_n on_o christ_n ordinance_n which_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o his_o kingdom_n 4._o consider_v the_o consequent_n when_o thing_n be_v mar_v and_o lie_v undo_v or_o when_o misguided_a by_o undiscreet_a hand_n who_o love_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o make_v ordinance_n despicable_a for_o if_o indeed_o a_o distinct_a government_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o civil_a than_o a_o distinct_a incorporation_n as_o a_o church_n be_v must_v be_v inconsistent_a even_o in_o its_o be_v with_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o if_o church-government_n be_v needless_a because_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o civil_a ruler_n that_o be_v incumbent_n to_o it_o a_o ministry_n also_o will_v be_v needless_a because_o civil_a man_n that_o have_v knowledge_n may_v supply_v that_o and_o seldom_o be_v any_o find_v that_o reject_v the_o one_o but_o he_o be_v at_o least_o exceed_o lax_v in_o the_o other_o 5._o suppose_v it_o be_v obtain_v that_o this_o government_n be_v bear_v down_o what_o do_v the_o magistrate_n gain_v thereby_o it_o be_v but_o either_o that_o such_o thing_n that_o church-discipline_n take_v notice_n of_o shall_v altogether_o be_v slight_v that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a advantage_n or_o it_o be_v that_o the_o burden_n may_v be_v double_v on_o he_o who_o have_v it_o heavy_a enough_o before_o and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v more_o immediate_o liable_a for_o all_o the_o defect_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o most_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a in_o the_o outward_a duty_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o the_o outward_a man_n yet_o do_v never_o that_o come_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v as_o it_o do_v by_o christ_n ordinance_n of_o discipline_n for_o man_n be_v but_o punish_v as_o man_n and_o not_o as_o christian_n and_o fault_n be_v but_o censure_v as_o in_o other_o state_n and_o not_o as_o in_o christ_n church_n 6._o let_v they_o consider_v that_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o power_n as_o distinct_a from_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v they_o upon_o the_o matter_n from_o have_v access_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v edify_v the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o oversee_v the_o spread_a of_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o the_o restrain_v of_o false_a doctrine_n error_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o every_o other_o thing_n conduce_v to_o the_o end_n of_o edification_n in_o the_o way_n suitable_a to_o their_o place_n only_o it_o bound_v they_o here_o that_o pure_a doctrine_n be_v preach_v by_o christ_n orderly_a call_v minister_n and_o not_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o upon_o their_o mere_a command_n and_o so_o that_o order_n be_v preserve_v and_o discipline_n and_o censure_n be_v exerce_v and_o make_v effectual_a in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o method_n and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o restrain_v they_o in_o government_n and_o incapacitate_v they_o for_o edify_v the_o church_n in_o their_o place_n more_o than_o by_o refuse_v they_o power_n to_o preach_v authoritative_o and_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n as_o christ_n ambassador_n or_o more_o than_o a_o father_n be_v incapacitate_v to_o exerce_fw-la his_o fatherly_a power_n on_o a_o unruly_a child_n because_o a_o magistrate_n or_o church-judicatory_a do_v concur_v with_o he_o 7._o they_o be_v no_o way_n weaken_v in_o civil_a thing_n for_o what_o ever_o the_o magistrate_n former_o possess_v before_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o church_n or_o what_o ever_o magistrate_n in_o other_o state_n where_o no_o church_n be_v do_v possess_v that_o be_v still_o allow_v to_o he_o where_o this_o distinct_a government_n be_v erect_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o do_v encroach_v on_o he_o for_o what_o case_n do_v flow_v from_o a_o state_n as_o a_o state_n be_v still_o leave_v untouched_a by_o this_o authority_n only_a what_o case_n flow_v from_o it_o as_o a_o church_n or_o from_o the_o member_n thereof_o consider_v as_o christian_n these_o only_o be_v meddle_v with_o by_o it_o to_o wit_n trial_n of_o gift_n admission_n of_o minister_n censure_v of_o church-officer_n and_o member_n and_o that_o with_o church_n censure_n other_o than_o have_v be_v or_o be_v use_v in_o any_o mere_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o such_o like_a etc._n etc._n and_o see_v none_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n former_o and_o do_v but_o flow_v from_o this_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v a_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o keep_n of_o power_n distinct_a in_o these_o can_v no_o way_n be_v say_v to_o encroach_v on_o the_o magistrate_n power_n see_v he_o possess_v still_o what_o ever_o any_o magistrate_n possess_v yea_o see_v by_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o new_a relation_n arise_v from_o what_o former_o be_v it_o seem_v convenient_a and_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a distinct_a way_n of_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o same_o else_o suppose_v that_o a_o magistrate_n have_v under_o he_o both_o christian_n and_o heathen_n in_o the_o same_o incorporation_n he_o be_v either_o not_o to_o censure_v christian_n otherways_o for_o their_o fault_n than_o heathen_n which_o be_v absurd_a see_v the_o fault_n of_o a_o christian_a have_v a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o same_o fault_n in_o a_o heathen_a to_o wit_n it_o be_v a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o that_o the_o person_n commit_v it_o be_v a_o church-member_n and_o so_o by_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o reflect_v more_o on_o their_o head_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o
fault_n of_o other_o or_o he_o must_v punish_v the_o same_o fault_n that_o be_v do_v by_o person_n under_o the_o same_o civil_a law_n with_o several_a and_o distinct_a punishment_n which_o be_v no_o less_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o civil_a state_n consider_v in_o its_o self_n which_o admit_v not_o of_o distinct_a censure_n of_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o person_n more_o than_o of_o a_o distinct_a power_n and_o so_o if_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o new_a church-relation_n will_v admit_v of_o distinct_a law_n and_o censure_n without_o wrong_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o state_n and_o that_o equity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o reference_n to_o subject_n neither_o aught_o this_o of_o a_o distinct_a power_n to_o make_v these_o law_n and_o execute_v these_o censure_n be_v think_v inconsistent_a with_o magistracy_n see_v it_o flow_v from_o the_o same_o new_a relation_n and_o this_o equity_n among_o subject_n be_v no_o less_o essential_a to_o a_o well_o order_v commonwealth_n than_o universal_a supremacy_n and_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o conveen_n of_o church-officer_n for_o the_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n and_o that_o without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n can_v be_v no_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o civil_a thing_n than_o the_o conveen_n of_o church-member_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n even_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v express_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n 8._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o church-power_n do_v not_o only_o not_o weaken_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v exceed_o strengthen_v civil_a authority_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o in_o the_o church_n for_o where_o this_o be_v a_o magistrate_n have_v all_o authority_n that_o civil_a law_n give_v he_o and_o all_o the_o power_n that_o the_o word_n upon_o conscience_n do_v imprint_v and_o he_o have_v beside_o these_o church-power_n and_o censure_n concur_v for_o his_o strengthen_n because_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v account_v a_o scandal_n by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v among_o other_o scandal_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o censure_v by_o this_o power_n even_o as_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o disobedient_a child_n servant_n and_o wife_n which_o do_v exceed_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o relation_n in_o the_o church_n beyond_o that_o which_o can_v be_v elsewhere_o and_o thus_o the_o church_n power_n do_v confirm_v the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n when_o they_o censure_v disobedience_n to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o censure_v the_o same_o fault_n in_o the_o same_o person_n which_o the_o state_n do_v though_o under_o a_o different_a notion_n and_o by_o so_o do_v they_o pronounce_v the_o power_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o be_v just_a when_o the_o thing_n punish_v by_o it_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o they_o and_o not_o only_o as_o fault_n against_o humane_a law_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o civil-state_n but_o also_o as_o sin_n against_o christ_n and_o unbecoming_a his_o church_n which_o certain_o can_v but_o add_v a_o great_a impression_n of_o reverence_n unto_o the_o civil_a power_n thus_o these_o two_o distinct_a government_n do_v no_o way_n interfere_v but_o support_v each_o other_o and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v no_o obstruction_n but_o a_o great_a furtherance_n unto_o church-power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o although_o it_o be_v still_o distinct_a and_o independent_a as_o such_o to_o have_v civil-power_n after_o its_o own_o manner_n concur_v with_o it_o so_o be_v it_o a_o strengthen_n to_o civil-power_n to_o have_v the_o accession_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o kind_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o and_o if_o indeed_o we_o suppose_v magistrate_n to_o punish_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v scandalous_a in_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o power_n by_o this_o which_o do_v censure_v the_o same_o thing_n on_o another_o account_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v they_o not_o to_o do_v so_o then_o there_o be_v necessity_n for_o this_o church-power_n that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o have_v be_v say_v 9_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o distinct_a church-power_n be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o can_v but_o be_v well_o consistent_a with_o magistracy_n for_o these_o two_o ordinance_n can_v but_o be_v consistent_a 1._o it_o make_v sin_n hateful_a 2._o it_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n 3._o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o way_n for_o try_v qualify_v man_n fit_a to_o manage_v church-censure_n and_o church-affair_n as_o such_o who_o be_v purposely_o choose_v 4._o it_o have_v what_o the_o magistrate_n can_v give_v and_o this_o beside_o 5._o it_o prove_v more_o convince_a and_o edify_v to_o the_o person_n censure_v for_o what_o ever_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a experience_n do_v prove_v that_o no_o censure_n have_v such_o convince_a weight_n on_o conscience_n as_o when_o it_o be_v distinct_o administer_v by_o church-officer_n 6._o it_o do_v more_o show_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o the_o completeness_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o other_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o what_o we_o say_v at_o the_o entry_n to_o this_o dâgression_n in_o a_o word_n if_o civil_a power_n mind_n edification_n in_o their_o place_n and_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n this_o prove_v strengthen_v to_o they_o because_o it_o further_v that_o end_n if_o they_o mind_v not_o that_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n such_o a_o power_n be_v suspicious_a like_o which_o tend_v only_o to_o the_o carry_v on_o thereof_o it_o be_v ordinary_a to_o man_n to_o suspect_v more_o the_o encroach_a of_o churchman_n in_o power_n and_o their_o exorbitancy_n than_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v ever_o think_v by_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v a_o bondage_n and_o these_o ever_o esteem_v to_o be_v more_o proud_a rigid_a etc._n etc._n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n but_o man_n will_v sober_o consider_v 1._o if_o that_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o of_o the_o person_n and_o if_o discipline_n well_o discharge_v and_o ecclesiastical_o follow_v with_o love_n meekness_n conviction_n etc._n etc._n if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o useful_a and_o if_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o person_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o power_n itself_o in_o this_o case_n more_o than_o in_o other_o case_n 2._o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o a_o church-office_n to_o occasion_v this_o exorbitancy_n and_o miscarriage_n more_o than_o in_o another_o civil_a station_n this_o look_v not_o like_a in_o itself_o 3._o if_o more_o near_o we_o consider_v church-officer_n there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o for_o be_v there_o any_o rank_n of_o person_n so_o regulate_v and_o to_o be_v try_v in_o their_o qualification_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o trust_n as_o by_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v or_o be_v any_o place_n more_o deliberate_o fill_v that_o man_n conscientious_a and_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o trust_n may_v be_v call_v thereto_o and_o be_v there_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n so_o bound_v with_o profitable_a rule_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o the_o observe_n of_o these_o it_o ought_v tender_o to_o be_v remedy_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o church-officer_n must_v be_v most_o fit_a to_o manage_v church-matter_n 4._o let_v they_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o church-power_n be_v consider_v without_o respect_n to_o that_o be_v they_o not_o of_o themselves_o man_n of_o tenderness_n conscience_n and_o gift_n proportionable_o as_o man_n in_o any_o other_o station_n be_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v for_o their_o qualification_n and_o carriage_n they_o may_v have_v be_v man_n of_o other_o station_n and_o if_o call_v thereto_o judge_n ruler_n etc._n etc._n without_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n more_o than_o other_o and_o if_o so_o shall_v the_o very_a office_n which_o ought_v to_o capacitat_fw-la they_o more_o only_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o suspicion_n this_o have_v need_v to_o be_v advert_v unto_o lest_o their_o office_n be_v reproach_v and_o may_v not_o that_o power_n put_v in_o civil_a hand_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o miscarry_v as_o in_o they_o 5._o what_o churchman_n be_v usual_o most_v mistake_v be_v it_o not_o they_o who_o still_o have_v be_v most_o faithful_a and_o zealous_a in_o their_o duty_n have_v not_o such_o ever_o also_o be_v think_v most_o intolerable_a even_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o freedom_n in_o the_o word_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o elia_n john_n the_o baptist_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o two_o prophet_n chap._n 11._o shall_v therefore_o doctrine_n and_o power_n in_o the_o word_n be_v think_v insufferable_a or_o shall_v the_o
false_a prophet_n of_o baal_n or_o of_o antichrist_n be_v think_v more_o fit_a to_o have_v place_n than_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n this_o can_v be_v no_o good_a ground_n that_o do_v reflect_v only_o upon_o these_o that_o be_v faithful_a other_o be_v ready_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o please_a of_o man_n both_o in_o word_n and_o discipline_n 6._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v what_o may_v move_v man_n of_o judgement_n and_o part_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v conscientious_a to_o top_n with_o magistrate_n it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o self_n interest_n do_v that_o see_v flatterer_n that_o seek_v that_o most_o take_v the_o contrary_a way_n and_o come_v speed_n when_o as_o the_o most_o faithful_a be_v often_o under_o a_o cloud_n or_o be_v it_o like_o that_o the_o most_o zealous_a humble_a and_o tender_a shall_v be_v most_o subject_a to_o miscarry_v and_o if_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o reprove_v or_o censure_v either_o by_o word_n or_o discipline_n be_v it_o not_o most_o profitable_a even_o though_o most_o displease_v that_o it_o be_v do_v 7._o consider_v who_o most_o ready_o fret_v at_o this_o power_n it_o will_v be_v find_v they_o be_v such_o who_o from_o inclination_n to_o lousnesse_n or_o error_n can_v abide_v any_o band_n or_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o politic_a indifferency_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v mould_v all_o in_o a_o state-frame_n and_o such_o be_v embitter_v at_o freedom_n in_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o power_n in_o govern_v or_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v lead_v with_o a_o prejudice_n at_o the_o power_n of_o ordinance_n which_o certain_o man_n natural_o be_v not_o free_a of_o and_o it_o will_v be_v advert_v in_o this_o 8._o consider_v that_o this_o mistake_n of_o churchmen_n power_n do_v often_o arise_v in_o such_o case_n wherein_o they_o be_v serve_v christ_n and_o man_n entertain_v it_o most_o in_o such_o time_n when_o their_o frame_n be_v least_o spiritual_a and_o sober_a as_o the_o observation_n thereof_o in_o experience_n will_v evidence_n what_o man_n at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n have_v be_v comfort_v in_o such_o a_o opposition_n or_o challenge_v for_o submission_n although_o contempt_n thereof_o have_v lie_v heavy_a on_o many_o and_o that_o to_o scare_v other_o from_o follow_v their_o way_n all_o therefore_o of_o all_o rank_n will_v be_v obte_v to_o advert_v to_o this_o lest_o they_o be_v find_v even_o fighter_n against_o god_n especial_o at_o such_o time_n when_o this_o design_n by_o some_o be_v drive_v lest_o by_o put_v to_o their_o hand_n to_o pull_v down_o this_o authority_n they_o themselves_o perish_v in_o the_o fall_n thereof_o and_o what_o do_v the_o advantage_n at_o most_o amount_v unto_o it_o be_v this_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a freedom_n to_o sin_n and_o few_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v from_o it_o or_o what_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v may_v be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o man_n laugh_v at_o their_o sin_n without_o be_v affect_v in_o the_o conscience_n by_o any_o convince_a mean_n have_v this_o ever_o profit_v any_o hitherto_o or_o have_v the_o right_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n ever_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o any_o and_o do_v not_o ordinary_o religion_n and_o discipline_n flourish_v together_o and_o be_v not_o congregation_n in_o best_a case_n where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o do_v not_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o in_o other_o place_n evident_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o people_n will_v consider_v these_o thing_n especial_o these_o who_o be_v engage_v singular_o for_o the_o support_v of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o a_o time_n of_o reckon_n will_v come_v when_o this_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o submission_n thereto_o according_a to_o man_n place_n and_o engagement_n will_v not_o be_v find_v so_o indifferent_a as_o now_o it_o be_v esteem_v by_o many_o and_o dispute_v of_o this_o kind_n we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v when_o the_o lord_n will_v declare_v that_o he_o have_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n what_o according_a to_o his_o will_n have_v be_v pronounce_v in_o this_o ordinance_n of_o discipline_n upon_o earth_n which_o by_o divine_n be_v well_o account_v to_o be_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o threaten_n contain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o add_v to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o weighty_a as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v unto_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o grace_n 2._o concern_v a_o minister_n relation_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n this_o relation_n between_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n be_v mention_v in_o all_o these_o epistle_n the_o minister_n or_o angel_n be_v call_v the_o minister_n of_o such_o a_o church_n peculiar_o here_o the_o church_n or_o candlestick_n be_v call_v his_o i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_a to_o inquire_v a_o little_a concern_v this_o mutual_a tie_n and_o relation_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o in_o the_o general_a 2._o in_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o peculiar_a tie_n 3._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o particular_o in_o these_o two_o 1._o if_o a_o minister_n as_o such_o be_v only_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n in_o which_o he_o serve_v and_o 2._o if_o that_o tie_n be_v such_o as_o upon_o no_o consideration_n it_o may_v be_v break_v or_o loose_v and_o he_o remove_v by_o transportation_n to_o some_o other_o charge_n we_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o not_o only_o because_o it_o serve_v to_o clear_v the_o text_n in_o hand_n but_o also_o because_o it_o supply_v somewhat_o yet_o defective_a in_o reference_n to_o a_o minister_n call_v of_o which_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v to_o wit_n what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o a_o call_v that_o be_v by_o transport_v of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v already_o fix_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o if_o a_o minister_n settle_v in_o some_o particular_a charge_n may_v upon_o occasion_n act_v ministerial_o in_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o a_o minister_n without_o the_o same_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o first_o we_o will_v distinguish_v a_o threefold_a relation_n that_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n stand_v into_o the_o first_o be_v a_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o he_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o ambassador_n this_o be_v the_o first_o relation_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o corinth_n 4.1_o and_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n 2_o corinth_n 5.20_o etc._n etc._n because_o they_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o and_o he_o peculiar_o be_v their_o master_n and_o owner_n in_o this_o respect_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o church_n and_o so_o she_o be_v christ_n church_n purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n act_v 20.28_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a relation_n by_o which_o both_o angel_n and_o church_n be_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a master_n and_o owner_n of_o both_o and_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o church_n the_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n the_o church_n but_o both_o be_v christ_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o less_o principal_a relation_n which_o be_v delegatory_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a he_o to_o who_o both_o minister_n and_o church_n do_v belong_v think_v good_a to_o bestow_v minister_n as_o a_o gift_n unto_o his_o church_n in_o this_o respect_n minister_n relation_n be_v primary_o unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o 1_o corinth_n 12.28_o it_o be_v say_v god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o pastor_n some_o teacher_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n here_o we_o may_v see_v that_o minister_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o that_o same_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v apostle_n of_o and_o for_o that_o same_o end_n to_o wit_n the_o build_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o take_v in_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o from_o that_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o vers_fw-la 13._o etc._n etc._n do_v appear_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o minister_n principal_a relation_n and_o charge_n be_v christ_n church_n universal_a and_o his_o body_n and_o they_o be_v give_v thereto_o to_o wit_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n into_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o steward_n etc._n etc._n as_o paul_n have_v it_o 1_o timothy_n 3.15_o 3._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o relation_n as_o more_o particular_a and_o less_o principal_a and_o as_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a end_n and_o so_o minister_n be_v minister_n to_o particular_a
if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v bind_v he_o in_o his_o authority_n so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n without_o the_o same_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o be_v so_o tie_v to_o that_o church_n that_o for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n he_o may_v not_o be_v loose_v from_o it_o and_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o minister_n elsewhere_o for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v take_v these_o general_a conclusion_n for_o help_v we_o in_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o that_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o city_n and_o house_n one_o commonwealth_n ephes._n 2.19_o etc._n etc._n one_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n â_o one_o bride_n and_o spouse_n etc._n etc._n which_o expression_n do_v hold_v forth_o this_o uunion_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o there_o be_v not_o two_o body_n city_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o must_v these_o place_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v that_o body_n into_o which_o we_o be_v enter_v by_o baptism_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o that_o city_n in_o which_o watchman_n be_v set_v and_o external_a ordinance_n and_o that_o commonwealth_n which_o succee_v to_o that_o which_o once_o be_v peculiar_a to_o israel_n and_o from_o which_o the_o gentile_n be_v once_o separate_v by_o a_o partitionâwall_n which_o be_v now_o take_v down_o by_o the_o gospel_n conclusion_n 2._o although_o this_o church_n be_v one_o in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v subdivide_v in_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v as_o part_n of_o that_o whole_a this_o arise_v from_o accidental_a consideration_n of_o the_o number_n of_o professor_n distance_n of_o place_n and_o such_o like_a in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o her_o edification_n and_o the_o go_v about_o of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v yet_o be_v this_o subdivision_n without_o prejudice_n of_o the_o union_n foresay_a yea_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr thereto_o even_o as_o suppose_v a_o numerous_a city_n or_o incorporation_n shall_v be_v subdivide_v in_o so_o many_o quarter_n or_o lesser_a society_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a thus_o the_o church_n at_o first_o be_v one_o upon_o the_o former_a consideration_n upon_o this_o occasion_n do_v extend_v herself_o in_o this_o manner_n and_o these_o who_o just_o now_o be_v of_o one_o church_n and_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o ordinance_n be_v induce_v to_o divide_v in_o several_a society_n and_o meeting-place_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n yet_o continue_v still_o of_o the_o same_o body_n together_o in_o the_o first_o respect_n in_o which_o respect_n sometime_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n sometime_o again_o only_o in_o the_o singular_a as_o point_v out_o a_o unity_n such_o be_v these_o phrase_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n to_o add_v to_o the_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o respect_n the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o a_o integrall_a whole_a exist_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o say_v the_o whole_a world_n which_o do_v yet_o but_o exist_v in_o so_o many_o particular_a notion_n and_o have_v no_o existence_n distinct_a from_o they_o and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o genus_fw-la in_o this_o sense_n will_v not_o be_v intelligible_a conclus_fw-la 3._o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o owner_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o church_n have_v give_v minister_n principal_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o catholic_n church_n without_o respect_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n but_o as_o that_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a end_n as_o it_o be_v ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o it_o be_v one_o church_n to_o which_o both_o apostle_n pastor_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n be_v give_v and_o they_o have_v all_o one_o scope_n to_o wit_n the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o one_o commission_n to_o wit_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o principal_o be_v to_o engage_v soul_n to_o the_o bridegroom_n hence_o in_o their_o preach_v we_o be_v to_o conceive_v this_o order_n 1._o apostle_n and_o minister_n etc._n etc._n treat_v with_o sinner_n to_o have_v they_o engage_v by_o faith_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o master_n for_o who_o they_o treat_v 2._o to_o enter_v they_o in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n as_o the_o enter_v of_o they_o within_o christ_n house_n in_o general_a without_o respect_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n as_o when_o philip_n act_v 8._o do_v first_o preach_v christ_n to_o the_o eunuch_n and_o afterward_o do_v baptise_v he_o and_o then_o leave_v he_o and_o 3._o be_v thus_o enter_v and_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o catholic_n church_n thereupon_o follow_v their_o enter_v into_o particular_a congregation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o convenient_o and_o commodious_o edify_v and_o provide_v for_o as_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n house_n shall_v be_v who_o therefore_o be_v commit_v to_o some_o special_a overseer_n and_o steward_n for_o that_o end_n as_o suppose_v the_o eunuch_n have_v be_v admit_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n for_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n therein_o after_o his_o baptism_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o general_a which_o be_v seal_v by_o baptism_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o he_o but_o of_o what_o particular_a church_n he_o may_v be_v a_o member_n that_o by_o after_o conveniency_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v whence_o it_o do_v appear_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n as_o universal_a beside_o the_o consider_v of_o she_o in_o particular_a church_n 2._o that_o the_o church_n so_o consider_v as_o a_o integrall_a whole_a be_v before_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o they_o be_v derive_v from_o she_o 3._o that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v relate_v principal_o to_o the_o whole_a their_o commission_n be_v in_o common_a to_o build_v the_o body_n to_o watch_v the_o city_n feed_v the_o flock_n preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o delegation_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o this_o that_o be_v so_o as_o this_o may_v be_v the_o more_o orderly_a and_o convenient_o follow_v even_o as_o suppose_v so_o many_o elderman_n or_o watchman_n be_v by_o some_o superior_a design_v for_o the_o govern_n and_o watch_v of_o one_o city_n and_o shall_v for_o the_o better_a accomplish_v thereof_o have_v their_o several_a quarter_n and_o division_n assign_v to_o they_o yet_o still_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v as_o governor_n and_o watchman_n of_o the_o city_n principal_o and_o not_o of_o these_o particular_a portion_n only_o conclus_fw-la 4._o although_o they_o be_v design_v principal_o for_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o their_o commission_n will_v bear_v they_o to_o treat_v any_o where_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o catholic_n officer_n of_o that_o church_n nor_o at_o their_o arbitrament_n to_o treat_v where_o they_o will_v but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n which_o he_o have_v settle_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o part_n of_o that_o whole_a that_o be_v the_o way_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o for_o edification_n i_o say_v 1._o they_o be_v not_o catholic_n officer_n there_o be_v great_a odds_o here_o betwixt_o officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o catholic_n officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v such_o the_o pope_n claim_v to_o be_v that_o be_v to_o have_v a_o immediate_a access_n for_o exercise_v the_o trust_n equal_o to_o all_o place_n officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v place_v in_o it_o for_o the_o build_n up_o thereof_o and_o have_v commission_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o end_n yet_o be_v it_o to_o be_v execute_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o that_o be_v as_o christ_n call_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n shall_v give_v they_o access_n for_o although_o as_o be_v say_v they_o have_v a_o power_n and_o commission_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o watchman_n of_o the_o city_n indefinite_o yet_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la they_o be_v special_o delegated_a for_o such_o and_o such_o congregation_n or_o post_n as_o be_v hint_v in_o the_o former_a similitude_n in_o this_o respect_n peter_n and_o paul_n be_v apostle_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n equal_o yet_o for_o the_o good_a thereof_o by_o special_a appointment_n peter_n become_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o paul_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o paul_n can_v not_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o
that_o he_o may_v exercise_v ministerial_a pour_v without_o the_o bound_n thereof_o 3._o if_o a_o minister_n by_o that_o same_o authority_n may_v preach_v and_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n to_o other_o without_o the_o congregation_n as_o to_o these_o within_o then_o be_v not_o his_o ministerial_a authority_n confine_v to_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o preach_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v only_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o preach_v not_o by_o ministerial_a authority_n but_o as_o gift_a private_a man_n unto_o which_o we_o oppose_v 1._o if_o a_o minister_n warning_n reproof_n invitation_n etc._n etc._n have_v equal_a weight_n with_o it_o in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v in_o his_o own_o congregation_n then_o must_v he_o preach_v every_o where_o as_o a_o minister_n because_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o church_n a_o ministerial_a authority_n beside_o that_o which_o a_o gift_a brother_n will_v have_v but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a the_o word_n by_o he_o have_v the_o same_o weight_n as_o preach_v by_o commission_n from_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o may_v say_v we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v which_o another_o can_v do_v and_o the_o guilt_n of_o refuse_v the_o word_n from_o he_o will_v be_v find_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o authority_n no_o less_o inexcusable_a than_o if_o the_o refuser_n be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o own_o congregation_n and_o i_o suppose_v a_o conscience_n will_v not_o get_v a_o defence_n table_v for_o excuse_n upon_o this_o exception_n beside_o the_o minister_n have_v ministerial_a authority_n as_o a_o ambassador_n to_o conclude_v with_o they_o that_o receive_v his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o pronounce_v pardon_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o one_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o other_o and_o one_o may_v receive_v that_o word_n and_o rest_n on_o it_o as_o speak_v by_o a_o ambassador_n and_o expect_v the_o ratify_n thereof_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o their_o consolation_n be_v exceed_o lessen_v and_o the_o minister_n disable_v from_o conclude_v the_o treaty_n as_o a_o ambassador_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o christ_n end_n of_o send_v minister_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o edify_v the_o body_n indefinite_o ephes._n 4.12_o and_o therefore_o may_v he_o as_o a_o ambassador_n act_n in_o these_o ministerial_a duty_n the_o consider_v of_o the_o second_o branch_n will_v clear_v it_o more_o to_o wit_n thus_o if_o a_o minister_n may_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n without_o his_o own_o congregation_n then_o must_v his_o ministerial_a power_n go_v beyond_o that_o relation_n because_o there_o be_v a_o ministerial_a power_n requisite_a for_o these_o which_o no_o gift_a person_n whatsoever_o can_v assume_v but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n this_o minor_a be_v deny_v by_o some_o as_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a practice_n yet_o be_v general_o use_v by_o all_o it_o be_v thus_o answer_v that_o a_o minister_n may_v give_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o one_o not_o of_o his_o congregation_n because_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n think_v good_a to_o admit_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v warrantable_o administrate_n it_o to_o they_o it_o be_v still_o lawful_a to_o he_o in_o itself_o to_o consecrate_v the_o element_n in_o his_o own_o congregation_n but_o we_o reply_v 1._o that_o a_o minister_n may_v warrantable_o baptise_v one_o who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o his_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o the_o former_a answer_n will_v weaken_v this_o argument_n as_o suppose_v a_o minister_n do_v encounter_v some_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o and_o upon_o his_o profess_a faith_n and_o conversion_n baptize_v he_o otherways_o it_o be_v now_o impossible_a to_o baptize_v and_o bring_v in_o a_o heathen_a which_o be_v absurd_a yet_o can_v not_o that_o be_v do_v without_o authority_n as_o be_v grant_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v do_v to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n because_o even_o after_o his_o baptism_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o choose_v what_o particular_a church_n he_o will_v join_v unto_o neither_o before_o that_o be_v he_o in_o capacity_n thereof_o nor_o can_v the_o minister_n act_n therein_o by_o the_o church_n warrant_n because_o 1._o the_o church_n can_v not_o judge_v a_o person_n that_o be_v without_o that_o be_v not_o within_o their_o reach_n 2._o because_o a_o minister_n may_v do_v this_o upon_o occasion_n where_o there_o can_v not_o be_v access_n to_o have_v any_o church_n determination_n concern_v the_o thing_n as_o suppose_v it_o be_v abroad_o on_o a_o journey_n as_o philip_n encounter_n be_v with_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o upon_o the_o heathen_n propose_v this_o question_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v that_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v warrantable_o by_o the_o minister_n it_o hinder_v because_o thou_o be_v no_o church_n member_n or_o my_o church_n be_v not_o here_o to_o authorise_v i_o etc._n etc._n such_o answer_n will_v be_v uncomfortable_a to_o the_o man_n and_o disproportionable_a to_o christ_n end_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o the_o minister_n as_o a_o minister_n may_v baptize_v he_o and_o seal_v the_o treaty_n and_o so_o authoritative_o treat_v and_o preach_v as_o a_o minister_n see_v authoritative_o he_o may_v seal_v it_o the_o former_a answer_n be_v therefore_o weak_a and_o 1._o do_v speak_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n nor_o 2._o to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n out_o of_o his_o own_o congregation_n see_v it_o allow_v he_o power_n only_o to_o consecrate_v the_o element_n there_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n but_o authority_n to_o administrate_n the_o lord_n supper_n must_v be_v as_o broad_a in_o this_o respect_n as_o to_o administrate_n baptism_n see_v they_o be_v both_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n 3._o if_o a_o minister_n power_n be_v peremptory_o commensurable_a with_o his_o flock_n even_o in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o the_o church_n their_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o member_n the_o minister_n can_v not_o be_v warrant_v to_o administrate_n to_o he_o because_o still_o notwithstanding_o that_o person_n continue_v to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n nor_o subject_n to_o other_o ordinance_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o former_a ground_n no_o such_o determination_n of_o a_o people_n can_v communicate_v authority_n to_o a_o minister_n by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o to_o make_v he_o use_v ministerial_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o person_n not_o under_o his_o charge_n if_o otherways_o he_o be_v not_o furnish_v therewith_o 4._o these_o principle_n seem_v to_o be_v repugnant_a both_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o practice_n general_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o 1._o they_o have_v one_o commission_n for_o all_o place_n and_o person_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v this_o make_v they_o to_o act_v as_o minister_n in_o one_o place_n and_o not_o in_o another_o 2._o their_o commission_n be_v to_o treat_v for_o christ_n indefinite_o and_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o his_o design_n without_o respect_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a charge_n except_o in_o a_o subordinate_a manner_n so_o that_o by_o their_o commission_n they_o be_v constitute_v christ_n ambassador_n minister_n and_o steward_n simple_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n this_o say_v they_o be_v but_o ambassador_n in_o reference_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o people_n and_o so_o consequent_o can_v not_o by_o his_o warrant_n close_o a_o treaty_n in_o his_o name_n with_o any_o other_o 3._o a_o minister_n by_o his_o commission_n be_v absolute_o set_v a_o part_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o long_o as_o christ_n have_v work_n for_o he_o if_o he_o continue_v faithful_a yea_o by_o virtue_n
to_o themselves_o than_o to_o the_o church_n in_o common_a beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o access_n to_o cognosce_fw-la thereof_o upon_o other_o ground_n give_v if_o then_o the_o church_n be_v any_o way_n allow_v to_o cognosce_fw-la or_o dispose_v of_o member_n according_a to_o their_o gift_n and_o that_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o particular_a inclination_n transportation_n must_v be_v allow_v and_o if_o it_o be_v single_o do_v we_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o such_o access_n to_o cognosce_fw-la of_o a_o man_n gift_n and_o to_o proportionate_a it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o body_n as_o may_v be_v do_v in_o transportation_n 5._o we_o may_v argue_v thus_o if_o minister_n be_v light_n plant_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a then_o ought_v they_o so_o to_o be_v place_v as_o they_o may_v most_o extensive_o give_v light_n to_o the_o whole_a now_o these_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v some_o congregation_n where_o a_o minister_n may_v more_o conspicuous_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o in_o other_o some_o place_n be_v as_o table_n or_o candlestick_n from_o which_o light_n do_v shine_v other_o place_n again_o be_v as_o corner_n 2._o sometime_o a_o light_n may_v be_v set_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o under_o a_o bushel_n comparative_o and_o not_o be_v set_v on_o the_o place_n where_o the_o great_a light_n be_v call_v for_o 3._o when_o it_o be_v misplace_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o corner_n to_o be_v set_v on_o the_o candlestick_n and_o although_o it_o may_v be_v that_o that_o corner_n become_v more_o dark_a yet_o the_o house_n in_o general_n become_v more_o lightsome_a and_o if_o these_o former_a ground_n be_v true_a then_o transportation_n when_o it_o prove_v the_o remove_n of_o a_o light_n from_o under_o a_o bed_n to_o the_o candlestick_n for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a house_n must_v be_v allow_v and_o admit_v but_o these_o two_o consideration_n will_v make_v this_o appear_v 1._o christ_n express_a word_n matth._n 5.14_o 15._o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n that_o all_o in_o the_o house_n may_v see_v light_a compare_v with_o luke_n 8.16_o which_o demonstrate_v there_o that_o minister_n be_v so_o to_o be_v place_v as_o they_o may_v most_o lighten_v the_o whole_a house_n and_o if_o any_o place_n conduce_v more_o for_o that_o than_o another_o they_o be_v according_o to_o be_v place_v 2._o the_o apostle_n practice_n clear_v this_o we_o will_v find_v they_o in_o their_o preach_a especial_o to_o frequent_v most_o populous_a place_n because_o there_o be_v most_o occasion_n of_o spread_v the_o gospel_n in_o those_o paul_n be_v mark_v act_v 19.10_o to_o have_v stay_v two_o full_a year_n in_o ephesus_n and_o that_o all_o asia_n upon_o that_o occasion_n hear_v the_o word_n which_o do_v hold_v forth_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v some_o place_n particular_o populous_a and_o public_a place_n of_o more_o concernment_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o be_v well_o plant_v than_o other_o place_n and_o 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o their_o abode_n and_o preach_v exceed_o sway_v by_o that_o consideration_n so_o that_o although_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o have_v equal_a interest_n in_o all_o person_n and_o church_n yet_o do_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a engage_v they_o to_o have_v particular_a respect_n to_o some_o place_n beyond_o other_o and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o transport_v themselves_o from_o private_a place_n to_o more_o public_a that_o they_o may_v give_v light_a to_o the_o more_o 6._o if_o the_o good_a of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a minister_n may_v warrant_v a_o transportation_n much_o more_o may_v the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v the_o same_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o both_o the_o first_o be_v true_a 1._o the_o good_a of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v warrant_v it_o as_o suppose_v they_o be_v utter_o prejudge_v against_o a_o present_a minister_n who_o yet_o elsewhere_o may_v have_v access_n to_o be_v profitable_a either_o transportation_n must_v be_v allow_v or_o he_o must_v be_v render_v unprofitable_a contrary_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v gift_n 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o they_o put_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n by_o have_v than_o by_o want_v for_o the_o second_o that_o a_o minister_n particular_a necessity_n may_v constrain_v this_o as_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n to_o live_v and_o follow_v the_o ministry_n in_o such_o a_o place_n because_o of_o outward_a strait_n thus_o nehemiah_n 13.10_o the_o levite_n by_o the_o withdraw_n of_o their_o maintenance_n be_v make_v to_o fly_v every_o one_o to_o his_o field_n and_o nehemiâh_o contend_v with_o the_o ruler_n and_o remove_v that_o obstruction_n and_o do_v not_o challenge_v the_o levite_n as_o mr._n bowl_n do_v observe_v we_o find_v also_o in_o church-story_n socrates_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 36._o of_o one_o sylvanus_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o live_v in_o one_o placeâ_n because_o of_o his_o infirm_a health_n which_o do_v disagree_v therewith_o he_o be_v transport_v to_o another_o more_o wholesome_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o constitution_n 7._o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o that_o relation_n between_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o people_n any_o particular_a member_n or_o any_o other_o officer_n upon_o weighty_a consideration_n may_v remove_v themselves_o or_o be_v remove_v from_o that_o congregation_n then_o may_v the_o minister_n be_v remove_v also_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o public_a good_a because_o there_o be_v that_o same_o tie_n between_o the_o people_n and_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o officer_n and_o the_o people_n that_o be_v between_o the_o minister_n and_o they_o for_o the_o relation_n be_v mutual_a but_o that_o private_a member_n and_o elder_n or_o deacon_n may_v remove_v or_o be_v remove_v orderly_o have_v never_o be_v question_v ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n 8._o if_o a_o minister_n upon_o particular_a occasion_n for_o public_a good_a may_v perform_v ministerial_a act_n without_o his_o own_o congregation_n for_o a_o time_n then_o suppon_v these_o ground_n to_o be_v urgent_a and_o authority_n to_o intervene_v why_o may_v he_o not_o be_v full_o remove_v for_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o call_v to_o act_v for_o a_o time_n to_o wit_n the_o good_a of_o the_o body_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n may_v call_v for_o it_o to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n 9_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o word_n of_o god_n more_o near_o we_o will_v find_v this_o to_o be_v conform_v thereto_o and_o 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o levite_n have_v their_o own_o fixedness_n in_o the_o several_a city_n beside_o jerusalem_n see_v that_o be_v their_o office_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n and_o no_o question_n it_o be_v do_v orderly_o hence_o thou_o and_o the_o levite_n within_o thy_o gate_n be_v so_o frequent_o mention_v and_o act._n 15.21_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o '_o old_a time_n moses_n have_v they_o in_o every_o city_n that_o do_v preach_v he_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o that_o fixedness_n levites_n may_v be_v remove_v to_o more_o public_a service_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v gather_v from_o deut._n 18.6_o and_o 7._o if_o a_o levite_n come_v from_o any_o of_o thy_o gate_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n where_o he_o sojourn_v and_o shall_v come_v with_o all_o his_o desire_n to_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v then_o shall_v be_v minister_n etc._n etc._n where_o a_o levit_n remove_v from_o minister_a in_o one_o place_n to_o another_o be_v clear_o approven_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o this_o removal_n be_v leave_v arbitrarie_a to_o the_o levite_n himself_n because_o so_o confusion_n can_v not_o have_v be_v eschew_v but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o he_o come_v with_o all_o his_o desire_n it_o do_v suppose_v a_o trial_n thereof_o and_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o dispose_n of_o he_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n to_o have_v proceed_v as_o the_o learned_a junius_n do_v observe_v on_o the_o place_n 2._o if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o we_o will_v find_v our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v through_o the_o city_n preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o same_o way_n in_o their_o practice_n and_o we_o will_v find_v they_o send_v minister_n sometime_o to_o one_o place_n sometime_o to_o another_o sometime_o keep_v particular_a minister_n with_o themselves_o as_o from_o the_o
the_o israelite_n as_o if_o a_o stumble_a block_n have_v be_v cast_v in_o the_o way_n of_o some_o man_n to_o make_v he_o fall_v thus_o many_o sinful_a practice_n have_v not_o only_o the_o consideration_n of_o guiltiness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o commit_v the_o same_o but_o have_v also_o the_o consideration_n of_o offence_n as_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o prove_v occasion_n of_o fall_v and_o ruin_n unto_o other_o this_o also_o to_o wit_n of_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o other_o will_v agree_v well_o in_o application_n to_o the_o nicolaitan_n who_o as_o they_o be_v guilty_a in_o the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n so_o be_v they_o careless_a in_o reference_n to_o offence_n not_o regard_v how_o offensive_a their_o way_n be_v unto_o other_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n such_o as_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o these_o primitive_a time_n be_v to_o many_o the_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v when_o christian-liberty_n be_v not_o right_o bound_v as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o 1_o corinth_n 8.9_o 10._o and_o these_o two_o also_o often_o go_v together_o to_o be_v careless_a of_o guilt_n before_o god_n and_o of_o offence_n before_o other_o from_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v 1._o that_o the_o most_o vile_a error_n and_o delusion_n may_v increase_v exceed_o this_o of_o the_o nicolaitan_n have_v spread_v in_o ephesus_n pergamos_n and_o several_a other_o church_n even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o new-upstart_n gross_a abomination_n be_v oftentimes_o indeed_o but_o the_o revive_n of_o some_o old_a bury_v and_o condemn_v practice_n or_o doctrine_n thus_o the_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v but_o indeed_o on_o the_o matter_n the_o put_n of_o balaam_n practice_n in_o a_o doctrine_n and_o maintain_v the_o same_o under_o another_o name_n 3._o we_o may_v see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o allow_a way_n of_o confute_v new_a startup_n delusion_n to_o show_v their_o agreement_n on_o the_o matter_n with_o former_a old_a acknowledge_v and_o condemn_v heresy_n thus_o the_o lord_n do_v here_o and_o in_o the_o epistle_n follow_v he_o compare_v they_o to_o jezebel_n for_o often_o man_n will_v more_o impartial_o judge_v of_o bypass_a error_n than_o of_o what_o seem_v to_o be_v new_a and_o therefore_o the_o devil_n use_v most_o cunning_o to_o disguise_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o have_v old_a error_n vent_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o new_a light_n and_o depth_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o old_a rot_a delusion_n if_o it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o ordinary_o the_o most_o gross_a man_n use_v to_o brand_v the_o most_o orthodox_n with_o this_o as_o be_v reviver_n of_o old_a heresy_n whereof_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v for_o answer_v we_o say_v that_o a_o simple_a assert_v of_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bear_v it_o out_o we_o will_v therefore_o propose_v these_o qualification_n 1._o that_o the_o thing_n esteem_v to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o heresy_n be_v indeed_o incontrovertible_o such_o and_o that_o in_o some_o fundamental_a thing_n indeed_o sometime_o even_o the_o ancient_n do_v put_v something_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o heresy_n which_o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n it_o be_v not_o those_o we_o speak_v of_o nor_o be_v it_o such_o that_o be_v mention_v here_o 2._o the_o application_n also_o will_v be_v clear_a and_o man_n will_v not_o charge_v other_o with_o heresy_n of_o a_o odious_a name_n or_o nature_n upon_o prejudice_n or_o upon_o mistake_n of_o some_o expression_n nay_o not_o upon_o some_o seem_a consequence_n which_o the_o author_n do_v deny_v and_o it_o may_v be_v other_o can_v demonstrative_o show_v the_o inference_n thereof_o here_o it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o in_o particular_n though_o it_o may_v be_v at_o first_o they_o will_v refuse_v it_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n 3._o such_o a_o application_n will_v be_v make_v in_o knowledge_n and_o from_o through_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o allege_v old_a heresy_n upon_o the_o one_o side_n and_o with_o particular_a tenant_n of_o other_o who_o be_v suppose_v to_o maintain_v that_o error_n upon_o the_o other_o side_n oftentimes_o man_n speak_v in_o those_o thing_n what_o they_o know_v not_o or_o with_o a_o too_o light_o pass_v view_n or_o upon_o some_o probable_a resemblance_n or_o appearance_n be_v ready_a to_o ground_v such_o a_o application_n 4._o this_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o old_a condemn_a heresy_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v condemn_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o still_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o supreme_a rule_n all_o which_o agree_v in_o this_o application_n and_o where_o they_o agree_v it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a prejudice_n to_o a_o opinion_n to_o say_v it_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n the_o same_o with_o such_o and_o such_o a_o old_a heresy_n that_o be_v to_o man_n conviction_n long_o since_o condemn_v upon_o ground_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o foul_a error_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o this_o angel_n who_o be_v here_o so_o commend_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o these_o evil_n by_o any_o positive_a accession_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n charge_v upon_o he_o that_o thou_o have_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n that_o be_v the_o angel_n have_v such_o in_o the_o church_n who_o continue_v to_o be_v member_n and_o be_v not_o by_o discipline_n cut_v off_o this_o be_v his_o fault_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n fault_n that_o such_o live_v in_o pergamos_n because_o they_o have_v no_o civil_a authority_n to_o impede_fw-la that_fw-mi yet_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n that_o they_o live_v church-member_n there_o because_o they_o have_v church_n authority_n to_o remedy_n that_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o put_v in_o exercise_n against_o they_o as_o by_z ephesus_z have_v be_v do_v from_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o cut_v off_o of_o corrupt_a member_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a fault_n where_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o this_o our_o lord_n jesus_n quarrel_v the_o want_n of_o this_o in_o pergamos_n where_o he_o commend_v much_o honesty_n and_o he_o commend_v it_o in_o ephesus_n where_o there_o want_v not_o inward_a defect_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o more_o occasion_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v reproach_v his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v despise_v his_o people_n to_o be_v offend_v and_o stumble_v than_o the_o suffering_n of_o corrupt_a member_n that_o be_v taint_v with_o error_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n therefore_o much_o of_o the_o church_n commendation_n or_o reproof_n in_o these_o epistle_n be_v found_v on_o this_o as_o it_o be_v right_o or_o partial_o exercise_v 3._o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o toleration_n and_o that_o the_o tolerate_n of_o corrupt_a teacher_n can_v no_o way_n be_v approven_v of_o he_o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v direct_o speak_v against_o churchman_n their_o tolerate_v of_o corrupt_a teacher_n but_o will_v any_o think_v that_o that_o will_v be_v approven_v in_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a in_o the_o church-officer_n or_o that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v account_v toleration_n in_o the_o one_o to_o be_v hateful_a and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o be_v approvable_a 4._o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o temper_n in_o church-officer_n and_o diversity_n of_o condition_n in_o church_n even_o where_o there_o may_v be_v real_a honesty_n in_o both_o ephesus_n have_v much_o coldness_n within_o and_o yet_o much_o zeal_n against_o those_o nicolaitan_n pergamos_n again_o be_v much_o commend_v for_o their_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o suffer_v and_o yet_o reprove_v for_o want_n of_o zeal_n against_o these_o corrupt_a member_n 5._o man_n may_v be_v very_o straight_o and_o tender_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o bold_a in_o reference_n to_o suffer_v and_o yet_o faint_a and_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o prosecute_n of_o church-censure_n against_o erroneous_a man_n this_o appear_v both_o from_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o which_o follow_v where_o their_o particular_a condition_n and_o public_a carriage_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v exceed_o commend_v yet_o be_v there_o a_o notwithstanding_o in_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o honest_a tender_a and_o zealous_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o often_o defective_a in_o this_o who_o yet_o may_v be_v zealous_a and_o fervent_a against_o scandalous_a practice_n answ._n these_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o get_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o
not_o to_o blaspheme_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 3._o it_o have_v weight_n as_o to_o other_o to_o scare_v they_o from_o countenance_v of_o such_o and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n or_o beacon_n set_v upon_o they_o thereby_o to_o give_v warning_n to_o other_o for_o eschew_v of_o their_o company_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 16.17.18_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o if_o it_o have_v this_o fruit_n it_o can_v but_o in_o a_o great_a part_n blast_v their_o design_n now_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o sentence_n make_v all_o these_o restraint_n void_a as_o if_o no_o weight_n have_v be_v in_o christ_n ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o angel_n fault_n as_o to_o the_o second_o to_o wit_n wherefore_o christ_n be_v so_o displease_v with_o the_o suffering_n of_o corrupt_a teacher_n we_o may_v gather_v the_o reason_n thereof_o from_o what_o be_v say_v for_o 1._o it_o show_v little_a zeal_n to_o his_o glory_n when_o his_o name_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v blaspheme_v 2._o it_o show_v little_a love_n to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o be_v seduce_v 3._o it_o show_v little_a respect_n to_o his_o ordinance_n when_o they_o be_v not_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o end_n appoint_v and_o when_o corrupt_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o invert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o a_o word_n error_n and_o false_a teacher_n have_v bring_v more_o reproach_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v make_v religion_n more_o despicable_a to_o profane_a man_n than_o any_o gross_a out-breaking_n have_v do_v also_o more_o soul_n have_v be_v destroy_v thereby_o and_o that_o speedy_o with_o swift_a destruction_n 2_o pet._n 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v carry_v they_o away_o with_o a_o flood_n as_o it_o be_v chap._n 12._o last_o other_o sin_n be_v fall_v into_o by_o some_o more_o pretext_n at_o least_o of_o tentation_n and_o corruption_n prevail_v but_o this_o be_v do_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n whereby_o man_n not_o only_o break_v the_o command_n themselves_o but_o teach_v other_o so_o to_o do_v matth._n 5.19_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o teach_v of_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n jer._n 28.16_o and_o be_v fall_v into_o with_o more_o deliberation_n than_o other_o sin_n for_o which_o cause_n a_o heretic_n be_v say_v to_o be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o tit._n 3.11_o which_o be_v put_v together_o with_o many_o other_o aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o corrupt_a teach_v and_o ill_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n and_o affect_v with_o the_o hazard_n of_o his_o people_n be_v exceed_o displease_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o church-officer_n for_o edification_n and_o particular_o for_o the_o curb_v of_o corrupt_a teacher_n and_o the_o take_n of_o the_o fox_n that_o spoil_v the_o vine_n song_n 2.15_o we_o suppose_v now_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o answer_v to_o the_o three_o question_n to_o wit_n if_o the_o suffering_n of_o corrupt_a teacher_n be_v reprovable_a in_o man_n who_o have_v civil_a authority_n to_o restrain_v the_o same_o for_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o ought_v to_o awaken_v zeal_n in_o minister_n against_o this_o ill_a ought_v also_o to_o stir_v up_o magistrate_n zealous_o in_o their_o place_n to_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o vindicate_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o prevent_v of_o the_o hurt_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n see_v the_o sword_n be_v not_o deliver_v to_o they_o in_o vain_a but_o for_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a rom._n 13.3_o sure_o we_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n magistrate_n be_v include_v within_o the_o command_n of_o restrain_v and_o punish_v such_o as_o do_v entice_v to_o false_a worship_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n be_v deut._n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v no_o repeal_n of_o the_o same_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n thereof_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o magistrate_n be_v not_o then_o christian_n yet_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n we_o will_v find_v that_o when_o magistrate_n become_v christian_a it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o reprovable_a in_o they_o that_o countenance_v antichrist_n and_o it_o be_v high_o commend_v in_o these_o that_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o the_o whore_n and_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n chap._n 17._o vers_fw-la 16_o 17._o and_o see_v in_o the_o scripture_n all_o sect-master_n be_v account_v antichrist_n as_o mat._n 24._o 1_o joh._n 2.18_o 2_o epistle_n vers_fw-la 7._o etc._n etc._n can_v there_o be_v any_o better_a rule_n to_o try_v what_o be_v duty_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o than_o by_o what_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o prime_a antichrist_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o more_o clear_o engage_v himself_o to_o fight_v against_o any_o error_n by_o his_o word_n than_o this_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o have_v that_o a_o pretext_n to_o magistrate_n for_o shun_v to_o exercise_v their_o civil_a power_n against_o he_o we_o see_v also_o in_o church-historie_n that_o the_o most_o tender_a magistrate_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a frame_n have_v ever_o be_v most_o zealous_a in_o this_o as_o by_o the_o example_n of_o constantin_n gratianus_n theodosius_n etc._n etc._n be_v clear_a and_o the_o most_o untender_a friend_n or_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v strive_v to_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o religion_n equal_o tolerate_v or_o at_o least_o to_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o harmony_n among_o they_o by_o the_o remove_n or_o bury_v of_o all_o law_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a that_o do_v strike_v against_o some_o error_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o ammianus_n a_o heathen_a writer_n and_o a_o great_a friend_n to_o julian_n that_o among_o other_o device_n that_o julian_n use_v to_o root_v out_o christianity_n this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o give_v toleration_n open_o to_o all_o the_o different_a profession_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n which_o then_o after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v very_o many_o and_o require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o civil_a discord_n and_o so_o without_o fear_n follow_v any_o religion_n they_o please_v the_o word_n be_v as_o they_o be_v cite_v by_o ludovicus_n molineus_n pag._n 560._o ut_fw-la consopitis_fw-la civilibus_fw-la discordiis_fw-la suae_fw-la cuique_fw-la religioni_fw-la serviret_fw-la intrepidus_fw-la and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v no_o acceptable_a service_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o follow_v that_o way_n which_o this_o expert_a child_n of_o the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o against_o he_o and_o anastasius_n also_o be_v condemn_v for_o this_o that_o he_o endeavour_v such_o a_o oblivion_n or_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d in_o the_o church_n as_o tend_v to_o suppress_v all_o the_o former_a cannon_n decree_n or_o confession_n which_o have_v be_v enact_v in_o the_o former_a famous_a general_a counsel_n against_o gross_a error_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o six_o centurie_n of_o the_o church-historie_n last_o this_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o the_o assert_v that_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o the_o jure_fw-la or_o may_v not_o the_o facto_fw-la meddle_v with_o restrain_v of_o heretic_n be_v ever_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n account_v a_o gross_a error_n augustine_n profess_v himself_o sometime_o to_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n yet_o often_o in_o his_o write_n do_v he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v convince_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o with_o the_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v both_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v in_o such_o a_o thing_n so_o that_o he_o become_v a_o most_o vehement_a presser_z of_o this_o as_o in_o his_o epistle_n be_v clear_a and_o he_o fear_v not_o to_o account_v the_o opposer_n of_o this_o to_o wit_n such_o as_o plead_v for_o toleration_n from_o magistrate_n among_o heretic_n and_o often_o name_v they_o under_o the_o title_n of_o rogatiani_fw-la from_o one_o who_o it_o seem_v be_v some_o eminent_a pleader_n for_o this_o forbearance_n and_o one_o of_o the_o donatists_n party_n it_o be_v not_o intend_v that_o magistrate_n or_o minister_n shall_v account_v alike_o of_o all_o error_n or_o heretic_n much_o less_o that_o indifferent_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o civil_a punishment_n or_o church-censure_n shall_v be_v execute_v against_o they_o but_o that_o according_a to_o spiritual_a prudence_n both_o civil_a and_o church_n authority_n shall_v be_v exercise_v for_o the_o restrain_v of_o such_o evil_a worker_n
with_o the_o selfishnesse_n carnalnesse_n vanity_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o he_o it_o be_v too_o like_o these_o have_v too_o much_o sway_n with_o they_o now_o to_o the_o second_o to_o wit_n what_o a_o minister_n ought_v to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n for_o recover_v of_o himself_o answ._n the_o read_n of_o this_o epistle_n serious_o will_v indeed_o satisfy_v this_o which_o we_o may_v draw_v out_o in_o these_o direction_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o a_o minister_n observe_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o hazard_n thereof_o this_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o word_n remember_v vers_fw-la 3._o and_o indeed_o who_o come_v to_o ponder_v and_o consider_v right_o their_o own_o condition_n be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o recovery_n 2._o there_o will_v be_v a_o put_n of_o every_o thing_n right_o that_o belong_v to_o a_o christian_a oftentimes_o decay_v in_o christianity_n bring_v on_o this_o deadness_n in_o the_o minister_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_o mean_v of_o recovery_n than_o once_o to_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o right_a posture_n in_o this_o respect_n 3._o it_o will_v further_a this_o much_o that_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o serious_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o defect_n that_o cleave_v to_o he_o both_o as_o a_o christian_a and_o as_o a_o minister_n this_o make_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o recovery_n to_o be_v solid_a therefore_o it_o be_v command_v vers_fw-la 3._o 4._o there_o will_v be_v special_a care_n have_v in_o the_o do_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n that_o not_o only_o they_o be_v do_v but_o that_o they_o be_v do_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n that_o so_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o this_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v perfect_a before_o he_o this_o be_v in_o the_o word_n be_v watchful_a and_o employ_v under_o this_o angel_n charge_n of_o not_o have_v his_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n 5._o there_o will_v be_v zeal_n and_o carefulness_n in_o the_o beget_n and_o keep_v of_o life_n and_o liveliness_n among_o the_o people_n as_o in_o himself_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n a_o do_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o end_n this_o be_v the_o angel_n fault_n in_o his_o deadness_n to_o wit_n the_o neglect_v of_o this_o and_o it_o be_v command_v to_o he_o to_o strengthen_v what_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v as_o a_o thing_n befit_v his_o recovery_n this_o be_v in_o a_o condescend_v way_n to_o seek_v to_o feed_v the_o people_n with_o what_o be_v profitable_a though_o thereby_o a_o minister_n shall_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o lose_v of_o his_o name_n and_o reputation_n 6._o there_o be_v need_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v deny_v and_o to_o exercise_v faith_n in_o he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n also_o without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o attain_n to_o liveliness_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v the_o lord_n so_o describe_v himself_o in_o the_o inscription_n of_o this_o epistle_n much_o dependence_n on_o he_o walk_v with_o he_o stand_v in_o his_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a particular_a step_n of_o any_o ministerial_a duty_n as_o not_o dare_v to_o undertake_v any_o thing_n without_o he_o and_o so_o a_o acknowledge_v of_o he_o in_o his_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o fruit_n of_o every_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o very_a fountain_n of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o minister_n lecture_n ii_o vers._n 7._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o 10._o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o tentation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n 11._o behold_v i_o come_v quick_o hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n 12._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o my_o new_a name_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o six_o epistle_n direct_v to_o philadelphia_n have_v the_o same_o division_n with_o the_o rest_n to_o wit_n the_o inscription_n vers_fw-la 7._o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o the_o conclusion_n vers_fw-la 13._o in_o the_o inscription_n the_o lord_n the_o direct_a of_o this_o epistle_n do_v set_v forth_o himself_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v holy_a 2._o he_o that_o be_v true_a these_o be_v two_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o show_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v god_n and_o he_o take_v these_o style_n to_o himself_o in_o this_o place_n that_o 1._o he_o may_v show_v unto_o this_o honest_a church_n that_o their_o honesty_n can_v not_o but_o be_v approven_v of_o he_o who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o and_o 2._o to_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n however_o they_o look_v improbable-like_a because_o he_o who_o make_v they_o be_v true_a and_o truth_n itself_o the_o three_o title_n be_v he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v this_o respect_v his_o office_n and_o hold_v he_o forth_o as_o the_o great_a steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o mannagement_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o same_o and_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n suitable_a thereunto_o it_o allude_v to_o isa._n 22.20_o 21_o 22_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o his_o prefer_n eliakim_n unto_o the_o government_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o judah_n do_v express_v it_o thus_o and_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o none_o shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v now_o this_o as_o attribute_v here_o to_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v principal_o of_o his_o essential_a and_o absolute_a dominion_n as_o god_n for_o that_o can_v be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o mediatorie_a kingdom_n whereby_o he_o as_o mediator_n be_v invest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o verse_n it_o do_v hold_v forth_o 1._o that_o christ_n jesus_n as_o mediator_n have_v a_o peculiar_a oversight_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o in_o this_o dominion_n of_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v the_o promise_n of_o perpetuate_a the_o power_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o 3._o here_o be_v hold_v forth_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o absoluteness_n of_o christ_n dominion_n therefore_o he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v there_o be_v no_o mar_n of_o any_o of_o his_o order_n for_o he_o have_v obtain_v this_o name_n above_o every_o name_n by_o god_n exalt_v of_o he_o thereunto_o philip._n 2.9_o there_o can_v be_v no_o imaginable_a competition_n with_o he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n 4._o this_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o former_a two_o title_n do_v show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n he_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a and_o therefore_o can_v do_v no_o wrong_n to_o any_o nor_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o he_o promise_v
before_o another_o be_v open_v and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n etc._n etc._n no_o that_o be_v not_o mean_v for_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o the_o first_o seal_n and_o the_o red_a horse_n in_o the_o second_o be_v still_o ride_v as_o we_o will_v see_v chap._n 19_o in_o the_o time_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o vial_n but_o it_o look_v especial_o to_o the_o rise_v ãâã_d these_o as_o the_o white_a horse_n go_v before_o the_o red_a and_o the_o red_a before_o the_o black_a and_o the_o seal_n before_o the_o trumpet_n and_o so_o forth_o although_o the_o event_n signify_v by_o the_o white_a horse_n may_v continue_v after_o the_o red_a be_v come_v and_o so_o in_o other_o event_n also_o it_o look_v to_o these_o event_n mention_v as_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n as_o for_o example_n when_o we_o say_v the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o open_a persecution_n and_o the_o trumpet_n error_n the_o meaning_n be_v they_o âold_a out_o these_o to_o be_v at_o a_o height_n more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o to_o be_v the_o predominant_a state_n or_o evil_a of_o the_o church_n during_o that_o time_n respective_o 2._o we_o will_v be_v advertise_v that_o one_o of_o those_o may_v well_o agree_v and_o be_v apply_v to_o another_o time_n and_o occasion_n by_o proportion_n and_o analogy_n bot_n not_o simple_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o white_a horse_n come_v first_o out_o under_o the_o first_o seal_n aâd_v ere_o long_o the_o red_a horse_n follow_v this_o may_v hold_v doctrinal_o in_o the_o general_a from_o it_o that_o where_o ever_o the_o gospel_n come_v ere_o long_o the_o devil_n stir_v up_o man_n to_o persecute_v it_o or_o wherever_o christ_n send_v the_o gospel_n it_o hold_v forth_o that_o his_o carand_n be_v there_o to_o conquer_v yet_o look_v on_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v prophetical_a they_o hold_v forth_o the_o first_o spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o conquest_n and_o persecution_n that_o follow_v it_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o this_o book_n which_o be_v prophetical_a and_o any_o other_o which_o be_v doctrinal_a see_v the_o general_a dispensation_n which_o befall_v the_o church_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o both_o alike_o neither_o will_v it_o make_v for_o christ_n scope_n which_o be_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n to_o come_v for_o arm_v of_o they_o against_o they_o prep_n 2._o the_o first_o two_o prophecy_n hold_v forth_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o church_n that_o of_o the_o vial_n the_o ruin_n of_o her_o enemy_n 1._o that_o the_o seal_n at_o least_o second_o three_o and_o four_o hold_v forth_o sad_a thing_n to_o the_o church_n appear_v 1._o from_o the_o five_o seal_n chap._n 6._o in_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o many_o martyr_n kill_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n which_o must_v be_v under_o the_o former_a seal_n 2._o in_o that_o they_o desire_v revenge_n on_o their_o persecuter_n for_o their_o blood_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o till_o that_o time_n they_o have_v be_v bear_v down_o by_o persecuter_n as_o unrevenged_a which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o former_a seal_n contain_v judgement_n on_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o trumpet_n hold_v forth_o a_o tear_a and_o waste_v condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n by_o they_o give_v the_o alarm_n thereof_o be_v evident_a 1._o by_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n chap._n 11._o and_o the_o beast_n prevail_v against_o the_o saint_n chap._n 13._o which_o contemporate_v with_o the_o trumpet_n and_o 2._o by_o this_o that_o when_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n sound_v chap._n 11.17_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o he_o his_o great_a power_n and_o reign_v as_o if_o under_o the_o former_a six_o his_o power_n have_v lyen_fw-we by_o because_o his_o church_n be_v under_o affliction_n 3._o that_o the_o vial_n bring_v judgement_n on_o the_o enemy_n appear_v 1._o from_o the_o song_n chap._n 11._o when_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n sound_v and_o chap._n 16_o â_o and_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o shed_n of_o their_o blood_n who_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o it_o be_v on_o the_o beast_n his_o follower_n and_o throne_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o god_n take_v order_n with_o particular_a persecurer_n yet_o such_o a_o remarkable_a change_n as_o that_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o a_o stand_a persecution_n or_o to_o speak_v so_o with_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o former_a two_o prâp_n 3._o though_o both_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n hold_v out_o trouble_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o do_v they_o hold_v forth_o different_a trouble_n not_o only_o in_o time_n but_o in_o nature_n and_o from_o different_a enemy_n the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o bloody_a cruelty_n from_o heathen_n the_o trumpet_n deceitful_a heresy_n and_o trouble_n from_o false_a christian_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o gather_v 1._o concern_v the_o seal_n they_o be_v bloody_a to_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o five_o seal_n where_o they_o cry_v for_o vengeance_n against_o the_o shedder_n of_o their_o blood_n 2._o that_o under_o the_o seal_v the_o saint_n be_v mere_o passive_a and_o patient_a in_o bear_v out_o their_o cause_n with_o suffering_n towards_o their_o enemy_n and_o prayer_n towards_o god_n but_o under_o the_o trumpet_n it_o be_v different_a 1._o god_n give_v they_o warning_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v active_a in_o prepare_v for_o that_o storm_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v represent_v as_o strive_v not_o only_o in_o suffer_v and_o prayer_n as_o to_o outward_a enemy_n but_o chap._n 11._o by_o prophesy_v which_o agree_v better_o to_o the_o vindicate_a of_o truth_n against_o false_a brethren_n than_o towards_o these_o who_o be_v altogether_o without_o 3._o the_o enemy_n be_v diverse_o describe_v under_o the_o trumpet_n come_v the_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o locust_n in_o a_o secret_a manner_n carry_v on_o their_o design_n 4._o the_o effect_n be_v different_a the_o seal_n shed_v blood_n and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o all_o professor_n by_o the_o trumpet_n again_o the_o cleaâ_n waterâ_n of_o life_n be_v embitter_v and_o truth_n corrupt_v star_n make_v to_o fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o especial_o the_o prophet_n persecute_v and_o insult_v over_o chap._n 11._o 5._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o god_n prepare_v his_o own_o against_o the_o trumpet_n chap._n 7._o more_o than_o against_o the_o seal_n chap._n 6._o of_o which_o difference_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o kill_a sword_n but_o will_v guard_v they_o from_o soul-murthering_a error_n as_o by_o chap._n 7._o compare_v with_o chap._n 9_o and_o 4._o be_v clear_a 6._o it_o be_v most_o clear_a by_o compare_v the_o explicatory_a prophecy_n chap._n 12._o and_o 13._o which_o be_v contemporary_a to_o these_o of_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n from_o which_o may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o that_o the_o church_n have_v trouble_n during_o that_o time_n but_o also_o that_o these_o trouble_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v either_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o dragon_n who_o wait_v to_o devour_v the_o child_n chap._n 12._o which_o contemporate_v with_o the_o seal_n or_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o beast_n chap._n 13._o which_o have_v horn_n like_o the_o lamb_n but_o indeed_o speak_v like_o the_o dragon_n and_o succee_v he_o in_o his_o seat_n which_o contemporate_v with_o the_o trumpet_n from_o which_o we_o may_v conclude_v 1._o that_o the_o first_o period_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v fix_v at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o great_a persecution_n by_o heathen_n and_o her_o meeting_n with_o new_a storm_n from_o within_o by_o the_o devil_n raise_v up_o false_a teacher_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n with_o great_a patron_n to_o they_o both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a which_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o yet_o of_o as_o great_a concernment_n to_o she_o therefore_o least_o be_v free_a of_o the_o former_a she_o shall_v now_o think_v herself_o free_a of_o all_o the_o lord_n sound_v a_o trumpet_n and_o give_v she_o the_o alarm_n of_o this_o storm_n which_o time_n will_v fall_v about_o the_o three_o hundred_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n or_o thereby_o when_o at_o first_o the_o church_n enjoy_v peace_n by_o public_a authority_n under_o constââtine_n which_o peace_n be_v immediate_o mar_v by_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n and_o other_o follow_v it_o unto_o which_o the_o trumpet_n give_v warning_n this_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o church_n want_v heresy_n under_o the_o seal_n or_o persecution_n under_o the_o trumpet_n no_o the_o contrary_a be_v clear_a but_o this_o we_o mean_v 1._o that_o under_o the_o seal_n persecution_n by_o blood_n have_v its_o height_n and_o be_v more_o constant_a under_o the_o trumpet_n again_o
abide_v for_o ever_o but_o of_o the_o ground_n thereof_o see_v more_o chap._n 21._o lect._n 1_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o synchronism_n be_v of_o that_o palm-bearing_a innumerable_a company_n chap._n 7._o vers_fw-la 9_o with_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n or_o interval_n aforesaid_a this_o general_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n the_o seven_o trumpet_n be_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o vial_n as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o the_o restrict_a of_o it_o to_o the_o interval_n follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o six_o vial_n can_v be_v admit_v and_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o that_o discrepancie_n which_o be_v in_o the_o application_n of_o many_o of_o these_o synchronism_n which_o otherways_o in_o the_o general_n be_v solid_a and_o do_v agree_v full_o with_o the_o series_n and_o mould_n which_o we_o have_v lay_v down_o as_o in_o the_o procedor_fw-la will_v appear_v lecture_n ii_o vers._n 1._o and_o i_o see_v when_o the_o lamb_n open_v one_o of_o the_o seal_n and_o i_o hear_v as_o it_o be_v the_o noise_n of_o thunder_n one_o of_o the_o four_o beast_n say_v come_v and_o see_v 2._o and_o i_o see_v and_o behold_v a_o white_a horse_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o he_o have_v a_o bow_n and_o a_o crown_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o go_v forth_o conquer_a and_o to_o conquer_v follow_v now_o the_o history_n of_o open_v the_o seal_n which_o be_v to_o be_v knit_v to_o vers_n 7._o of_o chap._n 5._o and_o he_o come_v and_o take_v the_o book_n out_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n there_o be_v then_o a_o digression_n by_o a_o song_n from_o the_o matter_n whereunto_o now_o he_o return_v as_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o see_v when_o the_o lamb_n have_v take_v the_o book_n out_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n he_o go_v on_o to_o open_v the_o seal_n thereafter_o i_o see_v and_o behold_v etc._n etc._n every_o one_o of_o these_o seal_n have_v a_o type_n hold_v forth_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o some_o word_n of_o explication_n add_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o the_o first_o four_o have_v one_o common_a type_n to_o wit_n a_o horse_n because_o they_o relate_v to_o one_o common_a subject_n or_o object_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n and_o they_o have_v a_o voice_n call_z come_v and_o see_v the_o five_o and_o six_o have_v no_o such_o voice_n because_o they_o speak_v so_o distinct_o of_o themselves_o with_o difference_n from_o the_o former_a four_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o scope_n for_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o seal_n take_v notice_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o continue_v a_o story_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v say_v yea_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_v give_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o five_o seal_n that_o there_o be_v martyr_n to_o be_v crown_v by_o suffer_v after_o that_o time_n before_o the_o end_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o these_o martyr_n be_v not_o crown_v by_o the_o six_o seal_n which_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o persecuter_n it_o must_v remain_v therefore_o to_o be_v fulfil_v under_o the_o trumpet_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o must_v intervene_v between_o the_o six_o seal_n and_o the_o end_n 2._o take_v notice_n that_o by_o they_o be_v set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o under_o persecution_n uninterrupted_a until_o the_o six_o seal_n be_v open_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v one_o common_a sign_n or_o type_n in_o the_o first_o four_o seal_n to_o wit_n a_o horse_n which_o in_o the_o first_o seal_n represent_v the_o church_n as_o honourable_a and_o victorious_a by_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o 2._o by_o a_o horse_n under_o the_o second_o three_o and_o four_o must_v be_v understand_v the_o same_o thing_n represent_v to_o wit_n the_o church_n although_o different_a in_o her_o condition_n from_o the_o former_a according_a as_o the_o same_o type_n be_v various_o set_v forth_o 3._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o five_o seal_n that_o the_o church_n suffering_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v where_o we_o have_v these_o four_o 1._o that_o the_o party_n suffer_v be_v the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o prayer_n do_v thou_o not_o avenge_v our_o blood_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o their_o suffering_n be_v for_o no_o private_a quarrel_n by_o their_o description_n vers_fw-la 9_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o hold_v 3._o it_o appear_v that_o this_o suffering_n be_v from_o man_n and_o that_o without_o the_o church_n by_o their_o description_n who_o be_v instrument_n do_v thou_o not_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n as_o look_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o world_n contradistinguish_v from_o the_o church_n 4._o it_o appear_v that_o this_o suffering_n be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n uninterrupted_a and_o so_o must_v be_v the_o first_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n overthrow_v heathen_a persecuter_n their_o prayer_n how_o long_o lord_n will_v thou_o not_o judge_v and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n etc._n etc._n which_o import_v that_o unto_o this_o time_n god_n have_v not_o visible_o reckon_v with_o heathen_a persecuter_n as_o he_o do_v when_o authority_n begin_v to_o own_o christianity_n and_o so_o these_o first_o five_o seal_n at_o least_o hold_v forth_o the_o suffer_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n during_o the_o time_n of_o heathenish_a emperor_n and_o this_o period_n run_v to_o the_o first_o great_a change_n of_o god_n outward_a dispensation_n to_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n when_o civil_a authority_n and_o force_n begin_v to_o befreind_n the_o church_n against_o her_o enemy_n which_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o constantine_n time_n about_o the_o year_n 310_o or_o thereby_o yet_o will_v we_o not_o peremptory_o assert_v that_o none_o of_o these_o judgement_n affect_v the_o wicked_a world_n during_o that_o time_n for_o 1._o god_n send_v the_o gospel_n into_o the_o world_n 2._o many_o profane_a man_n reject_v it_o for_o which_o 3._o god_n plague_v the_o ungrate_a world_n more_o than_o before_o the_o gospel_n come_v whereupon_o 4_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n do_v break_v out_o against_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n which_o procure_v again_o new_a judgement_n from_o god_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v what_o interwoven_a connexion_n there_o be_v among_o these_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n suffering_n and_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v long_o since_o observe_v by_o tertullian_n and_o cyprian_n in_o their_o apology_n contra_fw-la scapulam_fw-la and_o demetrium_n but_o this_o we_o think_v that_o though_o there_o may_v be_v and_o no_o question_n be_v judgement_n on_o the_o world_n for_o despise_v the_o gospel_n and_o particular_a plague_n on_o persecurer_n yet_o during_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o such_o general_a reckon_n with_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o such_o judgement_n which_o these_o seal_n primary_o describe_v which_o be_v all_o we_o will_v say_v for_o understand_v these_o seal_n or_o type_n in_o they_o we_o will_v have_v respect_n to_o these_o three_o 1._o to_o the_o key_n or_o series_n of_o the_o story_n before_o express_v from_o the_o five_o seal_n 2._o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o type_n itself_o be_v compare_v with_o other_o scripture_n 3._o to_o the_o event_n as_o they_o be_v record_v in_o story_n the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o chapter_n hold_v forth_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o vision_n to_o wit_n the_o lamb_n open_v one_o of_o the_o seal_n which_o be_v to_o be_v knit_v to_o vers_n 7._o chap._n 5._o as_o be_v say_v by_o open_v one_o of_o the_o seal_n be_v understand_v the_o first_o seal_n as_o matth._n 28.1_o by_o one_o of_o the_o sabbath_n or_o by_o one_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v understand_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o by_o compare_v of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v clear_a and_o be_v here_o confirm_v by_o design_v the_o second_o the_o three_o etc._n etc._n after_o this_o and_o so_o also_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o by_o mention_v one_o beast_n be_v understand_v the_o first_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o show_v before_o chap._n 5._o that_o these_o book_n be_v long_a scrol_n roll_v about_o something_o and_o the_o book_n be_v so_o roll_v it_o may_v be_v divide_v by_o sundry_a seal_n so_o that_o one_o part_n may_v be_v open_v and_o read_v while_o the_o rest_n be_v seal_v and_o so_o when_o he_o have_v open_v the_o first_o seal_n import_v that_o such_o a_o part_n of_o the_o scrol_n be_v make_v legible_a the_o first_o thing_n that_o occure_v be_v the_o preparation_n by_o
direct_v against_o minister_n as_o be_v in_o his_o esteem_n the_o short_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n from_o the_o world_n 3._o by_o public_a edict_n all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o worship_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v discharge_v so_o trajan_n begin_v not_o forbid_v christianity_n but_o condemn_v all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o pastor_n be_v banish_v public_a assembly_n desert_v and_o people_n leave_v without_o the_o public_a mean_n baron_n vol._n 2._o page_n 5._o 4._o consider_v in_o these_o persecution_n the_o many_o banishment_n and_o great_a spoiling_n of_o good_n use_v during_o that_o time_n it_o be_v mark_v in_o history_n that_o then_o they_o endeavour_v the_o undo_n of_o christian_n by_o banishment_n not_o only_o to_o have_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n but_z that_o by_o fore_o travel_n and_o spoil_v of_o all_o they_o have_v they_o may_v be_v weaken_v and_o debilitate_a at_o one_o time_n trajan_n have_v try_v who_o will_v own_o christianity_n in_o his_o army_n and_o find_v ten_o thousand_o christian_a soldier_n adhere_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o banish_v they_o all_o with_o many_o minister_n into_o barren_a island_n beside_o some_o be_v purposely_o martyr_a by_o starve_a as_o be_v record_v of_o one_o hyacinâbus_n one_o of_o trajan's_n own_o chamber_n plunder_v and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n be_v rise_v particular_o under_o severus_n whereby_o no_o question_n much_o poverty_n and_o great_a strait_n follow_v on_o the_o church_n baron_n vol._n 2._o pag._n 27.44_o etc._n etc._n and_o other_o writter_n make_v it_o clear_a 5._o consider_v beside_o all_o these_o outward_a trial_n the_o church_n be_v distract_v and_o overwhelm_v with_o error_n heresy_n and_o corruption_n that_o creep_v in_o such_o as_o the_o marcionits_n basilides_n corprocratii_fw-la valentinian_o prisciâianists_n montanist_n cataphrygian_o appollinarist_n with_o thousand_o more_o vent_v most_o gross_a and_o vile_a error_n and_o foolry_n whereby_o both_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n be_v obscure_v and_o even_o in_o all_o a_o great_a decline_a from_o the_o primitive_a simplicity_n under_o the_o pretext_n of_o reverence_n to_o martyr_n and_o follow_v of_o tradition_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v special_o mark_v to_o have_v begin_v about_o that_o time_n of_o trajan_n beginning_n to_o reign_v euseb._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 26._o &_o lib._n 4._o cap._n 11._o more_o large_o observe_v cent._n magd._n in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o second_o centurie_n 6._o consider_v that_o there_o be_v even_o fail_n in_o and_o difference_n among_o good_a man_n and_o great_a light_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o what_o time_n she_o be_v free_a from_o outward_a persecution_n it_o be_v spend_v in_o intestine_a division_n and_o debate_n as_o be_v regret_v by_o euseb._n lib._n cap._n 1._o papias_n bring_v in_o chiliasme_n wherewith_o ireneus_fw-la justin_n martyr_n lactantius_n and_o many_o other_o be_v infect_v tertullian_n after_o great_a appear_v for_o christ_n become_v a_o montanist_n and_o many_o great_a man_n begin_v to_o cry_v up_o freewill_n 7._o in_o worship_n much_o of_o their_o former_a simplicity_n be_v lose_v the_o multiply_a of_o holy_a day_n inordinate_a reverence_v of_o martyr_n at_o first_o honest_o intend_v be_v bring_v in_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n observe_v by_o the_o cent._n magd._n cent._n 2._o 8._o upon_o these_o follow_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n when_o man_n drive_v their_o own_o device_n and_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n they_o break_v on_o these_o particular_o then_o break_v up_o the_o long_a last_a schism_n betwixt_o the_o east_n church_n and_o west_n concern_v the_o keep_n of_o easter_n the_o church_n in_o the_o west_n for_o the_o most_o part_n drive_v to_o have_v it_o keep_v on_o the_o sabbath_n follow_v its_o ordinary_a day_n move_v thereunto_o as_o they_o allege_v by_o tradition_n and_o that_o difference_n may_v be_v put_v betwixt_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o day_n the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n again_o press_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v on_o its_o ordinary_a day_n allege_v johns_n example_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o though_o ireneus_fw-la and_o polycarp_n who_o be_v johns_n disciple_n take_v much_o pain_n to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v these_o division_n and_o for_o a_o time_n keep_v these_o church_n in_o communion_n together_o notwithstanding_o of_o that_o difference_n yet_o afterward_o it_o break_v out_o by_o undiscreet_a censure_v and_o condemn_v of_o one_o another_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o church-authority_n and_o render_v of_o the_o church_n contemptible_a before_o other_o which_o though_o rise_v from_o such_o a_o small_a ground_n yet_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o these_o two_o church_n be_v never_o hearty_o unite_v afterward_o which_o consideration_n certain_o show_v the_o growth_n of_o famine_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o faint_a of_o her_o spiritual_a life_n be_v join_v to_o persecution_n while_n as_o it_o be_v amos_n 8_o 9_o her_o sun_n be_v go_v down_o at_o noon_n and_o the_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n come_v to_o that_o height_n which_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a that_o the_o virgin_n be_v make_v to_o faint_v for_o thirst_n vers_fw-la 13._o all_o which_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o type_n 9_o add_v to_o these_o the_o many_o reproach_n and_o slanderous_a calumny_n that_o upon_o these_o occasion_n be_v cast_v upon_o the_o church_n both_o by_o heretic_n and_o heathen_n who_o charge_v all_o the_o evil_n which_o any_o bear_n the_o name_n of_o christianity_n commit_v upon_o the_o church_n as_o witness_v celsus_n his_o bitter_a write_n answer_v by_o origen_n the_o vindication_n of_o christian_n by_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o other_o in_o their_o apology_n who_o reject_v these_o slander_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o gnostic_n saturninian_n and_o other_o of_o that_o stamp_n 10._o if_o we_o consider_v several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n outward_a persecution_n we_o will_v find_v it_o not_o unfit_o resemble_v by_o this_o type_n as_o especial_o in_o the_o actor_n and_o way_n follow_v by_o they_o the_o actor_n be_v not_o commâdus_n and_o heliogabolus_n profane_a wretch_n the_o church_n have_v peace_n under_o they_o but_o man_n for_o civil_a justice_n and_o excellency_n of_o part_n such_o as_o the_o world_n never_o have_v better_a aâ_n trâjanus_n who_o stile_n be_v princeps_fw-la optimus_fw-la so_o that_o the_o salutation_n to_o the_o new_a emperor_n after_o he_o become_v this_o i_o wish_v you_o may_v be_v felicior_fw-la augusto_fw-la &_o âelior_fw-la trâjano_n hadriaââs_n have_v this_o encomium_fw-la restaurator_n orbis_fw-la the_o two_o antonini_n the_o first_o be_v style_v pius_n the_o other_o philosophus_fw-la sâverus_n be_v a_o most_o severe_o just_a man_n again_o their_o way_n of_o persecute_v be_v not_o tumultuary_a by_o rage_a violence_n join_v with_o outward_a dissoluteness_n and_o tyranny_n in_o their_o other_o carriage_n as_o be_v in_o nero_n and_o domitian_n but_o by_o make_v good_a law_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o en-acting_a law_n against_o christian_n they_o pursue_v they_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n as_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n under_o pretext_n of_o christian_n opposition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n or_o as_o a_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o many_o slander_n impute_v to_o they_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o these_o actor_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o former_a weigh_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o hand_n in_o a_o balance_n psal._n 58._o 11._o all_o these_o persecution_n though_o be_v at_o their_o height_n very_o terrible_a yet_o be_v they_o almost_o all_o one_o way_n or_o other_o restrain_v which_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o limitation_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o type_n that_o persecution_n raise_v by_o trajan_n be_v stay_v by_o plinius_n secundus_fw-la proconsul_n of_o bythinia_n who_o thus_o write_v to_o trajan_n that_o he_o suppose_v it_o unmeet_a to_o kill_v such_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a man_n who_o law_n as_o he_o call_v it_o lead_v they_o to_o such_o strictness_n as_o to_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n wherewith_o they_o be_v slander_v but_o that_o they_o use_v to_o meet_v and_o sing_v psalm_n etc._n etc._n as_o may_v be_v at_o further_a length_n see_v in_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o apud_fw-la euseb._n &_o conâ_n magd._n to_o which_o trajan_n return_v answer_v that_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v seek_v for_o to_o be_v punish_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v present_v and_o accuse_v that_o sentence_n shall_v pass_v upon_o they_o euseb._n ibid._n this_o answer_n be_v just_o tax_v by_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o itself_o that_o christian_n as_o innocent_a shall_v not_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o yet_o if_o present_v as_o guilty_a shall_v be_v punish_v for_o say_v he_o if_o guilty_a
domitian_n and_o many_o other_o bring_v death_n upon_o themselves_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n history_n of_o josephus_n and_o the_o ecclesiastic_a story_n especial_o cent._n magd._n de_fw-fr paenis_fw-la persecutorum_fw-la it_o be_v true_a god_n way_n in_o this_o be_v sovereign_a and_o unsearchable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o time_n of_o this_o reckon_n sometime_o he_o will_v suffer_v great_a persecuter_n to_o die_v in_o worldly_a credit_n and_o peace_n as_o nebuchadnezar_n do_v and_o in_o late_a time_n the_o duke_n of_o alva_n the_o great_a persecuter_n in_o the_o low_a country_n sometime_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o persecuter_n as_o he_o do_v manasseh_n yet_o ordinary_o do_v he_o manifest_v his_o displeasure_n even_o before_o the_o world_n by_o temporal_a plague_n of_o infamy_n and_o judgement_n upon_o they_o or_o other_o as_o may_v make_v the_o world_n know_v that_o he_o abhor_v that_o sin_n such_o be_v god_n thrust_v nebuchadnezar_n for_o a_o time_n to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n such_o be_v god_n plague_v of_o manasseh_n for_o his_o blood_n in_o his_o own_o imprisonment_n and_o in_o denude_v his_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n this_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o persecution_n partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o god_n be_v more_o eminent_o and_o singular_o engage_v against_o it_o he_o be_v in_o some_o manner_n persecute_v in_o his_o people_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n sound_v always_o with_o that_o word_n before_o god_n which_o zachariah_n the_o son_n of_o jehojada_n express_v at_o his_o death_n 2_o chro._n 24.22_o the_o lord_n look_v upon_o it_o and_o require_v it_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o their_o blood_n even_o then_o when_o their_o tongue_n may_v be_v pray_v with_o stephen_n act._n 7.60_o lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n obs._n 2._o that_o god_n people_n may_v continue_v long_o under_o and_o be_v bring_v unto_o great_a strait_n by_o persecution_n as_o this_o cry_n import_v and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o former_a three_o seal_n make_v it_o appear_v for_o until_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n from_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o the_o world_n the_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 300._o year_n and_o some_o odds_o be_v under_o persecution_n and_o have_v little_a breathe_a time_n for_o these_o many_o year_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o story_n wherein_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v clear_a 1._o that_o during_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v waste_v by_o ten_o state_v persecution_n the_o first_o by_o nero_n which_o begin_v anno_fw-la 67._o the_o second_o by_o domitian_n anno_fw-la 90._o the_o three_o by_o trajan_n continue_v as_o be_v write_v for_o 19_o year_n it_o begin_v anno_fw-la 100_o the_o four_o be_v under_o hadrian_n and_o ant._n pius_n as_o be_v reckon_v by_o some_o and_o begin_v anno_fw-la 126._o the_o five_o by_o antoninus_n philosophus_fw-la and_o his_o colleague_n l._n a._n verus_n beginning_n anno_fw-la 168._o the_o six_o be_v under_o sâverus_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o year_n 208._o the_o seven_o be_v under_o maximinus_n 236._o the_o eight_o be_v under_o decius_n 251._o the_o nine_o under_o gallus_n and_o volusianus_n 258._o the_o ten_o under_o dioclesian_n anno_fw-la 300._o or_o thereabouts_o these_o persecution_n be_v so_o reckon_v by_o some_o who_o account_v not_o that_o persecution_n of_o aurelianus_n to_o be_v one_o because_o his_o edict_n be_v immediate_o recall_v he_o be_v terrify_v by_o god_n by_o a_o terrible_a thunder_n in_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o his_o subscribe_v the_o same_o upon_o which_o he_o afterward_o befriend_v christian_n so_o as_o he_o interpose_v his_o authority_n for_o make_v effectual_a the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n against_o samosatenus_fw-la other_o again_o who_o reckon_v this_o of_o aurelianus_n one_o omit_v that_o four_o under_o hadrian_n and_o ant._n pius_n either_o because_o they_o account_v they_o one_o with_o that_o of_o trajan's_n there_o be_v no_o considerable_a interruption_n betwixt_o they_o or_o because_o they_o be_v soon_o stay_v than_o other_o be_v this_o make_v the_o difference_n among_o the_o writer_n who_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o be_v make_v to_o vary_v in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o general_a that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o ten_o distinct_a persecution_n purposely_o raise_v against_o christian_n during_o that_o time_n which_o be_v put_v together_o will_v take_v up_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o these_o 300._o year_n a_o second_o thing_n clear_a from_o story_n be_v that_o even_o during_o the_o intervall_n of_o these_o persecution_n when_o the_o sword_n be_v not_o rage_v by_o authority_n against_o christian_n yet_o by_o tumult_n and_o insurrection_n among_o the_o people_n and_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o inferior_a governor_n who_o be_v either_o actor_n in_o or_o conniver_n at_o or_o negligent_a of_o the_o punish_n of_o such_o thing_n the_o church_n be_v still_o suffer_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v stephen_n stone_v by_o the_o people_n act._n 7._o james_n be_v behead_v and_o peter_n be_v imprison_v by_o herod_n act._n 12._o thus_o paul_n and_o the_o apostle_n often_o suffer_v in_o their_o journeying_n even_o before_o public_a persecution_n be_v stir_v by_o nero_n and_o thus_o it_o continue_v almost_o through_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n when_o the_o law_n seem_v most_o favourable_a unto_o christian_n there_o be_v all_o that_o time_n no_o emperor_n christian_a to_o own_o christian_n in_o their_o suffering_n save_o one_o philippus_n who_o reign_v but_o few_o year_n be_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n murder_v by_o decius_n who_o raise_v the_o eight_o persecution_n obs._n 3_o that_o god_n people_n in_o a_o holy_a way_n may_v pray_v for_o vengeance_n upon_o persecuter_n as_o be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o psalm_n not_o from_o self_n revenge_n or_o from_o a_o carnal_a spirit_n but_o from_o love_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o vindicate_a of_o themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n maintain_v by_o they_o and_o scare_v of_o man_n from_o this_o sin_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o hazard_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o obs._n 4._o that_o god_n may_v suffer_v the_o blood_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o a_o long_a time_n to_o be_v unpunished_a as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n obs._n 5._o even_o then_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o neglect_v his_o people_n and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o prayer_n he_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a and_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o though_o sense_n will_v say_v the_o contrary_a faith_n ought_v to_o lay_v this_o ground_n at_o the_o entry_n lord_n thou_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n from_o the_o answer_n vers_fw-la 11._o observe_v 1._o that_o though_o god_n do_v not_o instant_o grant_v the_o particular_n that_o his_o people_n do_v pray_v for_o yet_o their_o prayer_n be_v not_o lose_v here_o the_o thing_n seek_v be_v delay_v yet_o a_o comfortable_a return_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v make_v out_o unto_o they_o and_o their_o prayer_n be_v not_o without_o fruit_n even_o for_o the_o time_n obs._n 2._o god_n peremptory_a decree_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a yea_o his_o decree_n may_v aim_v at_o one_o thing_n and_o the_o particular_a prayed-for_a by_o his_o people_n as_o it_o be_v circumstantiate_v aim_v at_o another_o thing_n upon_o the_o matter_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o you_o may_v these_o prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o they_o in_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a here_o and_o in_o abraham_n pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n to_o ishmael_n while_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o for_o another_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o our_o prayer_n and_o our_o practice_n be_v accept_v not_o because_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o god_n secret_a will_n and_o decree_n but_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n obs._n 3_o though_o prayer_n prevail_v not_o to_o alter_v god_n decree_n which_o must_v stand_v yet_o prayer_n may_v procure_v much_o present_a quietness_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o time_n god_n decree_n be_v so_o wise_o order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n that_o it_o be_v no_o advantage_n but_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o have_v they_o alter_v obs._n 4._o the_o most_o rage_a persecution_n have_v their_o bound_n set_v by_o god_n the_o number_n of_o martyr_n be_v determine_v and_o all_o the_o persecuter_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n shall_v not_o exceed_v in_o one_o person_n which_o as_o it_o do_v notable_o hold_v forth_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o great_a confusion_n of_o the_o world_n so_o do_v it_o exceed_o contribute_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n people_n
type_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v take_v in_o and_o account_v as_o a_o universal_a change_n upon_o the_o world_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v these_o two_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n 1._o what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o before_o this_o change_n 2._o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n become_v immediate_o thereafter_o 1._o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o constantine_n government_n be_v for_o outward_a persecution_n under_o the_o extreme_a suffering_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o be_v hint_v at_o in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o four_o seal_n among_o the_o four_o chief_a governor_n that_o then_o be_v to_o wit_n dioclesian_n maximianus_n herculeus_n galerius_n maximinus_n call_v also_o jovius_n and_o constantius_n constantine_n father_n only_o this_o last_o have_v a_o favour_n to_o christian_n the_o other_o three_o being_n most_o cruel_a persecuter_n about_o constantius_n death_n start_v up_o maxentius_n to_o usurp_v the_o empire_n at_o rome_n who_o for_o a_o time_n prevail_v and_o continue_v as_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o against_o this_o maxentius_n jovius_n send_v one_o severus_n who_o he_o call_v cesar_n who_o be_v overthrow_v by_o he_o after_o who_o he_o prefer_v one_o maximinus_n his_o nephew_n who_o in_o persecute_v be_v nothing_o behind_o any_o of_o the_o former_a a_o little_a after_o licinius_n who_o be_v constitute_v cesar_n in_o his_o room_n who_o for_o a_o time_n have_v counterfit_o befriend_v christian_n for_o fear_n of_o constantine_n yet_o afterward_o fall_v into_o most_o gross_a blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n all_o of_o these_o have_v this_o for_o their_o aim_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n by_o cruelty_n and_o subtlety_n leave_v nothing_o undo_v to_o accomplish_v it_o their_o cruelty_n vent_v in_o these_o persecution_n and_o their_o subtlety_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o law_n we_o find_v enact_v against_o the_o church_n in_o these_o time_n as_o 1._o that_o all_o the_o bibles_n cup_n and_o church-furniture_n shall_v be_v deliver_v up_o and_o destroy_v it_o be_v from_o this_o give_v up_o of_o the_o bible_n that_o christian_n who_o make_v defection_n be_v call_v after_o that_o traditores_fw-la that_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n etc._n etc._n be_v account_v recede_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o 2._o that_o man_n and_o woman_n shall_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o religious_a exercise_n but_o man_n apart_o and_o woman_n apart_o 3._o that_o none_o shall_v teach_v woman_n but_o woman_n 4._o that_o no_o meeting_n shall_v be_v keep_v within_o the_o circuit_n of_o town_n but_o in_o the_o field_n upon_o the_o pretext_n of_o healthfulness_n 5._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o meeting_n of_o minister_n or_o correspondence_n among_o they_o in_o synod_n or_o otherways_o which_o be_v prohibit_v as_o a_o thing_n dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n 6._o that_o all_o the_o old_a temple_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o all_o the_o meeting-place_n of_o the_o christian_n destroy_v 7._o that_o no_o minister_n shall_v be_v permit_v but_o where_o ever_o find_v they_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n which_o law_n at_o last_o end_v in_o open_a persecution_n against_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a be_v a_o most_o horrid_a crime_n unto_o these_o law_n afterward_o julian_n who_o be_v eminent_o teach_v of_o the_o devil_n to_o undermine_v christianity_n after_o it_o have_v flourish_v for_o a_o time_n in_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n add_v these_o four_o or_o more_o plain_o and_o crafty_o form_v they_o out_o of_o what_o be_v before_o he_o 1._o that_o no_o christian_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o any_o trust_n civil_a or_o military_a but_o he_o who_o first_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n this_o be_v observe_v former_o under_o dioclesian_n 2._o that_o the_o child_n of_o no_o christian_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o school_n of_o learning_n or_o be_v educate_v in_o humane_a science_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o may_v bring_v in_o ignorance_n among_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o less_o able_a to_o vindicate_v christianity_n and_o may_v be_v the_o less_o thought-of_a among_o other_o 3._o that_o no_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o allowance_n of_o maintenance_n for_o before_o he_o in_o constantius_n time_n they_o have_v allowance_n settle_v by_o public_a authority_n intend_v thereby_o to_o overturn_v the_o church_n know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v consist_v without_o the_o ministry_n neither_o a_o ministry_n without_o it_o be_v maintain_v his_o four_o device_n to_o undo_v christianity_n be_v in_o despite_n of_o it_o to_o give_v way_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n by_o public_a tolerate_n of_o they_o therefore_o in_o his_o time_n be_v the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o apollo_n at_o delphus_n intend_v and_o the_o jew_n encourage_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o destroy_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n both_o which_o be_v miraculous_o by_o earthquake_n impede_v and_o his_o practice_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o be_v observe_v chap._n 2._o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n from_o which_o particular_n with_o what_o be_v say_v in_o open_v the_o four_o seal_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v when_o constantine_n begin_v to_o govern_v let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o it_o become_v within_o some_o few_o year_n thereafter_o the_o estate_n which_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v unto_o after_o that_o time_n be_v short_o thus_o after_o constantius_n death_n constantine_n be_v declare_v emperor_n while_o he_o be_v in_o britain_n continue_v in_o these_o part_n for_o a_o time_n while_o the_o forementioned_a persecuter_n especial_o maxentius_n who_o live_v at_o rome_n be_v become_v hateful_a to_o all_o not_o so_o much_o for_o their_o persecute_v of_o christian_n as_o by_o their_o tyranny_n adultery_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o vile_a cruelty_n upon_o every_o sort_n of_o person_n whereupon_o constantine_n call_v ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d from_o his_o colour_n be_v encourage_v to_o march_v towards_o rome_n have_v before_o he_o as_o his_o end_n the_o liberate_v of_o the_o empire_n from_o such_o tyranny_n of_o so_o many_o tyrant_n and_o be_v doubtful_a what_o religion_n to_o follow_v at_o the_o noon_n day_n or_o a_o little_a after_o there_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o heaven_n a_o fiery_a cross_n with_o this_o inscription_n in_o legible_a letter_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d i._n e._n in_o hoc_fw-la vince_n in_o this_o overcome_v this_o vision_n be_v see_v by_o many_o other_o with_o he_o as_o socrates_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 1._o affirm_v by_o which_o sign_n he_o be_v not_o only_o animate_v to_o go_v to_o rome_n while_o he_o be_v hesitate_v but_o also_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christ._n in_o sign_n whereof_o he_o always_o carry_v the_o cross_n with_o that_o inscription_n for_o his_o colour_n and_o set_v it_o up_o at_o rome_n when_o he_o enter_v victor_n in_o it_o this_o story_n euseb._n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la constantini_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 22._o affirm_v he_o hear_v constantine_n himself_o assert_v to_o be_v truth_n with_o a_o oath_n after_o this_o he_o with_o his_o army_n march_v towards_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o way_n have_v discover_v to_o he_o the_o treachery_n of_o maximinianus_fw-la his_o own_a father_n in_o law_n by_o god_n mercy_n he_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o &_o it_o return_v upon_o the_o author_n when_o he_o come_v to_o rome_n god_n deliver_v the_o tyrant_n maxentius_n into_o his_o hand_n maxentius_n and_o his_o chief_a officer_n be_v put_v to_o flight_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o river_n tiber_n be_v necessitate_v to_o return_v by_o a_o bridge_n per_fw-la pontem_fw-la milvium_n as_o they_o call_v it_o whereupon_o he_o have_v make_v device_n in_o a_o secret_a way_n to_o have_v drown_v constantine_n by_o which_o he_o and_o these_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o river_n upon_o which_o occasion_n as_o eusebius_n report_v lib._n 9_o cap._n 8._o christian_n take_v occasion_n to_o sing_v that_o word_n in_o the_o 9_o psalm_n vers_fw-la 16._o the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o that_o word_n psal._n 7.15_o he_o make_v a_o pit_n and_o dig_v it_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o etc._n etc._n after_o this_o constantine_n have_v the_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o the_o west_n have_v afterward_o two_o difficulty_n the_o first_o from_o maximinus_n aim_v to_o drive_v on_o persecution_n and_o the_o death_n of_o constantine_n together_o euseb._n lib._n 1._o de_fw-la vita_fw-la constantini_n cap._n 40._o the_o second_o be_v from_o licinius_n emperor_n of_o the_o east_n with_o who_o constantine_n have_v make_v
peace_n and_o have_v give_v his_o sister_n to_o he_o in_o marriage_n who_o for_o a_o time_n do_v counterfeit_a christianity_n yet_o within_o five_o year_n become_v a_o most_o cruel_a enemy_n to_o constantine_n and_o all_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o many_o of_o the_o former_a cruel_a edict_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o former_a place_n of_o eusebius_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 43_o 44_o 45_o 46_o etc._n etc._n against_o these_o also_o constantine_n set_v himself_o not_o only_o by_o arm_n but_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o fast_v over_o who_o god_n give_v he_o glorious_a victory_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v ibid._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 51._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n after_o which_o follow_v a_o most_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o euseb._n have_v it_o lib._n 2._o cap._n 19_o out_o of_o which_o general_n we_o may_v gather_v and_o observe_v these_o particular_n for_o make_v out_o the_o answerablnesse_n of_o this_o event_n unto_o this_o type_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n from_o what_o be_v before_o as_o 1._o this_o judgement_n be_v upon_o many_o great_a man_n as_o dioclesian_n maximianus_n galerius_n maximinus_n maxentius_n licinius_n all_o which_o have_v the_o title_n of_o emperor_n or_o caesar_n beside_o what_o come_v on_o many_o great_a captain_n under_o they_o as_o particular_o on_o pontetius_fw-la culianus_fw-la theotimus_n and_o many_o other_o remarkable_o plague_v of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o forecited_a story_n 2._o christianity_n that_o be_v before_o destroy_v be_v now_o public_o by_o authority_n countenance_v idolatry_n that_o be_v before_o countenance_v be_v now_o abhor_a by_o all_o idol-temple_n every_o where_o be_v destroy_v or_o shut_v up_o and_o christian_a church_n build_v and_o minister_n provide_v rather_o more_o sumptuous_o than_o spare_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o euseb._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 47._o 49._o 52_o 53_o 56_o etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o law_n be_v just_a contrary_n to_o what_o they_o be_v none_o but_o christian_n be_v admit_v to_o office_n and_o though_o constantine_n take_v not_o the_o way_n of_o discover_v his_o servant_n which_o his_o father_n constantius_n do_v who_o give_v out_o as_o jebu_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o to_o serve_v he_o but_o such_o as_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n but_o afterward_o expel_v the_o sacrificer_n and_o keep_v the_o refuser_n say_v they_o will_v not_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o who_o have_v never_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n yet_o be_v he_o zealous_a in_o have_v faithful_a man_n about_o he_o and_o to_o have_v religious_a worship_n not_o only_o in_o public_a but_o particular_o in_o his_o own_o family_n school_n be_v appoint_v minister_n encourage_v martyr_n or_o confessor_n rather_o who_o be_v in_o exile_n be_v bring_v back_o these_o who_o have_v be_v put_v from_o office_n be_v restore_v synod_n be_v convocat_n and_o countenance_v by_o constantin_n own_o presence_n as_o that_o of_o niece_n be_v heresy_n be_v condemn_v toleration_n of_o other_o religion_n or_o of_o schism_n among_o christian_n be_v not_o suffer_v and_o many_o such_o like_a law_n and_o practice_n just_a opposite_a to_o what_o be_v before_o 4._o consider_v the_o great_a victory_n he_o obtain_v over_o enemy_n and_o the_o account_n upon_o which_o he_o pursue_v they_o his_o first_o war_n against_o maxentius_n be_v undertake_v as_o particular_o call_v unto_o it_o by_o christ_n himself_o his_o last_o war_n against_o licinius_n be_v not_o occasion_v out_o of_o any_o temporal_a design_n to_o advance_v his_o own_o greatness_n for_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o he_o but_o to_o restrain_v his_o persecution_n by_o force_n when_o all_o other_o fair_a mean_n attempt_v by_o he_o have_v be_v frustrate_v god_n give_v many_o singular_a evidence_n of_o his_o own_v he_o in_o these_o victory_n 5._o consider_v the_o time_n when_o these_o persecuter_n be_v surprise_v it_o be_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o actual_a opposition_n to_o christ_n while_o profess_o they_o have_v state_v persecution_n against_o his_o servant_n and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o but_o go_v on_o contemptuous_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o they_o call_v novitius_fw-la in_o opposition_n to_o the_o old_a plurality_n of_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v 6._o consider_v the_o remarkablnesse_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o these_o persecuter_n and_o the_o terrible_a effect_n both_o in_o deed_n and_o word_n which_o they_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o but_o also_o to_o the_o convince_a of_o themselves_o that_o christ_n be_v their_o party_n such_o terror_n of_o conscience_n seize_v on_o they_o as_o be_v palpable_a before_o the_o world_n dioclesian_n and_o maximianus_n herculeus_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o greatness_n and_o heat_n of_o persecution_n both_o in_o one_o day_n devest_v themselves_o of_o the_o imperial_a dignity_n choose_v rather_o to_o live_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o authority_n a_o thing_n unheard-of_a before_o in_o the_o world_n this_o partly_o proceed_v from_o displeasure_n that_o they_o attain_v not_o their_o end_n in_o destroy_v christianity_n but_o rather_o find_v it_o to_o grow_v under_o they_o partly_o from_o terror_n of_o conscience_n arise_v from_o that_o as_o if_o they_o have_v gather_v clear_o that_o they_o be_v contend_v with_o god_n in_o that_o thereafter_o both_o of_o they_o put_v violent_a hand_n in_o themselves_o dioclesian_n be_v send_v for_o by_o constantine_n upon_o suspicion_n choose_v rather_o to_o poison_v himself_o than_o to_o see_v he_o maximianus_n herculeus_n endeavour_v again_o to_o recover_v his_o authority_n be_v discover_v in_o his_o design_n by_o his_o daughter_n constantine_n wife_n he_o be_v pursue_v and_o besiege_v by_o he_o and_o be_v either_o kill_v or_o dure_v the_o siege_n hang_v himself_o as_o be_v diverse_o report_v by_o writer_n the_o three_o maxentius_n be_v remarkable_o drown_v as_o be_v say_v before_o with_o many_o of_o his_o chief_a officer_n which_o make_v the_o christian_n compare_v his_o destruction_n in_o the_o water_n with_o pâaraoh's_n drown_v in_o the_o red-sea_n maximinus_fw-la jovius_n through_o intemperance_n become_v corpulent_a be_v smite_v with_o bile_n in_o the_o secret_a part_n out_o of_o which_o issue_v abundance_n of_o vermin_n in_o a_o most_o loathsome_a disease_n so_o that_o physician_n be_v either_o suffocate_v by_o his_o smell_n or_o be_v kill_v by_o he_o because_o they_o can_v not_o cure_v he_o one_o of_o his_o physician_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v god_n judgement_n on_o he_o for_o persecution_n which_o no_o man_n can_v remove_v at_o last_o the_o conviction_n be_v so_o bear_v in_o upon_o himself_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v his_o wrong_n do_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o plague_n and_o therefore_o be_v strike_v with_o terror_n give_v out_o edict_n that_o the_o persecution_n shall_v cease_v church_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o that_o in_o their_o meeting_n prayer_n shall_v be_v put_v up_o for_o he_o as_o former_o use_v to_o be_v which_o edict_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o eusâbius_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 28_o 29._o where_o the_o end_n also_o of_o dioclesian_n and_o herculius_n be_v set_v down_o the_o other_o tyrant_n in_o the_o east_n to_o wit_n maximinus_n who_o be_v call_v cesar_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o invent_v torture_n for_o christian_n especial_o to_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n be_v at_o last_o defeat_n and_o in_o a_o base_a habit_n make_v to_o hide_v himself_o and_o thereafter_o pursue_v by_o sickness_n which_o make_v both_o his_o eye_n to_o leap_v out_o by_o which_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o confess_v that_o only_o the_o god_n of_o christian_n be_v god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o god_n who_o he_o choose_v to_o worship_v all_o which_o he_o have_v find_v to_o be_v truth_n by_o experience_n itself_o which_o word_n be_v utter_v by_o he_o be_v even_o expire_a as_o eusebius_n testify_v de_fw-la vita_fw-la constantius_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 52._o ljoinius_fw-la again_o who_o can_v not_o be_v fear_v from_o persecution_n by_o any_o of_o these_o example_n though_o in_o some_o thereof_o himself_n have_v be_v actor_n while_o he_o be_v in_o confederatie_n with_o constantine_n be_v after_o many_o defect_n and_o flight_n convince_v of_o his_o folly_n and_o make_v to_o vent_v his_o indignation_n against_o these_o idolatrous_a priest_n who_o have_v make_v he_o disdain_v constantin_n god_n and_o put_v confidence_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o old_a god_n as_o they_o call_v they_o so_o that_o he_o and_o his_o chief_a associate_n be_v take_v and_o bring_v to_o punishment_n by_o constantius_n be_v make_v to_o understand_v how_o great_a and_o admirable_a the_o god_n
innumerable_a company_n ver_fw-la 9_o of_o all_o nation_n do_v clear_v this_o for_o they_o be_v distinguish_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o nation_n or_o kindred_n as_o if_o by_o each_o of_o they_o be_v set_v forth_o some_o part_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n contemporary_a one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o diverse_a successive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o diverse_a time_n as_o that_o however_o the_o gospel-church_n immediate_o after_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v obtain_v liberty_n and_o authority_n shall_v be_v bring_v unto_o great_a strait_n and_o reduce_v to_o a_o few_o number_n as_o god_n church_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o it_o shall_v afterward_o break_v forth_o and_o flourish_v among_o all_o nation_n so_o that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n shall_v be_v as_o far_o extend_v for_o number_n and_o diversity_n of_o people_n beyond_o what_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v under_o antichrist_n as_o the_o gospel-church_n be_v at_o its_o first_o spread_v extend_v beyond_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a pure_a professor_n of_o the_o church_n during_o this_o storm_n be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o that_o be_v seal_v out_o of_o the_o several_a tribe_n it_o can_v be_v astrict_v unto_o the_o natural_a jew_n that_o this_o comparison_n and_o opposition_n of_o jew_n with_o gentile_n or_o the_o small_a number_n with_o the_o great_a do_v belong_v to_o several_a state_n of_o the_o church_n will_v appear_v by_o this_o that_o these_o seal_a one_o be_v live_a in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o storm_n and_o great_a tribulation_n and_o whileas_o pure_a profession_n and_o professor_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v exceed_v rare_a as_o the_o scope_n here_o and_o the_o place_n former_o cite_v chap._n 9.13_o 14._o do_v clear_a that_o innumerable_a company_n again_o be_v remarkable_a for_o their_o number_n and_o be_v say_v to_o have_v come_v out_o of_o great_a tribulation_n as_o if_o now_o the_o storm_n be_v past_a as_o victor_n and_o conqueror_n have_v palm_n in_o their_o hand_n this_o innumerable_a company_n therefore_o must_v denotate_v a_o follow_a outgate_n of_o the_o former_a storm_n and_o so_o by_o each_o of_o they_o some_o condition_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel-church_n and_o not_o of_o jew_n or_o gentile_n several_o be_v typify_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v clear_v be_v wherefore_o the_o number_n be_v so_o peremptory_o determine_v and_o particular_o distribute_v in_o several_a tribe_n answ._n 1._o by_o what_o be_v say_v it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o this_o definit_a number_n be_v indefinite_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v just_a so_o many_o in_o all_o or_o in_o every_o tribe_n alike_o but_o 2._o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v particular_o determine_v by_o god_n and_o know_v to_o he_o 2._o that_o though_o the_o defection_n be_v universal_a and_o great_a yet_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o considerable_a number_n reserve_v as_o be_v of_o 7000_o in_o elias_n day_n that_o yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o beast_n that_o number_n be_v to_o be_v very_o small_a as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaiah_n though_o the_o number_n of_o israel_n be_v as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n yet_o but_o a_o remnant_n shall_v be_v save_v more_o particular_o this_o number_n be_v proportion_v among_o the_o tribe_n to_o show_v 1._o that_o god_n not_o only_o number_v they_o in_o gross_a and_o in_o common_a together_o but_o have_v the_o very_a particular_a and_o individual_a person_n who_o be_v constituent_a of_o that_o number_n mark_v and_o determine_v to_o say_v so_o both_o numero_fw-la numerante_fw-la &_o numero_fw-la numerato_fw-la 2._o to_o show_v god_n sovereignty_n and_o good_a pleasure_n in_o choose_v some_o of_o every_o kindred_n and_o tribe_n and_o his_o care_n in_o provide_v for_o they_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v of_o whatsoever_o tribe_n they_o be_v obs._n 1_o that_o error_n oftentimes_o bring_v the_o church_n yea_o the_o saint_n into_o the_o great_a hazard_n what_o make_v christ_n cry_v so_o and_o make_v all_o this_o business_n it_o be_v to_o mark_v the_o elect_n which_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v in_o great_a hazard_n yea_o that_o matth._n 24.24_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n shall_v be_v deceive_v show_v it_o come_v near_o the_o march_n even_o as_o near_o as_o possible_a yea_o often_o there_o be_v more_o fear_n and_o hazard_v to_o the_o elect_a their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o error_n than_o there_o be_v by_o persecution_n yea_o by_o gross_a sin_n and_o tentation_n to_o they_o as_o murder_v adultery_n etc._n etc._n and_o more_o be_v take_v off_o their_o foot_n by_o the_o one_o than_o by_o the_o other_o because_o it_o come_v under_o some_o pretext_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v the_o devil_n in_o this_o tentation_n transform_v himself_o in_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o corinth_n 11._o believer_n have_v need_v to_o be_v watchful_a against_o all_o evil_n but_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n against_o this_o it_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n in_o a_o corrupt_a time_n to_o stand_v it_o out_o obs._n 2._o the_o great_a the_o danger_n be_v christ_n have_v the_o great_a care_n this_o make_v he_o cry_v and_o come_v down_o whereas_o no_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o his_o be_v mark_v when_o the_o church_n be_v suffer_v chap._n 6._o he_o have_v rather_o keep_v they_o from_o sin_n than_o suffering_n yea_o often_o error_n hurt_v more_o than_o suffering_n do_v more_o particular_o observe_v 1._o christ_n be_v great_a overseer_n of_o what_o concern_v his_o people_n none_o can_v hurt_v but_o as_o he_o give_v order_n all_o that_o execute_v judgement_n be_v in_o a_o dependency_n on_o he_o which_o be_v a_o great_a consolation_n to_o his_o people_n 2._o he_o be_v never_o so_o angry_a at_o a_o ungrate_a world_n as_o to_o forget_v one_o elect_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o storm_n he_o remember_v they_o so_o have_v god_n respect_n to_o one_o noah_n in_o the_o old_a world_n and_o to_o one_o lot_n in_o sodom_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o who_o be_v to_o execute_v that_o judgement_n till_o he_o be_v set_v free_a 3._o god_n have_v some_o elect_n and_o a_o church_n under_o the_o great_a defection_n even_o seven_o thousand_o when_o elias_n think_v there_o be_v not_o one_o which_o shall_v make_v we_o warry_a in_o censure_v time_n and_o place_n to_o be_v altogether_o ungodly_a 4._o no_o elect_n shall_v be_v final_o seduce_v that_o be_v not_o possible_a matth._n 24._o 5._o that_o impossibility_n of_o final_a seduction_n depend_v not_o on_o themselves_o but_o on_o god_n decree_n and_o care_n in_o seal_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o from_o it_o which_o make_v it_o true_a always_o rom._n 11.7_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v and_o none_o but_o they_o for_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v 6._o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o these_o seal_a one_o who_o be_v the_o elect_n be_v call_v servant_n of_o our_o god_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o elect_a from_o their_o holiness_n a_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o election_n and_o to_o clear_v it_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a seal_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o one_o know_v to_o god_n he_o know_v who_o be_v his_o by_o decree_n the_o other_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o former_a and_o in_o these_o come_v to_o age_n never_o separate_v let_v they_o who_o name_n the_o lord_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o this_o last_o respect_n they_o be_v call_v servant_n of_o god_n for_o these_o reason_n which_o be_v so_o many_o ground_n of_o doctrine_n 1._o that_o wherever_o election_n be_v there_o be_v or_o will_v be_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o it_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o election_n as_o to_o man_n or_o to_o one_o own_o conscience_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n hence_o eph._n 1.4_o we_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v holy_a let_v not_o these_o thing_n that_o god_n conjoyn_v be_v separate_v 2._o none_o but_o these_o who_o be_v servant_n to_o god_n in_o some_o real_a manner_n can_v promise_v to_o themselves_o any_o benefit_n of_o election_n or_o freedom_n from_o any_o plague_n and_o especial_o from_o this_o plague_n ezek._n 9_o these_o be_v mark_v only_o who_o be_v mourning_n for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o keep_v themselves_o free_a lose_v a_o good_a conscience_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 1.19_o let_v none_o plead_v for_o any_o benefit_n of_o election_n whatsoever_o without_o this_o 3._o all_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n honour_n and_o obey_v god_n be_v keep_v from_o evil_n and_o may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o immunity_n as_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a when_o other_o can_v 2_o tim._n 2.21_o if_o a_o man_n purge_v
about_o it_o but_o with_o preparation_n and_o order_n which_o thing_n be_v certain_o mention_v for_o imitation_n that_o these_o who_o pray_v for_o grace_n to_o do_v god_n will_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n may_v take_v this_o as_o a_o pattern_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v entru_v to_o be_v herald_n and_o do_v sound_a his_o trumpet_n 1._o they_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o design_v for_o this_o office_n so_o shall_v minister_n they_o shall_v look_v well_o they_o be_v design_v for_o this_o office_n and_o have_v their_o call_n clear_a as_o these_o seven_o angel_n be_v separate_v from_o other_o to_o this_o work_n 2._o trumpet_n be_v give_v they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v furnish_v with_o gift_n whosoever_o he_o design_v for_o a_o office_n in_o his_o house_n he_o furnish_v they_o and_o giveth_z trumpets_z to_o all_o who_o he_o call_v to_o sound_v 3._o when_o they_o have_v get_v trumpet_n they_o will_v not_o blow_v while_o he_o command_v to_o sound_v it_o be_v not_o gift_n that_o warrant_v man_n to_o preach_v but_o they_o must_v have_v particular_a order_n when_o to_o do_v it_o the_o word_n must_v be_v take_v from_o his_o mouth_n when_o where_o and_o how_o he_o shall_v order_v it_o 4._o they_o be_v prepare_v advise_v and_o warrie_v in_o go_v about_o the_o work_n when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o sound_v god_n give_v of_o gift_n and_o order_n to_o exercise_v they_o be_v not_o enough_o except_o man_n prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o work_n and_o be_v advise_v and_o warry_a in_o go_v about_o it_o as_o paul_n to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o etc._n etc._n 5._o they_o be_v diligent_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o execution_n when_o they_o have_v get_v order_n and_o be_v prepare_v although_o the_o message_n be_v heavy_a faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n be_v a_o good_a property_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n 6._o they_o keep_v a_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v in_o discharge_v their_o duty_n every_o one_o in_o their_o station_n and_o not_o in_o a_o confuse_a way_n so_o it_o become_v minister_n and_o minister_n be_v resemble_v to_o angel_n and_o their_o give_v of_o warning_n to_o the_o sound_v of_o the_o trumpet_n their_o office_n and_o duty_n may_v be_v thus_o point_v at_o here_o last_o sound_a of_o a_o trumpet_n imply_v distinctnesse_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o stateliness_n and_o power_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o carry_v their_o commission_n give_v alarm_n convince_o and_o plain_o which_o notable_o agree_v to_o minister_n follow_v from_o the_o 7._o vers_fw-la and_o forward_o their_z sounding_z where_o there_o be_v in_o every_o trumpet_n 1._o the_o sound_v 2._o the_o effect_n or_o consequent_a of_o the_o sound_n and_o that_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o follow_v 3._o the_o object_n of_o the_o judgement_n the_o earth_n and_o 4._o the_o extent_n fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o understand_v more_o particular_o this_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o trumpet_n which_o be_v a_o hard_a place_n and_o need_v god_n special_a direction_n in_o it_o which_o we_o humble_o desire_v we_o premit_fw-la these_o consideration_n or_o observation_n which_o may_v in_o some_o thing_n fix_v we_o in_o the_o open_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o its_o beginning_n rise_v and_o close_o it_o be_v clear_v before_o to_o rise_v after_o the_o break_n of_o that_o little_a peace_n the_o church_n enjoy_v under_o constantine_n and_o to_o close_v at_o antichrist_n begin_v fall_v when_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o height_n and_o the_o vial_n begin_v to_o be_v pour_v out_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o only_o contemporary_a with_o but_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o beast_n '_o chap._n 13._o and_o chap._n 11._o vers_fw-la 7._o as_o also_o the_o rise_n and_o close_v of_o that_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o beast_n '_o will_n fall_n under_o the_o same_o time_n and_o march_n whereby_o it_o appear_v consider_v also_o chap._n 7.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v say_v there_o they_o do_v most_o direct_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o spiritual_a trial_n 3._o consider_v that_o the_o five_o trumpet_n look_v clear_o to_o antichrist_n and_o his_o discovery_n open_o as_o appear_v by_o compare_v vers_fw-la 4._o chap._n 9_o with_o vers_n 8._o chap._n 13._o the_o same_o person_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mark_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o spiritual_a hurt_n of_o both_o as_o also_o that_o the_o six_o trumpet_n bring_v the_o mahometan_n upon_o the_o back_n of_o that_o the_o turk_n be_v raise_v as_o a_o scourge_n for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o first_o two_o great_a woe_n and_o the_o first_o four_o be_v lesser_a in_o comparison_n of_o these_o now_o this_o discovery_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v about_o the_o six_o hundred_o year_n or_o a_o little_a after_o the_o first_o four_o than_o must_v precede_v that_o time_n and_o continue_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o three_o hundred_o or_o thereby_o where_o the_o seal_n be_v close_v till_o that_o time_n 4._o consider_v that_o the_o main_a drift_n be_v to_o discover_v that_o defection_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o decline_v by_o step_n from_o purity_n in_o doctrine_n and_o simplicity_n in_o worship_n which_o end_v in_o antichrist_n height_n and_o also_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o be_v penal_a every_o step_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o defection_n be_v in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n penal_a include_v in_o it_o some_o spiritual_a plague_n and_o carry_v alongst_o with_o it_o or_o on_o the_o back_n of_o it_o some_o temporal_a judgement_n on_o the_o world_n and_o exercise_n or_o trial_n on_o the_o godly_a especial_o under_o antichrist_n 5._o consider_v that_o it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o point_n at_o particular_n either_o of_o thing_n or_o person_n as_o to_o show_v the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o successive_a time_n by_o whatsoever_o instrument_n or_o event_n of_o all_o sort_n have_v influence_n on_o her_o decline_a and_o especial_o as_o they_o make_v way_n for_o antichrist_n growth_n by_o weaken_v the_o church_n or_o shake_v the_o empire_n which_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n be_v more_o clear_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o 11._o chap._n and_o in_o the_o vision_n chap._n 12_o 13_o and_o 14._o therefore_o may_v they_o in_o part_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o scope_n 6._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o as_o in_o all_o the_o other_o change_n of_o period_n so_o in_o this_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o world_n and_o plague_v the_o earth_n sea_n rivers_n sun_n moon_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v three_o world_n mention_v which_o successive_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o three_o principal_a prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n 1._o the_o heathen_a world_n it_o be_v overturn_v together_o chap._n 6._o and_o under_o the_o six_o seal_n 2._o to_o it_o succee_v the_o christian_a world_n when_o religion_n have_v liberty_n and_o the_o countenance_n of_o the_o roman_a authority_n this_o be_v deface_v successive_o under_o the_o trumpet_n by_o that_o world_n decline_v to_o be_v antichristian_a and_o by_o his_o get_a authority_n and_o power_n on_o his_o side_n and_o bring_v the_o church_n witness_n and_o saint_n low_a this_o popish_a or_o antichristian_a world_n be_v destroy_v under_o the_o vial_n in_o the_o the_o same_o expression_n of_o sea_n earth_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o empire_n be_v compare_v to_o different_a world_n and_o their_o overturning_a or_o deface_v to_o the_o change_n of_o the_o world_n while_o it_o be_v only_o the_o church_n or_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n which_o suffer_v change_v 7._o if_o we_o will_v look_v to_o the_o trumpet_n as_o the_o effect_n follow_v they_o and_o to_o the_o vial_n and_o their_o effect_n there_o be_v a_o great_a suitablnesse_n between_o they_o in_o all_o the_o first_o trumpet_n be_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o be_v the_o first_o vial_n pour_v out_o on_o it_o the_o second_o on_o the_o sea_n the_o three_o on_o the_o river_n in_o both_o so_o the_o four_o on_o the_o sun_n the_o five_o trumpet_n bring_v out_o antichrist_n as_o on_o his_o throne_n the_o five_o vial_n be_v pour_v out_o on_o the_o seat_n or_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o six_o trumpet_n louse_v the_o four_o angel_n at_o euphrates_n the_o vial_n dry_v up_o that_o river_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n destroy_v antichrist_n in_o that_o same_o method_n he_o grow_v and_o clear_v his_o church_n as_o she_o be_v in_o several_a step_n darken_v obscure_v and_o trouble_v that_o as_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o a_o new_a counterfeit_a church_n or_o world_n by_o degree_n overturning_a what_o be_v before_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v destroy_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o
the_o emperor_n authority_n in_o the_o west_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n grow_v so_o that_o what_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o usurpation_n this_o age_n bring_v forth_o in_o they_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o plessâus_a mystery_n pag._n 4.44_o cântur_fw-la magdeburg_n cânt_fw-la 4._o by_o all_o which_o they_o do_v wind_v themselves_o someway_o in_o to_o be_v umpire_n or_o arbitrator_n of_o difference_n in_o other_o church_n which_o afterward_o they_o draw_v to_o a_o debt_n and_o obligation_n on_o they_o 4._o at_o that_o time_n he_o be_v desire_v do_v interpose_v brotherly_a by_o his_o commissioner_n with_o other_o bishop_n and_o church_n which_o be_v for_o a_o cause_n upon_o the_o matter_n good_a and_o from_o a_o eminent_a bishop_n have_v much_o weight_n with_o it_o and_o be_v much_o esteem_v and_o regard_v though_o not_o as_o authoritative_n which_o his_o successor_n abuse_v in_o after_o timâs_fw-la so_o then_o the_o church_n estate_n betwixt_o the_o 300._o and_o 400._o year_n and_o thereabouts_o will_v be_v find_v as_o it_o be_v here_o foretell_v to_o be_v inward_o the_o church_n undo_v by_o heretic_n heresy_n contention_n back_v with_o pretend_a authority_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n work_v their_o supremacy_n in_o all_o these_o trouble_n and_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o as_o moderator_n among_o they_o though_o yet_o under_o ground_n and_o that_o but_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o low_a doctrine_n begin_v even_o then_o to_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n corrupt_v by_o special_a man_n in_o the_o church_n especial_o concern_v freewill_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o may_v be_v gather_v what_o great_a storm_n this_o be_v and_o how_o answerable_a to_o this_o type_n so_o that_o its_o easy_o apply_v to_o it_o observe_v 1._o in_o general_n what_o a_o terrible_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v error_n heresy_n division_n and_o contention_n let_v louse_n on_o a_o church_n it_o be_v terrible_a as_o fire_n hail_n and_o blood_n and_o terrible_a in_o the_o effect_n a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o grass_n be_v burn_v up_o few_o believe_v thisâ_n yet_o these_o plague_n be_v less_o terrible_a to_o body_n than_o error_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v to_o soul_n 2._o see_v the_o nature_n of_o heresy_n 1._o it_o be_v violent_a cool_a love_n and_o obstruct_v practice_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v keep_v in_o life_n but_o in_o contention_n for_o itself_o and_o thing_n belong_v to_o itself_o fiery_a bloody_a and_o cruel_a the_o first_o word_n look_v at_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n âail_n the_o second_o word_n fire_n look_v at_o the_o break_n of_o unity_n the_o three_o word_n blood_n look_v at_o the_o destroy_n of_o life_n such_o be_v the_o false_a teacher_n of_o old_a such_o be_v they_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o after_o his_o time_n 2._o it_o spread_v on_o many_o for_o number_n on_o great_a man_n and_o good_a man_n sometime_o for_o quality_n all_o green_a grass_n and_o a_o three_o part_n of_o tree_n who_o will_v have_v think_v so_o many_o famous_a able_a man_n will_v have_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o it_o that_o as_o we_o say_v before_o it_o become_v a_o proverb_n the_o world_n be_v become_v ariaâ_n many_o bishop_n and_o synod_n many_o eminent_a in_o part_n partly_o through_o terror_n partly_o through_o weakness_n come_v to_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o error_n and_o to_o condemn_v some_o honest_a man_n that_o speak_v for_o truth_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o be_v watchful_a and_o humble_a will_v aây_o think_v that_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v deny_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v of_o late_o revive_v for_o the_o sâcânian_a error_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n and_o have_v many_o follower_n 3._o many_o tree_n be_v spare_v partly_o as_o a_o testimony_n against_o other_o partly_o to_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o repent_v they_o be_v not_o take_v away_o altogether_o let_v we_o arm_v against_o such_o a_o storm_n and_o become_v more_o warrie_a and_o watchful_a lecture_n iii_o vers._n 8._o and_o the_o second_o angel_n sound_v and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mountain_n burn_v with_o fire_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o sea_n become_v blood_n 9_o and_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o have_v life_n die_v and_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o ship_n be_v destroy_v you_o may_v remember_v when_o we_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o trumpet_n we_o tell_v you_o that_o in_o they_o be_v contain_v the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o interrupt_n of_o the_o peace_n that_o it_o enjoy_v under_o constantine_n till_o antichrist_n be_v at_o his_o height_n and_o god_n by_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o vial_n come_v to_o demolish_v his_o kingdom_n the_o pprophecy_n of_o theâe_n trumpet_n be_v divide_v in_o small_a and_o great_a woe_n the_o last_o three_o be_v the_o great_a the_o first_o four_o do_v continue_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o peace_n it_o enjoy_v under_o the_o six_o seal_n unto_o the_o discovery_n of_o antichrist_n upon_o his_o seat_n and_o throne_n you_o hear_v in_o the_o former_a trumpet_n how_o hard_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v weaken_v 1._o by_o outward_a inbreaking_n of_o cruel_a barbarous_a nation_n merciless_a enemy_n to_o the_o deface_v of_o it_o 2._o by_o enemy_n from_o within_o such_o as_o arian_n macedonian_n nâstorians_n and_o also_o schismatic_n as_o luciferian_o novatian_o aâdaeans_n etc._n etc._n that_o will_v not_o keep_v unity_n as_o the_o former_a will_v not_o keep_v purity_n 3._o by_o corrupt_v of_o the_o doctrine_n many_o unsafe_a and_o unsound_a doctrine_n attend_v with_o pernicious_a practice_n be_v creep_v in_o among_o famous_a man_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v also_o weaken_v by_o contentionâ_n and_o ambition_n among_o bishop_n and_o minister_n for_o their_o precedency_n out_o of_o all_o which_o satan_n design_n of_o raise_v rome_n and_o bring_v in_o antâchrist_n be_v work_v and_o take_v root_a spring_a and_o spread_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o height_n we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o the_o first_o trumpet_n but_o proceed_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o second_o trumpet_n advance_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o scope_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v why_o these_o trumpet_n blow_v not_o together_o and_o yet_o one_o succee_v another_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o interim_n to_o see_v how_o the_o former_a may_v work_v and_o if_o any_o will_v repent_v god_n take_v that_o time_n of_o trial_n 2._o when_o it_o work_v not_o a_o great_a come_v than_o he_o plague_v seven_o time_n more_o there_o be_v degree_n even_o of_o spiritual_a judgement_n rom._n 1._o when_o alarm_n work_v not_o there_o be_v worse_o come_v for_o open_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o sad_a judgement_n we_o must_v consider_v in_o it_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o mean_v make_v use_n of_o or_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o judgement_n it_o be_v as_o a_o mountain_n burn_v 2._o it_o be_v object_n it_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 3._o the_o effect_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o the_o water_n become_v blood_n and_o many_o ship_n be_v destroy_v general_o it_o show_v that_o this_o judgement_n extend_v further_a than_o the_o former_a 1._o the_o former_a be_v on_o the_o land_n only_o this_o take_v in_o the_o sea_n 2._o it_o alter_v quite_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o sea_n the_o former_a destroy_v but_o tree_n and_o grass_n that_o be_v grow_v this_o be_v more_o infectious_a 1._o it_o be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mountain_n to_o show_v it_o be_v something_o figurative_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o not_o proper_o like_o a_o hill_n such_o as_o aetna_n in_o sicily_n or_o hecla_n in_o island_n be_v which_o burn_v within_o itself_o and_o dissolve_v itself_o by_o mountain_n in_o scripture_n be_v understand_v figurative_o power_n or_o authority_n zech._n 4.7_o who_o be_v thou_o o_o great_a mountain_n before_o zârubbabel_n thou_o shall_v become_v a_o plain_a he_o mean_v the_o opposition_n of_o that_o monarchy_n which_o then_o oppress_v they_o jer._n 51.25_o babylon_n be_v call_v a_o destroy_a mountain_n and_o a_o mountain_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o burn_a mountain_n so_o by_o mountain_n here_o we_o understand_v eminent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n and_o her_o authority_n or_o these_o place_v in_o authority_n in_o she_o who_o by_o their_o place_n be_v eminent_a above_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n here_o that_o especial_o be_v speak_v of_o this_o mountain_n must_v be_v their_o judicatories_n and_o these_o in_o power_n therefore_o the_o disciple_n and_o in_o they_o minister_n be_v say_v
to_o be_v as_o a_o city_n set_v on_o a_o mountain_n or_o hill_n matth._n 5._o these_o be_v mountain_n for_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n as_o civil_a governor_n or_o government_n be_v in_o the_o state_n 2._o this_o mountain_n be_v say_v to_o be_v burn_v which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v kindle_v with_o pride_n and_o contention_n flow_v therefrom_o as_o christ_n say_v he_o come_v to_o send_v fire_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v already_o kindle_v which_o be_v to_o be_v expound_v variance_n among_o these_o in_o near_a relation_n so_o also_o fire_n it_o be_v take_v for_o contention_n in_o jothams_n parable_n judg._n 9_o compare_v vers_fw-la 20._o with_o vers_n 23._o which_o be_v the_o more_o clear_a here_o that_o it_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a trumpet_n as_o take_z fire_n from_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o church-governor_n that_o be_v kindle_v by_o it_o this_o fire_n have_v kindle_v within_o their_o bowel_n break_v out_o and_o infect_v other_o and_o spread_v this_o division_n under_o this_o trumpet_n at_o the_o back_n of_o the_o former_a heresy_n and_o sad_a state_n which_o the_o church_n be_v in_o have_v to_o do_v not_o only_o with_o open_a heretic_n but_o with_o pride_n and_o contention_n among_o churchman_n themselves_o whereby_o exceed_o the_o church_n be_v wrong_v and_o way_n be_v make_v for_o the_o inbringing_a of_o more_o corruption_n and_o antichrist_n rise_v 2._o the_o object_n it_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 1._o by_o the_o sea_n in_o scripture_n among_o the_o prophet_n be_v understand_v a_o numerous_a people_n as_o to_o fit_v on_o many_o water_n revel_v 17.15_o by_o this_o than_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o though_o this_o infection_n begin_v among_o the_o churchman_n yet_o be_v it_o cast_v in_o the_o sea_n that_o be_v spread_v far_o off_o among_o the_o people_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o time_n and_o so_o it_o use_v to_o be_v 2._o by_o sea_n be_v understand_v in_o scripture_n nation_n beyond_o sea_n often_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o be_v by_o the_o sea_n divide_v from_o judea_n as_o by_o the_o earth_n or_o land_n be_v understand_v the_o east_n parâ_n isa._n 60.5_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o it_o may_v well_o here_o look_v to_o rome_n africa_n and_o the_o west_n upon_o which_o this_o storm_n main_o do_v fall_v as_o the_o first_o do_v fall_v on_o the_o church_n in_o the_o east_n chief_a which_o be_v call_v the_o earth_n 3._o by_o sea_n in_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v understand_v the_o ordinance_n in_o discipline_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n because_o in_o these_o and_o by_o these_o christian_n in_o this_o world_n of_o the_o church_n do_v converse_v together_o traffic_n one_o with_o another_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o as_o man_n do_v by_o sea_n and_o ship_n who_o otherways_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n so_o chap._n 18._o in_o the_o antichristian_a world_n their_o churchman_n be_v compare_v to_o man_n in_o ship_n or_o merchant_n who_o among_o other_o thing_n trade_n for_o man_n soul_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o no_o other_o but_o their_o churchman_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o their_o go_v about_o their_o superstition_n be_v compare_v to_o trade_v in_o ship_n and_o sea_n whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o here_o especial_o a_o storm_n upon_o ordinance_n worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v signify_v as_o in_o the_o former_a the_o doctrine_n be_v set_v upon_o yet_o discipline_n and_o counsel_n be_v in_o some_o vigour_n both_o have_v some_o authority_n from_o without_o by_o constantine_n unity_n and_o respect_n from_o within_o as_o at_o nice_a foundnesse_n and_o solidity_n in_o proceed_v but_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n all_o be_v change_v first_o emperor_n become_v arian_n counsel_n become_v heterodox_n unity_n be_v break_v partly_o by_o schism_n among_o themselves_o partly_o by_o the_o pelagian_n and_o donatist_n which_o at_o this_o time_n come_v to_o a_o height_n separation_n from_o church_n flow_v from_o pride_n under_o the_o pretext_n of_o the_o unholinesse_n of_o the_o church_n member_n begin_v and_o continue_v long_o trouble_v especial_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o former_o be_v free_a and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v foist_v with_o humane_a invention_n by_o man_n who_o be_v not_o heretic_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n spoil_v break_a dissolve_v and_o burn_v pride_n consume_v all_o and_o make_v it_o contemptible_a so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o babylon_n jer._n 21.25_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o burn_a mountain_n when_o the_o dissolution_n of_o her_o authority_n be_v prophesy_v of_o 3._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o mountain_n cast_v in_o the_o sea_n record_v here_o be_v two_o the_o one_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o other_o 1._o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n show_v they_o be_v corrupt_v that_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o allude_v to_o the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n exod._n 7.19_o which_o show_v that_o by_o that_o forego_v rend_v discipline_n be_v weaken_v ordinance_n corrupt_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o alter_v they_o be_v before_o useful_a now_o they_o be_v hurtful_a as_o be_v abuse_v by_o this_o fiery_a mountain_n fall_v into_o they_o so_o the_o synod_n counsel_n and_o ministry_n in_o many_o place_n become_v such_o as_o be_v rather_o for_o destruction_n than_o edification_n and_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v and_o stumbling_n lay_v before_o poor_a people_n whereby_o the_o second_o effect_n follow_v that_o be_v as_o in_o water_n turn_v to_o blood_n fish_n can_v live_v so_o by_o these_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o both_o now_o continue_v together_o poor_a soul_n be_v destroy_v simplicity_n of_o worship_n corrupt_v with_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n and_o all_o church_n man_n almost_o who_o trade_n in_o these_o ship_n be_v undo_v and_o destroy_v with_o this_o ambition_n for_o blood_n signify_v any_o death_n even_o spiritual_a death_n ezek._n 3.18_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v his_o spiritual_a kill_n of_o they_o and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v their_o be_v kill_v with_o self-seeking_a and_o pride_n and_o so_o to_o be_v dead_a while_o they_o be_v alive_a 1_o tim._n 5.6_o and_o deadly_a to_o other_o also_o in_o sum_n then_o by_o the_o second_o trumpet_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o government_n and_o governor_n who_o heighten_v their_o place_n beyond_o christ_n order_n and_o exercise_v that_o power_n not_o for_o edification_n but_o for_o destruction_n contrary_a to_o its_o nature_n in_o fiery_a contention_n flow_v from_o their_o pride_n and_o ambition_n by_o which_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v dissolve_v in_o its_o authority_n and_o become_v low_a as_o a_o mountain_n do_v which_o be_v consume_v by_o fire_n from_o within_o whereby_o many_o dreadful_a effect_n tend_v both_o to_o the_o wrong_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o exceed_v hurtful_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v under_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o so_o the_o church_n life_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o great_a hazard_n than_o under_o open_a heretic_n for_o application_n of_o this_o we_o will_v find_v it_o suit_n well_o with_o the_o contention_n that_o follow_v on_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o then_o burst_v out_o among_o churchman_n exceed_v hurtful_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o clear_v whereof_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o story_n of_o that_o time_n 1._o division_n and_o contention_n abound_v as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o many_o complaint_n of_o emperor_n and_o father_n especial_o gregoriââ_n next_fw-la who_o therefore_o take_v a_o prejudice_n at_o counsel_n because_o so_o much_o contention_n follow_v that_o of_o nice_n as_o also_o by_o the_o many_o contrary_a synod_n and_o contest_v for_o precedency_n in_o they_o among_o churchman_n who_o continue_v till_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n carry_v away_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o under_o the_o five_o trumpet_n 2._o the_o time_n of_o these_o contention_n will_v agree_v to_o this_o for_o this_o fire_n of_o pride_n be_v kindle_v and_o the_o foundation_n lay_v for_o carry_v on_o these_o contest_v to_o that_o height_n from_o the_o former_a heresy_n some_o act_n be_v make_v whereby_o some_o bishop_n especial_o they_o of_o rome_n be_v prefer_v to_o other_o because_o they_o be_v more_o free_a of_o that_o infection_n and_o be_v more_o able_a to_o help_v the_o truth_n and_o these_o who_o be_v persecute_v for_o it_o in_o the_o east_n as_o particular_o that_o seven_o canon_n at_o sardica_n overture_v by_o osius_n for_o that_o end_n from_o which_o rome_n take_v advantage_n afterward_o 3._o in_o these_o counsel_n upon_o this_o occasion_n
the_o precedency_n of_o some_o sea_n be_v establish_v and_o a_o foundation_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a hierarchy_n be_v lay_v first_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a appoint_v four_o patriarch_n at_o alexandria_n in_o egypt_n at_o antioch_n in_o asia_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o syria_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o west_n over_o all_o metrapolitan_o who_o yet_o be_v independent_o of_o equal_a authority_n within_o their_o own_o bound_n as_o be_v clear_a can._n 6._o second_o after_o that_o rome_n be_v prefer_v in_o order_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o constantinople_n make_v second_o not_o by_o any_o dignity_n of_o these_o sea_n but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o imperial_a authority_n as_o appear_v from_o can._n 3._o of_o the_o second_o council_n at_o constantinople_n confirm_v can._n 28._o of_o the_o council_n at_o chalcedon_n and_o the_o 36._o can._n of_o the_o council_n at_o trulos_n where_o constantinople_n be_v make_v second_o to_o rome_n because_o it_o be_v new_a rome_n and_o have_v the_o same_o civil_a privilege_n with_o old_a rome_n which_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o both_o these_o sea_n be_v prefer_v be_v build_v mere_o upon_o civil_a privilege_n which_o also_o balsamon_n upon_o the_o foresay_a canon_n confirm_v from_o iustinian_n law_n novel_a 130._o 4._o rome_n take_v much_o occasion_n to_o plead_v its_o supremacy_n partly_o from_o these_o constitution_n partly_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n who_o still_o endeavour_v to_o have_v that_o bishop_n on_o their_o side_n as_o a_o great_a help_n to_o their_o party_n and_o therefore_o flee_v to_o it_o for_o succour_v whether_o they_o maintain_v truth_n or_o error_n partly_o from_o this_o that_o their_o interpose_v have_v great_a weight_n with_o other_o upon_o the_o former_a consideration_n which_o they_o endeavour_v afterward_o to_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n as_o of_o due_a belong_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o first_o oppose_v that_o act_n whereby_o constantinople_n be_v equal_a to_o they_o and_o afterward_o plead_v for_o appeal_v unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n and_o in_o africa_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o their_o proposition_n make_v in_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n but_o more_o especial_o by_o their_o ambassage_n and_o letter_n to_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n where_o these_o thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o that_o one_o apiarius_n bishop_n of_o sica_n just_o censure_v by_o a_o former_a council_n at_o carthage_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 2._o three_o bishop_n of_o rome_n zosimus_n boniface_n caelestinus_n one_o after_o another_o do_v so_o far_o own_o that_o appeal_v as_o to_o admit_v the_o sentence_a person_n to_o their_o communion_n and_o to_o send_v faustinus_n and_o other_o their_o ambassador_n to_o the_o six_o council_n of_o carthage_n where_o be_v convene_v 217._o bishop_n among_o which_o be_v augustine_n and_o aurelius_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n who_o preside_v and_o be_v call_v pope_n by_o balsamon_n desire_v the_o former_a sentence_n to_o be_v repeal_v 3._o they_o ground_v their_o interpose_v in_o these_o matter_n upon_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a some_o pretend_a act_n whereof_o their_o commissioner_n faustinus_n produce_v wherein_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o be_v decree_v that_o a_o bishop_n in_o any_o place_n may_v appeal_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 4._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o these_o father_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o act_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o find_v among_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n at_o nice_a which_o any_o of_o they_o have_v see_v and_o therefore_o do_v suspect_v the_o design_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n as_o aim_v to_o stretch_v his_o power_n too_o far_o whereupon_o they_o direct_v messenger_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n canstantinople_n and_o alexandria_n for_o obtain_v authentic_a and_o unsuspected_a copy_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o say_a council_n which_o afterward_o they_o receive_v from_o cyrillus_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n and_o atticus_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n without_o any_o such_o act_n in_o they_o for_o rome_n authority_n as_o be_v allege_v it_o be_v true_a this_o supremacy_n be_v not_o plead_v from_o any_o divine_a institution_n which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o do_v pretend_v unto_o but_o only_a upon_o ecclesiastic_a constitution_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o whatever_o privilege_n rome_n claim_v by_o constantin_n donation_n or_o any_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o sardica_n be_v also_o attribute_v unto_o constantinople_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o constantinople_n and_o chalcedon_n whereby_o its_o authority_n and_o privilege_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a to_o rome_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastic_a as_o it_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o in_o civil_a thing_n by_o the_o emperor_n law_n so_o that_o appeal_v be_v as_o warrantable_a to_o constantinople_n as_o to_o rome_n as_o balsamon_n also_o upon_o the_o former_a counsel_n allege_v and_o therefore_o show_v the_o privilege_n of_o constantinople_n and_o its_o bishop_n out_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o constantine_n as_o it_o be_v call_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n even_o from_o ecclesiastic_a constitution_n for_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v and_o that_o these_o father_n foresay_a do_v neither_o credit_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o assert_v his_o own_o authority_n nor_o yet_o cede_fw-la to_o he_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n when_o they_o have_v evidence_v his_o allegiance_n to_o be_v false_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a maintain_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o be_v independent_a of_o he_o and_o therefore_o do_v enact_v that_o from_o thenceforth_o none_o of_o their_o number_n shall_v appeal_v beyond_o sea_n to_o wit_n to_o rome_n can._n 31._o and_o that_o none_o shall_v cite_v another_o of_o their_o number_n thither_o can._n 126._o under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n and_o do_v write_v back_o to_o boniface_n and_o after_o to_o caelestin_n zosimus_n be_v dead_a ere_o the_o answer_n from_o egypt_n return_v expostulate_v with_o they_o for_o the_o mar_n they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o due_a authority_n and_o plead_v that_o none_o censure_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v hear_v by_o he_o or_o receive_v into_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o do_v also_o refuse_v to_o louse_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o foresay_a apâarius_n whereupon_o he_o afterward_o leave_v his_o dependency_n on_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o own_o synod_n i_o say_v though_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o the_o supremacy_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o great_a advantage_n from_o they_o yet_o from_o this_o we_o may_v see_v that_o church-authority_n be_v abuse_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o churchman_n even_o at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o former_a heresy_n ground_n be_v lay_v from_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n draw_v encouragement_n to_o prosecure_v their_o supremacy_n and_o upon_o which_o they_o continue_v to_o build_v it_o up_o till_o it_o come_v to_o its_o height_n for_o still_o there_o be_v debate_n about_o it_o especial_o between_o they_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n who_o in_o the_o emperor_n mauritius_n his_o time_n assume_v first_o to_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n and_o precedency_n beyond_o rome_n because_o then_o the_o emperor_n live_v at_o constantinople_n until_o antichrist_n be_v discover_v by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v how_o hurtful_a that_o contention_n be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o how_o far_o it_o contribute_v in_o the_o event_n of_o it_o for_o the_o advance_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v the_o main_a plague_n intend_v in_o these_o trumpet_n and_o therefore_o not_o unsuitable_o taken-in_a under_o this_o second_o trumpet_n as_o be_v agreealbe_n with_o the_o scope_n type_n time_n and_o other_o reason_n allege_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o former_a trumpet_n observe_v 1._o what_o a_o evil_a thing_n pride_n be_v especial_o when_o it_o enter_v among_o churchman_n o_o how_o evil_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o it_o be_v the_o inlet_n of_o all_o confusion_n it_o open_v a_o door_n to_o it_o and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n in_o overturning_a of_o whatsoever_o be_v beautiful_a in_o a_o church_n james_n 3.14_o 16._o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n satan_n seek_v to_o destroy_v government_n and_o unity_n when_o he_o will_v destroy_v a_o church_n and_o no_o wonder_n christ_n so_o much_o commend_v humility_n and_o unity_n to_o his_o follower_n 2._o the_o more_o eminent_a folk_n be_v in_o place_n or_o power_n they_o be_v the_o âooner_o kindle_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o pride_n the_o high_a man_n place_n be_v they_o be_v the_o ready_a to_o grow_v proud_a mountain_n soon_o than_o valley_n man_n of_o gift_n soon_o than_o other_o they_o have_v fuel_n to_o this_o fire_n that_o other_o do_v want_n and_o be_v more_o
consideration_n describe_v from_o all_o which_o consideration_n we_o may_v gather_v 1._o that_o each_o of_o these_o trumpet_n do_v not_o contain_v the_o story_n of_o a_o equal_a time_n or_o number_n of_o year_n for_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o last_o three_o trumpet_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o long_a continuance_n than_o all_o the_o first_o four_o which_o add_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o former_a four_o as_o the_o great_a woe_n 2._o it_o appear_v also_o that_o by_o the_o five_o and_o six_o trumpet_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v different_a evil_n and_o enemy_n and_o so_o they_o can_v both_o be_v applicable_a either_o to_o antichrist_n only_o or_o mahometan_n only_o 3._o we_o may_v gather_v also_o that_o this_o kingdom_n and_o army_n with_o the_o furniture_n wherewith_o they_o be_v provide_v and_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v upon_o their_o tyranny_n be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o external_a battle_n and_o bodily_a evil_n but_o figurative_o as_o represent_v some_o great_a spiritual_a hurt_n on_o the_o church_n and_o her_o ordinance_n these_o expression_n they_o be_v like_o horse_n and_o have_v breastplate_n as_o it_o be_v breastplate_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o be_v express_o difference_v from_o the_o trumpet_n follow_v wherein_o expression_n that_o be_v proper_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v use_v and_o do_v intimate_v this_o 4._o suppose_v which_o afterward_o from_o chap._n 11.13_o and_o 17._o will_v be_v more_o clear_a that_o the_o roman_a hierarchy_n complex_o take_v be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o the_o delude_n of_o the_o world_n by_o they_o be_v the_o very_a delusion_n prophesy_v of_o 2_o thess._n 2._o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o romish_a antichristian_a kingdom_n whereby_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v long_o bring_v in_o bondage_n be_v the_o very_a same_o set_v forth_o by_o this_o trumpet_n to_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o description_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n we_o will_v find_v it_o many_o way_n insist_v upon_o 1._o a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o become_v earthly_a upon_o that_o again_o follow_v corruption_n of_o doctrine_n whereupon_o do_v arise_v a_o rabble_n of_o superstitious_a churchman_n who_o work_n be_v to_o propagate_v and_o support_v the_o dominion_n of_o their_o king_n as_o his_o care_n be_v to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v they_o there_o be_v such_o mutual_a concernment_n in_o the_o stand_n or_o fall_v of_o each_o to_o other_o vers._n 1._o the_o first_o particular_a describe_v be_v the_o fountain_n and_o great_a instrument_n of_o all_o this_o spiritual_a plague_n that_o be_v i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n unto_o the_o earth_n that_o by_o star_n be_v mean_v some_o person_n the_o word_n after_o do_v clear_a to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o the_o star_n be_v give_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o must_v be_v some_o churchofficer_n be_v also_o clear_a from_o chap._n 1.20_o from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o own_o exposition_n and_o consider_v what_o power_n this_o star_n have_v in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v hold_v forth_o some_o eminent_a churchofficer_n by_o heaven_n be_v understand_v here_o as_o frequent_o in_o this_o book_n the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o heaven_n wherein_o christ_n have_v place_v apostle_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o star_n to_o give_v light_n because_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o heavenly_a privilege_n heavenly_a light_n of_o doctrine_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o heavenly_a conversation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o earth_n be_v understand_v earthliness_n or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o church_n which_o the_o opposition_n clear_v and_o thus_o earth_n signify_v worldly_a design_n worldly_a grandour_n corrupt_a doctrine_n like_a to_o that_o of_o heathen_n than_o that_o of_o christ_n carnalnesse_n in_o conversation_n and_o such_o like_a for_o this_o earth_n be_v something_o contradistinguish_v from_o and_o oppose_v to_o the_o heaven_n former_o mention_v to_o fall_v here_o from_o heaven_n unto_o earth_n signify_v a_o decline_a from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o in_o sum_n the_o meaning_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n will_v be_v i_o foresee_v the_o defection_n of_o some_o eminent_a churchofficer_n who_o once_o have_v pláce_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n from_o christian_n simplicity_n purity_n and_o holiness_n in_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n to_o a_o religion_n and_o way_n of_o live_v by_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o external_a pomp_n become_v rather_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o like_a their_o way_n than_o a_o minister_n of_o christ._n by_o this_o phrase_n also_o i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v etc._n etc._n be_v imply_v 1._o not_o only_o a_o decline_a and_o defection_n but_o such_o a_o decline_a as_o make_v he_o that_o be_v before_o a_o star_n in_o heaven_n to_o cease_v from_o be_v consider_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o afterward_o to_o be_v account_v as_o but_o eminent_a among_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n because_o of_o their_o worldly_a earthly-like_a religion_n and_o worship_n upon_o which_o ground_n the_o follower_n of_o this_o antichristian_a kingdom_n be_v call_v gentile_n chap._n 11.2_o 2._o this_o phrase_n import_v a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a step_n of_o this_o defection_n the_o star_n be_v not_o now_o fall_v as_o be_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n but_o it_o be_v fall_v and_o i_o see_v it_o fall_v say_v john_n imply_v a_o observablnesse_n in_o it_o 3._o it_o import_v that_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o this_o star_n and_o defection_n of_o this_o eminent_a churchofficer_n he_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o account_n of_o a_o star_n among_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v call_v a_o star_n even_o after_o his_o fall_n though_o indeed_o and_o in_o john_n account_n he_o be_v but_o a_o fall_v star_n and_o earthly_a as_o have_v indeed_o forfeit_v his_o former_a church-relation_n the_o second_o thing_n describe_v be_v the_o power_n give_v unto_o this_o fall_a star_n and_o to_o he_o be_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n key_n signify_v in_o scripture_n authority_n and_o power_n by_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n be_v mean_v hell_n as_o be_v unquestionable_a chap._n 1.18_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n that_o do_v signify_v his_o supreme_a authority_n chap._n 13.2_o 4._o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o have_v power_n and_o to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o beast_n because_o in_o god_n secret_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o part_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o he_o be_v employ_v as_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o wicked_a therein_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o throne_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n here_o this_o star_n partake_v of_o this_o authority_n not_o as_o christ_n have_v it_o for_o now_o be_v fall_v from_o heaven_n he_o have_v lose_v relation_n to_o he_o nor_o in_o that_o same_o degree_n as_o the_o devil_n do_v but_o as_o deputy_n and_o leiu-tennant_n to_o he_o who_o in_o god_n secret_a justice_n furnish_v he_o with_o this_o power_n as_o from_o chap._n 13._o 2_o 4._o be_v clear_a in_o a_o word_n while_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o exerce_v christ_n authority_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o be_v fall_v he_o continue_v to_o exercise_v authority_n and_o to_o retain_v a_o key_n but_o of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o to_o serve_v another_o master_n to_o wit_n the_o devil_n as_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n tend_v now_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o ignorance_n darkness_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v assist_v with_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n for_o that_o end_n for_o as_o christ_n minister_n be_v say_v to_o have_v key_n from_o he_o and_o when_o they_o warrantable_o exerce_fw-la they_o it_o be_v the_o open_n of_o heaven_n so_o promover_v of_o heresy_n be_v minister_n of_o satan_n 2_o cor._n 11._o though_o they_o think_v it_o not_o of_o who_o antichrist_n be_v the_o chief_a he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o pit_n that_o be_v a_o authority_n not_o allow_v by_o christ_n nor_o from_o above_o and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o pit_n with_o the_o key_n be_v the_o put_n of_o that_o assume_v power_n in_o execution_n such_o be_v spread_v of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n call_v therefore_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o and_o authorise_v man_n to_o propagate_v these_o without_o christ_n call_n who_o be_v
therefore_o call_v minister_n of_o satan_n this_o key_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v he_o which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o warrantable_a call_n but_o 1._o the_o great_a change_n which_o follow_v upon_o his_o fall_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o it_o be_v he_o get_v now_o another_o key_n in_o his_o hand_n 2._o a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o person_n act_v and_o promote_a the_o design_n of_o hell_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o if_o that_o key_n have_v be_v entrust_v to_o he_o 3._o it_o imply_v a_o prime_n ministerial_a office_n to_o say_v so_o which_o he_o have_v from_o the_o devil_n who_o do_v account_n of_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o primely_a subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o design_n and_o a_o subordination_n of_o this_o key-bearer_n unto_o he_o who_o have_v give_v he_o this_o trust_n chap._n 13.2_o 4._o last_o it_o imply_v a_o wise_a and_o just_a though_o a_o secret_a overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n order_v this_o subordinate_a authority_n of_o antichrist_n for_o his_o wise_a end_n as_o he_o do_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o he_o permit_v sovereign_o as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o to_o bear_v a_o kind_n of_o rule_n vers._n 2._o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n be_v set_v down_o with_o three_o effect_n follow_v thereupon_o vers_fw-la 2_o 3._o and_o he_o open_v the_o bottomless_a pit_n that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o permit_v by_o god_n to_o assume_v a_o authority_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o hell_n so_o do_v he_o instant_o exercise_v his_o power_n for_o that_o end_n and_o leave_v nothing_o unassayed_a for_o bring_v superstition_n and_o idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n where_o it_o be_v former_o restrain_v now_o it_o be_v let_v louse_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o effect_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v there_o arise_v a_o smoke_n out_o of_o the_o pit_n as_o the_o smoke_n of_o a_o great_a furnace_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o this_o smoke_n the_o second_o effect_n follow_v upon_o this_o to_o wit_n darken_v of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o air_n will_v make_v it_o appear_v for_o by_o sun_n and_o air_n be_v understand_v here_o the_o light_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o shine_v clear_o and_o comfortable_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o light_n be_v smite_v by_o the_o four_o trumpet_n chap._n 8.12_o now_o by_o this_o five_o trumpet_n this_o darkness_n spread_v and_o the_o whole_a sun_n and_o also_o the_o air_n be_v darken_v which_o hold_v forth_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n than_o be_v under_o the_o former_a it_o begin_v then_o but_o now_o be_v at_o a_o height_n this_o be_v then_o the_o meaning_n of_o darken_v the_o sun_n and_o air_n this_o smoke_n which_o bring_v forth_o this_o effect_n must_v be_v these_o corrupt_a and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n and_o increase_v of_o humane_a tradition_n and_o ceremony_n whereby_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v obscure_v this_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o great_a smoke_n 1._o because_o error_n and_o superstition_n though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o sib_a to_o devotion_n as_o smoke_n be_v to_o fire_n yet_o be_v real_o not_o only_a without_o light_n and_o heat_n but_o also_o be_v onerous_a and_o hurtful_a as_o smoke_n be_v 2._o because_o the_o darkness_n which_o error_n and_o superstition_n infer_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v not_o corrupt_v it_o in_o itself_o more_o than_o smoke_n can_v darken_v the_o sun_n but_o do_v by_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n darken_v it_o to_o we_o as_o great_a smoke_n do_v the_o sun_n to_o onlooker_n again_o this_o smoke_n be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o of_o a_o great_a furnace_n from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n to_o show_v that_o the_o defection_n of_o antichrist_n consist_v not_o in_o one_o particular_a error_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o inundation_n of_o error_n ascend_v together_o 2._o to_o show_v that_o whatever_o the_o author_n pretend_v yet_o the_o rise_n of_o these_o superstition_n be_v from_o hell_n as_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n 1_o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o superstitious_a tradition_n and_o error_n concern_v meat_n and_o marriage_n doctrine_n much_o esteem_v of_o among_o papist_n be_v particular_o by_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v unto_o devil_n vers._n 3_o the_o three_o effect_n follow_v upon_o these_o two_o v_o 3._o and_o there_o come_v out_o of_o the_o smoke_n locust_n upon_o the_o earth_n a_o vermin_n as_o it_o be_v engender_v by_o the_o former_a corruption_n these_o as_o be_v of_o special_a concernment_n in_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n be_v large_o and_o particular_o describe_v that_o these_o locust_n be_v man_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v pretend_v churchman_n promover_n of_o error_n and_o superstition_n appear_v from_o this_o that_o they_o stand_v in_o subordination_n to_o antichrist_n and_o in_o a_o monarchick_a way_n be_v govern_v by_o abaddon_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o must_v therefore_o be_v servant_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o master_n and_o member_n conform_v to_o such_o a_o head_n they_o be_v say_v to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o smoke_n because_o oftentimes_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n beget_v corrupt_a teacher_n to_o promove_v the_o same_o as_o we_o see_v in_o jeroboam_fw-la 2_o chron._n 11.14_o 15._o and_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o the_o reject_v of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o heap_v up_o teacher_n after_o man_n own_o lust_n be_v put_v together_o for_o a_o spirit_n of_o error_n love_v to_o innovate_v in_o respect_n of_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n and_o by_o it_o people_n be_v some_o way_n dispose_v to_o strange_a teacher_n and_o also_o for_o promove_v new_a tenant_n they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o however_o the_o scope_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o pprophecy_n be_v thus_o that_o the_o begin_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n shall_v be_v by_o a_o eminent_a churchofficer_n who_o fall_v from_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o subordination_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o promover_n of_o the_o devil_n design_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o be_v shall_v bring_v in_o such_o abundance_n of_o ceremony_n superstition_n and_o error_n upon_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v obscure_v the_o clear_a doctrine_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o number_n of_o false_a teacher_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v establish_v which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v never_o warrant_v they_o be_v compare_v to_o locust_n 1._o because_o of_o their_o number_n as_o antichrist_n shall_v bring_v in_o many_o error_n so_o shall_v he_o multiply_v teacher_n who_o shall_v live_v and_o converse_v together_o in_o the_o world_n like_o swarm_n of_o locust_n 2._o to_o set_v forth_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o worthlesnesse_n and_o also_o of_o their_o hurtfulness_n unto_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o locust_n to_o consume_v and_o destroy_v where_o they_o come_v so_o that_o a_o land_n pleasant_a like_o eden_n before_o they_o be_v bring_v by_o they_o to_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n joel_n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n compare_v with_o chap._n 1.4_o these_o order_n and_o teacher_n shall_v even_o do_v so_o with_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o increase_n of_o they_o be_v mark_v here_o as_o a_o part_n of_o antichrist_n superstition_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o former_a corrupt_a of_o doctrine_n and_o as_o a_o mid_n to_o carry_v on_o that_o corruption_n to_o a_o height_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o alter_n or_o invent_v of_o new_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v of_o no_o little_a concernment_n by_o these_o locust_n we_o conceive_v clear_o to_o be_v hold_v forth_o the_o many_o invent_a order_n and_o superstitious_a rabble_n of_o these_o call_v the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o not_o be_v plant_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n plant_v but_o purposed_o bring_v in_o to_o promove_v and_o support_v the_o worldly_a grandour_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n and_o do_v flow_v from_o superstitious_a principle_n bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o locust_n have_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n which_o their_o description_n will_v more_o full_o clear_a the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o description_n beside_o their_o rise_n already_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o power_n that_o be_v give_v they_o which_o be_v these_o four_o way_n set_v forth_o 1._o general_o vers_fw-la 3._o unto_o they_o be_v give_v power_n as_o the_o scorpion_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v power_n etc._n etc._n scorpion_n be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o subtle_a sort_n of_o serpent_n these_o look_n like_o locust_n but_o sting_n like_o scorpion_n that_o be_v dangerous_o and_o subtle_o their_o hurt_n be_v beyond_o their_o appearance_n by_o their_o cunning_n instil_v poisonous_a doctrine_n their_o have_v of_o power_n
member_n of_o that_o body_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v to_o some_o for_o constrain_a they_o to_o flee_v over_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o alone_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o 4._o do_v not_o their_o doctrine_n pursue_v man_n till_o death_n and_o after_o death_n to_o torment_v their_o peremptory_a exact_v of_o auricular_a confession_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n their_o sound_n of_o the_o man_n confidence_n upon_o the_o pope_n pardon_n the_o priest_n absolution_n his_o own_o penance_n and_o holiness_n or_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o sacrament_n yea_o sometime_o of_o some_o idolatrous_a invention_n as_o the_o mass_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o their_o principle_n confer_v grace_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o work_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o such_o like_a can_v furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o solid_a confidence_n beside_o the_o fear_n of_o purgatory_n do_v weaken_v that_o hope_n or_o expectation_n of_o ease_n which_o otherwise_o man_n may_v have_v from_o death_n in_o this_o sense_n though_o they_o seek_v death_n yet_o it_o flee_v from_o they_o and_o they_o obtain_v not_o their_o desire_n by_o it_o and_o their_o vexation_n die_v not_o vers._n 7._o again_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n he_o return_v to_o the_o particular_a description_n of_o these_o locust_n 1._o in_o their_o appearance_n or_o shape_n like_o horse_n that_o be_v strong_a and_o swift_a and_o stout_a as_o prepare_v unto_o battle_n so_o gregory_n before_o speak_v of_o priest_n call_z they_o sacerdotum_fw-la exercitus_fw-la to_o usher_n in_o antichrist_n they_o be_v compare_v to_o horse_n prepare_v unto_o battle_n because_o of_o their_o courage_n and_o expeditnesse_n in_o undertake_v and_o prosecute_a their_o design_n and_o because_o of_o the_o success_n which_o follow_v they_o who_o as_o a_o conquer_a army_n do_v prevail_v over_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o arm_v against_o they_o for_o which_o cause_n these_o locust_n joel_n 2._o be_v compare_v to_o horse_n and_o army_n 2._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v crown_v with_o crown_n like_o gold_n to_o set_v forth_o their_o outward_a grandour_n and_o seem_a stateliness_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o though_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o say_v not_o to_o be_v gold_n but_o like_o gold_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v like_o king_n in_o pomp_n and_o army_n in_o strength_n this_o agree_v well_o to_o their_o cardinal_n bishop_n and_o other_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o they_o have_v face_n as_o the_o face_n of_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pretend_a affablenesse_n and_o sociableness_n in_o their_o conversation_n thereby_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o by_o rational_a pretext_n upon_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o less_o than_o they_o pretend_v 4._o vers_fw-la 8._o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v woman_n hair_n which_o hold_v forth_o a_o effeminatnesse_n and_o vain_a delicatnesse_n in_o their_o disposition_n and_o carriage_n and_o a_o whorish_a way_n of_o deck_v themselves_o and_o allure_a other_o to_o their_o fornication_n for_o which_o this_o kingdom_n chap._n 17._o be_v call_v the_o great_a whore_n 5._o their_o tooth_n be_v as_o the_o tooth_n of_o lion_n that_o be_v cruel_a and_o ravenous_a notwithstanding_o of_o the_o former_a appearance_n devour_v the_o soul_n of_o these_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o the_o body_n of_o these_o that_o oppose_v they_o and_o the_o good_n and_o estate_n of_o both_o like_o these_o mat._n 23.15_o who_o devour_v widow_n house_n and_o that_o under_o pretext_n of_o long_a prayer_n the_o horse_n mention_v vers_fw-la 17._o have_v lion_n head_n here_o they_o have_v only_a lion_n tooth_n with_o the_o face_n of_o man_n and_o hair_n of_o woman_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v although_o both_o agree_v in_o cruelty_n and_o destroy_v yet_o the_o popish_a clergy_n signify_v here_o do_v more_o subtle_o and_o covert_o destroy_v soul_n therefore_o be_v they_o describe_v by_o lion_n tooth_n only_o which_o be_v not_o so_o obvious_a to_o sight_n the_o turk_n again_o of_o who_o the_o six_o trumpet_n speak_v do_v more_o manifest_o appear_v what_o they_o be_v therefore_o be_v describe_v with_o lion_n head_n vers._n 9_o he_o proceed_v to_o describe_v these_o locust_n in_o their_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a arm_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v breastplate_n as_o it_o be_v breastplate_n of_o iron_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o their_o wing_n be_v as_o the_o sound_n of_o chariot_n of_o many_o horse_n run_v to_o battle_n the_o first_o part_n show_v their_o security_n from_o all_o danger_n and_o the_o advantage_n they_o have_v in_o their_o war_n there_o be_v no_o hurt_v of_o they_o more_o than_o there_o be_v of_o hurt_a horseman_n well_o arm_v with_o armour_n of_o iron_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o vers_n show_v the_o horrible_a noise_n and_o terror_n wherewith_o they_o prosecute_v their_o design_n when_o they_o find_v opposition_n so_o that_o army_n with_o horseman_n and_o chariot_n be_v not_o more_o horrible_a nor_o violent_a in_o their_o encounter_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o application_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o these_o may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o many_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n which_o they_o possess_v whereby_o they_o be_v exempt_v from_o dependence_n on_o all_o monarch_n but_o their_o own_o by_o the_o dread_n of_o excommunication_n and_o thundering_n of_o church-censure_n while_o they_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o purgatory_n they_o be_v not_o only_o free_a of_o fear_n or_o hurt_v from_o other_o but_o also_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o opposition_n from_o emperor_n and_o king_n do_v with_o such_o clamour_n and_o violence_n so_o persecute_v they_o that_o no_o enemy_n or_o army_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n so_o terrible_a as_o they_o make_v the_o world_n astonish_v with_o the_o stupendiousnesse_n of_o their_o pretend_a power_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o have_v be_v often_o find_v as_o history_n do_v witness_v the_o 10._o vers_fw-la do_v continue_v the_o description_n of_o these_o locust_n in_o three_o particular_n more_o the_o first_o be_v they_o have_v tail_n like_a unto_o scorpion_n tail_n isa._n 5.19_o do_v hold_v forth_o the_o flatter_a and_o fawn_a humour_n of_o false_a teacher_n who_o insinuate_v themselves_o by_o flattery_n and_o lie_n as_o dog_n to_o who_o they_o be_v compare_v do_v with_o their_o tail_n 2._o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v sting_n in_o their_o tail_n that_o be_v not_o only_o their_o mouth_n and_o head_n be_v hurtful_a but_o their_o tail_n that_o which_o seem_v most_o pleasant_a to_o other_o and_o be_v most_o delight_v in_o do_v often_o prove_v most_o noisome_a and_o hurtful_a to_o they_o such_o fair_a word_n and_o pleasant_a speech_n of_o corrupt_a man_n have_v ever_o a_o sting_n in_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o seduction_n of_o the_o simple_a rom._n 16.18_o 3._o their_o continuance_n be_v describe_v their_o power_n be_v to_o hurt_v man_n five_o month_n this_o be_v former_o speak_v of_o vers_fw-la 5._o and_o be_v again_o repeat_v here_o either_o because_o it_o be_v mention_v former_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n that_o they_o shall_v torment_v no_o long_o than_o the_o time_n appoint_v here_o it_o be_v to_o show_v their_o continuance_n which_o shall_v be_v till_o the_o appoint_a time_n come_v or_o it_o be_v double_v to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n overrule_a providence_n in_o time_v both_o the_o rise_n continuance_n and_o close_o of_o this_o dreadful_a plague_n this_o verse_n also_o be_v particular_o compare_v with_o verse_n 19_o follow_v will_v also_o clear_v the_o plague_n threaten_v by_o these_o two_o trumpet_n to_o be_v of_o distinct_a and_o different_a nature_n last_o vers._n 11._o their_o government_n be_v describe_v in_o three_o 1._o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o locust_n prov._n 30.27_o it_o be_v monarchick_a they_o have_v a_o king_n over_o they_o that_o be_v although_o they_o be_v many_o and_o various_a and_o different_a among_o themselves_o yet_o be_v they_o all_o subordinate_a to_o one_o supreme_a head_n who_o exerce_v absolute_a and_o independent_a authority_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o who_o live_v in_o royal_a state_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o world_n have_v uncontroverted_a and_o illimited_a power_n within_o that_o kingdom_n and_o have_v all_o other_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o indigitate_v any_o other_o by_o this_o than_o the_o pope_n 2._o this_o monarch_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o office_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n which_o hold_v forth_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n one_o commissionated_a and_o send_v in_o embassage_n from_o it_o for_o its_o behoof_n and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o devil_n himself_o
who_o be_v not_o proper_o send_v but_o send_v from_o the_o pit_n 2._o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o eminent_a trusty_a and_o singular_a messenger_n of_o that_o kingdom_n therefore_o call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o ordinary_a false_a teacher_n in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v the_o same_o star_n that_o fall_v from_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 1._o and_o get_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o the_o same_o beast_n mention_v chap._n 13._o to_o who_o the_o dragon_n do_v especial_o give_v his_o power_n and_o commission_n as_o his_o great_a deputy_n and_o vicar_n in_o the_o backslidden_a church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v two_o thess._n 2._o to_o come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n etc._n etc._n 3._o this_o king_n be_v describe_v from_o his_o name_n which_o be_v set_v down_o both_o in_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a abaddon_n and_o apollyon_n a_o name_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o king_n and_o kingdom_n his_o name_n in_o both_o signify_v a_o destroyer_n or_o to_o destroy_v partly_o because_o active_o he_o destroy_v and_o partly_o because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v set_v down_o both_o in_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a because_o 1._o he_o usurp_v over_o all_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v a_o destroyer_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o greek_n 2._o because_o in_o due_a time_n he_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v by_o both_o as_o we_o will_v see_v on_o chap._n 16._o and_o 19_o and_o also_o because_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o both_o by_o jew_n and_o greek_n as_o pilate_n cause_v write_v the_o title_n above_o christ_n in_o diverse_a language_n our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n have_v two_o name_n one_o jesus_n in_o hebrew_n and_o christ_n in_o greek_a both_o which_o hold_v he_o forth_o to_o be_v a_o saviour_n this_o king_n will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o no_o less_o honour_n and_o extent_n of_o government_n yet_o be_v describe_v by_o these_o title_n to_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o this_o king_n shall_v assume_v such_o a_o odious_a title_n or_o that_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v attribute_v to_o he_o by_o his_o follower_n but_o that_o indeed_o he_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o this_o title_n describe_v that_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a waster_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n this_o all_o alongst_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o papal_a kingdom_n whereof_o the_o pope_n be_v head_n unto_o which_o short_o we_o have_v hint_v the_o application_n of_o it_o which_o stand_v sure_a upon_o the_o precede_a ground_n and_o supposition_n for_o further_o confirm_v whereof_o we_o shall_v 1._o in_o few_o word_n resume_v some_o general_a property_n of_o and_o consideration_n concern_v this_o plague_n here_o describe_v 2._o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o a_o little_a view_n of_o the_o public_a rise_n progress_n nature_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o papal_a kingdom_n from_o which_o two_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o application_n by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n to_o be_v gather_v 1._o the_o object_n of_o this_o plague_n be_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o hypocritical_a professor_n in_o it_o who_o be_v not_o appoint_v and_o mark_v for_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v the_o same_o christian_a world_n and_o light_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v darken_v and_o destroy_v by_o it_o which_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o former_a trumpet_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a corrupt_v the_o ordinance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o bring_v with_o it_o destruction_n to_o immortal_a soul_n 3._o the_o extent_n of_o it_o be_v universal_a over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n the_o actor_n in_o it_o be_v churchman_n once_o by_o their_o place_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o time_n it_o break_v out_o in_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o hierarchy_n and_o upon_o a_o pretend_a ecclesiastic_a account_n assume_v great_a power_n and_o authority_n it_o do_v breed_v and_o be_v support_v by_o swarm_n of_o church-officer_n the_o time_n of_o its_o public_a appear_v to_o be_v a_o kingdom_n in_o a_o establish_a form_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 600._o for_o it_o follow_v immediate_o the_o four_o trumpet_n which_o continue_v the_o story_n of_o that_o time_n and_o do_v immediate_o precede_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o mahometan_n which_o from_o the_o 700._o year_n forward_o be_v at_o a_o height_n and_o grow_v as_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o follow_a trumpet_n will_v clear_v this_o plague_n carry_v alongst_o with_o it_o much_o corrupt_a doctrine_n yea_o bring_v again_o idolatry_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o we_o will_v see_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o chapter_n and_o especial_o such_o corrupt_a doctrine_n as_o overturn_v the_o comfortable_a and_o quiet_v ground_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o bring_v also_o to_o the_o world_n great_a store_n of_o new_a create_v order_n for_o promove_v these_o doctrine_n and_o support_v that_o kingdom_n who_o both_o by_o cover_a subtlety_n and_o violence_n carry_v on_o their_o design_n and_o many_o such_o other_o particular_n now_o for_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v if_o we_o will_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o papal_a kingdom_n what_o will_v we_o miss_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n under_o one_o absolute_a monarch_n with_o most_o illimited_a power_n have_v dominion_n over_o the_o church_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o churchman_n have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v idolatry_n again_o into_o the_o church_n be_v all_o evident_a i_o shall_v instance_n but_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o error_n brought-in_a by_o they_o which_o though_o exceed_v agreeable_a to_o nature_n yet_o exceed_v opposite_a to_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o necessary_o and_o native_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o solid_a consolation_n of_o soul_n and_o beget_v fearful_a horror_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o poor_a sinner_n so_o that_o sometime_o the_o great_a promotter_n of_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o abandon_v these_o principle_n under_o challenge_n and_o their_o great_a disputant_n be_v constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o have_v one_o instance_n in_o bellar._n the_o justif_a lib._n 3._o cap._n 7._o who_o after_o his_o long_a dispute_n of_o indulgence_n merit_n of_o work_n etc._n etc._n seek_v to_o sum_v up_o in_o all_o in_o three_o assertion_n the_o first_o whereof_o attribute_v merit_n unto_o work_n the_o second_o allow_v man_n to_o confide_v in_o their_o own_o merit_n yet_o as_o distrust_v this_o foundation_n so_o large_o contend_v for_o he_o add_v a_o three_o proposition_n propter_fw-la incertitudinem_fw-la propriae_fw-la iustitia_fw-la &_o periculum_fw-la inanâ_fw-la gloriae_fw-la tutissimum_fw-la est_fw-la fiduciam_fw-la totam_fw-la in_o sola_fw-la dei_fw-la misericordia_fw-la &_o benigâitate_fw-la reponere_fw-la so_o that_o in_o end_n for_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n proper_a righteousness_n and_o hazard_n of_o vain_a glory_n he_o account_v it_o most_o safe_a to_o place_v our_o whole_a confidence_n in_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n allanerly_a and_o give_v this_o reason_n if_o man_n have_v no_o merit_n say_v he_o he_o shall_v not_o confide_v if_o he_o have_v which_o yet_o be_v uncertain_a it_o be_v no_o hurt_n or_o loss_n to_o flee_v only_o to_o god_n mercy_n in_o which_o one_o assertion_n we_o may_v see_v 1._o the_o uncomfortablnesse_n of_o that_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n that_o can_v never_o comfort_v solid_o because_o at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v uncertain_a 2._o we_o may_v see_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o to_o foster_v pride_n and_o vain_a glory_n 3._o we_o may_v see_v the_o disquietness_n of_o it_o by_o which_o sinner_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a till_o they_o have_v full_o renounce_v it_o suarez_n also_o do_v homologate_v bellarmin_n in_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v a_o prime_n fundamental_a tenant_n of_o that_o church_n but_o have_v often_o disappoint_v the_o defender_n of_o it_o when_o they_o have_v most_o need_n of_o comfort_n and_o have_v make_v they_o prize_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o their_o death_n who_o often_o think_v it_o absurd_a in_o their_o life_n as_o particular_o be_v write_v of_o charles_n the_o five_o after_o his_o lay_n by_o of_o public_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o retire_n of_o himself_o to_o a_o monastery_n the_o second_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o abundance_n and_o variety_n of_o their_o religious_a order_n as_o they_o be_v call_v which_o take_v up_o a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o this_o kingdom_n there_o be_v at_o least_o thirty_o five_o order_n reckon_v each_o whereof_o for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v comprehend_v many_o thousand_o beside_o their_o bishop_n and_o other_o member_n of_o
reformation_n no_o such_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n or_o prophet_n to_o be_v expect_v or_o admit_v who_o may_v add_v any_o new_a truth_n to_o the_o word_n or_o command_v any_o new_a duty_n contrary_a to_o it_o by_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o or_o impose_v something_o as_o duty_n on_o other_o which_o the_o moral_a ground_n of_o the_o word_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o and_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o this_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o even_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n 1_o corinth_n 14._o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v which_o can_v be_v by_o no_o rule_n but_o by_o the_o word_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o no_o revelation_n contain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o receive_v as_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n assert_v 2._o yet_o be_v it_o not_o altogether_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o particular_n of_o the_o last_o kind_n sometime_o reveal_v himself_o to_o some_o by_o foretell_v event_n before_o they_o come_v such_o as_o the_o famine_n that_o agabus_n foretell_v of_o or_o paul_n imprisonment_n be_v of_o such_o the_o story_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o saint_n do_v sometime_o make_v mention_n and_o particular_o athanasius_n be_v often_o advertise_v of_o hazard_n as_o be_v record_v and_o in_o their_o verity_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v many_o at_o the_o revive_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o by_o foretell_v of_o particular_a event_n be_v famous_a as_o john_n husse_v his_o foretell_v within_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o he_o to_o follow_v the_o outbreaking_n of_o reformation_n such_o it_o be_v like_a be_v hieronymus_n savonarola_n who_o be_v burn_v by_o the_o pope_n not_o as_o be_v pretend_v for_o foretell_v of_o event_n as_o they_o impute_v to_o he_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n but_o for_o faithful_a reprove_v of_o his_o fault_n as_o he_o be_v describe_v by_o philip_n de_fw-fr cumius_fw-la and_o other_o author_n of_o such_o many_o be_v in_o this_o land_n as_o master_n wishart_n master_n knox_n master_n welch_n master_n davidson_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o can_v be_v say_v altogether_o to_o be_v make_v void_a for_o although_o god_n have_v now_o close_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v restrain_v in_o his_o freedom_n from_o manifest_v of_o himself_o thus_o there_o be_v no_o convince_a ground_n to_o bear_v it_o out_o especial_o when_o experience_n have_v often_o prove_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n yet_o 1._o this_o be_v not_o habitual_a or_o ordinary_a to_o any_o but_o be_v singular_a at_o some_o few_o time_n and_o in_o some_o few_o case_n 2._o every_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n before_o the_o event_n come_v and_o answerablenesse_n in_o it_o when_o it_o come_v will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o a_o prophetical_a foreknowledge_n more_o than_o when_o in_o dream_n it_o may_v often_o so_o fall_v out_o 3._o this_o will_v not_o denominate_v one_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n although_o in_o some_o singular_a event_n god_n make_v this_o use_n of_o he_o nor_o 4._o can_v such_o prediction_n warrant_v any_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n as_o a_o duty_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v warrantable_a unto_o they_o 5._o there_o be_v difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o simple_a foretell_v of_o a_o event_n which_o may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o conclusion_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v therefrom_o this_o may_v be_v of_o ourselves_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o prediction_n of_o these_o act._n 21._o who_o foretell_v paul_n imprisonment_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o to_o divert_v he_o from_o his_o go_v there_o as_o many_o collect_v that_o therefore_o be_v not_o from_o god_n as_o paul_n pressure_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o go_v notwithstanding_o do_v clear_a every_o such_o prediction_n therefore_o can_v be_v make_v a_o rule_n of_o duty_n see_v the_o lord_n may_v have_v other_o 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be_v that_o particular_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n continue_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o gift_n continue_v as_o these_o of_o heal_v tongue_n and_o interpretation_n whereby_o man_n may_v come_v in_o a_o immediate_a way_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o and_o 2._o experience_n show_v that_o that_o have_v cease_v and_o god_n call_v man_n to_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o there_o be_v now_o no_o such_o gift_n that_o will_v abide_v trial_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o such_o office_n to_o be_v plead_v for_o that_o follow_v upon_o that_o yet_o even_o these_o prophet_n in_o the_o matter_n prophesy_v by_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n and_o judge_v and_o in_o the_o gift_n if_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n indeed_o 1_o cor._n 14._o now_o there_o be_v none_o such_o who_o can_v abide_v that_o proof_n we_o be_v not_o at_o least_o without_o that_o to_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o gift_n or_o such_o a_o office_n assert_v 4._o yet_o if_o we_o take_v prophesy_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o for_o attain_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n by_o a_o mediate_a way_n yea_o and_o that_o beyond_o the_o apply_v mean_n or_o to_o have_v a_o gift_n and_o capacity_n for_o discern_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o little_a pain_n and_o that_o beyond_o what_o some_o other_o can_v attain_v unto_o by_o any_o labour_n we_o conceive_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n prophecy_n and_o prophet_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o god_n raise_v up_o in_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n man_n singulary_o gift_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n in_o this_o sense_n which_o may_v be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o prophesy_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n assert_v 5._o no_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n now_o can_v warrant_v one_o authoritative_o to_o set_v down_o his_o light_n although_o it_o be_v truth_n as_o canonic_a scripture_n or_o as_o of_o equal_a authority_n from_o itself_o with_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o scripture_n that_o in_o the_o first_o assertion_n be_v casten_z though_o one_o by_o his_o gift_n may_v reason_v from_o or_o genuinly_a open_a these_o scripture_n by_o writ_n as_o by_o word_n assert_v 6._o no_o gift_n can_v warrant_v one_o to_o take_v on_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o authoritative_a preacher_n even_o though_o in_o some_o particular_n god_n mind_n extraordinary_o shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o give_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o office_n but_o god_n authoritative_a mission_n otherwise_o a_o woman_n as_o philip_n daughter_n may_v be_v a_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v public_a access_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v which_o yet_o the_o new_a testament_n admit_v not_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o order_v the_o practice_n of_o extraordinary_a prophet_n there_o this_o 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he_o as_o chap._n 13._o the_o opposition_n be_v clear_a they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o whore_n be_v now_o turn_v to_o christ._n 3._o they_o be_v the_o lord_n as_o family_n and_o city_n in_o the_o act_n be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v church_n as_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o paul_n at_o ephesus_n i_o have_v much_o people_n in_o this_o place_n that_o be_v a_o flourish_a numerous_a church_n to_o be_v convert_v here_o by_o thy_o ministry_n who_o be_v gather_v become_v a_o church_n revel_v 2.1_o and_o so_o a_o people_n be_v the_o lord_n be_v their_o become_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v equivalent_a as_o to_o say_v that_o nation_n be_v a_o church_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o these_o in_o ephesus_n be_v write_v unto_o rev._n 2.1_o out_o of_o all_o which_o may_v be_v conclude_v if_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v that_o nation_n shall_v be_v the_o lord_n and_o nation_n shall_v be_v church_n then_o the_o scripture_n do_v assert_v national_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o as_o consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n administration_n but_o as_o a_o evident_a commendation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a from_o this_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o last_o also_o for_o a_o song_n be_v give_v to_o god_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o objection_n to_o be_v remove_v the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o national_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yea_o where_o sundry_a family_n and_o church_n of_o one_o nation_n be_v convert_v they_o be_v style_v church_n and_o not_o one_o church_n so_o may_v it_o be_v here_o answ._n 1._o it_o will_v not_o be_v safe_a in_o some_o thing_n to_o stick_v literal_o to_o word_n so_o as_o none_o other_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o what_o be_v express_o in_o the_o letter_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o its_o infancy_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o no_o whole_a nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v convert_v and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n see_v that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v prime_a part_n be_v long_o after_o that_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o though_o a_o minor_a part_n be_v call_v by_o church_n and_o not_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n see_v the_o nation_n and_o church_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v not_o national_a ans._n 2._o yet_o the_o equivalent_a be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n two_o way_n 1._o when_o many_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n corinth_n which_o be_v more_o than_o one_o congregation_n and_o may_v it_o not_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v give_v to_o many_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o well_o compare_v 1_o corinth_n 1.2_o with_o 14.34_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o one_o church_n have_v more_o in_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v equivalent_a when_o many_o church_n of_o one_o people_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n count_v as_o one_o and_o call_v one_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o the_o hebrew_n be_v all_o when_o they_o be_v write_v to_o call_v one_o house_n hâb_n 3.6_o yet_o have_v many_o officer_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o be_v the_o object_n of_o writing_n and_o by_o peter_n one_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v call_v one_o lump_n chap._n 5._o and_o write_v unto_o in_o common_a to_o cut_v off_o they_o that_o trouble_v they_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o grow_a of_o a_o rent_n among_o they_o which_o certain_o show_v we_o that_o church_n in_o one_o nation_n have_v danger_n common_a to_o they_o all_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o other_o and_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o respective_o and_o rent_n and_o strive_n wherewith_o they_o peculiar_o be_v bite_v and_o devour_v it_o show_v also_o there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a unity_n to_o be_v rend_v some_o great_a âye_z and_o union_n that_o make_v they_o as_o one_o lump_n to_o be_v in_o hazard_n and_o some_o ground_n give_v they_o accuse_v to_o go_v united_o about_o these_o duty_n which_o otherwise_o be_v impossible_a to_o they_o some_o way_n peculiar_a to_o they_o in_o that_o one_o nation_n more_o than_o with_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o answ._n 3._o the_o scripture_n express_o call_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n by_o one_o church_n which_o apparent_o be_v that_o same_o with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v the_o same_o officer_n for_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o all_o the_o believer_n reckon_v in_o jerusalem_n dwell_v in_o the_o town_n but_o it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o church_n which_o paul_n persecute_v be_v one_o church_n act_v 8.3_o but_o that_o be_v especial_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o they_o but_o all_o that_o call_v on_o christ_n name_n act_v 9.1.2.14_o wherever_o they_o be_v all_o of_o that_o way_n 9.21_o especial_o jew_n wherefore_o he_o have_v letter_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o high_a priest_n which_o reach_v not_o to_o gentile_n for_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o he_o enter_v in_o synagogue_n to_o persecute_v yet_o that_o church_n which_o he_o persecute_v be_v the_o church_n in_o judea_n who_o upon_o his_o conversion_n from_o persecution_n be_v say_v immediate_o to_o have_v rest_n chap._n 9.31_o compare_v with_o it_o act_n 26.9_o 10.11_o etc._n etc._n yea_o from_o that_o we_o may_v argue_v the_o church_n which_o paul_n do_v persecute_v be_v one_o church_n chap._n 8.3_o but_o that_o comprehend_v all_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o way_n and_o the_o church_n of_o all_o judea_n samaria_n and_o gaâilie_n as_o appear_v vers_n 1_o 2_o 31._o chap._n 9_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o church_n or_o thus_o if_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n may_v be_v one_o there_o may_v be_v a_o national_a church_n but_o they_o be_v one_o these_o who_o have_v rest_n by_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o same_o who_o be_v trouble_v by_o his_o persecution_n for_o that_o chap._n 9.31_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o paul_n conversion_n but_o these_o who_o have_v ââst_n be_v many_o church_n and_o these_o who_o be_v persecute_v be_v but_o one_o ergo_fw-la these_o many_o be_v one_o and_o that_o one_o be_v many_o take_v one_o other_o place_n gal._n 1._o compare_v vers_fw-la 13_o 22_o 23_o 25._o there_o be_v one_o church_n speak_v of_o vers_n 13._o there_o be_v church_n of_o judea_n speak_v of_o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o yet_o both_o be_v one_o therefore_o it_o must_v mean_v as_o much_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n these_o church_n of_o judea_n be_v many_o church_n to_o who_o paul_n be_v unknown_a but_o these_o church_n be_v these_o who_o paul_n persecute_v say_v they_o vers_fw-la 23._o he_o that_o persecute_v we_o that_o be_v we_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la that_o one_o church_n who_o he_o persecute_v vers_fw-la 13._o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n include_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n neither_o will_v it_o be_v of_o force_n to_o say_v this_o make_v the_o church_n national_a as_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o jew_n because_o for_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n differ_v from_o make_v the_o church_n national_a or_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o that_o nation_n which_o be_v the_o jew_n privilege_n beyond_o all_o nation_n neither_o be_v it_o good_a reason_n person_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nation_n and_o stock_n therefore_o of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o follow_v that_o seed_n be_v what_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v doubt_v if_o israel_n be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v good_a reason_n such_o a_o nation_n have_v give_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o christ_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o church_n again_o in_o that_o respect_n a_o city_n or_o family_n be_v not_o more_o consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o church_n than_o a_o whole_a nation_n for_o no_o particular_a city_n or_o family_n have_v promise_n beyond_o other_o under_o the_o gospel_n yet_o any_o city_n or_o family_n become_v christian_n become_v a_o church_n and_o all_o their_o member_n be_v church-member_n and_o what_o more_o be_v pleaded-for_a or_o can_v be_v deny_v unto_o nation_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v except_v that_o a_o nation_n be_v many_o for_o many_o professor_n be_v promise_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o reign_n by_o their_o multitude_n as_o their_o purity_n or_o holiness_n be_v another_o when_o join_v together_o hence_o also_o second_o we_o may_v from_o the_o former_a ground_n argue_v for_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n thus_o if_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n
vers._n 4._o his_o carriage_n be_v set_v out_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o have_v a_o tail_n that_o be_v power_n and_o flattery_n to_o persuade_v with_o temporal_a allurement_n and_o by_o these_o two_o he_o prevail_v to_o draw_v minister_n and_o other_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v light_n from_o their_o heavenly_a posture_n to_o a_o earthly_a subjection_n this_o allude_v also_o to_o dan._n 8.10_o where_o the_o cast_v down_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v express_v so_o 2._o his_o other_o practice_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o child_n to_o devour_v it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o leave_v no_o mean_a unassayed_a to_o destroy_v all_o profess_v christian_n that_o bear_v christ_n name_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o win_v to_o any_o outgate_n or_o comfortable_a condition_n as_o pharaoh_n do_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o herod_n to_o christ_n seek_v to_o destroy_v they_o immediate_o at_o their_o birth_n so_o that_o none_o shall_v soon_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_a but_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o dragon_n law_n this_o now_o be_v a_o unequal_a encounter_n yet_o behold_v the_o event_n be_v happy_a the_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o keep_v safe_a and_o the_o woman_n flee_v how_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o weak_a woman_n and_o a_o child_n be_v keep_v from_o a_o watch_v cruel_a dragon_n be_v afterward_o clear_v to_o wit_n by_o michael_n fight_v and_o take_v her_o part_n vers._n 5._o the_o event_n have_v three_o step_n 1._o the_o woman_n delivery_n and_o the_o child_n description_n 2._o the_o child_n exaltation_n 3._o the_o woman_n flee_v vers_n 6._o by_o this_o delivery_n in_o general_n be_v set_v out_o not_o only_o she_o bring_v forth_o of_o believer_n or_o professor_n but_o such_o a_o delivery_n as_o one_o bring_v forth_o a_o man-child_n be_v say_v to_o have_v joh._n 6.21_o a_o comfortable_a delivery_n and_o which_o in_o place_n of_o cry_v give_v she_o a_o song_n afterward_o as_o vers_n 10._o for_o she_o have_v child_n before_o but_o have_v not_o her_o pain_n take_v from_o she_o and_o be_v not_o at_o freedom_n to_o bring_v forth_o without_o the_o enemy_n watch_v the_o child_n be_v describe_v most_o for_o her_o comfort_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v mystical_a christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o who_o in_o his_o member_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o flourish_a condition_n and_o his_o church_n set_v at_o liberty_n from_o persecution_n and_o some_o of_o her_o son_n exalt_v to_o heaven_n to_o a_o honourable_a condition_n from_o which_o lucifer_n be_v say_v to_o fall_v isa._n 14.12_o this_o short_o be_v fulfil_v when_o after_o heathenish_a persecution_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n have_v prevail_v christian_n be_v advance_v constantine_n be_v make_v emperor_n and_o christianity_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n that_o thus_o the_o delivery_n child_n and_o heaven_n to_o which_o he_o be_v take_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v will_v appear_v in_o these_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o delivery_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o subject_a of_o this_o song_n vers_n 10._o now_o be_v salvation_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n of_o god_n reign_v deliver_v they_o from_o these_o persecution_n and_o give_v they_o liberty_n but_o that_o be_v this_o delivery_n 2._o such_o be_v the_o child_n take_v to_o heaven_n as_o be_v the_o devil_n cast_v from_o heaven_n for_o these_o be_v oppose_v but_o that_o be_v the_o spoil_n of_o he_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n which_o he_o abuse_v before_o now_o he_o have_v not_o the_o throne_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 13._o but_o law_n and_o authority_n be_v for_o christian_n 3._o it_o be_v as_o the_o witness_n be_v take_v to_o heaven_n chap._n 11.12_o that_o be_v by_o a_o public_a authorize_v church-condition_n and_o state_n after_o antichrist_n persecution_n so_o here_o religion_n authoritative_o be_v establish_v which_o never_o be_v before_o and_o christian_n countenance_v after_o heathen_a persecution_n be_v over_o and_o see_v it_o be_v usual_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o call_v magistrate_n god_n it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o express_v their_o station_n and_o state_n above_o other_o by_o heaven_n the_o property_n of_o the_o male_a child_n his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n we_o show_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v chap._n 2.27_o of_o christ_n in_o his_o member_n and_o it_o may_v be_v here_o to_o show_v the_o great_a dominion_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v have_v in_o the_o world_n in_o constantin_n time_n when_o his_o member_n shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o a_o honourable_a condition_n call_v vers_fw-la 10._o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o seven_o headed-beast_n before_o and_o as_o be_v chap._n 11.15_o in_o opposition_n to_o antichrist_n dominion_n for_o when_o the_o church_n be_v up_o christ_n exercise_v and_o manifest_v his_o power_n in_o they_o so_o by_o this_o child_n be_v not_o mean_v christ_n personal_o but_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o ult_n nor_o particular_o constantine_n but_o christ_n mystical_a whereof_o constantine_n be_v but_o a_o member_n and_o that_o outward_a government_n of_o he_o but_o a_o little_a shadow_n type_n evidence_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o great_a dominion_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o external_a mean_a and_o cause_n of_o his_o church_n peace_n however_o this_o show_v the_o case_n to_o be_v exceed_o joyful_a and_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v before_o the_o church_n flight_n to_o the_o wilderness_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o no_o other_o time_n but_o that_o delivery_n aforesaid_a from_o under_o heathenish_a persecution_n and_o she_o be_v bring_v now_o to_o a_o glorious_a settle_a and_o quiet_a condition_n like_o a_o heaven_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o former_a the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o event_n the_o woman_n flight_n be_v set_v down_o vers_n 6._o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n as_o be_v clear_a the_o place_n of_o it_o be_v proper_o vers_n 14._o it_o be_v so_o soon_o subjoin_v for_o these_o reason_n 1._o to_o let_v see_v how_o soon_o on_o strait_n be_v on_o the_o back_n of_o another_o to_o the_o church_n and_o special_o to_o show_v that_o antichrist_n rise_v and_o the_o church_n decay_n in_o their_o beginning_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o outgate_n from_o the_o former_a trial_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v âarked_v as_o a_o consequent_a of_o the_o former_a delivery_n for_o then_o as_o platina_n write_v of_o a_o voice_n be_v poison_n sow_v in_o the_o church_n and_o prosperity_n be_v abuse_v to_o pride_n soon_o deface_v the_o church_n than_o persecution_n 3._o it_o be_v subjoin_v to_o give_v a_o little_a view_n of_o the_o case_n of_o mother_n and_o child_n together_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n ready_o be_v no_o soon_o promote_v but_o she_o be_v in_o a_o wildernesse-condition_n as_o it_o be_v decay_v and_o decline_v much_o from_o that_o beauty_n and_o pure_a glory_n and_o visibility_n she_o be_v into_o before_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o the_o child_n prosperity_n often_o banish_v the_o mother_n and_o obscure_v her_o beauty_n seldom_o have_v greatness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n zeal_n and_o self-denying_a singleness_n dwell_v long_o together_o and_o it_o be_v the_o last_o and_o not_o the_o first_o wherein_o her_o native_a beauty_n do_v consist_v this_o consideration_n of_o this_o verse_n we_o leave_v till_o vers_n 14._o only_o now_o by_o flee_v we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o local_a mutation_n of_o this_o church_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o but_o from_o this_o forth_o a_o decay_n of_o the_o former_a beauty_n of_o it_o that_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o rome_n and_o other_o place_n glorious_a church_n before_o and_o the_o bishop_n be_v martyr_n as_o all_o in_o rome_n be_v before_o sylvester_n and_o constantin_n time_n now_o that_o be_v by_o degree_n veil_v by_o pride_n pomp_n hypocrisy_n heathenish_a and_o antichristian_a dress_n that_o the_o few_o that_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v chap._n 11.1_o close_a up_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n of_o the_o temple_n while_o the_o multitude_n possess_v the_o court_n that_o to_o wit_n the_o temple_n be_v call_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v she_o feed_v by_o the_o witness_n with_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n while_o the_o world_n be_v swell_v with_o pride_n tradition_n and_o superstitious_a invention_n and_o so_o the_o pâââphets_n prophesy_v and_o the_o church_n stay_v in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v feed_v be_v of_o equal_a duration_n 1260._o day_n which_o verse_n be_v so_o near_o subjoin_v to_o the_o former_a give_v a_o
minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o be_v also_o at_o our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o command_n and_o also_o his_o member_n in_o the_o church_n militant_a especial_o his_o minister_n who_o do_v fight_v on_o michael_n side_n for_o vers_fw-la 11._o they_o be_v such_o who_o overcome_v by_o the_o lamb_n blood_n their_o own_o suffering_n and_o his_o word_n which_o agree_v not_o to_o angel_n proper_o so_o call_v thus_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n make_v one_o side_n for_o all_o the_o army_n in_o heaven_n follow_v he_o rev._n 19_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v the_o dragon_n and_o his_o angel_n he_o want_v not_o such_o as_o take_v order_n from_o he_o we_o understand_v here_o also_o not_o only_a spirit_n but_o wicked_a man_n emperor_n judge_n soldier_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v afterward_o say_v to_o be_v with_o he_o cast_v out_o of_o authority_n and_o respect_n this_o be_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o devil_n cast_v out_o of_o heaven_n here_o be_v insinuate_v some_o order_n among_o the_o devil_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o legion_n to_o prosecute_v their_o design_n and_o though_o all_o be_v spirit_n and_o devil_n yet_o may_v there_o be_v among_o they_o a_o order_n some_o high_a some_o low_a some_o lead_v other_o giving_z obedience_n all_o concur_v for_o support_v their_o work_n and_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n without_o which_o christ_n say_v their_o kingdom_n will_v not_o stand_v which_o order_n if_o it_o may_v be_v call_v so_o may_v stand_v till_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o work_n for_o devil_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v continue_v in_o some_o respect_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o promove_v god_n design_n of_o punish_v the_o reprobate_n in_o which_o they_o be_v some_o way_n god_n executioner_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o these_o party_n so_o different_a do_v fight_v answ._n the_o dragon_n their_o pursuer_fw-mi he_o fight_v 1._o by_o edict_n condemn_v and_o inhibit_v christianity_n 2._o by_o violence_n fire_n sword_z and_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n pursue_v they_o that_o profess_v it_o 3._o by_o degrade_n they_o from_o place_n of_o respect_n spoil_v they_o of_o their_o good_n banish_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n without_o protection_n 4._o by_o cruel_a calumny_n lie_n and_o aspersion_n make_v and_o put_v upon_o christian_n and_o on_o their_o meeting_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o vile_a creature_n for_o adultery_n gluttony_n sedition_n etc._n etc._n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o apology_n write_v for_o christian_n defence_n and_o many_o other_o way_n he_o pursue_v his_o old_a enmity_n michael_n again_o and_o his_o angel_n fight_v 1._o by_o the_o clear_a and_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n that_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n whereby_o satan_n kingdom_n be_v exceed_o shake_v 2._o by_o public_a apology_n and_o defence_n write_v for_o christianity_n and_o christian_n 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have_v subscribe_v the_o decree_n by_o a_o terrible_a thunder_n he_o be_v so_o strike_v with_o terror_n as_o present_o to_o revoke_v it_o and_o stay_v the_o persecution_n ere_o it_o begin_v he_o fight_v evident_o also_o by_o take_v vengeance_n almost_o on_o all_o the_o bloody_a persecuter_n as_o nero_n domitian_n dioclesian_n etc._n etc._n at_o last_o also_o by_o raise_v and_o stir_v up_o christian_a emperor_n and_o so_o put_v arm_n in_o christian_n hand_n whereby_o they_o be_v employ_v by_o he_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n on_o heathen_a worshipper_n and_o their_o god_n as_o in_o constantin_n time_n where_o this_o first_o battle_n be_v end_v and_o the_o child_n take_v up_o to_o heaven_n thus_o have_v we_o hear_v the_o battle_n in_o its_o party_n now_o see_v it_o further_o explain_v in_o its_o event_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o 1._o by_o narration_n vers_fw-la 8._o and_o 9_o 2._o by_o way_n of_o song_n and_o congratulation_n vers_fw-la 10_o 11._o and_o 12._o the_o narration_n be_v in_o 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this_o be_v a_o sure_a side_n to_o fight_v on_o the_o second_o be_v neither_o be_v their_o place_n find_v any_o more_o in_o heaven_n their_o place_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n place_n and_o these_o great_a man_n room_n which_o they_o fill_v their_o grandour_n and_o authority_n be_v overturn_v exceed_o for_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v folk_n total_a overthrow_n by_o this_o that_o their_o place_n be_v not_o discernible_a they_o be_v so_o clean_o sweep_v away_o psal._n 37.10_o job._n 7.10.20.9_o for_o here_o all_o be_v quite_o alter_v and_o they_o be_v casten_z out_o of_o heaven_n that_o be_v from_o authority_n and_o respect_n and_o also_o from_o public_a heathenish_a worship_n when_o christianity_n become_v to_o be_v approven_v as_o it_o be_v more_o full_o explain_v in_o the_o six_o seal_n chap._n 6._o their_o temple_n be_v destroy_v idol_n deface_v and_o whereas_o the_o devil_n before_o be_v open_o worship_v by_o they_o now_o he_o want_v the_o estimation_n of_o a_o godhead_n 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earth_n be_v sometime_o take_v 2._o in_o respect_n of_o civil_a authority_n he_o be_v cast_v from_o that_o to_o be_v among_o the_o common_a sort_n the_o supreme_a magistracy_n be_v pull_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n whereby_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o throne_n 3._o as_o the_o earth_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o church-state_n he_o be_v put_v from_o tread_v on_o she_o and_o make_v she_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o war_n profess_o as_o before_o he_o be_v now_o restrain_v from_o rage_v at_o his_o pleasure_n there_o though_o not_o altogether_o he_o do_v not_o now_o open_o on_o the_o throne_n reign_n but_o be_v cast_v down_o as_o it_o be_v among_o commons_o to_o endeavour_v by_o subtlety_n what_o before_o he_o assay_v open_o like_o a_o serpent_n now_o he_o be_v put_v to_o
of_o these_o heretic_n and_o consider_v that_o oftentimes_o the_o sincere_a number_n be_v few_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o attain_n of_o a_o public_a determination_n for_o truth_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o otherways_o unsound_a therefore_o wâen_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n stir_v up_o such_o to_o concur_v for_o such_o a_o end_n it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o we_o see_v in_o these_o primitive_a time_n even_o when_o truth_n have_v be_v confirm_v that_o afterward_o error_n get_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o plurality_n upon_o its_o side_n and_o pretend_a determination_n for_o it_o as_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o counsel_n may_v be_v see_v sometime_o the_o arian_n in_o numerous_a counsel_n have_v but_o few_o opposer_n as_o hilarius_n osius_n and_o paulinus_n etc._n etc._n who_o therefore_o be_v banish_v because_o they_o cede_v not_o by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o lord_n make_v 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be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o veil_v and_o the_o snare_n the_o great_a unto_o the_o world_n while_o he_o look_v like_o a_o lamb_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n for_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o if_o he_o shall_v deny_v any_o of_o these_o clear_a truth_n so_o full_o confirm_v by_o ancient_a counsel_n and_o father_n that_o he_o can_v prevail_v so_o sudden_o and_o universal_o to_o bring_v almost_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n to_o give_v he_o adoration_n a_o four_o reason_n may_v be_v the_o lord_n just_a purpose_n to_o harden_v such_o as_o be_v whole_o give_v up_o to_o antichrist_n delusion_n who_o because_o of_o their_o own_n of_o these_o truth_n and_o their_o agree_v with_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o that_o be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v successor_n to_o the_o first_o pure_a primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o hardly_o bring_v to_o renounce_v their_o other_o abomination_n five_o it_o be_v to_o show_v also_o the_o lord_n sovereignty_n over_o corrupt_a man_n and_o his_o care_n of_o his_o church_n who_o can_v make_v even_o such_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o she_o when_o they_o intend_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o thus_o while_o general_o they_o own_o these_o truth_n and_o while_o particular_a writer_n now_o and_o then_o fall_v to_o propose_v and_o defend_v other_o fundamental_a truth_n some_o one_o some_o another_o out_o of_o all_o the_o lord_n provide_v a_o summary_n of_o fundamental_n with_o which_o by_o one_o providence_n or_o other_o he_o feed_v and_o establish_v these_o that_o be_v his_o in_o the_o most_o secure_a and_o corrupt_a time_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o 17._o vers_fw-la wherein_o the_o devil_n last_v grand_a design_n be_v general_o insinuate_v but_o be_v more_o express_o follow_v in_o the_o chapter_n immediate_o succeed_v when_o he_o get_v some_o disappointment_n in_o the_o first_o four_o trumpet_n it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o dragon_n be_v wroth_a with_o the_o woman_n and_o go_v to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o verse_n we_o have_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o increase_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n he_o be_v wroth_a with_o the_o woman_n the_o woman_n or_o church_n have_v do_v he_o no_o wrong_n yet_o be_v he_o wroth_a that_o he_o get_v not_o his_o own_o malice_n vent_v against_o she_o it_o be_v a_o most_o devilish_a disposition_n when_o man_n be_v wroth_a with_o other_o because_o they_o can_v hurt_v they_o and_o undo_v they_o especial_o the_o woman_n or_o her_o âeed_n and_o yet_o man_n be_v natural_o of_o this_o father_n want_v not_o this_o devilish_a ââalignâty_n till_o by_o graâe_v it_o be_v subdue_v though_o in_o some_o it_o appear_v less_o in_o other_o more_o again_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o import_v here_o that_o though_o the_o devil_n be_v wroth_a before_o and_o iâ_n always_o wroth_a with_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o seed_n yet_o that_o special_a disappointment_n of_o his_o design_n and_o her_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a preservation_n do_v especial_o galâ_n he_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o curse_n that_o he_o be_v under_o nor_o to_o the_o lord_n glorious_a sovereignty_n over_o he_o even_o to_o bring_v about_o his_o own_o design_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n 2._o his_o design_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o anger_n be_v set_v down_o he_o go_v to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o she_o âââd_v where_o advert_v 1._o that_o now_o his_o design_n be_v not_o against_o the_o woman_n immediate_o but_o against_o her_o seed_n that_o be_v not_o against_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o constitution_n and_o frame_n of_o ordinance_n in_o general_a but_o against_o particular_a member_n that_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o change_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o during_o the_o first_o four_o general_a counsel_n and_o before_o antichrist_n come_v to_o a_o height_n he_o have_v still_o some_o sight_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n as_o to_o essential_o therefore_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o flood_n be_v cast_v out_o after_o the_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o but_o when_o the_o five_o trumpet_n sound_v which_o darken_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o air_n and_o when_o antichrist_n arise_v who_o now_o he_o intend_v to_o bring_v to_o a_o height_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o pure_a ordinance_n to_o be_v see_v as_o be_v former_o for_o she_o be_v obscure_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o corrupt_a worshipper_n the_o devil_n know_v there_o be_v a_o church_n but_o see_v he_o can_v come_v at_o she_o he_o be_v wroth_a and_o turn_v to_o her_o seed_n that_o be_v to_o particular_a person_n here_o or_o there_o who_o preserve_v themselves_o pure_a 2._o it_o be_v call_v the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n because_o during_o that_o time_n they_o be_v to_o be_v exceed_v few_o even_o as_o a_o very_a small_a remnant_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o dragon_n go_v to_o make_v war_n with_o that_o pure_a remnant_n they_o be_v not_o a_o party_n for_o he_o yet_o now_o when_o he_o miss_v the_o mother_n he_o pursue_v the_o seed_n who_o be_v much_o more_o discernible_a than_o any_o combine_a pure_a visible_a church_n this_o of_o make_v war_n import_v his_o streach_a himself_o to_o the_o yondmost_a to_o undo_v they_o the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o verse_n be_v the_o description_n of_o the_o woman_n seed_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o be_v the_o character_n whereby_o he_o do_v discern_v they_o and_o whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v ourselves_o they_o be_v two_o 1._o they_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1._o simple_o as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 119.6_o they_o have_v respect_n in_o their_o
church_n of_o christ._n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o move_v any_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o presbytery_n be_v before_o synod_n and_o congregation_n before_o these_o because_o member_n that_o constitute_v the_o one_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o congregation_n must_v be_v first_o as_o shire_n be_v before_o a_o parliament_n or_o kingdom_n make_v up_o of_o they_o because_o they_o commissionate_a such_o this_o i_o say_v have_v no_o weight_n in_o it_o 1._o because_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v not_o her_o be_v from_o particular_a church_n but_o do_v descend_v as_o be_v say_v from_o the_o precede_a generation_n till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o first_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v from_o which_o all_o that_o follow_v be_v derive_v and_o do_v extend_v themselves_o according_o as_o they_o increase_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o adam_n family_n be_v once_o god_n church_n thereafter_o noah_n than_o abraham_n be_v especial_o adopt_v after_o that_o at_o christ_n come_v the_o gentile_n be_v ingraft_v in_o that_o stock_n and_o the_o ordinance_n that_o come_v from_o zion_n prevail_v and_o that_o not_o to_o constitute_v different_a church_n but_o to_o increase_v and_o enlarge_v that_o one_o church_n which_o for_o its_o accommodation_n may_v have_v its_o diverse_a room_n but_o be_v still_o one_o family_n the_o gospel-church_n therefore_o have_v its_o be_v from_o the_o church_n before_o christ_n and_o particular_a congregation_n have_v their_o be_v from_o it_o as_o part_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o the_o similitude_n hold_v not_o for_o before_o there_o be_v a_o general_n assembly_n there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o warrand_v her_o member_n to_o conveen_n in_o one_o and_o presbytery_n to_o instruct_v for_o that_o end_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o even_o as_o the_o kingdom_n as_o such_o be_v before_o a_o parliament_n meet_v and_o have_v a_o unity_n before_o city_n choice_n and_o although_o city_n consider_v abstract_o may_v be_v before_o such_o a_o union_n because_o the_o union_n may_v depend_v upon_o voluntary_a submission_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o part_n of_o that_o kingdom_n it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v first_o and_o to_o communicate_v to_o they_o such_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v free_a part_n of_o such_o a_o body_n not_o because_o they_o give_v the_o whole_a a_o be_v but_o because_o they_o have_v a_o be_v from_o it_o so_o here_o particular_a congregation_n can_v be_v consider_v as_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o whole_a must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v first_o which_o on_o such_o occasion_n be_v bind_v to_o concur_v in_o general_a although_o sometime_o in_o the_o particular_a it_o may_v be_v free_a whether_o to_o join_v with_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o other_o from_o which_o many_o useful_a point_n touch_v the_o external_a order_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n will_v follow_v and_o be_v the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v conduce_v exceed_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o gospel-truth_n so_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v great_a influence_n upon_o the_o uptake_n of_o what_o concern_v her_o outward_a administration_n in_o order_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whereof_o somewhat_o be_v say_v chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 1._o to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v observe_v that_o famous_a augustine_n do_v long_o ago_o take_v the_o defence_n of_o ticonius_n write_v against_o the_o donatist_n upon_o this_o same_o subject_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o write_n against_o parmenianus_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 10._o lecture_n i._n chap._n xiii_o vers._n 1._o and_o i_o stand_v upon_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o see_v a_o beast_n rise_v up_o out_o of_o the_o sea_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o upon_o his_o horn_n ten_o crown_n and_o upon_o his_o head_n the_o name_n of_o blasphemy_n 2._o and_o the_o beast_n which_o i_o see_v be_v like_a unto_o a_o leopard_n and_o his_o foot_n be_v as_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o bear_n and_o his_o mouth_n as_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o lion_n and_o the_o dragon_n give_v he_o his_o power_n and_o his_o seat_n and_o great_a authority_n 3._o and_o i_o see_v one_o of_o his_o head_n as_o it_o be_v wound_v to_o death_n and_o his_o deadly_a wound_n be_v heal_v and_o all_o the_o world_n wonder_v after_o the_o beast_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n it_o have_v such_o difficulty_n in_o it_o that_o by_o some_o it_o be_v account_v as_o crux_fw-la interpretum_fw-la the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o even_o almost_o with_o papist_n whether_o the_o roman_a state_n be_v design_v here_o or_o not_o or_o concern_v the_o beast_n if_o by_o one_o of_o they_o antichrist_n be_v hold_v forth_o both_o these_o be_v palpable_a and_o certain_a this_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o 17._o chap._n the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o these_o two_o 1._o to_o what_o time_n state_n or_o head_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n they_o relate_v 2._o if_o different_a state_n be_v mean_v by_o these_o two_o beast_n or_o if_o one_o antichrist_n as_o diverse_o consider_v be_v set_v out_o by_o these_o shape_n because_o one_o do_v not_o sufficient_o paint_v he_o out_o who_o stand_v both_o in_o a_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a relation_n so_o that_o now_o satan_n as_o it_o be_v be_v first_o spoil_v of_o temporal_a authority_n in_o his_o lieutenant_n the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o be_v also_o disappoint_v of_o his_o second_o design_n of_o drown_v the_o church_n by_o error_n set_v himself_o to_o hasten_v up_o a_o new_a kingdom_n or_o deputy_n but_o in_o another_o shape_n that_o by_o join_v both_o violence_n and_o deceit_n in_o he_o together_o he_o may_v bring_v to_o pass_v what_o these_o be_v assay_v separately_z do_v not_o effectuate_v so_o that_o this_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o product_n of_o the_o dragon_n three_o design_n wherein_o his_o uttermost_a skill_n kythe_v and_o the_o great_a strength_n of_o his_o kingdom_n lie_v which_o design_n be_v answerable_o describe_v in_o a_o double_a type_n the_o 1._o show_v what_o real_o antichrist_n be_v to_o who_o he_o succee_v of_o who_o he_o have_v his_o power_n where_o he_o sit_v and_o to_o what_o height_n he_o come_v etc._n etc._n the_o 2._o how_o he_o appear_v what_o way_n he_o carry_v on_o and_o bring_v about_o that_o design_n and_o what_o weapon_n and_o pretence_n be_v abuse_v for_o that_o end_n this_o we_o conceive_v short_o to_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o both_o these_o type_n for_o more_o clear_a understanding_n whereof_o we_o shall_v premit_fw-la some_o general_a proposition_n the_o particular_n whereof_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o open_v this_o and_o the_o 17._o chapter_n proposition_n 1._o it_o be_v ordinary_a to_o the_o prophet_n especial_o to_o daniel_n to_o set_v out_o temporal_a monarchy_n by_o great_a beast_n as_o chap._n 7._o and_o 8._o and_o these_o beast_n do_v not_o hold_v forth_o individual_a person_n but_o a_o successive_a series_n of_o the_o same_o line_n on_o that_o throne_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o this_o pprophecy_n to_o borrow_v type_n from_o he_o only_o sometime_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o temporal_a enemy_n or_o strait_n of_o the_o church_n be_v apply_v to_o spiritual_a and_o cover_a enemy_n as_o many_o thing_n literal_o agree_v to_o antiochus_n be_v apply_v to_o antichrist_n and_o thing_n literal_o true_a of_o pharaoh_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o devil_n so_o by_o a_o beast_n here_o may_v be_v mean_v a_o state_n of_o great_a power_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o church_n though_o not_o in_o or_o by_o a_o single_a person_n in_o one_o generation_n execute_v but_o for_o a_o long_a time_n by_o a_o series_n of_o one_o combine_a body_n successive_o under_o one_o head_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v that_o of_o the_o church_n suffer_v under_o the_o dragon_n former_o his_o first_o deputy_n the_o heathen_a empire_n and_o emperor_n be_v understand_v thereby_o as_o it_o be_v one_o body_n though_o under_o diverse_a individual_a emperor_n successive_o propos._n 2._o sometime_o one_o state_n thing_n or_o person_n will_v be_v set_v out_o in_o scripture_n by_o diverse_a type_n and_o beast_n so_o dan._n 7._o the_o persian_a empire_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o a_o bear_n the_o grecian_a by_o a_o leopard_n in_o the_o 8._o the_o persian_a by_o a_o ram_n and_o the_o grecian_a by_o a_o he-goat_n see_v chap._n 7._o the_o seleucides_n kingdom_n though_o but_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o grecian_a be_v set_v out_o by_o a_o beast_n as_o different_a from_o the_o other_o whole_o because_o
time_n of_o forty_o two_o month_n we_o will_v not_o conceive_v 1._o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o height_n in_o the_o first_o month_n or_o always_o alike_o no_o but_o as_o the_o church_n decline_v grow_v so_o grow_v his_o rise_n nor_o 2._o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o two_o month_n his_o power_n shall_v be_v utter_o break_v no_o for_o when_o he_o kill_v the_o witness_n than_o the_o vial_n be_v to_o be_v pour_v out_o that_o piece_n and_o piece_n slow_o bring_v on_o his_o destruction_n but_o this_o be_v mean_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v on_o the_o increase_a hand_n till_o these_o month_n be_v past_a what_o opposition_n come_v to_o he_o he_o will_v crush_v it_o but_o after_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o his_o power_n will_v be_v clipe_v his_o tyranny_n discover_v and_o his_o authority_n so_o shake_v and_o question_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v so_o universal_o after_o that_o accept_a or_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o as_o that_o term_n bring_v not_o the_o full_a outgate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o height_n but_o a_o beginning_n of_o it_o even_o so_o here_o out_o of_o all_o this_o we_o may_v confirm_v what_o we_o say_v of_o this_o beast_n and_o that_o wound_n and_o its_o heal_n which_o must_v be_v before_o these_o forty_o and_o two_o month_n during_o which_o time_n he_o continue_v whole_a and_o persecute_v the_o saint_n even_o at_o the_o very_a close_a or_o last_o part_n thereof_o his_o blasphemy_n be_v more_o full_o set_v down_o vers_n 6._o in_o reference_n to_o three_o object_n who_o he_o take_v a_o liberty_n to_o blaspheme_v which_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o god_n derogate_v some_o way_n from_o his_o excellent_a holiness_n and_o pure_a sovereign_a nature_n when_o apply_v to_o man_n or_o creature_n to_o blaspheme_v be_v to_o speak_v ill_o of_o to_o detract_v from_o and_o to_o wrong_v they_o by_o our_o word_n so_o to_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o the_o king_n 1_o king_n 21.10_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n often_o col._n 3.8_o tit._n 3.2_o or_o to_o make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o blasphemy_n this_o blaphemy_n be_v three_o way_n vent_v 1._o against_o god_n this_o he_o do_v by_o assume_v to_o himself_o and_o give_v to_o idol_n angel_n and_o saint_n what_o be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n what_o prerogative_n be_v more_o than_o to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v with_o religious_a worship_n and_o this_o he_o take_v to_o himself_o and_o give_v to_o other_o at_o his_o pleasure_n make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o adoration_n invocation_n and_o so_o of_o faith_n his_o dispensation_n indulgence_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v against_o god_n tabernacle_n that_o be_v either_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n call_v the_o true_a tabernacle_n heb._n 9_o wherein_o god_n dwell_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n joh._n 1._o and_o col._n 2.9_o or_o his_o church_n and_o saint_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v call_v the_o temple_n chap._n 11._o opposite_a to_o the_o outward_a court_n and_o be_v god_n tabernacle_n with_o man_n because_o in_o they_o he_o dwell_v and_o as_o it_o be_v sojourn_v till_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o settle_a enjoy_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o temple_n in_o heaven_n which_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o tabernacle_n as_o the_o triumphant_a church_n be_v to_o the_o militant_a both_o these_o the_o pope_n blaspheme_v the_o first_o by_o mass_n hoaft_n adoration_n transubstantiation_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o whereby_o our_o lord_n humane_a nature_n be_v quite_o alter_v and_o blaspheme_v as_o if_o it_o be_v there_o or_o have_v a_o create_v be_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o wretched_a man_n the_o second_o the_o true_a church_n and_o saint_n be_v here_o blaspheme_v to_o wit_n by_o curse_n reproach_n excommunication_n and_o devote_v of_o they_o to_o destruction_n and_o propose_v they_o as_o the_o vile_a man_n and_o as_o the_o great_a heretic_n in_o the_o world_n instance_n many_o be_v palpable_a 3._o he_o blaspheme_v these_o that_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v saint_n depart_v and_o angel_n father_v many_o mischievous_a thing_n on_o they_o abuse_v their_o name_n to_o idol-worship_n and_o charm_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o wrong_v and_o abuse_v by_o they_o than_o peter_n and_o mary_n the_o bless_a virgin_n when_o many_o vile_a thing_n be_v father_v on_o they_o and_o seek_v from_o they_o as_o if_o they_o approve_v these_o thing_n idol_n and_o idolatrous_a temple_n style_v by_o they_o and_o erect_v to_o they_o and_o what_o great_a wrong_n than_o this_o can_v be_v do_v to_o these_o saint_n while_o as_o the_o angel_n rev._n 19_o reprove_v john_n for_o it_o these_o three_o to_o wit_n god_n his_o church-militant_a and_o triumphant_a the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n he_o wrong_v they_o all_o and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o to_o who_o agree_v this_o so_o well_o as_o to_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o by_o decree_n ordain_v it_o as_o by_o law_n in_o short_a aâ_n antiochus_n blaspheme_v all_o who_o in_o his_o practice_n he_o despise_v and_o abuse_v all_o so_o shall_v he_o do_v and_o so_o have_v he_o long_o do_v as_o if_o he_o profess_o do_v blaspheme_v they_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n be_v in_o persecution_n vers_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o even_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v give_v to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o here_o be_v his_o fight_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o woman_n seed_n chap._n 12.17_o he_o raise_v the_o world_n against_o they_o and_o over_o their_o body_n they_o prevail_v this_o war_n with_o the_o saint_n take_v in_o all_o violent_a martyrdom_n of_o singular_a person_n put_v to_o death_n for_o oppose_v this_o beast_n usurpation_n as_o be_v special_o in_o the_o end_n of_o those_o month_n very_o many_o in_o italy_n germany_n england_n etc._n etc._n it_o take_v in_o also_o the_o purpose_a war_n that_o for_o many_o year_n to_o the_o effusion_n of_o much_o blood_n be_v undertake_v against_o the_o waldenses_n and_o other_o that_o look_v on_o the_o pope_n as_o antichrist_n ten_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n be_v slay_v as_o be_v report_v by_o perânius_n apud_fw-la med._n in_o france_n and_o this_o do_v by_o way_n of_o state_v war_n not_o by_o pillaging_n but_o by_o make_v use_n of_o strong_a army_n once_o intend_v against_o the_o sarracen_n which_o by_o the_o pope_n be_v divert_v and_o employ_v against_o the_o waldenses_n the_o history_n also_o of_o the_o bohemian_a war_n after_o john_n husse_n and_o jerome_n of_o prague_n be_v burn_v against_o these_o who_o be_v call_v hussit_n which_o continue_v in_o great_a eagerness_n for_o many_o year_n the_o history_n of_o the_o poor_a people_n of_o piedmont_n calabria_n and_o angrongue_n and_o other_o place_n in_o italy_n persecute_v by_o a_o army_n under_o the_o lord_n of_o trinity_n the_o destruction_n of_o merindoll_n and_o many_o poor_a people_n about_o in_o provence_n by_o the_o archbishop_n of_o aix_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o opede_a precedent_n beside_o the_o many_o barbarous_a cruelty_n in_o holland_n germany_n france_n etc._n etc._n be_v evidence_n of_o this_o war_n of_o the_o beast_n against_o the_o saint_n touch_v before_o chap._n 11.7_o which_o blood_n though_o immediate_o shed_v by_o civil_a man_n yet_o principal_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o the_o whore_n in_o whole_a skirt_n be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o saint_n chap._n 17.6_o and_o 18.24_o the_o success_n be_v set_v down_o he_o overcome_v they_o to_o wit_n by_o spoil_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n life_n and_o temporal_a estate_n for_o a_o time_n but_o they_o overcome_v he_o by_o adhere_v to_o truth_n and_o refuse_v his_o corruption_n even_o at_o their_o low_a estate_n of_o suffering_n as_o it_o be_v chap._n 1â_n vers_fw-la 11._o after_o these_o character_n of_o his_o dominion_n his_o success_n or_o the_o amplitude_n of_o his_o dominion_n be_v more_o particular_o set_v out_o and_o repeat_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o its_o extent_n he_o have_v power_n over_o all_o kindred_n tongue_n and_o nation_n that_o be_v there_o be_v none_o exempt_v from_o he_o no_o nation_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v christian_n that_o be_v preserve_v from_o his_o corruption_n and_o many_o whole_a nation_n carry_v away_o with_o it_o though_o not_o all_o of_o every_o nation_n and_o kindred_n be_v infect_v in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v very_o broad_a vers_fw-la 7._o 2._o it_o be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o submission_n all_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n they_o shall_v worship_v he_o that_o be_v be_v every_o way_n at_o his_o devotion_n and_o shall_v
to_o exercise_v his_o power_n for_o comfort_n to_o his_o people_n and_o terror_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o so_o the_o effect_n agree_v to_o this_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n till_o the_o seven_o plague_n be_v fulfil_v which_o show_v the_o degree_n or_o measure_n of_o that_o glory_n of_o god_n appear_v it_o be_v extraordinary_a as_o be_v in_o these_o time_n exod._n 40._o and_o 1_o king_n 8._o before_o mention_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o none_o now_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n the_o church_n have_v she_o own_o indweller_n then_o but_o that_o among_o they_o without_o against_o who_o these_o plague_n be_v direct_v none_o of_o they_o or_o few_o of_o they_o get_v repentance_n to_o flee_v in_o for_o make_v peace_n with_o god_n in_o christ._n but_o these_o plague_n be_v against_o obstinate_a contemner_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n now_o such_o a_o spiritual_a smoke_n of_o ignorance_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v on_o they_o and_o possible_o of_o darkness_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o through_o god_n judgement_n on_o they_o they_o fret_v under_o these_o plague_n and_o perish_v but_o repent_v not_o as_o we_o will_v see_v particular_o observe_v chap._n 16._o or_o none_o can_v enter_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v god_n will_v admit_v none_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o prevent_v these_o plague_n as_o moses_n and_o the_o priest_n in_o such_o case_n enter_v the_o tabernacle_n to_o intercede_v until_o the_o wrath_n threaten_v be_v execute_v and_o so_o none_o can_v enter_v till_o then_o will_v be_v this_o they_o can_v never_o enter_v for_o that_o purpose_n as_o the_o word_n be_v take_v 2_o sam._n 6._o vers_fw-la last_o lecture_n i._n chap._n xvi_o vers._n 1._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o angel_n go_v your_o way_n and_o pour_v out_o the_o vial_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o earth_n 2._o and_o the_o first_o go_v and_o pour_v out_o his_o vial_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o fall_v a_o noisome_a and_o grievous_a sore_n upon_o the_o man_n which_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o upon_o they_o which_o worship_v his_o image_n in_o this_o 16._o chapter_n be_v prosecute_v the_o execution_n of_o these_o last_o plague_n from_o vers_fw-la 2._o in_o the_o 1._o vers_fw-la there_o be_v the_o last_o step_n of_o preparation_n for_o it_o by_o commissionate_v these_o angel_n who_o be_v instrument_n present_o to_o fall_v about_o it_o the_o voice_n seem_v to_o be_v christ_n call_v a_o great_a voice_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n partly_o to_o show_v authority_n in_o he_o that_o call_v partly_o to_o show_v his_o earnestness_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o call_v unto_o whether_o this_o be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n or_o mediate_o by_o his_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v most_o like_a it_o be_v all_o one_o see_v it_o be_v christ_n word_n and_o have_v his_o warrant_n the_o commission_n be_v limit_v to_o pour_v they_o out_o on_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v such_o a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v contradistinguish_v from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v heaven_n for_o afterward_o some_o be_v pour_v on_o the_o sea_n some_o in_o the_o air_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o the_o antichristian_a world_n be_v a_o complete_a world_n in_o itself_o yet_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o church_n it_o be_v but_o the_o earth_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n because_o there_o of_o old_a god_n give_v oracle_n it_o be_v in_o allusion_n to_o that_o before_o we_o speak_v particular_o of_o these_o vial_n we_o shall_v premit_fw-la some_o general_a consideration_n useful_a for_o understanding_n of_o they_o or_o some_o general_a observation_n concern_v they_o 1._o as_o all_o these_o vial_n speak_v wrath_n and_o the_o last_o wrath_n so_o do_v they_o all_o speak_v wrath_n principal_o against_o the_o beast_n as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o with_o his_o kingdom_n and_o follower_n as_o these_o who_o have_v his_o name_n mark_v character_n etc._n etc._n the_o first_o vial_n be_v pour_v on_o the_o earth_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o second_o 5._o and_o 7._o it_o be_v clear_a his_o wrath_n be_v perfect_v against_o the_o whore_n by_o these_o therefore_o that_o song_n chap._n 18._o and_o 19_o be_v as_o the_o result_n of_o these_o judgement_n for_o they_o be_v such_o judgement_n as_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o but_o peculiar_o affect_v he_o and_o his._n therefore_o in_o the_o four_o vial_n it_o be_v say_v the_o man_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d particular_o relate_v to_o man_n mention_v before_o to_o wit_n these_o that_o be_v mark_v with_o his_o mark_n which_o will_v afterward_o be_v more_o clear_a yet_o let_v this_o have_v three_o caveat_n 1._o the_o church_n want_v not_o her_o exercise_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o these_o vial_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o chap._n 14.11_o she_o have_v her_o enemy_n and_o battle_n there_o but_o they_o all_o end_n in_o and_o tend_v to_o her_o enlargement_n in_o the_o close_a 2._o though_o they_o aim_v principal_o at_o antichrist_n as_o the_o chief_a enemy_n yet_o other_o enemy_n do_v not_o escape_v unpunished_a but_o be_v make_v sharer_n in_o the_o judgement_n also_o under_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o 7._o vial_n which_o be_v more_o general_a as_o will_v appear_v and_o take_v in_o more_o enemy_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o so_o carry_v on_o the_o beast_n ruin_n as_o that_o it_o be_v always_o sensible_a he_o still_o sight_v and_o may_v have_v his_o own_o seem_a advantage_n to_o harden_v he_o as_o if_o he_o may_v recover_v which_o yet_o shall_v never_o be_v but_o by_o this_o god_n have_v the_o more_o glory_n in_o renew_v his_o battle_n against_o he_o as_o he_o have_v against_o pharaoh_o by_o multiply_v his_o judgement_n against_o he_o unto_o which_o there_o be_v a_o allusion_n here_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n when_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o object_n of_o these_o judgement_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o world_n have_v a_o heaven_n earth_n sea_n rivers_n sun_n etc._n etc._n as_o part_n of_o it_o even_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o the_o six_o seal_n chap._n 6._o and_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n chap._n 8._o which_o observation_n be_v useful_a 1._o to_o help_v we_o to_o find_v out_o what_o thing_n in_o popery_n or_o in_o that_o dominion_n be_v mean_v by_o some_o analogy_n from_o earth_n sea_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o thing_n make_v use_v of_o in_o that_o antichristian_a world_n which_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v earth_n sea_n etc._n etc._n to_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v useful_a to_o let_v we_o see_v what_o weight_n religion_n and_o its_o change_n have_v upon_o a_o people_n it_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o special_a change_n in_o all_o these_o three_o period_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o change_n that_o be_v on_o the_o outward_a frame_n and_o face_n of_o religion_n 3._o it_o be_v useful_a for_o clear_v one_o thing_n by_o another_o as_o what_o be_v sea_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v help_v to_o show_v what_o supply_v that_o room_n in_o the_o antichristian_a etc._n etc._n 3._o observe_v that_o in_o these_o vial_n respect_n be_v sundry_a time_n have_v in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n exod._n 6.7_o 8._o yet_o so_o that_o as_o romish_a babylon_n be_v spiritual_o call_v egypt_n and_o sodom_n chap._n 11._o so_o these_o effect_n be_v not_o literal_o but_o spiritual_o to_o be_v understand_v at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a part_n 4._o take_v this_o consideration_n also_o that_o as_o antichrist_n have_v a_o double_a notion_n and_o consideration_n chap._n 13._o as_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a so_o these_o part_n of_o he_o rivers_z sun_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o effect_n on_o they_o may_v have_v that_o twofold_a consideration_n some_o of_o they_o on_o his_o temporal_a grandour_n bring_v temporal_a plague_n some_o of_o they_o on_o his_o ecclesiastic_a frame_n by_o spiritual_a judgement_n overturning_a that_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v certain_o spiritual_o other_o literal_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d to_o be_v understand_v some_o of_o they_o have_v respect_n to_o both_o as_o we_o will_v see_v 5._o observe_v that_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o these_o vial_n there_o be_v a_o special_a likeness_n and_o reference_n to_o that_o same_o order_n and_o method_n which_o be_v follow_v in_o the_o trumpet_n chap._n 8._o the_o first_o vial_n be_v on_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o
in_o this_o respect_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a head_n ver_fw-la 1._o but_o a_o distinct_a beast_n ver_fw-la 11._o which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o ecclesiastic_a consideration_n differ_v from_o these_o who_o go_v before_o he_o the_o second_o objection_n be_v that_o rome_n be_v not_o antichrist_n seat_n because_o say_v bellar._n the_o pont_n lib._n 3._o the_o king_n that_o be_v antichrist_n vassal_n destroy_v it_o answ._n 1._o then_o rome_n be_v the_o whore_n at_o that_o time_n for_o they_o destroy_v she_o not_o till_o she_o be_v the_o whore_n and_o so_o must_v it_o not_o be_v rome_n heathen_a that_o be_v the_o whore_n for_o they_o destroy_v she_o not_o till_o the_o beast_n ruin_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o five_o vial_n as_o be_v say_v chap._n 16._o and_o in_o the_o 17._o until_o she_o be_v a_o whore_n but_o that_o rome_n be_v his_o seat_n appear_z for_o 1._o he_o head_v rome_n sit_v on_o it_o and_o rule_v as_o the_o six_o head_n or_o government_n before_o he_o do_v but_o they_o sit_v at_o rome_n and_o have_v it_o for_o their_o seat_n see_v chap._n 13.4_o he_o get_v the_o dragon_n seat_n and_o so_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o rest_n to_o he_o to_o be_v king_n of_o that_o city_n 2._o he_o sit_v so_o as_o by_o he_o and_o in_o he_o rome_n keep_v up_o her_o former_a beauty_n and_o rule_n over_o all_o the_o nation_n about_o during_o his_o be_v governor_n but_o that_o can_v be_v but_o by_o his_o sit_v at_o rome_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o in_o antichrist_n description_n there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o mention_v make_v of_o rome_n and_o such_o particular_a description_n of_o the_o sibnesse_n between_o he_o and_o she_o except_o that_o he_o be_v head_n to_o she_o and_o support_v she_o and_o sit_v especial_o in_o she_o and_o that_o rome_n the_o prime_a seat_n be_v name_v for_o all_o the_o body_n or_o kingdom_n as_o metropolis_n thereof_o as_o afterward_o 4._o that_o rome_n be_v great_a during_o his_o time_n be_v clear_a but_o no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o of_o his_o keep_a court_n there_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o that_o way_n whereby_o she_o rule_v over_o nation_n and_o propagate_v abomination_n to_o they_o but_o that_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o she_o do_v it_o as_o by_o her_o former_a government_n in_o part_n who_o sit_v there_o before_o add_v 5._o that_o rome_n be_v some_o otherways_o his_o seat_n ver_fw-la 7._o than_o other_o nation_n be_v over_o which_o he_o govern_v and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o this_o 6._o what_o other_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o rome_n be_v more_o plague_v as_o share_v deeply_o in_o antichrist_n sin_n than_o other_o chap._n 18._o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v his_o seat_n and_o 7._o why_o will_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o lament_v as_o spoil_v all_o their_o former_a mercat_n and_o scatter_v their_o court_n if_o it_o have_v not_o sit_v there_o chap._n 18._o beside_o bellarmin_n argument_n mistake_v for_o it_o be_v the_o king_n who_o once_o be_v antichrist_n follower_n that_o destroy_v rome_n but_o not_o while_o they_o be_v so_o do_v they_o it_o but_o when_o antichrist_n be_v discover_v then_o be_v his_o seat_n hateful_a to_o they_o whereas_o his_o follower_n lament_v it_o chap._n 18._o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o it_o the_o three_o objection_n have_v more_o show_n of_o difficulty_n that_o these_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o pope_n because_o he_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n i.e._n unwarrantable_o but_o have_v god_n warrant_n as_o they_o allege_v by_o be_v peter_n successor_n ergo._fw-la for_o answer_v this_o objection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o insist_v in_o scripture_n whereby_o the_o dominion_n and_o office_n usurp_v by_o the_o pope_n be_v overturn_v nor_o on_o vindicate_v of_o these_o scripture_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o in_o pretend_v that_o let_v that_o be_v seek_v from_o common_a place_n it_o shall_v suffice_v we_o to_o assert_v that_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o warrant_n 1._o for_o the_o title_n or_o name_n that_o he_o assume_v to_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o such_o order_n or_o officer_n mention_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n as_o pope_n pontifex_n maximus_n vicar_n of_o christ_n universal_a pastor_n his_o holiness_n bishop_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o such_o shadow_n in_o the_o word_n as_o may_v warrant_v these_o this_o word_n papa_n est_fw-la vox_fw-la syracusa_fw-la say_v divine_n idem_fw-la significans_fw-la quod_fw-la pater_fw-la à _fw-la ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d it_o be_v in_o old_a give_v to_o all_o eminent_a bishop_n as_o to_o alexander_n and_o athanasius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n apud_fw-la athanasium_fw-la to_o augustine_n by_o jerome_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o he_o and_o to_o cyprian_a epist._n 3._o where_o pamelius_n say_v it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o honour_n among_o heathen_n as_o be_v that_o of_o pontifex_n maximus_n whereof_o be_v speak_v cap._n 13._o see_v also_o ruffian_n symb._n and_o pamelius_n on_o he_o 2._o we_o may_v assert_v that_o for_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o exerce_fw-la this_o power_n as_o to_o dispense_v with_o oath_n and_o obligation_n of_o man_n to_o other_o to_o dispose_v of_o and_o transfer_v kingdom_n crown_n title_n etc._n etc._n to_o dispense_v with_o unlawful_a marriage_n constitute_v new_a holy_a day_n and_o change_v worship_n send_v to_o purgatory_n and_o bring_v from_o it_o as_o they_o imagine_v to_o indulge_v and_o give_v pardon_n even_o for_o sin_n to_o be_v commit_v to_o absolve_v and_o forgive_v magisterial_o sin_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o qualification_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n but_o to_o such_o as_o perform_v such_o superstition_n and_o obey_v such_o and_o such_o order_n to_o canonize_v saint_n and_o thereby_o as_o it_o be_v to_o create_v god_n to_o be_v worship_v and_o many_o more_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v reckon_v all_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o commit_v to_o any_o but_o reserve_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o own_o privilege_n we_o may_v clear_o assert_v that_o power_n in_o so_o far_o to_o be_v from_o the_o pit_n so_o as_o if_o a_o angel_n will_v profess_v it_o or_o preach_v such_o doctrine_n we_o may_v account_v he_o accurse_v yet_o such_o be_v the_o power_n pleaded-for_a in_o the_o pope_n and_o in_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v but_o ex_fw-la communi_fw-la consuetudine_fw-la see_v azor_n instit._n moral_a lib._n 6._o pag._n 561._o 3._o if_o we_o consider_v it_o further_o in_o the_o special_a property_n wherewith_o they_o qualify_v the_o pope_n power_n as_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o his_o threefold_a crown_n twofold_a sword_n and_o key_n we_o will_v find_v it_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v extensive_a and_o universal_a over_o heaven_n by_o open_v it_o set_v up_o saint_n to_o be_v worship_v command_v angel_n as_o sometime_o they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o bull_n over_o purgatory_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n over_o the_o dead_a to_o torment_v or_o relieve_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o over_o the_o live_n in_o all_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o order_n to_o these_o over_o person_n ecclesiastic_a as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o civil_a as_o king_n emperor_n state_n to_o command_v they_o to_o war_n or_o peace_n as_o they_o please_v and_o to_o carry_v as_o supreme_a to_o they_o all_o ratify_v emperor_n and_o election_n or_o not_o and_o dispose_v of_o their_o crown_n to_o other_o yea_o over_o conscience_n they_o usurp_v a_o dominion_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v absolute_a supreme_a and_o independent_a not_o only_o of_o all_o king_n but_o of_o all_o counsel_n and_o decree_n to_o which_o he_o give_v authority_n or_o not_o as_o he_o please_v and_o they_o be_v of_o authority_n or_o not_o as_o he_o confirm_v they_o yea_o to_o all_o tradition_n and_o even_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v by_o they_o account_v so_o as_o bailius_n catech._n part_n 1._o quaest_n 12._o aliter_fw-la non_fw-la magis_fw-la fidem_fw-la adhiberet_fw-la matthaeo_n quam_fw-la tito_n livio_n that_o be_v otherways_o he_o will_v not_o give_v more_o faith_n to_o matthew_n than_o to_o titus_n livius_n and_o general_o all_o affirm_v that_o be_v their_o maxim_n that_o the_o church_n give_v authority_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o we_o and_o that_o no_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n but_o from_o he_o hence_o according_a to_o this_o pleni-potentiary_a power_n do_v he_o constitute_v such_o book_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o not_o and_o have_v add_v many_o to_o the_o former_a canon_n which_o precede_v counsel_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o he_o do_v confirm_v tradition_n and_o fable_n
therefore_o it_o be_v i_o this_o will_v serve_v rather_o whole_o to_o overturn_v it_o as_o be_v say_v and_o till_o from_o scripture_n they_o make_v out_o their_o affirmative_a the_o assertion_n will_v stand_v good_a yet_o we_o shall_v a_o little_a descend_v to_o consider_v their_o ground_n and_o concession_n in_o this_o point_n and_o we_o will_v find_v that_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o conclusion_n that_o this_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o pope_n do_v rest_n upon_o tradition_n father_n counsel_n and_o especial_o the_o pope_n own_o determination_n that_o the_o scripture_n give_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n before_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v as_o of_o divine_a authority_n these_o three_o must_v be_v make_v out_o by_o it_o see_v greg._n de_fw-fr val._n disp_n 1._o punct_a 7._o part_n 37._o 1._o that_o peter_n not_o only_o as_o a_o apostle_n with_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o head_n and_o supreme_a over_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v furnish_v with_o and_o establish_v in_o that_o authority_n by_o jesus_n christ_n over_o they_o and_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o their_o head_n 2._o that_o peter_n sit_v and_o have_v this_o authority_n and_o exercise_v it_o at_o rome_n as_o peculiar_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o authority_n and_o that_o this_o supremacy_n in_o peter_n be_v no_o extraordinary_a privilege_n to_o his_o person_n but_o to_o be_v derive_v and_o continue_v in_o his_o successor_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o only_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v peter_n successor_n in_o this_o supreme_a power_n and_o that_o by_o divine_a authority_n it_o belong_v to_o that_o seat_n and_o to_o he_o who_o shall_v sit_v there_o to_o pass_v the_o first_o two_o which_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n the_o three_o also_o must_v be_v make_v out_o or_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v this_o conclusion_n that_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v invest_v with_o this_o power_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o bellar._n come_v to_o make_v out_o this_o he_o found_v it_o on_o these_o four_o to_o wit_n 1._o apostolic_a tradition_n 2._o generalâ_n counsel_n 3._o pope_n decree_n or_o statute_n 4._o father_n and_o antiquity_n but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v scripture_n and_o in_o effect_n all_o resolve_v on_o this_o the_o pope_n appoint_v himself_o head_n and_o successor_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v head_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v nothing_o be_v receive_v as_o apostolic_a tradition_n but_o what_o he_o decree_v to_o be_v so_o not_o be_v any_o general_a counsel_n accept_v as_o infallible_a but_o such_o as_o be_v approven_v by_o he_o and_o so_o far_o as_o approven_v see_v bellar._n de_fw-fr authoritate_fw-la council_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o and_o gregorius_n de_fw-fr val._n cast_v tradition_n and_o scripture_n but_o as_o own_a by_o his_o authority_n much_o less_o than_o will_v they_o admit_v any_o father_n that_o differ_v from_o he_o hence_o sundry_a counsel_n and_o act_n as_o that_o of_o chalcedon_n and_o constantinople_n in_o these_o act_n wherein_o constantinople_n be_v equal_v to_o rome_n be_v reject_v by_o they_o on_o this_o ground_n because_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v by_o the_o pope_n so_o it_o run_v in_o this_o circle_n whence_o have_v the_o pope_n this_o power_n or_o whence_o be_v it_o clear_a to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o warrant_v our_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v that_o power_n they_o answer_v in_o sum_n from_o themselves_o or_o from_o such_o ground_n as_o resolve_v on_o themselves_o because_o say_v they_o their_o power_n be_v such_o as_o determine_v all_o these_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v further_o how_o get_v these_o pope_n power_n to_o determine_v so_o and_o what_o warrand_v we_o to_o rest_v on_o their_o determination_n say_v they_o because_o they_o be_v peter_n successor_n in_o that_o universal_a office_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v again_o how_o be_v that_o make_v out_o that_o they_o be_v his_o successor_n say_v they_o by_o such_o determination_n we_o know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o in_o a_o word_n these_o determination_n give_v he_o power_n and_o he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o do_v so_o and_o so_o about_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o wit_n the_o application_n of_o this_o power_n to_o rome_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o that_o be_v here_o question_v and_o though_o possible_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o all_o the_o successor_n shall_v be_v other_o way_n know_v than_o by_o history_n yet_o the_o ratio_fw-la successionis_fw-la as_o bellar._n call_v it_o to_o wit_n why_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v this_o peculiar_a authority_n beyond_o other_o that_o will_v be_v know_v if_o it_o be_v either_o of_o divine_a or_o catholic_a faith_n which_o two_o be_v ill_o distinguish_v by_o bellarmine_n if_o it_o be_v object_v to_o they_o these_o can_v ground_v a_o divine_a warrant_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la or_o of_o divine_a authority_n because_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n certain_a to_o we_o certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la and_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o such_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a certainty_n require_v 1._o a_o objective_a sureness_n or_o certainty_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o subjective_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v such_o certainty_n as_o proceed_v from_o such_o ground_n as_o can_v cause_v a_o mistake_n or_o fail_v any_o which_o no_o humane_a testimony_n can_v bear_v out_o and_o therefore_o only_a god_n testimony_n can_v give_v warrant_n for_o this_o bellar._n de_n pontif._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 12._o see_v this_o do_v go_v about_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o divine_a warrant_n or_o else_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la divino_fw-la and_o to_o be_v of_o catholic_a faith_n and_o say_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o fortè_fw-la say_v he_o as_o loath_a to_o speak_v it_o out_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o second_o and_o to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n upon_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a his_o word_n be_v successio_fw-la est_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la qui_fw-la uno_fw-la actu_fw-la constituit_fw-la petrum_fw-la &_o successores_fw-la ejus_fw-la in_o pontificatu_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la mundi_fw-la ratio_fw-la successionis_fw-la i._n e._n cur_n papa_n succedit_fw-la quia_fw-la est_fw-la romanus_n non_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la prima_fw-la institutione_n christi_fw-la quia_fw-la alibi_fw-la potuit_fw-la petrus_n fixisse_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la facto_fw-la petri_n and_o call_v it_o not_o improbable_a to_o be_v settle_v at_o rome_n by_o christ_n command_n but_o our_o question_n be_v how_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o pope_n have_v ground_n to_o claim_v that_o succession_n or_o quomodo_fw-la constat_fw-la cum_fw-la petri_n successorem_fw-la esse_fw-la to_o which_o this_o say_v nothing_o therefore_o add_v he_o that_o though_o fortè_fw-la papa_n romanus_n quia_fw-la romanus_n non_fw-la sit_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la tamen_fw-la si_fw-la quaeratur_fw-la si_fw-mi romanus_n pontifex_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la sit_fw-la caput_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la omnino_fw-la say_v he_o respondendum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la nibil_n aliud_fw-la requiritur_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la ipsa_fw-la successio_fw-la sit_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la yea_o there_o be_v more_o require_v before_o that_o succession_n can_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o sea_n see_v they_o go_v together_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v so_o for_o we_o ask_v not_o now_o if_o there_o be_v succession_n but_o why_o the_o pope_n carry_v himself_o as_o successor_n and_o where_o be_v his_o warrant_n at_o last_o it_o resolve_v in_o tradition_n and_o counsel_n which_o be_v so_o and_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o because_o he_o decree_v they_o so_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n unto_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o it_o which_o yet_o contain_v all_o thing_n needful_a to_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 5.39_o 20_o 21._o and_o for_o that_o instance_n that_o bellar._n give_v of_o a_o catholic_a faith_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o wit_n whether_o paul_n leave_v a_o cloak_n at_o troas_n or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o truth_n before_o paul_n write_v that_o epistle_n and_o be_v yet_o a_o truth_n not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o itself_o yet_o consider_v it_o as_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n the_o believe_v of_o it_o now_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v a_o divine_a warrant_n which_o it_o will_v not_o have_v have_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o word_n although_o it_o have_v be_v a_o truth_n in_o itself_o so_o that_o when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v successor_n to_o peter_n that_o be_v only_o assay_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o authority_n see_v greg._n de_fw-fr val._n disput_n 1._o de_fw-fr objecto_fw-la fidei_fw-la punct_a 7._o pag._n 35._o and_o
the_o trumpet_n the_o second_o show_v the_o good_a outgate_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v after_o that_o storm_n from_o ver_fw-la 9_o to_o the_o end_n and_o this_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o the_o vial_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v thus_o provide_v against_o these_o evil_n by_o this_o consolation_n chap._n 7._o and_o have_v first_o interpose_v by_o his_o intercession_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chap._n 8._o 8._o then_o he_o give_v order_n to_o the_o angel_n to_o sound_v their_o trumpet_n these_o do_v contain_v the_o second_o principal_a prophecy_n and_o belong_v to_o the_o second_o period_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n from_o the_o church_n begin_v peace_n after_o heathenish_a persecution_n till_o antichrist_n come_v up_o by_o his_o step_n to_o his_o height_n this_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o 8_o 9_o 10_o and_o 11._o chapter_n the_o first_o angel_n foretell_v the_o rise_n of_o a_o violent_a heresy_n to_o wit_n arianism_n whereby_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exceed_o deface_v the_o second_o foretell_v the_o great_a pride_n and_o contention_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v among_o churchman_n which_o shall_v be_v no_o little_a stir_v to_o many_o and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n the_o three_o forwarn_v of_o the_o corrupt_a of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o fountain-truth_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o four_o hold_v forth_o the_o more_o general_a decay_n of_o piety_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n before_o antichrist_n reveal_v though_o not_o yet_o at_o its_o height_n and_o when_o warning_n be_v give_v of_o three_o great_a woe_n than_o any_o of_o these_o the_o eight_o chapter_n be_v close_v 9_o in_o chap._n 9_o two_o of_o the_o last_o great_a woe_n be_v set_v down_o the_o first_o or_o five_o trumpet_z describe_v antichrist_n kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o description_n thereof_o and_o name_n give_v to_o he_o the_o evil_a that_o come_v thereby_o to_o the_o church_n be_v express_v the_o second_o great_a woe_n or_o six_o trumpet_n set_v out_o god_n severe_a judge_v of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o that_o defection_n by_o let_v loose_a the_o turk_n upon_o it_o which_o with_o great_a army_n destroy_v many_o and_o overcome_v a_o greaâ_n part_n of_o the_o empire_n yet_o these_o that_o be_v spare_v do_v not_o repent_v nor_o forsake_v their_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o all_o that_o but_o popery_n grow_v in_o its_o corruption_n even_o as_o the_o turk_n grow_v in_o their_o dominion_n 10.11_o in_o chap._n 10._o and_o 11._o because_o these_o be_v sad_a evil_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v low_a and_o be_v to_o be_v of_o long_a continuance_n than_o any_o of_o the_o former_a lesser_a woe_n therefore_o before_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_n the_o lord_n set_v down_o a_o twofold_a consolation_n chap._n 10._o and_o till_o ver_fw-la 15._o of_o the_o 11._o where_o the_o seven_o sound_v meet_v with_o two_o objection_n first_o man_n may_v think_v shall_v enemy_n than_o get_v their_o will_n and_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o still_o obscure_v when_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n come_v what_o will_v come_v of_o she_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o oath_n chap._n 10._o assure_v his_o people_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v revive_v and_o that_o that_o seven_o trumpet_n shall_v bring_v judgement_n on_o her_o enemy_n and_o quite_o turn_v the_o chase_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o further_o doubt_v if_o there_o be_v a_o church_n during_o that_o time_n till_o the_o seven_o do_v sound_v it_o be_v show_v chap._n 11._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n and_o some_o minister_n still_o adhere_v to_o the_o former_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o all_o enemy_n no_o not_o the_o beast_n antichrist_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o overcome_v till_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o close_a of_o their_o testimony_n and_o god_n have_v other_o to_o take_v it_o off_o their_o hand_n then_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v when_o their_o testimony_n be_v finish_v and_o a_o very_a great_a and_o most_o glorious_a change_n be_v wrought_v which_o be_v general_o hint_v at_o here_o but_o more_o full_o express_v by_o the_o vial_n which_o be_v the_o three_o principal_a or_o typical_a prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n and_o contain_v the_o last_o period_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n condition_n to_o wit_n antichrist_n decay_n and_o her_o enlargement_n after_o she_o have_v be_v at_o her_o low_a and_o he_o at_o his_o height_n a_o little_a view_n of_o it_o be_v give_v here_o before_o the_o seven_o vial_n be_v explain_v because_o he_o be_v to_o interpose_v the_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v past_a in_o the_o three_o chapter_n follow_v but_o before_o he_o set_v down_o the_o vial_n upon_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o trumpet_n on_o the_o back_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n the_o first_o explicatory_a pprophecy_n be_v interject_v chap._n 12_o 13_o and_o 14._o and_o that_o in_o a_o different_a stile_n this_o serve_v to_o clear_v the_o two_o principal_a prophecy_n pass_v and_o make_v way_n exceed_o for_o understanding_n what_o be_v come_v and_o in_o this_o the_o same_o trouble_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n former_o prophesy_v of_o be_v here_o again_o touch_v in_o their_o several_a step_n of_o her_o difficulty_n with_o their_o respective_a outgate_n 1._o the_o church_n wrestle_v with_o heathen_a persecution_n that_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o seal_n be_v set_v out_o by_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o travel_a woman_n pursue_v by_o a_o red_a dragon_n 12._o her_o outgate_n be_v under_o the_o expression_n of_o delivery_n when_o her_o birth_n be_v exalt_v vers_fw-la 5._o of_o chap._n 12._o which_o war_n be_v more_o full_o prosecute_v with_o its_o outgate_n to_o vers_n 13._o by_o this_o the_o devil_n be_v dethrone_v from_o the_o public_a authority_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n while_o emperor_n be_v heathen_a and_o authority_n be_v now_o on_o the_o church_n side_n the_o second_o step_n be_v the_o church_n trouble_n that_o follow_v on_o the_o back_n of_o that_o outgate_n it_o be_v hint_v ver_fw-la 6._o that_o she_o flee_v or_o begin_v to_o flee_v to_o show_v the_o connexion_n of_o this_o decay_n with_o the_o former_a liberty_n but_o be_v prosecute_v from_o ver_fw-la 13._o where_o the_o devil_n device_n to_o drown_v she_o by_o spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n a_o flood_n of_o filthy_a error_n after_o she_o be_v mark_v whenas_o by_o violence_n or_o authority_n he_o can_v not_o master_v she_o the_o outgate_n from_o this_o be_v vers_n 16._o the_o lord_n provide_v a_o way_n to_o drain_v these_o error_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o drown_v she_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o then_o decline_v visible_a church_n that_o continue_v still_o visible_a call_v earth_n because_o of_o she_o decline_v from_o that_o heavenly_a simplicity_n she_o appear_v in_o vers_fw-la 4._o under_o heathen_a persecution_n become_v now_o earthly-like_a in_o pomp_n and_o so_o distinguish_v from_o these_o that_o keep_v their_o former_a purity_n do_v still_o keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n pure_a so_o that_o the_o pure_a church_n now_o flee_v as_o it_o be_v have_v these_o cruel_a blast_n keep_v off_o she_o and_o so_o divert_v from_o she_o as_o the_o earth_n drinking-in_a of_o rain_n suffer_v not_o the_o flood_n to_o increase_v this_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o first_o four_o trumpet_n or_o lesser_a woe_n chap._n 8._o when_o this_o do_v not_o the_o devil_n business_n ver_fw-la 17._o he_o go_v to_o his_o last_o refuge_n of_o stir_v up_o antichrist_n and_o bring_v of_o he_o to_o his_o height_n which_o be_v the_o first_o great_a woe_n chap._n 9_o and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n to_o hold_v he_o forth_o and_o thereby_o to_o make_v way_n for_o clear_v what_o be_v speak_v chap._n 11._o and_o what_o follow_v to_o the_o end_n therefore_o 13._o chap._n 13._o he_o more_o full_o insist_v in_o describe_v this_o enemy_n 1._o in_o his_o nature_n by_o a_o double_a type_n of_o two_o several_a beast_n the_o first_o showing_z what_o real_o he_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o the_o church_n shall_v suffer_v by_o he_o the_o second_o show_v how_o he_o shall_v attain_v to_o that_o height_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v prosecute_v his_o design_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o against_o the_o saint_n and_o then_o when_o he_o have_v describe_v his_o nature_n rise_v reign_n practice_n continuance_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v etc._n etc._n he_o come_v to_o show_v the_o outgate_n 14._o chap._n 14._o which_o contemporare_v with_o the_o last_o part_n of_o chap._n 11._o and_o be_v again_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o vial_n have_v put-by_a this_o explication_n and_o
from_o and_o punish_v of_o they_o for_o hurt_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o dishonour_v of_o his_o name_n in_o which_o christian_n prudence_n will_v make_v difference_n 1._o between_o error_n that_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v call_v damnable_a 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n and_o other_o error_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o foundation_n although_o they_o be_v as_o hay_n or_o stubble_n build_v thereon_o 2._o difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o error_n that_o be_v simple_o doctrinal_a such_o as_o these_o that_o be_v about_o the_o object_n of_o predestination_n order_n of_o god_n decree_n or_o such_o like_a wherein_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o right_a and_o a_o wrong_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o intolerable_a as_o error_n that_o imply_v a_o schism_n in_o practice_n to_o the_o rent_v of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n as_o these_o error_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n be_v 3._o difference_n also_o be_v to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o a_o man_n who_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o a_o other_o who_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o be_v who_o not_o only_o after_o admonition_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o also_o do_v persist_v to_o vent_v and_o propagat_v the_o same_o to_o the_o hurt_n and_o offence_n of_o other_o 4._o although_o he_o that_o be_v seduce_v be_v guilty_a as_o the_o seducer_n be_v yet_o reason_n will_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o he_o that_o active_o teach_v and_o seduce_v and_o he_o that_o be_v out_o of_o weakness_n seduce_v and_o be_v but_o a_o follower_n of_o such_o a_o leader_n 5._o there_o may_v be_v a_o censure_v in_o some_o degree_n either_o by_o civil_a or_o church-authority_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o procedure_n to_o any_o high_a degree_n in_o either_o and_o thus_o the_o censure_v in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v distinguish_v not_o only_o from_o forbearance_n and_o negligence_n but_o also_o from_o such_o censure_n as_o may_v appear_v rigid_a or_o unseasonable_a thus_o paul_n sometime_o reprove_v and_o threaten_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galatian_n when_o yet_o he_o will_v neither_o altogether_o forbear_v they_o nor_o pass_v the_o high_a sentence_n upon_o they_o christian_n prudence_n be_v to_o lay_v weight_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o consideration_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o such_o a_o authority_n but_o still_o so_o as_o nothing_o extinguish_v that_o zeal_n which_o magistrate_n and_o church-officer_n ought_v to_o have_v for_o exercise_v of_o their_o respective_a authority_n in_o restrain_v of_o such_o a_o evil_a but_o we_o will_v insist_v no_o more_o on_o this_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o lord_n quarrel_n both_o in_o respect_n to_o jezebel_n and_o to_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v two_o relate_v to_o both_o 1._o she_o seduce_v christ_n servant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a guilt_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o her_o practice_n and_o also_o to_o their_o suffering_n of_o she_o 2._o it_o be_v aggrege_v from_o this_o vers_n 21._o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o she_o have_v continue_v for_o a_o time_n in_o her_o practice_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o god_n forbearance_n have_v not_o amend_v therefore_o her_o sinful_a practice_n and_o their_o neglective_a forbearance_n become_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a concern_v the_o first_o aggravation_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o who_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o this_o title_n christ_n servant_n 2._o why_o they_o get_v this_o title_n in_o this_o place_n to_o the_o first_o we_o say_v by_o christ_n servant_n be_v not_o understand_v man_n indifferent_o for_o heathen_n and_o those_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n get_v not_o this_o name_n but_o it_o be_v peculiar_o apply_v to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n leu._n 25.55_o and_o so_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o to_o christian_n and_o church-member_n so_o jezebel_n aim_v not_o to_o seduce_v pagan_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o her_o error_n but_o christian_n and_o church-member_n 2._o it_o may_v respect_v some_o more_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n nor_o other_o for_o part_n or_o profession_n and_o so_o among_o church-member_n she_o aim_v most_o to_o seduce_v these_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o infect_v with_o no_o error_n and_o these_o that_o be_v clean_o in_o their_o conversation_n and_o free_a of_o gross_a scandal_n rather_o than_o such_o as_o be_v gross_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o carriage_n both_o these_o be_v clear_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o experience_n and_o by_o proportion_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o as_o heretic_n upon_o their_o own_o consideration_n seek_v to_o infect_v church-member_n rather_o than_o these_o that_o be_v without_o so_o among_o church-member_n they_o will_v seek_v rather_o to_o engage_v these_o who_o be_v eminent_a for_o part_n blameless_a in_o their_o carriage_n or_o appear_v to_o be_v gracious_a than_o other_o who_o be_v not_o of_o such_o esteem_n for_o the_o second_o to_o wit_n why_o christ_n give_v they_o this_o title_n in_o this_o place_n who_o be_v seduce_v we_o may_v give_v these_o reason_n for_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v to_o aggrege_n the_o guilt_n of_o both_o as_o have_v be_v say_v 2._o it_o be_v to_o give_v the_o alarm_n and_o warning_n unto_o these_o that_o be_v his_o own_o people_n see_v even_o his_o servant_n may_v be_v seduce_v 3._o it_o be_v to_o show_v his_o own_o resentment_n of_o the_o success_n of_o error_n in_o his_o church_n the_o more_o that_o it_o draw_v away_o these_o that_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v diminish_v the_o number_n of_o his_o family_n and_o servant_n for_o further_o open_v of_o this_o aggravation_n these_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o if_o any_o true_o gracious_a may_v be_v engage_v by_o false_a teacher_n and_o seduce_v to_o error_n 2._o what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v the_o devil_n aim_v at_o the_o seduction_n of_o christ_n servant_n rather_o than_o other_o 3._o why_o christ_n do_v so_o express_o aggrege_n this_o guiltiness_n upon_o this_o account_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n we_o say_v first_o that_o these_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a be_v not_o so_o ready_o and_o frequent_o seduce_v to_o error_n at_o least_o to_o be_v leader_n therein_o and_o promoter_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v unto_o gross_a practical_a offence_n for_o 1._o we_o will_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n so_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o rare_a thing_n for_o a_o opposer_n to_o get_v repentance_n 2_o tim._n 2.25_o 26._o and_o therefore_o the_o believer_n yea_o even_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o conversion_n can_v be_v say_v frequent_o to_o fall_v in_o this_o evil_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o ill_a that_o be_v follow_v with_o more_o deliberation_n and_o come_v not_o from_o the_o surprise_v of_o some_o particular_a tentation_n as_o other_o gross_a evil_n do_v therefore_o can_v be_v so_o consistent_a with_o gracious_a principle_n and_o a_o spiritual_a walk_n as_o particular_a outbreaking_n wherein_o a_o person_n be_v captivate_v 4._o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o error_n be_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n jer._n 28._o and_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o promoter_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o 15._o which_o at_o first_o appear_v to_o be_v abominable_a unto_o any_o of_o a_o gracious_a principle_n and_o more_o than_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n 5._o also_o the_o promise_n seem_v especial_o to_o relate_v to_o god_n guide_v of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v simple_o to_o all_o yet_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v further_a than_o in_o reference_n to_o practical_a scandal_n yet_o second_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o for_o these_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a to_o be_v seduce_v to_o error_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v promise_n indeed_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o from_o total_a and_o final_a apostasy_n and_o impenitency_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o ill_n but_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o a_o believer_n otherways_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o any_o ill_a incident_a to_o one_o that_o be_v unrenewed_a 2._o even_o believer_n have_v corruption_n and_o so_o have_v much_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o much_o perverseness_n in_o their_o inclination_n and_o affection_n it_o can_v be_v think_v strange_a then_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o a_o tentation_n to_o error_n there_o be_v