in_o himself_o be_v too_o weak_a for_o such_o a_o work_n may_v be_v fit_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o thyself_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v find_v worthy_a o_o do_v thou_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n with_o true_a light_n from_o above_o and_o remove_v all_o impediment_n his_o iniquity_n out_o of_o thy_o sight_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o thy_o own_o blood_n than_o thou_o may_v discover_v thy_o mind_n unto_o thy_o poor_a servant_n be_v hallow_v by_o thyself_o to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o grant_v o_o christ_n that_o by_o thy_o favour_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n he_o may_v diligent_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o that_o unto_o sobriety_n and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v some_o advantage_n by_o he_o and_o if_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n have_v herein_o through_o weakness_n build_v any_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o thy_o precious_a structure_n o_o let_v it_o be_v consume_v but_o so_o as_o that_o thy_o servant_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a but_o if_o any_o of_o thou_o receive_v good_a hereby_o to_o thou_o for_o it_o as_o most_o due_a which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a be_v praise_n glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o catalogue_n of_o diverse_a question_n in_o this_o treatise_n discuss_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n pag._n 1_o whether_o john_n the_o divine_a the_o subordinate_a author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 5_o whether_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n own_a or_o some_o other_o person_n 7_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o christian_a wish_n or_o salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n unto_o you_o 19_o how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o church_n whilst_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o grace_n and_o peace_n aforehand_o 19_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v two_o last_o come_n to_o judgement_n 25_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 31_o and_o 112_o whether_o the_o lord_n day_n mention_v rev._n 1.10_o wherein_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o not_o 33_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a the_o devil_n be_v god_n ape_n herein_o 34_o do_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n 37_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 28_o 19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fullfil_v 38_o whether_o that_o samuel_n which_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v unto_o saul_n be_v the_o true_a prophet_n samuel_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o shape_n and_o likeness_n or_o otherwise_o some_o cozen_a consort_n and_o confederate_n of_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n 38_o 39_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n appear_v unto_o john_n rev._n 1_o 13._o when_o he_o appear_v to_o he_o as_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 43_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o separation_n between_o the_o deity_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n 44_o whether_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v to_o be_v only_o spiritual_o understand_v and_o not_o matterial_o also_o 50_o 51_o whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n and_o angel_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n do_v or_o shall_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n 53_o do_v not_o angel_n see_v god_n face_n in_o heaven_n and_o do_v not_o moses_n and_o jacob_n see_v god_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n 54._o and_o do_v not_o divine_n hold_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n 55_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v impassable_a 58_o why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o 68_o whether_o a_o sound_a church_n may_v censure_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 69_o 70_o whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n 71_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o presbytery_n 72_o what_o give_v unto_o our_o work_n the_o denomination_n of_o good_a work_n and_o whether_o any_o of_o our_o work_n be_v simple_o and_o strict_o to_o be_v call_v good_a and_o perfect_a 79_o and_o 80_o in_o who_o lie_v the_o power_n to_o try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 83_o and_o 196_o whether_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o word_n 84_o whether_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 85_o 86_o etc._n etc._n whether_o any_o else_o beside_o true_a and_o real_a saint_n or_o believer_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n 86_o 87_o whether_o the_o judicial_n or_o ceremonial_n of_o moses_n be_v any_o foundation_n for_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n 88_o 89_o whether_o baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o best_a satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n upon_o infant_n 88_o whether_o it_o must_v be_v true_a justify_n faith_n or_o dogmatical_a only_o that_o entitle_v to_o baptism_n 90_o 91_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o tie_v unto_o the_o first_o twelve_o 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o whether_o the_o first_o 12_o apostle_n be_v but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n 95_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n do_v continue_v unto_o the_o church_n 97_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o the_o true_a 101_o 102_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o church_n shall_v one_o repair_v to_o receive_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n call_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 105_o 106_o etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v the_o first_o reformer_n have_v a_o right_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o â—_o have_v it_o not_o from_o rome_n 108_o whether_o the_o presbytery_n of_o england_n have_v a_o right_a call_n from_o the_o late_a bishop_n as_o true_a presbyter_n 110_o whether_o believer_n complaint_n for_o want_n of_o will_n to_o repent_v be_v just_a or_o not_o 118_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o legal_a teach_v to_o denounce_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o non-amendment_n or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n 119_o whether_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n in_o some_o causality_n unto_o salvation_n or_o joint_o with_o he_o somewhat_o subordinate_a to_o that_o great_a end_n 120_o and_o whether_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o condiiion_n proper_o so_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 121_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n 126_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o paradise_n 130_o whether_o paradise_n and_o heaven_n above_o be_v all_o one_o 131_o whether_o god_n tempt_v man_n and_o whether_o he_o tempt_v unto_o evil_n or_o sin_n 143_o do_v not_o many_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n 144_o whether_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n or_o efficiency_n in_o and_o about_o sin_n 146_o why_o do_v god_n often_o afflict_v his_o own_o child_n with_o so_o sharp_a tribulation_n and_o whether_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v vindicate_v in_o that_o particular_a 149_o whether_o great_a corruption_n nullify_v a_o church_n 173_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o full_a reformation_n can_v be_v attain_v 171_o 172_o how_o be_v god_n justice_n vindicate_v if_o he_o smite_v godly_a and_o ungodly_a together_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a among_o they_o 179_o whether_o christ_n receive_v now_o by_o faith_n to_o justification_n and_o absolution_n be_v the_o hide_a manna_n and_o white_a stone_n promise_v rev._n 2.17_o to_o
hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a christian_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o reprove_v the_o false_a teacher_n and_o evil_a worker_n the_o great_a hinderer_n at_o present_a of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n not_o consider_v that_o their_o lust_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o if_o christ_n witness_n speak_v against_o they_o in_o faithfulness_n they_o be_v present_o brand_v as_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o faction_n and_o often_o suffer_v for_o it_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v their_o portion_n herein_o of_o travel_n and_o patience_n for_o their_o integrity_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n against_o these_o teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n in_o that_o primitive_a age_n so_o near_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o under_o the_o fall_n away_o and_o antichrist_n dominion_n christ_n faithful_a witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v 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 it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
the_o conquer_a saint_n 181_o 182_o in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o to_o remove_v false_a teacher_n 196_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o presbytery_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n together_o 198_o how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o innocent_a infant_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o have_v never_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a 204_o how_o come_v infant_n die_v infant_n to_o be_v save_v that_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o whether_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o salvation_n 205_o etc._n etc._n whether_o we_o may_v merit_v by_o our_o work_n 208_o &_o 237._o how_o be_v the_o saint_n copartner_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o imperial_a reign_n and_o kingdom_n 212_o be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o saint_n to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o sin_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 223_o whether_o true_a saint_n may_v final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n 223_o 241._o whether_o perfection_n may_v be_v have_v in_o this_o life_n 225_o whether_o christ_n create_v war_n and_o send_v the_o sword_n into_o the_o world_n 233_o whether_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o their_o iniquity_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 241_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o any_o name_n or_o person_n out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n 242_o whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n 250_o 251_o whether_o magistrate_n may_v not_o suppress_v error_n be_v well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n 851_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o make_v law_n for_o he_o to_o rule_v next_o and_o immediate_o under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n 252_o when_o shall_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v glorious_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n 261_o whether_o saint_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o yet_o suffer_v in_o it_o 262_o whether_o the_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v here_o on_o earth_n or_o in_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n 276_o 313_o whether_o the_o imperial_a reign_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o general_a resurrection_n or_o before_o 277_o whether_o christian_n may_v not_o be_v overhot_a and_o zealous_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o whether_o a_o moderate_a temper_n will_v not_o be_v more_o advantageous_a therein_o then_o a_o over-furious_a one_o 285_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o buy_v of_o christ_n his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o contract_n or_o not_o 295_o how_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o love_v those_o who_o he_o bitter_o chastise_v 302_o whether_o do_v christ_n always_o use_v a_o spiritual_a force_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o his_o back_o slidden_a people_n 304_o whether_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o father_n be_v all_o one_o 310_o whether_o the_o saint_n as_o saint_n may_v just_o expect_v by_o virtue_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n under_o christ_n on_o earth_n at_o this_o present_a time_n 335_o whether_o the_o saint_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n may_v oppose_v the_o supreme_a magistracy_n they_o live_v under_o 335_o 337_o whether_o heathenish_a or_o antichristian_a magistrate_n may_v be_v oppose_v 338_o 339_o whether_o the_o saint_n imperial_a reign_n be_v far_o off_o or_o near_o at_o hâ—nd_n 341_o 342_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o saint_n to_o put_v to_o a_o help_a hand_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n that_o uphold_a babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n thereof_o 346_o 347_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o praecognita_fw-la the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a chap._n i._n ver_fw-la i._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n this_o book_n have_v for_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o here_o in_o the_o entrance_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insert_v some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o preliminary_a discourse_n and_o question_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v discuss_v before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o body_n of_o this_o book_n quest_n 1._o whether_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n 2._o whether_o john_n who_o in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n be_v name_v john_n the_o divine_a the_o author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o compendious_a view_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n 1._o concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v say_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o unto_o it_o well_o know_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o move_v foundation_n stone_n or_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n receive_v reverent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o age_n to_o age_n as_o the_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o adversary_n of_o old_a take_v advantage_n by_o this_o artifice_n to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o cast_v prejudice_n on_o many_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o weaken_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o saint_n main_o cherish_v and_o support_v by_o the_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o first_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n hence_o rose_n in_o that_o it_o favour_v the_o pretend_a heresy_n of_o the_o chyliast_n or_o millenaries_n and_o their_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o father_n it_o rather_o on_o cerinthus_n the_o heretic_n than_o the_o apostle_n john_n thereby_o if_o possible_o they_o may_v not_o only_o enervate_v its_o testimony_n but_o quite_o shut_v it_o out_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v never_o do_v the_o chylia_v any_o service_n more_o upon_o this_o ground_n hyrome_n be_v the_o first_o that_o do_v most_o public_o call_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 400._o and_o that_o in_o pure_a opposition_n unto_o the_o millenaries_n the_o follower_n of_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n ireneus_fw-la lactantius_n and_o other_o of_o good_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o judgement_n second_o it_o become_v suspect_v as_o erasmus_n witness_v who_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o concern_v other_o divine_a book_n also_o be_v very_o unstable_a in_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a primitive_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o revelation_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o hierome_n himself_o also_o testify_v but_o on_o what_o slender_a ground_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o shall_v present_o consider_v and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o ancient_a greek_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o other_o of_o the_o same_o age_n and_o of_o the_o far_o able_a part_n judgement_n and_o integrity_n number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v the_o public_a stamp_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o it_o there_o be_v one_o caius_n or_o gaius_n as_o eusebius_n witness_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o history_n who_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v of_o one_o cerinthus_n a_o heretic_n who_o hold_v among_o many_o other_o error_n that_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a wherein_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v again_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n for_o the_o term_n of_o a_o complete_a millenary_a of_o year_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n take_v up_o this_o report_n from_o this_o caius_n a_o obscure_a person_n and_o as_o be_v think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o heretical_a alogi_fw-la who_o deny_v as_o epiphanius_n testify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o false_a report_n of_o this_o caius_n dionysius_n doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n but_o hierome_n take_v up_o the_o same_o slender_a ground_n from_o dionysius_n and_o do_v object_v it_o strong_o but_o i_o answer_v it_o seem_v hierome_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o slender_a testimony_n to_o the_o invalidating_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n because_o this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a fortress_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o chiliast_n yet_o however_o though_o hierome_n
and_o some_o other_o of_o suspect_a credit_n and_o of_o obscure_a note_n as_o dorotheus_n dionysius_n eusebius_n caius_n do_v oppugn_v it_o yet_o epiphanius_n be_v so_o passionate_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v they_o among_o heretic_n that_o do_v reject_v it_o and_o justin_n martyr_n and_o ireneus_fw-la of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o of_o singular_a piety_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v this_o book_n as_o canonical_a but_o write_v commentary_n on_o it_o 2._o whatsoever_o that_o caius_n be_v that_o father_n the_o apocalypse_v on_o cerinthus_n on_o who_o report_n all_o his_o follower_n be_v mislead_v yet_o the_o relation_n itself_o hold_v not_o any_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n for_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o write_v very_o large_o of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o his_o successor_n yet_o never_o mention_n that_o he_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o chiliasme_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o caius_n concern_v he_o and_o he_o apocalypse_v be_v apocryphal_a and_o a_o mere_a figment_n on_o purpose_n devise_v by_o the_o adversary_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o d._n homes_n lib._n 3._o chap._n 3._o sect_n 3._o further_o if_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v besprinkle_v it_o with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o error_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n deny_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o affirm_v his_o generation_n to_o be_v only_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o m._n baxter_n book_n of_o infidelity_n treat_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n carpocrates_n and_o their_o follower_n page_z 129._o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a strong_o confirm_v in_o many_o place_n thereof_o as_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n thereon_o will_v manifest_v and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o cerinthus_n hold_v and_o expect_v a_o riotous_a and_o luxuriant_a millenary_a which_o be_v now_o disprove_v yet_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n thereof_o but_o of_o a_o millenary_a of_o rest_n and_o joy_n in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n then_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v on_o earth_n heretofore_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o earthly_a sensual_a reign_n and_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n saint_n may_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o spiritualised_a and_o heavenly_a one_o which_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o suspect_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o apocalypse_v second_o hierome_n the_o great_a antagonist_n of_o this_o book_n write_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n speak_v very_o sharp_o against_o this_o book_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n thereof_o as_o not_o become_v the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v only_o a_o common_a history_n of_o thing_n shadow_v under_o dark_a figure_n and_o hard_a kind_n of_o speech_n i_o answer_v rather_o it_o become_v and_o savour_v the_o excellency_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o lesser_a asia_n carry_v in_o it_o all_o along_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o very_a step_n sentence_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n be_v full_a of_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o his_o continual_a intercession_n and_o providential_a act_n of_o gubernation_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o expression_n thereof_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o that_o be_v not_o strange_a in_o prophetical_a writing_n as_o in_o daniel_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o set_v we_o on_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o overslip_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o their_o appoint_a time_n of_o discovery_n that_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o three_o dionysius_n aforesaid_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n reason_n very_o slight_o against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o cast_v up_o so_o oft_o his_o own_o name_n since_o in_o his_o gospel_n he_o never_o name_v himself_o but_o only_o point_v it_o out_o by_o some_o modest_a mark_n as_o these_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n in_o his_o vision_n and_o conference_n with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o do_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o word_n i_o john_n this_o reason_n move_v dionysius_n to_o think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v rather_o set_v out_o by_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n then_o by_o himself_o i_o answer_v this_o opposition_n be_v but_o weak_a for_o he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n or_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v mix_v of_o both_o he_o need_v not_o often_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o depend_v on_o its_o present_a verity_n and_o other_o apparent_a circumstance_n witness_v unto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o miracle_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o writer_n of_o prophecy_n for_o that_o receive_v authority_n by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o in_o every_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v we_o must_v inquire_v first_o who_o reveal_v it_o and_o then_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o to_o have_v divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o who_o will_v give_v credence_n or_o faith_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n or_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o see_v they_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n how_o oft_o do_v he_o repeat_v these_o word_n isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n and_o in_o daniel_n prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o name_n more_o than_o threescore_o time_n repeat_v yea_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o daniel_n about_o nine_o time_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o paul_n when_o his_o apostleship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o some_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o ministry_n how_o often_o shall_v you_o read_v i_o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v strange_a when_o john_n mention_n not_o his_o name_n above_o five_o time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o with_o that_o modesty_n that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n have_v wipe_v off_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v cast_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n on_o these_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v some_o testimony_n for_o that_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o will_n receive_v this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n but_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o from_o without_o or_o second_o within_o the_o say_a book_n those_o from_o without_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n except_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o contest_v among_o some_o violent_a person_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o the_o canon_n the_o counsel_n of_o laodicea_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o council_n of_o toletan_n 5._o cap._n 16._o decree_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n second_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n cyril_n epiphanius_n lactantius_n ireneus_fw-la augustine_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o this_o book_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n in_o their_o writing_n i_o shall_v
to_o overturn_v all_o its_o opposite_n that_o assert_n that_o true_a real_a grace_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o pre-requisite_a as_o the_o condition_n unto_o baptism_n among_o many_o other_o argument_n of_o he_o against_o m._n blake'_v dogmatical_a faith_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o his_o four_o and_o five_o and_o eleven_o argument_n page_n 96._o of_o his_o apology_n and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o place_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o argument_n both_o from_o authority_n and_o scripture_n levy_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o comport_v with_o this_o truth_n his_o four_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n to_o justification_n but_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n therefore_o this_o abrenunciation_n have_v be_v practise_v always_o in_o baptism_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v his_o five_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v sincere_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v to_o justification_n but_o such_o be_v all_o as_o come_v to_o baptism_n therefore_o for_o the_o major_a it_o require_v no_o more_o proof_n but_o to_o explain_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n have_v enough_o prove_v that_o the_o phrase_n of_o believe_v in_o comprehend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o god_n which_o be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o sovereign_a ruler_n and_o chief_a good_a this_o none_o but_o a_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o do_v his_o eleven_o argument_n if_o baptism_n be_v solemnize_n of_o the_o mystical_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o baptise_a then_o true_a justify_v faith_n be_v of_o god_n require_v thereto_o but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a therefore_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o hold_v the_o antecedent_n to_o be_v true_a the_o consequence_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o no_o man_n but_o the_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o take_v christ_n as_o a_o husband_n and_o head_n for_o so_o to_o do_v be_v justify_v faith_n these_o three_o have_v i_o only_o choose_v of_o m._n baxter_n 26._o argument_n to_o set_v as_o a_o antithesis_fw-la unto_o m._n morice_n position_n and_o as_o a_o answer_n thereunto_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v it_o pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la a_o ill_a case_n be_v much_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o in_o this_o that_o i_o have_v set_v m._n baxter_n to_o answer_v m._n morice_n be_v but_o to_o set_v socrates_n to_o answer_v plato_n and_o i_o may_v add_v one_o word_n that_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n faith_n which_o be_v only_o dogmatical_a and_o formal_a though_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n gives_z right_a of_o admission_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v admission_n to_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n which_o so_o qualifi_v the_o person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o admit_v he_o as_o be_v one_o that_o seem_v sound_a in_o believe_v for_o judas_n be_v always_o reckon_v among_o the_o twelve_o before_o his_o traitorous_a betray_a act_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o simon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v also_o act_v 8.13_o now_o the_o church_n can_v but_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v deny_v admission_n either_o to_o simon_n or_o any_o other_o that_o desire_v it_o for_o charity_n think_v no_o evil_a and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a rule_n de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o entitul_a and_o have_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o a_o foedere_fw-la for_o that_o alone_o be_v save_a faith_n which_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n make_v the_o condition_n pre-requisite_a to_o such_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n which_o be_v before_o assert_v and_o prove_v and_o that_o that_o give_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la give_v a_o true_a title_n also_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o according_a to_o a_o charitative_a judgement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o will_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v admission_n be_v both_o true_a real_a and_o sanctify_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o desire_v it_o though_o oftentimes_o the_o sequel_n manifest_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v therein_o and_o hereby_o it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o church_n door_n be_v wide_a than_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v exceed_v the_o triumphant_a and_o be_v far_o enlarge_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o herein_o this_o shall_v suffice_v observe_v 5._o that_o false_a teacher_n be_v most_o arrogant_a and_o pretend_v high_a to_o gift_n and_o mission_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n find_v it_o so_o in_o their_o false_a teacher_n and_o corinth_n also_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o who_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n they_o will_v needs_o get_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o calling_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o on_o trial_n they_o be_v find_v liar_n they_o be_v of_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o precedency_n and_o be_v above_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o true_a apostle_n gaudent_fw-la preesse_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la prosunt_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la putant_fw-la preesse_fw-la &_o insolentius_fw-la &_o arrogantius_fw-la principes_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la locum_fw-la appertivisse_fw-la they_o be_v like_o those_o in_o jer._n 8.8_o who_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o as_o those_o in_o ezek._n 13.6_o who_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v yet_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vain_a vision_n and_o a_o lie_a divination_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o demand_v why_o shall_v those_o false_a teacher_n denominate_v themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n see_v the_o number_n be_v only_o limit_v to_o twelve_o i_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v denominate_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o century_n after_o christ_n the_o apostolical_a time_n though_o the_o twelve_o be_v dead_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n as_o church_n history_n manifest_v and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o the_o papist_n so_o far_o as_o the_o five_o century_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o hold_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n second_o i_o answer_v this_o apostolical_a office_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o peculiar_a faculty_n of_o the_o twelve_o as_o to_o debar_v all_o other_o from_o that_o denomination_n and_o though_o i_o grant_v they_o be_v christ_n apostle_n catexochen_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o other_o that_o be_v send_v for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a in_o christ_n embassy_n unto_o the_o world_n may_v appropriate_v that_o title_n unto_o themselves_o as_o paul_n very_o often_o in_o his_o epistle_n have_v just_o vindicate_v his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o may_v not_o barnabas_n with_o other_o that_o be_v send_v upon_o the_o same_o message_n with_o paul_n and_o the_o rest_n appropriate_v the_o same_o title_n and_o that_o just_o to_o themselves_o also_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o those_o be_v stand_v perpetual_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v to_o continue_v it_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n mystical_a the_o elect_a be_v gather_v and_o complete_a for_o so_o the_o word_n strong_o enforce_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o whereas_o they_o object_v that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v that_o some_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v
only_o indeed_o be_v temporary_a and_o necessary_a alone_o for_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v defunct_a because_o some_o of_o their_o first_o primitive_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v cease_v also_o but_o second_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o what_o be_v necessary_o essential_a to_o denominate_v a_o apostle_n do_v not_o consist_v sole_o in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n or_o of_o power_n of_o miracle_n for_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v partaker_n in_o those_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o equal_o with_o themselves_o and_o yet_o no_o apostle_n and_o paul_n that_o want_v much_o of_o the_o accommodation_n of_o witness_v unto_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n though_o supply_v by_o a_o miraculous_a sight_n from_o heaven_n none_o can_v deny_v but_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n and_o light_n unto_o the_o gentile_n last_o in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o assert_v the_o true_a essential_o of_o a_o apostle_n do_v consist_v in_o his_o call_n and_o commission_n to_o that_o work_n and_o function_n christ_n call_v the_o first_o twelve_o matth._n 10.1.5_o which_o be_v only_o denominate_v disciple_n and_o from_o their_o mission_n unto_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v then_o first_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n and_o so_o have_v take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o office_n as_o man_n send_v it_o soon_o become_v their_o proper_a appellation_n now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o right_a mission_n and_o commission_n that_o give_v a_o be_v and_o essential_o unto_o a_o apostle_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o first_o author_n that_o commissionated_a unto_o this_o office_n in_o that_o of_o matth._n 10._o his_o commission_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o of_o narrow_a jurisdiction_n but_o in_o matth._n 28.19_o it_o be_v much_o enlarge_v for_o in_o the_o first_o they_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o disciple_n all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n now_o as_o they_o be_v send_v on_o this_o great_a embassy_n for_o christ_n and_o by_o christ_n so_o they_o send_v other_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o same_o work_n mathias_n be_v the_o first_o we_o read_v of_o act_v 1._o that_o they_o choose_v into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n after_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_n 13.2_o 3._o be_v choose_v and_o separate_v unto_o this_o work_n and_o send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o may_v be_v true_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o again_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a province_n go_v about_o gather_v and_o constitute_v church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o those_o political_a church_n make_v up_o of_o officer_n and_o elder_n and_o member_n be_v the_o true_a delegate_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o they_o again_o from_o this_o delegated_a power_n commissionate_v other_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o disciple_v the_o gentile_n and_o unconvert_v nation_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o then_o practice_v unless_o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o all_o nation_n convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o day_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o history_n be_v afterward_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o become_v famous_a church_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n but_o of_o one_o generation_n and_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o that_o work_n be_v to_o make_v they_o eviternal_a though_o their_o doctrine_n continue_v yet_o their_o person_n be_v translate_v and_o go_v to_o their_o father_n and_o this_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o work_v of_o conversion_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n till_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v call_v in_o and_o we_o all_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v do_v by_o apostolical_a man_n and_o officer_n for_o i_o will_v have_v the_o ingenious_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n pastor_n teacher_n help_n and_o government_n be_v but_o relative_a function_n and_o have_v their_o be_v only_o dependent_a and_o limit_v to_o their_o relation_n and_o church_n they_o be_v neither_o elder_n pastor_n nor_o governent_n without_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o officer_n universal_o commissionated_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconverted_a gentile_n and_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v apostle_n of_o christ_n authorize_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o service_n joseph_n of_o arimethea_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v be_v our_o english_a apostle_n which_o be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o our_o nation_n conversion_n dionysius_n areopagita_n be_v the_o apostle_n unto_o france_n james_n unto_o spain_n anthony_n unto_o italy_n thomas_n unto_o italy_n and_o so_o other_o unto_o other_o nation_n and_o when_o christianity_n be_v almost_o lose_v and_o obliterated_a here_o in_o england_n by_o the_o incursion_n of_o barbarous_a nation_n gregory_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o yet_o antichistianize_v some_o century_n of_o year_n after_o send_v here_o austin_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o their_o almost_o lose_a faith_n and_o christian_n profession_n so_o likewise_o when_o our_o church_n send_v man_n to_o convert_v the_o gentile_a nation_n of_o america_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o private_a disciple_n they_o can_v go_v for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v as_o officer_n to_o wit_n as_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n or_o governent_n they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v relation_n only_o to_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o they_o must_v go_v as_o apostle_n which_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a work_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o the_o apostolical_a office_n must_v continue_v as_o necessary_a to_o do_v the_o full_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n why_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o necssity_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o add_v because_o of_o unbelief_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n second_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a what_o great_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v that_o such_o gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n though_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o ordinary_a as_o in_o the_o first_o church_n i_o have_v read_v of_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o cyprian_a about_o the_o second_o century_n who_o provoke_v their_o adversary_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n by_o miracle_n by_o bring_v person_n possess_v with_o devil_n into_o their_o assembly_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v effect_v and_o make_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v m._n baxter_n give_v we_o a_o far_a account_n out_o of_o athanasiâ—_n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o miracle_n in_o their_o day_n and_o attest_v to_o by_o so_o many_o and_o honest_a witness_n that_o they_o be_v credible_a to_o reason_n page_n 63._o upon_o that_o question_n in_o his_o book_n of_o infidelity_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n page_z 15._o speak_v of_o cast_v out_o devil_n of_o which_o sort_n say_v he_o some_o think_v that_o real_o they_o do_v so_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o we_o may_v do_v now_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n sometime_o to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o the_o prayer_n and_o appeal_n of_o god_n people_n have_v strange_o and_o miraculous_o perfect_v and_o produce_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n of_o late_a and_o within_o our_o memory_n in_o divers_a example_n which_o be_v now_o too_o long_o to_o rehearse_v some_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o miraculous_o recover_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n other_o dispossess_v of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v palpable_o vex_v and_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o only_a by_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n of_o somg_v odd_o person_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v one_o instance_n i_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o a_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o public_a
sermon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o exeter_n to_o wit_n m._n lewis_n steukley_n a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a who_o occasional_o in_o that_o discourse_n speak_v of_o a_o great_a man_n steward_n in_o scotland_n real_o possess_v with_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v torment_v so_o sore_a many_o day_n that_o his_o tongue_n be_v swell_v without_o his_o mouth_n to_o that_o magnitude_n and_o extensiveness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o bring_v it_o in_o or_o contain_v it_o within_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o thereby_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o all_o use_n of_o speech_n yet_o however_o in_o that_o horrid_a posture_n and_o speechless_a there_o be_v a_o clear_a distinct_a voice_n hear_v within_o he_o say_v unto_o that_o minister_n that_o minister_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v the_o possess_a party_n be_v his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o may_v save_v his_o pain_n for_o that_o the_o person_n possess_v be_v his_o own_o to_o who_o the_o minister_n answer_v i_o can_v believe_v thou_o satan_n for_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n then_o the_o spirit_n or_o voice_n within_o will_v answer_v again_o be_v go_v for_o he_o be_v i_o to_o who_o the_o minister_n reply_v if_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o thou_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o i_o will_v try_v with_o my_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o prove_v thou_o a_o liar_n satan_n whereupon_o he_o depart_v and_o leave_v the_o party_n miserable_o extort_a and_o torment_v and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n return_v to_o his_o house_n it_o be_v in_o his_o thought_n to_o pitch_v upon_o some_o certain_a faithful_a christian_n to_o join_v with_o he_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o this_o duty_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o possess_a party_n and_o to_o send_v for_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o return_v but_o observe_v the_o providence_n when_o as_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o house_n he_o find_v all_o these_o person_n there_o come_v on_o other_o account_n to_o speak_v with_o he_o which_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n have_v in_o the_o way_n pitch_v on_o when_o he_o see_v that_o he_o admire_v and_o bless_a god_n for_o the_o providence_n and_o present_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o intend_v forthwith_o to_o send_v for_o they_o all_o in_o particular_a to_o assist_v he_o in_o duty_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o releasement_n of_o such_o a_o person_n possess_v by_o satan_n and_o will_v try_v their_o interest_n with_o god_n for_o he_o and_o on_o his_o behalf_n they_o glad_o hear_v it_o and_o entertain_v the_o motion_n and_o so_o continue_v that_o evening_n some_o hour_n together_o very_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n and_o after_o the_o duty_n perform_v they_o all_o depart_v to_o their_o several_a rest_n the_o next_o morning_n very_o early_o the_o party_n possess_v come_v to_o the_o minister_n well_o compose_v and_o sensible_a and_o his_o tongue_n restore_v to_o his_o wont_a bigness_n and_o station_n speak_v to_o the_o minister_n plain_o and_o distinct_o that_o he_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o he_o for_o he_o affirm_v by_o his_o prayer_n he_o be_v heal_v and_o deliver_v from_o the_o evil_a one_o that_o vex_v he_o the_o minister_n demandse_v he_o by_o what_o time_n he_o have_v releasement_n he_o answer_v by_o such_o a_o time_n in_o the_o precedent_a evening_n by_o which_o the_o minister_n find_v it_o swas_fw-mi about_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o he_o and_o so_o both_o minister_n and_o party_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o story_n and_o he_o avouch_v he_o have_v it_o from_o a_o godly_a minister_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n who_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o minister_n own_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o actor_n of_o it_o and_o come_v from_o so_o serious_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o public_a exercise_n it_o deserve_v as_o much_o of_o a_o historical_a faith_n as_o any_o story_n of_o like_a kind_n whatsoever_o and_o why_o the_o church_n shall_v now_o want_v miracle_n i_o know_v not_o see_v the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v that_o abundance_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o because_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v of_o late_o so_o cheat_v the_o world_n with_o so_o many_o legend_n of_o they_o that_o we_o will_v now_o give_v credit_n to_o none_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a one_o coin_a and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o little_a faith_n we_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o but_o to_o return_v that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v singular_a in_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o press_v not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o necessary_a faith_n but_o dogmatical_o only_a i_o shall_v recite_v some_o of_o good_a authority_n to_o defend_v i_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o singularity_n herein_o but_o for_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v only_o conversant_a about_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v have_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n recognize_v hisce_fw-la veniam_fw-la petimusque_fw-la damusque_fw-la vicissm_n and_o first_o d._n hammond_n resolve_v 6._o page_n 351._o assert_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n bishop_n be_v usual_o call_v apostle_n and_o manifest_v that_o the_o notion_n apostles_n be_v not_o always_o take_v proper_o or_o strict_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o m._n parker_n of_o the_o cross_n part_v 2._o 126._o affirm_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n extend_v the_o apostolical_a time_n beyond_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o therefore_o some_o author_n and_o person_n of_o antiquity_n be_v say_v to_o live_v temporibus_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o live_v about_o 300._o year_n after_o christ_n and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n admit_v of_o these_o first_o five_o century_n of_o year_n after_o christ_n to_o be_v apostolical_a pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a for_o the_o main_a and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v what_o disadvantage_n or_o inconvenience_n can_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o dogmatical_a point_n and_o tenet_n but_o rather_o much_o many_o way_n by_o want_n thereof_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o general_a or_o universal_a officer_n do_v the_o church_n now_o enjoy_v that_o can_v right_o preach_v abroad_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n for_o all_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n be_v mere_o relative_n and_o can_v move_v or_o act_v authoritative_o beyond_o their_o own_o proper_a sphere_n and_o relation_n to_o wit_n their_o flock_n and_o church_n unless_o they_o will_v hereby_o inevitable_o grant_v a_o liberty_n of_o pprophecy_n to_o all_o gift_a person_n and_o so_o rank_a themselves_o among_o those_o that_o do_v it_o only_o virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la non_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la unto_o the_o unconverted_a world_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_o do_v virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la be_v to_o slight_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tacit_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n in_o it_o to_o confer_v such_o a_o office_n whereby_o christ_n may_v be_v public_o teach_v unto_o the_o gentile_a or_o heathenish_a world_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o world_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n rom._n 10._o and_o matth._n 28.19_o for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v and_o to_o prophesy_v interpret_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la be_v only_o a_o relative_a duty_n and_o permit_v and_o exercise_v within_o the_o church_n assembly_n only_o that_o i_o can_v collect_v either_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v send_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o ethnic_a world_n be_v send_v ordinary_o from_o the_o church_n some_o extraordinary_a case_n only_o except_v which_o never_o amount_v unto_o a_o rule_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o apostle_n as_o be_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o want_v of_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v enforce_v to_o maintain_v heterodoxical_a opinion_n concern_v the_o authority_n the_o power_n of_o preach_v mission_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o effect_n conclude_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o universal_a bishop_n or_o at_o least_o as_o absurd_o universal_a elder_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n be_v mere_o relative_n that_o must_v have_v power_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n from_o the_o discourse_v premise_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o argument_n if_o the_o word_n can_v lawful_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n either_o by_o private_a christian_n or_o
deny_v the_o instrumentality_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v sure_a that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o zion_n such_o will_v erect_v a_o babel_n and_o be_v ignorant_a where_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v they_o will_v like_o idle_a shepherd_n either_o starve_v the_o sheep_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o at_o least_o poison_v they_o with_o unwholesome_a herbage_n and_o these_o i_o account_v as_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n by_o and_o to_o find_v they_o liar_n object_n but_o a_o objection_n may_v here_o arise_v from_o he_o that_o have_v the_o first_o call_v of_o ability_n from_o god_n that_o if_o i_o count_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o denominate_v he_o orthodox_n in_o his_o call_n to_o have_v the_o additional_a call_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o then_o say_v he_o to_o what_o church_n shall_v i_o repair_v to_o receive_v this_o call_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v pretender_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o alone_o ordain_v authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o other_o this_o be_v indeed_o locus_fw-la lubricus_fw-la a_o slippery_a question_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o deal_v with_o it_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o contrary_n mind_v by_o ventilate_v my_o judgement_n herein_o but_o i_o profess_v ingenious_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o party_n self_n interest_n nor_o by-affection_n that_o do_v lead_v i_o first_o to_o this_o undertake_n but_o only_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n move_v my_o heart_n with_o much_o singleness_n of_o spirit_n be_v clear_o unbiased_a and_o not_o so_o overmuch_o engage_v to_o any_o of_o the_o new_a party_n of_o these_o time_n but_o that_o i_o can_v reserve_v my_o judgement_n free_a to_o close_v with_o truth_n wheresoever_o i_o can_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o to_o prosecute_v my_o first_o intendment_n in_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scantle_v of_o my_o judgement_n not_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o cloud_n but_o in_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n though_o for_o my_o reward_n i_o may_v have_v his_o hire_n that_o trace_v truth_n so_o near_o at_o the_o heel_n that_o have_v his_o tooth_n dash_v out_o for_o his_o pain_n but_o if_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n herein_o yet_o be_v repute_v a_o fool_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n and_o if_o i_o suffer_v loss_n herein_o yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v consolate_v magnis_fw-la tamen_fw-la excidit_fw-la ausis_fw-la first_o then_o to_o the_o business_n understand_v that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o avoid_v all_o criticise_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v abundant_o be_v make_v good_a both_o by_o good_a authority_n and_o scripture_n now_o this_o church_n be_v either_o more_o improper_o first_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n or_o second_o more_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o invisible_a church_n comprehend_v only_o the_o elect_a and_o see_v their_o number_n to_o we_o be_v unknown_a therefore_o they_o be_v denominate_v invisible_a but_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o visible_a universal_a catholic_a church_n or_o second_o for_o a_o visible_a particular_a political_a church_n now_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o this_o last_o notion_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o invisible_a church_n as_o invisible_a have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o visible_a and_o outward_a ordinance_n neither_o second_o the_o visible_a universal_a church_n can_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o their_o representative_n convene_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o officer_n for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o conveniency_n or_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reasonableness_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o various_a and_o far_o distant_a corner_n and_o land_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o represent_v officer_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o catholic_a assembly_n for_o the_o dispose_n and_o confer_v of_o all_o mediate_a call_v and_o office_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o wise_a order_n and_o gubernation_n in_o and_o over_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n that_o every_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a body_n i_o mean_v every_o particular_a christian_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o every_o particular_a be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n a_o full_a power_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o her_o officer_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o office_n since_o the_o first_o apostle_n that_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a gift_v as_o to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_a authority_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o they_o may_v be_v account_v to_o have_v jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la fit_a to_o be_v officer_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o yet_o actual_a they_o have_v not_o before_o their_o particular_a call_v do_v invest_v they_o into_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n do_v to_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o catholic_a universal_a faith_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o church_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o result_v and_o conclusion_n of_o combine_a church_n provincial_a or_o national_a may_v be_v only_o admit_v as_o prudential_o bind_v and_o oblige_v as_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o canon_n but_o not_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o though_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a truth_n itself_o so_o that_o such_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v not_o sole_o virtute_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la convocation_n be_v sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la veritatis_fw-la propositae_fw-la which_o if_o the_o same_o conclusion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o particular_a christian_n political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n therein_o but_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o command_v and_o institute_n they_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o prudential_a ecclesiastic_a edict_n and_o ecclesiastic_a divine_a institution_n the_o one_o be_v humane_a and_o bind_v only_o prudential_o the_o other_o be_v divine_a and_o oblige_v conscientious_o these_o consideration_n be_v clear_v i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n to_o what_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v a_o candidate_n apply_v himself_o for_o a_o mediate_a authoritative_a call_n and_o mission_n to_o receive_v it_o right_o and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o answer_v and_o take_v leave_v here_o first_o to_o distinguish_v and_o take_v notice_n between_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o call_n there_o may_v be_v particular_a church_n which_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o to_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o true_a one_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n yet_o mix_v with_o much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n and_o as_o a_o leprous_a person_n be_v a_o man_n yet_o a_o sorry_a one_o so_o a_o church_n hold_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n thereof_o yet_o entertain_v much_o corruption_n and_o error_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o christian_n church_n but_o a_o sad_a one_o so_o the_o ministerial_a call_n do_v answer_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o offspring_n constitution_n do_v follow_v the_o parent_n temperature_n strong_a issue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v of_o sickly_a parent_n fort_n creantur_fw-la fortibus_fw-la &_o as_o seneca_n so_o in_o politic_a body_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v and_o healthy_a in_o the_o faith_n their_o off_o spring_n be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a also_o then_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n will_v be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o virtual_a if_o ootherwise_o be_v with_o they_o they_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o vigour_n life_n and_o virtue_n and_o
evident_a that_o he_o appoint_v pastor_n and_o elder_n and_o other_o officer_n over_o those_o church_n by_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o paul_n and_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v in_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o this_o be_v somewhat_o clear_a in_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n those_o several_a preadmonishment_n which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v and_o to_o deliver_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o child_n beget_v of_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 84._o wherein_o fall_v the_o second_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n john_n be_v force_v and_o banish_v from_o his_o church_n at_o ephesus_n to_o pathmos_n a_o mediterranean_a island_n and_o one_o of_o those_o call_v cyclades_n wherein_o he_o himself_o testify_v cap._n 1._o 9_o that_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o banishment_n last_o i_o conceive_v the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a to_o be_v a_o superadded_a title_n and_o not_o john_n own_a and_o yet_o of_o great_a antiquity_n give_v it_o by_o some_o primitive_a well-meaning_a christian_n my_o reason_n for_o this_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o john_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o writing_n the_o revelation_n it_o be_v write_v some_o year_n before_o his_o gospel_n but_o his_o gospel_n be_v write_v after_o his_o return_n from_o banishment_n as_o eusebius_n prideaux_n history_n pag_n 27._o and_o other_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n testify_v and_o for_o write_v so_o divine_o of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n in_o his_o gospel_n as_o be_v declare_v he_o just_o acquire_v the_o title_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o not_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v write_v before_o it_o 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general_a that_o i_o may_v not_o preoccupy_v my_o subsequent_a discourse_n this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n wherein_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o notable_a event_n and_o alteration_n as_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o her_o enemy_n from_o her_o first_o rise_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o set_v out_o and_o describe_v in_o hyerogliphique_a and_o prophetical_a vision_n which_o christ_n have_v signify_v unto_o his_o servant_n john_n and_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o two_o general_a part_n 1._o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n minor_a which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n 2._o a_o general_a discourse_n of_o all_o the_o alteration_n which_o general_o do_v concern_v or_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o john_n time_n to_o the_o latter_a day_n which_o be_v comprise_v from_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n 1._o in_o the_o epistle_n there_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n as_o in_o the_o preface_n thereof_o first_o the_o immediate_a author_n from_o who_o this_o admonition_n come_v and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n cap_n 1._o 1._o and_o 11._o second_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o deliver_v and_o that_o be_v john_n vers_fw-la 9_o three_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o be_v particular_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n to_o sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n cap._n 1._o v._n 11._o and_o cap._n 2._o &_o 3._o throughout_o four_o in_o this_o monitory_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o fault_n and_o error_n they_o be_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v of_o five_o the_o threat_n lay_v out_o against_o they_o for_o non-amendment_n six_o and_o last_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o well-doing_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n with_o a_o exhortation_n unto_o perseverance_n therein_o â—_o in_o the_o second_o general_a part_n or_o discourse_n concern_v the_o great_a alteration_n that_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o adversary_n these_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n 1._o a_o historical_a relation_n under_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o seal_a book_n or_o seal_v prophecy_n in_o the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o and_o 8_o chapter_n which_o principal_o concern_v the_o various_a success_n combustion_n confusion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o heathenish_a roman_a empire_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o high_a confusion_n yet_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o providential_a preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o it_o hot_a persecution_n and_o though_o mighty_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n yet_o preserve_v fence_a and_o seal_v by_o god_n 2._o in_o part_n of_o the_o eight_o and_o in_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n under_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n there_o be_v a_o alarm_n sound_v forth_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o then_o degenerate_v roman_a christian_n empire_n by_o a_o sevenfold_a order_n of_o plague_n the_o four_o first_o be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o the_o three_o last_o be_v entitle_v the_o three_o wo-trumpet_n 3._o you_o may_v observe_v as_o it_o be_v a_o digression_n in_o the_o pprophecy_n after_o the_o plague_n of_o the_o sixth_o be_v the_o second_o wo-trumpet_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n and_o the_o description_n of_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o wo-trumpet_n set_v off_o to_o another_o place_n where_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n find_v it_o more_o convenient_o to_o refer_v it_o and_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o little_a book_n which_o be_v as_o a_o preface_n and_o entrance_n unto_o the_o pprophecy_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o event_n and_o destiny_n that_o shall_v befall_v to_o christ_n church_n until_o the_o end_n 4._o in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n you_o may_v observe_v how_o therein_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a visible_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o state_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n unto_o the_o late_a day_n and_o you_o may_v far_o observe_v that_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o open_a book_n which_o principal_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o eleven_o chapter_n do_v most_o necessary_o concur_v and_o connex_v with_o all_o other_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o revelation_n concern_v the_o secular_a power_n under_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n for_o both_o do_v concur_v together_o though_o under_o several_a character_n and_o vision_n 5._o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o retrogranation_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a ample_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o persecute_a and_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n concur_v with_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o six_o seal_n under_o the_o idolatrous_a heathenish_a roman_a empire_n until_o she_o have_v bring_v forth_o her_o man-child_n and_o the_o dragon_n cast_v down_o and_o destroy_v yet_o she_o be_v not_o so_o free_v from_o her_o afflict_a state_n but_o she_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o the_o dragon_n send_v his_o flood_n after_o she_o of_o persecution_n beside_o error_n and_o heresy_n to_o overwhelm_v she_o if_o he_o can_v 6._o you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n the_o dragon_n be_v dethrone_v how_o he_o substitute_n in_o his_o room_n the_o ten_o horn_a beast_n the_o secular_a roman_a empire_n divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n which_o persecute_v the_o woman_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o of_o the_o former_a heathenish_a empire_n against_o she_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v
in_o the_o resurrection_n so_o have_v power_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o state_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n or_o second_o take_v death_n and_o hell_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o he_o have_v power_n over_o that_o too_o he_o hold_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 20.1_o as_o he_o have_v obtain_v power_n since_o his_o exaltation_n to_o give_v crown_n and_o throne_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o shall_v persevere_v and_o overcome_v so_o also_o to_o chastise_v his_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a adversary_n with_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o key_n in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v power_n dominion_n and_o rule_n he_o that_o keep_v and_o command_v the_o key_n of_o a_o city_n have_v the_o power_n and_o rule_n over_o it_o the_o key_n be_v ancient_o carry_v before_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o be_v in_o some_o place_n at_o this_o present_a time_n as_o symbol_n and_o badge_n of_o authority_n on_o peter_n honourable_a confession_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o christ_n which_o intimate_v the_o power_n of_o shut_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n deposit_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n that_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o in_o chap._n 20._o v._n 1._o christ_n be_v there_o represent_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n all_o this_o connote_v observe_v that_o christ_n have_v the_o full_a power_n over_o all_o power_n and_o principality_n of_o darkness_n over_o the_o devil_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n itself_o which_o before_o he_o have_v attain_v and_o purchase_v by_o his_o death_n 1_o cor._n 15.55_o etc._n etc._n they_o can_v move_v nor_o stir_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n but_o as_o he_o permit_v they_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a conceit_n yea_o and_o savour_v of_o little_a faith_n in_o those_o that_o think_v that_o the_o godly_a or_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o devil_n or_o witch_n to_o be_v hurt_v by_o they_o or_o torment_v at_o their_o pleasure_n christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o wicked_a angel_n be_v so_o sure_o lock_v in_o their_o prison_n and_o reserve_v in_o chain_n up_o by_o his_o providence_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o touch_v any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o god_n no_o not_o to_o hurt_v a_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n or_o the_o least_o lamb_n in_o their_o fold_n without_o christ_n special_a commission_n for_o it_o and_o then_o too_o they_o be_v like_o a_o dog_n in_o a_o chain_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o direction_n to_o go_v thus_o far_o and_o no_o far_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o touch_v job_n who_o be_v hedge_v about_o by_o god_n before_o he_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o therefore_o o_o how_o reasonless_a and_o weak_a it_o be_v to_o affirm_v or_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n power_n to_o touch_v or_o hurt_v at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o who_o christ_n have_v say_v down_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o be_v as_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n god_n shall_v give_v any_o of_o he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v touch_v by_o he_o either_o in_o person_n or_o good_n let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v either_o to_o withdraw_v and_o wean_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n for_o it_o or_o else_o to_o winnow_v and_o try_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v bless_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n which_o seldom_o god_n exercise_v his_o child_n under_o for_o few_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v such_o temptation_n and_o god_n will_v lay_v no_o more_o on_o he_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o most_o high_a and_o eminent_a in_o grace_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o meet_v with_o such_o strong_a trial_n and_o not_o sink_v under_o they_o as_o job_n and_o paul_n who_o satan_n buffet_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o smite_v any_o of_o his_o child_n let_v they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o the_o principal_a mover_n and_o author_n of_o it_o and_o though_o satan_n be_v the_o instrument_n yet_o to_o say_v with_o wise_a and_o godly_a job_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o the_o lord_n take_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n observe_v 2._o another_o observation_n hence_o be_v that_o christ_n obstinate_a enemy_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n may_v expect_v and_o look_v for_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o here_o christ_n say_v unto_o john_n fear_v thou_o not_o john_n that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o execution_n of_o those_o dreadful_a prediction_n and_o judiciary_n vision_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o make_v know_v unto_o thou_o concern_v those_o high_a implacable_a and_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o i_o they_o may_v think_v i_o have_v not_o power_n to_o execute_v those_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n that_o satan_n be_v at_o my_o command_n and_o beck_n to_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o my_o wrath_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o i_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o hell_n death_n and_o destruction_n and_o to_o shut_v they_o up_o together_o with_o satan_n in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o rev._n 19.20_o and_o 20.10_o hence_o two_o uses_n arise_v very_o natural_o first_o that_o the_o godly_a need_v not_o fear_v hell_n nor_o death_n either_o that_o of_o the_o grave_n or_o that_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o christ_n their_o head_n be_v the_o key-keeper_n of_o both_o and_o have_v power_n thereof_o next_o let_v the_o impenitent_a wicked_a and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n therefore_o repent_v in_o time_n and_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a before_o the_o day_n come_v wherein_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v verse_n 19_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v after_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v in_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v this_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n after_o christ_n have_v fit_v and_o confirm_v john_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o by_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o he_o and_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o that_o be_v alive_a but_o be_v dead_a and_o have_v the_o power_n over_o hell_n and_o death_n most_o able_a and_o mighty_a therefore_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o execute_v all_o the_o dreadful_a prediction_n and_o vision_n which_o christ_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v thus_o qualify_v and_o confirm_v he_o receive_v his_o commission_n to_o write_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o be_v to_o record_v these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v and_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o by_z and_o in_o the_o precedent_a vision_n which_o relate_v unto_o thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o in_o be_v to_o wit_n god_n discovery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o judgement_n towards_o the_o famous_a seven_o asian_a church_n some_o whereof_o have_v much_o back-slidden_a from_o their_o native_a purity_n which_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n do_v treat_v of_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v then_o present_a and_o in_o be_v next_o john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v after_o that_o be_v he_o be_v to_o 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thereon_o and_o in_o rev._n 4._o the_o two_o gospel_n witness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o two_o candlestick_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n with_o their_o two_o olive_n branch_n by_o their_o side_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o administration_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v always_o pour_v out_o their_o oil_n for_o light_n into_o the_o ministerial_a lamp_n of_o these_o golden_a candlestick_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o much_o light_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o anoint_a one_o that_o stand_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n zach._n 4.2.12_o and_o 14_o verse_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v 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 the_o general_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v finish_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o be_v christ_n under_o divers_a denomination_n and_o similitude_n some_o appropriable_a only_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n some_o to_o the_o humane_a clear_o notify_v that_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o christ_n god-man_n who_o give_v these_o divine_a revelation_n unto_o john_n some_o immediate_o by_o himself_o some_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v give_v and_o signify_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o angel_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n what_o be_v do_v by_o another_o at_o one_o order_n and_o command_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vision_n he_o give_v they_o out_o to_o john_n and_z john_n he_o be_v the_o recipient_a instrument_n and_o the_o subordinate_a author_n and_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o and_o make_v they_o know_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n john_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o write_v those_o premonition_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o their_o order_n shall_v be_v handle_v but_o in_o the_o way_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o enquiry_n quest_n why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o as_o their_o defection_n be_v divers_a and_o various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v various_a and_o divers_a reprehension_n so_o likewise_o their_o grace_n and_o endowment_n be_v various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a encouragement_n therein_o the_o more_o obdurate_a and_o high-handed_n sinner_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sharp_a and_o high_a reproof_n and_o censure_n but_o the_o more_o flexible_a and_o tender-hearted_a aught_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o the_o more_o tender_a hand_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n second_o the_o several_a charge_n be_v draw_v against_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o send_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_a angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o extrinsical_a power_n or_o authority_n over_o themselves_o christ_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a admonitor_n and_o reprehender_n of_o they_o all_o each_o of_o they_o be_v sole_o and_o single_o under_o his_o reprehensive_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v only_o receive_v command_n and_o reproof_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n for_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v not_o receive_v command_n or_o reproof_n to_o impose_v they_o juridical_o on_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n on_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n or_o on_o any_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o either_o single_o by_o itself_o or_o joint_o with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o one_o two_o or_o more_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v superintendent_o or_o to_o have_v a_o prelatical_a authority_n over_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v no_o cathedral_n then_o at_o ephesus_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o six_o the_o name_n of_o archiepiscopacy_n and_o hierarchycal_a supremacy_n be_v then_o unknown_a in_o the_o little_a well-ordered_a christian_a world_n or_o rather_o common-weal_n bishop_n than_o do_v look_v no_o far_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o authority_n then_o over_o their_o own_o flock_n neither_o then_o be_v it_o know_v that_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o few_o church_n or_o rather_o officer_n of_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o classical_a elder_n provincial_a elder_n or_o national_a elder_n shall_v have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o vicinity_n ephesus_n then_o as_o unto_o outward_a authority_n be_v independent_a smyrna_n then_o be_v independent_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n can_v then_o and_o also_o now_o can_v act_v consultative_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n by_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n either_o joint_n or_o single_o but_o not_o juridical_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o and_o another_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o peer_n respect_v their_o authority_n yet_o in_o their_o grace_n and_o perfection_n among_o themselves_o differ_v from_o one_o and_o another_o in_o glory_n christ_n keep_v the_o sole_a legislative_a power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o what_o he_o communicate_v thereof_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o their_o sister-churche_n faith_n but_o that_o they_o may_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n exercise_v their_o wholesome_a admonition_n and_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o church_n juridical_o to_o censure_v another_o sister-church_n though_o corrupt_a for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n give_v they_o christ_n keep_v that_o prerogative_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o reprove_v and_o censure_v the_o whole_a seven_a asian_a church_n himself_o but_o suffer_v not_o one_o or_o more_o to_o do_v it_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n have_v grant_v such_o authority_n unto_o one_o church_n over_o other_o that_o that_o church_n which_o become_v most_o potent_a and_o most_o countenance_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n though_o most_o corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n will_v undertake_v to_o censure_v the_o sound_a and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n of_o all_o as_o the_o arrian_n do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o son_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o their_o successor_n censure_n chastise_v and_o vex_v even_o the_o sound_a and_o most_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a apostatise_v church_n of_o rome_n under_o this_o pretence_n of_o have_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n do_v even_o fulminate_v out_o her_o dire_a anathemas_n on_o all_o other_o church_n though_o the_o faithful_a and_o undefiled_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v wise_a therefore_o you_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n hold_v fast_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a lest_o you_o subjugate_v your_o neck_n and_o precious_a faith_n unto_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o spiritual_a harlot_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n christ_n give_v his_o particular_a censure_n and_o reproof_n to_o each_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o their_o peculiar_a fail_n and_o error_n that_o one_o more_o corrupt_a church_n may_v not_o undertake_v to_o censure_v that_o which_o be_v less_o corrupt_a but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o a_o sound_n and_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v carry_v itself_o towards_o a_o erroneous_a and_o backslidden_a corrupt_a church_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o that_o in_o love_n and_o charity_n first_o they_o be_v to_o advise_v they_o and_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n charitable_o not_o juridical_o as_o a_o church_n exercise_n towards_o her_o own_o member_n second_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a malady_n if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o their_o amendment_n they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v
they_o to_o their_o master_n who_o after_o he_o have_v proceed_v on_o his_o white_a horse_n with_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o not_o turn_v by_o repentance_n he_o can_v go_v forth_o on_o his_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n his_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o from_o among_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o desolate_a the_o first_o that_o i_o read_v of_o that_o extend_v the_o wing_n of_o his_o authority_n beyond_o his_o own_o just_a limit_n and_o boundary_n be_v victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n who_o hot_o contend_v with_o ireneus_fw-la and_o other_o of_o the_o african_a church_n to_o have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o they_o and_o to_o impose_v his_o dictate_v on_o they_o and_o that_o very_o pertinacious_o about_o a_o frivolous_a controversy_n the_o observation_n of_o easter_n herein_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v begin_v to_o work_v which_o in_o few_o after_o succeed_a age_n come_v to_o its_o full_a stature_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a history_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a do_v testify_v that_o this_o prelacy_n and_o affect_v of_o supremacy_n over_o other_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o one_o single_a church_n person_n or_o many_o combine_a one_o have_v not_o only_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v and_o have_v be_v always_o the_o very_a first_o bear_v of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n three_o another_o reason_n be_v that_o christ_n write_v particular_o to_o each_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o equal_a care_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o his_o church_n while_o they_o continue_v he_o though_o under_o foul_a prevarication_n and_o backslide_n christ_n have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v faithful_a to_o his_o name_n though_o otherwise_o in_o themselves_o very_o faulty_a and_o he_o be_v find_v to_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o providential_o care_v for_o they_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o word_n if_o so_o be_v he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n last_o these_o message_n be_v direct_v to_o each_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o christ_n especial_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o that_o they_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reform_v their_o enormity_n within_o and_o among_o themselves_o that_o the_o church_n error_n and_o infirmity_n may_v not_o be_v tell_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v abroad_o to_o their_o reproach_n among_o their_o enemy_n whilst_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o backslider_n christ_n come_v with_o a_o rod_n and_o stroke_n of_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a heart_a father_n to_o cure_v they_o not_o to_o shame_v and_o reproach_v they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n direct_v john_n to_o write_v his_o message_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o angel_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v intend_v the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n be_v as_o superintendent_n or_o archbishop_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n i_o answer_v first_o to_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v no_o colour_n at_o all_o for_o that_o opinion_n for_o the_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o former_a page_n specify_v and_o to_o add_v a_o word_n because_o christ_n command_v each_o angel_n to_o reform_v their_o abuse_n within_o themselves_o he_o send_v not_o the_o angel_n of_o one_o church_n to_o reform_v another_o that_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o it_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v not_o send_v to_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n unto_o ephesus_n nor_o unto_o the_o rest_n but_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n a_o prophet_n john_n a_o man_n of_o god_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o all_o to_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o deposit_v in_o all_o his_o gospel_n church_n and_o to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a for_o their_o deal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o backslide_n indeed_o any_o one_o that_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o call_v as_o john_n have_v may_v exercise_v that_o unlimited_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o know_v not_o any_o in_o these_o day_n or_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o do_v pretend_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o great_a and_o rampant_a roman_a man_n of_o sin_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a pretender_n to_o that_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o yet_o who_o more_o fallible_a than_o himself_o in_o his_o judicial_a sentence_n doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v what_o he_o pretend_v that_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n just_o may_v he_o assume_v authority_n in_o censure_v direct_a and_o govern_v all_o other_o church_n but_o before_o that_o do_v appear_v let_v himself_o and_o other_o that_o assume_v the_o like_a authority_n with_o himself_o hide_v their_o face_n in_o shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o ever_o second_o to_o the_o first_o question_n i_o answer_v that_o those_o i_o confess_v of_o the_o episcopal_a interest_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o superscription_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n do_v intend_v and_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o be_v supreme_a overseer_n director_n and_o mediator_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n within_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o this_o have_v be_v write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v say_v the_o episcopal_v to_o the_o archbishop_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a prelate_n and_o bishop_n over_o all_o other_o the_o prelate_n and_o bishop_n in_o england_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o london_n salisbury_n exeter_z etc._n etc._n that_o be_v say_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n salisbury_n or_o exeter_z etc._n etc._n who_o be_v the_o chief_a bishop_n pastor_n and_o overseer_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n within_o his_o own_o jurisdiction_n and_o diocese_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v according_a to_o the_o latin_a dialect_n bishop_n and_o pastor_n or_o according_a to_o our_o own_o proper_a idiom_n overseer_n and_o feeder_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v synonimas_fw-la and_o be_v but_o as_o several_a denomination_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o divers_a act_n therein_o for_o the_o faculty_n of_o over-seeing_a guidance_n and_o direction_n he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n for_o that_o of_o teach_v instruct_v and_o spiritual_o feed_v his_o flock_n in_o all_o kind_n he_o be_v call_v a_o pastor_n and_o very_o often_o too_o in_o scripture_n for_o his_o rootedness_n and_o soundness_n in_o faith_n life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v call_v a_o elder_a so_o that_o these_o be_v but_o several_a name_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n and_o often_o apply_v in_o scripture_n reciprocal_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n sometime_o he_o be_v call_v the_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n sometime_o the_o bishop_n sometime_o the_o pastor_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o such_o as_o guide_v well_o their_o flock_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n among_o the_o saint_n but_o lest_o herewith_o they_o shall_v be_v elevate_v above_o their_o proper_a station_n they_o ought_v to_o eye_n another_o title_n too_o which_o be_v give_v they_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v minister_n that_o be_v servants_z that_o attend_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n they_o receive_v christ_n message_n and_o commend_v they_o unto_o his_o church_n and_o come_v again_o with_o return_n of_o the_o church_n improvement_n in_o obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n unto_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v here_o entitle_v by_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n messenger_n ambassadors_z or_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o these_o humble_a title_n of_o servitor_n and_o messenger_n will_v suit_v and_o agree_v to_o the_o lording_n stomach_n of_o metropolitan_o and_o lord_n bishop_n or_o chief_a pastor_n over_o many_o
church_n it_o pass_v my_o skill_n to_o conjecture_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o good_a bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v take_v on_o he_o that_o self-denying_a title_n only_o of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la christi_fw-la a_o servant_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n but_o o_o now_o quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la second_o as_o some_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a interest_n will_v have_v this_o inscription_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v mean_v the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o combine_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v assert_v with_o far_o less_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v inscribe_v unto_o the_o angel_n not_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n neither_o be_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v more_o political_a church_n than_o one_o in_o ephesus_n to_o make_v up_o a_o combination_n of_o divers_a as_o the_o presbytery_n will_v have_v it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a for_o if_o there_o be_v more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o ephesus_n the_o inscription_n will_v run_v more_o rational_o thus_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o they_o will_v object_v as_o i_o have_v find_v that_o one_o of_o their_o learned_a champion_n i_o mean_v m._n rutherford_n former_o have_v do_v that_o angel_n here_o be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o as_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o the_o righteous_a i_o grant_v angel_n in_o that_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o for_o many_o angel_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v so_o in_o this_o place_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la yea_o rather_o a_o foul_a absurdity_n will_v be_v according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o father_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n for_o understand_v that_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v a_o collective_a and_o combine_a body_n of_o many_o elder_n of_o divers_a church_n which_o they_o will_v have_v here_o to_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n all_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a judgement_n do_v intend_v thereby_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o go_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v say_v they_o the_o presbytery_n hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v say_v they_o the_o presbytery_n now_o that_o this_o word_n angel_n will_v stand_v with_o such_o interpretation_n sound_v very_o harsh_o for_o observe_v what_o a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a sound_n and_o sense_n do_v these_o word_n give_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n according_a to_o their_o acceptation_n for_o so_o they_o call_v the_o presbytery_n the_o church_n i_o suppose_v few_o will_v find_v but_o very_o little_a reason_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n yet_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o one_o church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o minister_n so_o there_o may_v be_v in_o ephesus_n many_o teacher_n many_o elder_n many_o deacon_n for_o they_o be_v all_o minister_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o they_o may_v have_v one_o that_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o overseer_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n who_o care_n and_o office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rule_v and_o guide_v the_o flock_n but_o to_o feed_v they_o also_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o his_o ministerial_a service_n above_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o may_v right_o be_v call_v the_o angel_n catexochen_n or_o chief_a messenger_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o these_o admonition_n be_v direct_v and_o so_o i_o take_v the_o word_n angel_n in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v the_o chief_a minister_n to_o wit_n the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o the_o charge_n be_v inscribe_v and_o this_o be_v onesimus_n as_o eusebius_n justify_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 35._o out_o of_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n observe_v from_o this_o former_a discourse_n note_n that_o the_o pastor_n and_o chief_a minister_n of_o church_n be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n to_o receive_v and_o deliver_v christ_n message_n and_o intendment_n unto_o his_o church_n they_o can_v do_v it_o authoritative_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_n unto_o that_o end_n other_o of_o private_a capacity_n can_v do_v it_o only_o charitative_o virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gift_n by_o way_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n the_o charge_n here_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o it_o be_v the_o rather_o inscribe_v and_o direct_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n for_o sundry_a reason_n first_o that_o it_o may_v have_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v second_o that_o it_o may_v be_v set_v home_o on_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o vigour_n for_o admonition_n or_o reproof_n come_v from_o pastor_n or_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o nail_n drive_v by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n three_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o more_o faithfulness_n for_o they_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o christ_n flock_n four_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o more_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o they_o be_v the_o shepherd_n or_o pastor_n of_o christ_n flock_n to_o feed_v and_o heal_v they_o notto_n wound_n or_o destroy_v they_o five_o and_o last_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a experience_n for_o they_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o our_o spiritual_a malady_n and_o know_v their_o several_a cure_n and_o be_v the_o best_a physician_n next_z and_z subordinate_a to_o christ_n for_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o world_n o_o let_v we_o therefore_o give_v they_o due_a honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v most_o commendable_a and_o worthy_a of_o a_o sound_n christian_n to_o all_o christ_n true_a and_o faithful_a minister_n and_o ambassador_n of_o his_o word_n and_o gospel_n who_o christ_n have_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n bishop_n pastor_n elder_n and_o the_o like_a let_v we_o not_o dishonour_n vilify_v or_o upbraid_v with_o any_o brand_a or_o unworthy_a title_n whatsoever_o observe_v 2._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v hence_o note_n that_o every_o right_o constitute_v and_o well_o order_v church_n aught_o to_o have_v their_o angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n over_o they_o every_o golden_a candlestick_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o burn_a lamp_n within_o they_o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o come_v before_o they_o see_v more_o hereon_o on_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n yet_o in_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o the_o be_v and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n do_v remain_v whole_o in_o the_o officer_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o believer_n the_o essential_a matter_n thereof_o primary_o and_o chief_o so_o that_o i_o here_o intend_v the_o well-being_n of_o a_o church_n not_o the_o be_v thereof_o and_o so_o i_o affirm_v that_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o close_o with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n though_o without_o ministerial_a officer_n yet_o may_v be_v for_o the_o essential_a matter_n term_v a_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o a_o political_a organical_a one_o which_o have_v the_o high_a and_o great_a glory_n on_o it_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o first_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o exercise_n only_o of_o some_o ordinance_n within_o themselves_o as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o latter_a have_v the_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a gospel_n patent_n and_o commission_n even_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o unto_o excommunication_n and_o high_a censure_n which_o can_v right_o be_v execute_v out_o of_o political_a church_n which_o be_v mere_o act_n of_o power_n office_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o smyrna_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n some_o hence_o absurd_o reason_n for_o a_o national_a church_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o ephesus_n at_o smyrna_n at_o corinth_n at_o rome_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o in_o rome_n all_o in_o corinth_n all_o in_o ephesus_n must_v be_v the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a fond_a reason_n this_o be_v to_o argue_v that_o nero_n that_o bloody_a heathenish_a tyrant_n with_o his_o whole_a household_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o himself_o in_o barbarous_a cruelty_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n in_o nero_n house_n and_o though_o there_o be_v the_o
lay_v home_o close_o on_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o her_o prophetic_a delusion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v alone_o in_o the_o angel_n power_n of_o thyatira_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o balaamitish_a prophet_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v especial_o lay_v the_o burden_n and_o reproof_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o superintendent_o of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v clear_o notify_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v whole_o lay_v home_o upon_o the_o church_n v._o 17._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o i_o grant_v the_o eldership_n or_o officer_n may_v be_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o again_o the_o church_n mouth_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n agitate_v in_o his_o name_n and_o be_v to_o precede_v in_o many_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o charge_n for_o admission_n and_o entertainment_n of_o heterodoxy_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sole_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o hence_o this_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o those_o that_o be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o evil_n have_v a_o indubitable_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o either_o not_o to_o admit_v it_o or_o be_v admit_v to_o try_v it_o and_o cut_v it_o off_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o end_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o corruption_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a but_o this_o shall_v suffice_v herein_o see_v more_o hereon_o v._o 20._o follow_v object_n but_o be_v not_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o raise_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n so_o high_a as_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v negative_o for_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n receive_v no_o diminution_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o subordinate_a minister_n of_o state_n to_o receive_v that_o honour_n due_a unto_o their_o place_n neither_o so_o do_v the_o word_n lose_v at_o all_o of_o its_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o church_n have_v its_o due_a honour_n put_v upon_o it_o also_o indeed_o the_o word_n be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la the_o standard_n the_o rule_n and_o light_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o its_o self_n infallible_a must_v needs_o be_v above_o the_o authority_n and_o of_o a_o sure_a testimony_n then_o that_o which_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o fallibility_n and_o imperfection_n as_o the_o choice_a and_o pure_a church_n ever_o be_v as_o those_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o law_n of_o mere_a humane_a institution_n be_v repute_v of_o so_o high_a authority_n that_o it_o bind_v the_o legislator_n themselves_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v above_o those_o that_o make_v it_o but_o much_o more_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o law_n and_o his_o reveal_v mind_n come_v from_o so_o infinite_a and_o unerrable_a a_o legislator_n as_o god_n be_v so_o far_o transcend_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o judicature_n on_o earth_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o infinite_a do_v a_o finite_a creature_n therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v know_v have_v such_o a_o perfection_n in_o it_o that_o whosoever_o be_v conversant_a therein_o it_o be_v able_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o work_n the_o word_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o dial_n if_o the_o dial_n be_v set_v right_o to_o the_o sun_n it_o will_v give_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o day_n so_o if_o the_o church_n give_v a_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o square_a and_o scantling_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n but_o otherwise_o to_o make_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr and_o to_o conclude_v unto_o the_o church_n dictate_v be_v a_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o dial_n which_o will_v prove_v aethiopiam_fw-la lware_v and_o most_o irrational_a so_o that_o church_n that_o keep_v herself_o within_o her_o own_o sphere_n and_o try_v and_o examine_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v heterodox_n and_o unsound_a by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a light_n and_o infallible_a cynosure_n doubtless_o that_o church_n will_v be_v lead_v and_o preserve_v in_o all_o truth_n but_o if_o any_o one_o so_o far_o exalt_v its_o self_n as_o to_o conclude_v for_o truth_n its_o own_o dictate_v dissentaneous_a unto_o the_o word_n but_o suit_v with_o self-interest_n and_o design_n the_o first_o may_v be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n both_o precious_a and_o famous_a for_o its_o faith_n integrity_n and_o justice_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o latter_a will_n soon_o degenerate_a into_o a_o harlot-church_n if_o not_o soon_o become_v apostate_n to_o the_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n wherein_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o walk_v in_o as_o his_o garden_n enclose_v to_o view_v their_o pleasant_a fruit_n but_o the_o other_o christ_n will_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o rot_a tree_n that_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n observe_v 4._o another_o observation_n be_v that_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n and_o church_n there_o be_v find_v great_a corruption_n both_o in_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v find_v both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d evil_a one_o and_o false_a one_o such_o as_o pretend_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v find_v liar_n and_o deceiver_n among_o the_o twelve_o there_o be_v a_o judas_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o the_o world_n and_o church_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o boundary_n in_o eight_o person_n only_o yet_o one_o be_v a_o cham_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o cain_n when_o it_o be_v of_o a_o lesser_a number_n and_o but_o four_o in_o the_o world_n but_o here_o obiter_fw-la and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n decretive_a will_n and_o his_o preceptive_a will._n his_o voluntas_fw-la bene_fw-la placiti_fw-la and_o voluntas_fw-la signi_fw-la as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o or_o his_o will_n of_o purpose_n and_o his_o will_n of_o good_a pleasure_n not_o that_o there_o be_v two_o will_n in_o god_n but_o several_a and_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n as_o by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o love_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o hate_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o purpose_v one_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o command_v another_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o two_o contradictory_n will_n but_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n diversa_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la contraria_fw-la now_o though_o god_n may_v in_o his_o providential_a wisdom_n ordain_v false_a teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n for_o divers_a end_n know_v unto_o god_n and_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o hence_o argue_v either_o for_o admission_n of_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o their_o toleration_n therein_o after_o a_o discovery_n for_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o admit_v not_o such_o be_v know_v into_o the_o consortship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v admit_v upon_o discovery_n we_o tolerate_v they_o not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o tolerate_v quiet_o within_o the_o church_n then_o doubtless_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v not_o receive_v that_o encomium_fw-la and_o well_o do_v for_o their_o zeal_n against_o they_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o worthy_a reproof_n for_o the_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o one_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n and_o obey_v christ_n preceptive_a will_n and_o have_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o the_o other_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o just_a check_n lay_v upon_o she_o so_o that_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v state_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la non_fw-la de_fw-la facto_fw-la i_o confess_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la there_o may_v be_v evil_a person_n false_a teacher_n in_o the_o best_a church_n and_o pure_a time_n but_o de_fw-la
only_o temporary_a and_o for_o that_o age_n and_o season_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o promulgate_v and_o plant_v and_o for_o this_o purpose_n do_v urge_v that_o other_o text_n of_o paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o god_n have_v ordain_v some_o in_o his_o church_n as_o first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n then_o they_o that_o do_v miracle_n after_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o hence_o do_v argue_v that_o because_o some_o officer_n that_o be_v here_o number_v up_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o for_o that_o first_o age_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n heal_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o function_n be_v cease_v also_o with_o they_o which_o be_v as_o they_o say_v for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o for_o its_o growth_n and_o continuance_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o distinguish_v between_o time_n and_o person_n and_o grant_v that_o officer_n since_o christ_n time_n have_v not_o that_o measure_n of_o unction_n and_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n as_o the_o first_o apostle_n have_v yet_o withal_o assert_v that_o for_o all_o what_o the_o contrary_a mind_a say_v be_v but_o petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la for_o they_o only_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v but_o temporary_a for_o the_o first_o age_n but_o prove_v it_o not_o and_o though_o they_o rank_v it_o up_o among_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a gift_n and_o office_n that_o be_v inter_v yet_o to_o persuade_v the_o ingenious_a they_o shall_v inform_v where_o in_o the_o temple_n i_o mean_v god_n word_n be_v their_o grave_n to_o be_v find_v they_o may_v from_o this_o last_o scripture_n as_o just_o argue_v that_o the_o gift_n and_o function_n of_o teacher_n prophet_n help_n and_o government_n be_v also_o cease_v in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a miracle_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v in_o and_o among_o which_o catalogue_n they_o be_v also_o rank_v second_o this_o tenent_n of_o the_o opponent_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n and_o i_o presume_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n of_o late_a in_o hatch_n and_o cherish_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o seeker_n and_o antiscripturists_a for_o when_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o repute_a orthodox_n that_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a office_n as_o apostle_n gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n they_o forthwith_o rejoin_v and_o object_n why_o if_o some_o gift_n be_v evacuate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o virtue_n in_o they_o as_o you_o confess_v why_o not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o catalogue_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o some_o be_v cease_v they_o pertinacious_o affirm_v that_o all_o other_o office_n and_o ordinance_n be_v null_n and_o defunct_a also_o be_v only_o for_o that_o age_n and_o ministration_n and_o to_o that_o end_n do_v interpret_v that_o promise_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a support_n and_o presence_n with_o his_o church_n in_o the_o last_o of_o mattheâ—_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n or_o all_o generation_n yet_o they_o for_o their_o own_o interest_n render_v to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n and_o so_o consequential_o deny_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o church_n without_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v without_o officer_n according_a to_o that_o of_o rom._n 10._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v this_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o assert_v that_o relaxation_n of_o some_o office_n and_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o evidence_v where_o their_o grave_n lie_v or_o their_o repeal_v three_o i_o answer_v that_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n be_v strong_o convince_a for_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o those_o office_n that_o be_v there_o recount_v which_o christ_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o some_o be_v for_o the_o church_n then_o in_o be_v of_o that_o present_a age_n and_o the_o rest_n for_o futurity_n to_o continue_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v evince_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n cuibono_n to_o what_o end_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o will_v antiquery_a be_v the_o saint_n all_o perfect_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n at_o a_o end_n be_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o sufficient_o edify_v and_o confirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o to_o a_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v none_o will_v affirm_v it_o unless_o the_o perfectist_n and_o quaker_n but_o here_o again_o they_o will_v say_v we_o grant_v ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o work_n until_o we_o all_o come_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n but_o extraordinary_a officer_n as_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v i_o answer_v again_o this_o be_v assert_v and_o not_o prove_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o affirm_v that_o those_o which_o be_v call_v the_o stand_v ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o their_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o unction_n though_o differ_v in_o measure_n with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o sometime_o apostle_n pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v take_v as_o synonima_n though_o real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o gift_n and_o office_n as_o to_o instance_n james_n the_o first_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v also_o a_o pillar_n and_o a_o apostle_n john_n the_o great_a and_o belove_a apostle_n be_v in_o his_o epistle_n call_v the_o elder_a and_o in_o that_o great_a synodical_a assembly_n act_v 15._o the_o elder_n be_v in_o joint_a commission_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v man_n of_o a_o extraorindary_a spirit_n also_o as_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o first_o unction_n as_o stephen_n ananias_n barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o go_v abroad_o upon_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preach_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o where_o act_n 8._o object_n but_o here_o some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o level_v all_o officer_n and_o to_o make_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v not_o at_o all_o for_o though_o i_o grant_v some_o purity_n in_o their_o gift_n be_v both_o extraordinary_a in_o their_o first_o unction_n yet_o the_o first_o twelve_o in_o some_o act_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1.22_o when_o the_o eleven_o choose_v mathias_n into_o judas_n bishopric_n peter_n urge_v that_o one_o must_v be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o they_o of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o they_o can_v attest_v as_o truth_n as_o eye_n witness_n be_v with_o jesus_n all_o the_o time_n he_o go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o and_o herein_o they_o surpass_v all_o other_o that_o come_v after_o second_o they_o excel_v all_o other_o officer_n in_o that_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o christ_n to_o convert_v disciple_n and_o baptize_v all_o nation_n into_o the_o faith_n but_o all_o other_o officer_n have_v it_o derivative_o from_o they_o three_o they_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o gift_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o adjoin_v to_o their_o ministry_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v very_o inconsequent_a that_o the_o whole_a apostolic_a office_n be_v quite_o cease_v to_o the_o church_n because_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n be_v cease_v which_o
by_o interpose_v a_o intervening_a necessity_n and_o clear_a obstacle_n thereunto_o and_o therein_o god_n love_v obedience_n better_o than_o sacrifice_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o first_o ministerial_a reformer_n never_o maintain_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o ministry_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n lineal_o through_o the_o loin_n of_o antichrist_n but_o only_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o all_o age_n be_v by_o the_o invisible_a church_n maintain_v and_o assert_v sometime_o with_o more_o perspicuity_n and_o visibility_n than_o other_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o officer_n and_o ministry_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o must_v needs_o also_o grant_v a_o perpetual_a and_o necessary_a visibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o consequential_o a_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o how_o a_o true_a christian_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o antichristian_a state_n in_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n as_o i_o former_o say_v i_o know_v not_o or_o how_o the_o same_o state_n can_v be_v both_o mere_o antichristian_a and_o christian_n a_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o a_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n a_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o oâ—_n idol_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a and_o justifiable_a call_n respect_v the_o essence_n thereof_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o foundation_n aright_o of_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o otherwise_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o many_o circumstantial_a point_n yet_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o may_v more_o comfortable_o be_v receive_v from_o one_o church_n then_o another_o as_o former_o be_v evince_v the_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o sound_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o sound_a spiritual_a and_o edify_v their_o ministerial_a function_n be_v the_o more_o loose_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o loose_v their_o ministerial_a call_n will_v be_v therefore_o the_o godly_a church_n and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o mission_n ministerial_a call_v and_o office_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o repair_v unto_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v then_o of_o the_o present_a ministry_n of_o england_n as_o now_o constitute_v who_o as_o presbyter_n ordain_v one_o another_o to_o their_o ministerial_a office_n who_o be_v first_o ordain_v themselves_o by_o the_o late_a bishop_n and_o so_o hold_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o as_o from_o true_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v but_o contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cloud_v my_o judgement_n in_o any_o thing_n if_o the_o english_a presbytery_n as_o the_o helvetian_a and_o genevan_n have_v do_v to_o their_o perpetual_a glory_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o antichristian_a whore_n and_o so_o public_o renounce_v all_o ministerial_a call_v as_o derive_v from_o she_o than_o i_o grant_v such_o ministry_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o though_o collate_v of_o office_n mere_o as_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n without_o the_o just_a assent_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o church_n be_v not_o so_o justifiable_a as_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o evince_v but_o if_o they_o maintain_v their_o call_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v good_a as_o by_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n they_o have_v utter_o nullify_v and_o undo_v their_o case_n and_o their_o call_n too_o in_o my_o judgement_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v for_o what_o be_v not_o good_a and_o justifiable_a in_o the_o fountain_n and_o first_o origin_n can_v be_v make_v justifiable_a by_o succession_n in_o the_o stream_n and_o branch_n a_o pollute_a fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a wholesome_a stream_n causa_fw-la causae_fw-la causa_fw-la causati_fw-la if_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a as_o most_o of_o they_o grant_v though_o both_o name_n and_o office_n be_v warrantable_a in_o a_o gospel_n regulate_v sense_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o first_o mission_n and_o call_v how_o then_o come_v their_o call_n more_o warrantable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o author_n and_o founder_n if_o bishop_n in_o their_o ministry_n be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_n how_o come_v they_o to_o supplant_v they_o and_o pull_v they_o down_o christ_n ministry_n be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o desolate_v and_o dethrone_v brethren_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a function_n but_o rather_o for_o consolidate_v and_o confirm_v therefore_o sure_o there_o be_v somewhat_o amiss_o all_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v stand_v to_o this_o day_n witness_v the_o national_a covenant_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o constitute_v in_o england_n be_v of_o the_o off_o spring_n and_o brood_n of_o babylon_n they_o always_o hold_v their_o call_n good_a as_o ministerial_a bishop_n have_v their_o personal_a call_v from_o such_o successive_o as_o first_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a or_o justifiable_a in_o the_o succession_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v as_o some_o say_v to_o salve_v it_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o church_n of_o invisible_a saint_n under_o antichrist_n because_o they_o must_v prove_v themselves_o then_o to_o succeed_v that_o very_a church_n or_o those_o very_a invisible_a saint_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o that_o those_o very_a saint_n be_v ministerial_a officer_n or_o presbyter_n or_o else_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o man_n may_v be_v saint_n but_o not_o ministerial_o saint_n send_v or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o they_o have_v the_o alone_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o in_o want_n of_o such_o true_a ministerial_a presbyter_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v either_o unavoidable_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n their_o ministerial_a office_n void_a and_o null_a or_o otherwise_o plain_o concede_fw-la that_o they_o have_v it_o derivative_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o what_o a_o sorry_a call_n that_o be_v if_o at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v call_v i_o have_v former_o evince_v and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o law_n that_o quod_fw-la initio_fw-la vitiosum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr poor_a tractu_fw-la temporis_fw-la convalescere_fw-la see_v more_o hereon_o du_n plessis_n treat_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 3624._o and_o bishop_n jewel_n defen_n apolog._n part_n 2._o page_n 131._o who_o be_v witness_n without_o exception_n manifest_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_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 observe_v from_o this_o observe_v that_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n be_v great_a persecuter_n of_o the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v suffer_v much_o from_o such_o false_a teacher_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a be_v always_o against_o the_o true_a one_o and_o cause_v they_o often_o to_o be_v smite_v and_o afflict_v as_o micaiah_n be_v jeer_v by_o zedekiah_n which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n from_o i_o to_o thou_o 1_o king_n 22._o 2_o 4._o and_o that_o not_o all_o but_o be_v smite_v disgraceful_o on_o the_o check_n also_o shemaiah_n stir_v up_o the_o authority_n against_o jeremiah_n the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o will_v have_v cast_v he_o in_o the_o prison_n jer._n 29.24_o yea_o say_v ezekiel_n 22.25_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o her_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o not_o only_o like_o fox_n but_o even_o like_a lion_n raven_v the_o prey_n these_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v always_o very_o pernicious_a to_o god_n true_a church_n what_o great_a persecuter_n arrius_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o athanasius_n and_o the_o orthodox_n they_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a that_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o not_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o by_o incense_a the_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o how_o willing_o will_v pilate_n release_v christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o follower_n false_a prophet_n still_o exclaim_v and_o fastigate_v the_o magistrate_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o
to_o they_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o hear_v they_o as_o they_o you_o but_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v those_o christian_n society_n and_o church_n among_o you_o that_o be_v as_o lily_n shine_v in_o grace_n among_o those_o thorn_n and_o unfruitful_a nation_n and_o to_o retard_v our_o reformation_n in_o church_n and_o ordinance_n till_o all_o be_v square_v and_o hew_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n or_o before_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v all_o unto_o this_o work_n be_v a_o vain_a expectation_n see_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o that_o old_a leven_a of_o our_o ancestor_n national_a church_n national_a officer_n birth_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n on_o that_o account_n etc._n etc._n still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o among_o we_o that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o render_v the_o work_n of_o a_o full_a reformation_n in_o this_o generation_n most_o difficult_a but_o the_o attempt_n thereof_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o land_n but_o general_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a nation_n round_o about_o we_o witness_v the_o intemperate_a zeal_n of_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n who_o become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n in_o their_o irregular_a attempt_n about_o this_o work_n though_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o desire_v and_o aim_v at_o good_a and_o just_a thing_n yet_o they_o prosecute_v it_o not_o just_o for_o to_o denominate_v a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n the_o thing_n itself_o desire_v and_o attempt_v must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n in_o itself_o as_o a_o full_a reformation_n to_o god_n word_n be_v but_o it_o must_v have_v other_o honest_a circumstance_n in_o it_o also_o 1_o the_o time_n when_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o god_n and_o a_o clear_a providence_n call_v unto_o it_o 2_o the_o manner_n how_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v and_o promote_v as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o peace_n not_o with_o war_n tumult_n and_o rebellion_n against_o magistrate_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n so_o that_o the_o best_a action_n may_v lose_v its_o reward_n and_o the_o atempter_n thereof_o suffer_v just_o for_o the_o unjust_a prosecution_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n to_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v no_o evil_n that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o we_o be_v not_o to_o sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n unless_o case_n of_o inevitable_a necessity_n where_o god_n will_v rather_o have_v mercy_n then_o sacrifice_n to_o promote_v any_o just_a end_n or_o good_a whatsoever_o for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n command_n and_o precept_n not_o of_o event_n and_o providence_n therefore_o all_o you_o faithful_a one_o of_o this_o land_n be_v wise_a and_o sober_a in_o this_o your_o way_n of_o temptation_n stop_v not_o the_o current_n of_o god_n reformation_n by_o your_o precipitate_a and_o irregular_a act_n be_v you_o still_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n you_o see_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o this_o full_a work_n among_o we_o even_o the_o old_a leven_a of_o false_a worship_n derive_v and_o leave_v unto_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n god_n will_v remove_v this_o more_o and_o more_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o that_o more_o general_o and_o will_v enlarge_v the_o tent_n of_o jacob_n among_o we_o if_o we_o provoke_v not_o god_n by_o our_o sin_n towards_o he_o but_o to_o expect_v a_o total_a reformation_n never_o look_v for_o it_o until_o the_o day_n star_n shall_v arise_v with_o a_o incomparable_a glory_n in_o the_o interim_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o and_o sober_o like_o child_n of_o the_o light_n serve_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o than_o god_n will_v make_v they_o unto_o we_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n and_o most_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o have_v their_o portion_n and_o lot_n in_o such_o a_o land_n object_n but_o after_o all_o this_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v rise_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v those_o among_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o practise_v spiritual_a and_o corporal_a adultery_n so_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n thyatira_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n galathia_fw-la the_o jewish_a doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n and_o many_o other_o great_a corruption_n be_v among_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o drunkenness_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n incest_n eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o the_o obscenity_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n yet_o these_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n his_o seven_o candlestick_n his_o faithful_a one_o call_v and_o elect_a and_o be_v not_o then_o our_o parochial_a church_n our_o national_a church_n as_o true_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o be_v and_o be_v they_o not_o as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o those_o first_o primitive_a christian_n and_o church_n be_v and_o so_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o church_n of_o christ_n faithful_a elect_a and_o call_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 1_o i_o answer_v we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o all_o church_n if_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o plant_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n elect_v and_o call_v though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o envious_a one_o sow_v plentiful_o among_o the_o good_a wheat_n his_o tare_n and_o darnel_n as_o among_o those_o of_o corinth_n pergamus_n and_o other_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yet_o i_o believe_v christ_n have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n against_o they_o in_o respect_n what_o he_o have_v against_o we_o they_o be_v but_o corrupt_a in_o part_n we_o all_o leprous_a they_o lose_v but_o some_o member_n we_o the_o very_a vital_n for_o i_o much_o question_n whether_o our_o national_a church_n be_v of_o this_o gospel_n structure_n as_o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o seeing_z we_o read_v in_o history_n of_o their_o civil_a institution_n and_o beginning_n be_v so_o divide_v or_o ordain_v by_o the_o politic_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n yet_o withal_o i_o say_v we_o have_v the_o sincere_a faith_n of_o christ_n here_o preach_v among_o we_o present_o after_o if_o not_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n as_o historian_n testify_v this_o good_a seed_n be_v almost_o lose_v among_o we_o but_o again_o revive_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n but_o hold_v captive_a and_o low_a under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n yet_o doubtless_o god_n have_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o his_o invisible_a church_n and_o elect_a one_o our_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o cleave_v to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o we_o own_o a_o succession_n from_o they_o but_o not_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o church_n for_o so_o we_o have_v sail_v under_o the_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o tyranny_n over_o we_o and_o to_o plead_v that_o our_o parochial_a society_n be_v church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o at_o best_a to_o plead_v that_o our_o hundred_o or_o counties_n be_v churchdivision_n presbytery_n or_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o civil_a institution_n with_o the_o former_a but_o some_o write_v that_o dionysius_n pope_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o first_o divider_n and_o institutor_n of_o parish_n about_o anno_fw-la 267._o and_o bring_v into_o england_n by_o honorius_n bishop_n of_o canterbury_n as_o learned_a master_n selden_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr decimis_fw-la testify_v 2_o i_o answer_v if_o our_o church_n be_v right_a in_o their_o first_o institution_n gather_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o have_v as_o real_o lose_v the_o very_a be_v of_o our_o church_n under_o antichrist_n reign_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n pergamus_n ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o saracenical_a tyranny_n and_o mahometanism_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n to_o call_v our_o church_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o from_o antichristianisme_n as_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o miserable_a captivate_v asian_a church_n from_o turcism_n and_o mahometanism_n unless_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n have_v the_o keep_n and_o be_v the_o preserver_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a spouse_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o she_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n that_o many_o church_n pretend_v unto_o by_o succession_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a last_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o corruption_n in_o
liberty_n for_o tender_a conscience_n in_o point_n disputable_a and_o therein_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o their_o judgement_n by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o external_a conformity_n for_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o uniformity_n but_o not_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v hypocrite_n not_o saint_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o open_v my_o mouth_n for_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v blasphemous_a idolatrous_a against_o god_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v such_o bear_v their_o censure_n and_o punishment_n not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o gospel_n warrant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n also_o he_o be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o bear_v the_o sword_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o will_v always_o forelay_v this_o caution_n that_o none_o who_o life_n be_v sober_a and_o godly_a and_o desire_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o in_o this_o present_a world_n for_o difference_n in_o judgement_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v hereby_o but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a space_n shall_v we_o suffer_v a_o jezebel_n and_o impudent_a immodest_a or_o idolatrous_a false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o bear_v with_o it_o a_o hour_n for_o that_o which_o god_n have_v real_o declare_v himself_o against_o from_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v adversary_n to_o it_o also_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o and_o be_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o tolerate_v false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n appear_v clear_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o authority_n say_v the_o lord_n send_v they_o and_o speak_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n never_o appear_v to_o they_o second_o they_o cross_v god_n in_o his_o design_n god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o false_a teacher_n set_v up_o some_o ungodly_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o soul_n three_o they_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o their_o lie_n and_o vanity_n four_o they_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n servant_n they_o deceive_v they_o and_o entice_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o their_o abomination_n five_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o such_o assembly_n as_o do_v embrace_v they_o or_o own_v they_o and_o final_o undo_v poor_a soul_n for_o ever_o without_o repentance_n quest_n if_o a_o free_a toleration_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_n in_o a_o church_n the_o question_n will_v be_v in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o lawful_o and_o juridical_o to_o remove_v they_o answ_n doubtless_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v the_o check_n and_o against_o who_o alone_a christ_n lay_v the_o charge_n for_o tolerate_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o remove_v the_o evil_a from_o among_o they_o for_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v lay_v the_o charge_n of_o this_o sin_n against_o thyatira_n for_o tolerate_v jezebel_n be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o church_n power_n there_o within_o themselves_o to_o remedy_n remove_v and_o eject_v that_o false_a prophetess_n christ_n never_o blame_v any_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v suffer_v in_o another_o not_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thyatira_n nor_o thyatira_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o sardis_n or_o laodicea_n but_o every_o one_o be_v charge_v particular_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o more_o pure_a church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o philadelphia_n empower_v command_v or_o authorise_v either_o joint_n in_o a_o combination_n as_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_o as_o a_o prelatical_a superintendent_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o remove_v or_o reform_v the_o evil_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o every_o one_o be_v commend_v apart_o for_o their_o respective_a grace_n and_o every_o one_o by_o itself_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v apart_o from_o their_o sinful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o some_o age_n after_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o a_o lording_n episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o once_o but_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v then_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o all_o alike_o and_o of_o one_o extent_n within_o their_o own_o boundary_n and_o that_o superiority_n in_o church_n come_v in_o with_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o which_o be_v foment_v and_z nourish_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o bishop_n till_o at_o last_o it_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a we_o know_v all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a in_o power_n and_o privilege_n under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n that_o be_v christ_n gal._n 1.18_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la equal_v can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o equal_n unless_o by_o usurpation_n or_o tyranny_n or_o otherwise_o by_o compact_n if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n as_o when_o among_o ourselves_o and_o equal_n we_o choose_v our_o parliament_n man_n to_o be_v our_o legislator_n and_o ruler_n but_o if_o so_o church_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n get_v a_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sister_n church_n call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v either_o classical_a provincial_a or_o national_a sure_o at_o best_a it_o be_v but_o of_o a_o prudential_a and_o civil_a institution_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o divine_a stamp_n be_v more_o than_o it_o will_v bear_v peruse_v cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o last_o past_o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 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 thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n m._n perkins_n on_o that_o vers_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n god_n give_v a_o full_a juridical_a power_n either_o to_o admit_v or_o keep_v out_o examine_v or_o cast_v out_o suspend_v or_o do_v any_o other_o juridical_a act_n or_o act_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n write_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o respective_a church_n as_o distinct_a church_n without_o dependency_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n king_n and_o sovereign_n actâ—_n 15.22_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o rom._n 1.6_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2_o 24._o ephes_n 5.24_o they_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n under_o one_o head_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o one_o husband_n sister_n of_o one_o mother_n cant._n 8.8_o none_o of_o they_o be_v servant_n or_o slave_n to_o the_o other_o not_o hagar_n but_o sarahs_n free_a and_o equal_a all_o of_o they_o be_v spouse_n of_o christ_n of_o equal_a privilege_n and_o authority_n all_o of_o they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n shine_v church_n among_o who_o christ_n equal_o walk_v rev._n 1.12_o all_o have_v equal_a and_o like_a power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v admit_v and_o reject_v receive_v or_o deny_v and_o for_o one_o church_n to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o prelatical_a humour_n which_o do_v very_o little_o comport_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n mat_n 16.16_o act_n 9.26.14.23_o rev._n 2.2_o act._n 1.15_o 6_o 2_o 3._o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.5_o 6._o quest_n 2._o but_o another_o question_n may_v hence_o arise_v whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n chief_a officer_n pastor_n or_o minister_n can_v alone_o remove_v this_o jezebel_n legal_o and_o judicial_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n which_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o he_o or_o whither_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o eldership_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n elder_n and_o brethren_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n be_v put_v for_o the_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o key_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o and_o this_o authority_n be_v either_o first_o supreme_a and_o monarchical_a and_o this_o reside_v only_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o
man_n shut_v shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v rev._n 3.7_o and_o so_o he_o have_v the_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o headship_n and_o none_o but_o he_o isa_n 9_o 6._o col._n 1.18_o ephes_n 5.23_o second_o there_o be_v a_o delegated_a or_o ministerial_a power_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v 1_o either_o the_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o election_n or_o 2._o of_o office_n and_o authority_n the_o whole_a body_n have_v power_n of_o choose_v admit_v receive_v or_o of_o reject_v and_o censure_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a be_v above_o any_o particular_a member_n or_o officer_n but_o second_o the_o power_n of_o office_n be_v not_o in_o the_o multitude_n but_o in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o as_o pastor_n elder_n and_o the_o like_a which_o they_o have_v call_v to_o this_o authority_n and_o ministerial_a office_n and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o high_a authority_n though_o inferior_a to_o the_o whole_a than_o any_o other_o private_a member_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v judicial_o act_v or_o censure_v the_o power_n of_o office_n be_v to_o precede_v therein_o and_o all_o what_o be_v do_v thereby_o it_o be_v still_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la and_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o censure_v be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o office_n in_o the_o brethren_n over_o their_o elder_n as_o some_o will_v object_v but_o a_o distinct_a power_n and_o the_o one_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o church_n as_o that_o of_o judgement_n but_o that_o of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o rule_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o it_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v in_o a_o church_n sine_fw-la interritu_fw-la subjecto_fw-la so_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n have_v the_o essential_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o her_o officer_n and_o fraternity_n as_o in_o one_o origanical_a body_n joint_o together_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o woman_n jezabel_n for_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v lay_v a_o chece_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o idolatry_n of_o jezabel_n among_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o they_o but_o in_o the_o officer_n power_n alone_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v think_v he_o a_o hard_a father_n or_o master_n if_o not_o somewhat_o senfless_a and_o beside_o himself_o that_o will_v will_v will_v whip_v all_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n with_o stripe_n for_o the_o neglect_v miscarriage_n and_o fault_n of_o the_o chief_a steward_n of_o the_o house_n and_o shall_v we_o judge_v this_o a_o hard_a matter_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o judge_v it_o far_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o mercful_a deal_n towards_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v put_v a_o check_n upoh_o we_o and_o come_v against_o we_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n for_o tolerate_v evil_n among_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o reform_v or_o remedy_n far_o be_v these_o conceit_n from_o our_o thought_n and_o judgement_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n towards_o we_o doubtless_o the_o whole_a combine_a church_n of_o thyatira_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v her_o scandal_n although_o the_o charge_n be_v superscribe_v 〈◊〉_d the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n woite_n i_o know_v thy_o love_n thy_o service_n thy_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n notwithstanding_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o the_o pastor_n officer_n or_o minister_n be_v god_n angel_n they_o receive_v from_o god_n his_o message_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o people_n they_o be_v aâ—_n it_o be_v god_n mouth_n unto_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n what_o god_n have_v to_o say_v unto_o they_o either_o for_o their_o encouragement_n or_o for_o their_o reprehension_n so_o this_o check_n and_o message_n here_o be_v not_o lay_v or_o send_v only_o on_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o thyatira_n but_o on_o the_o whole_a church_n col._n 1.11_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o angel_n be_v but_o the_o hand_n and_o instrument_n for_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o though_o he_o shall_v first_o move_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o removove_a and_o censure_v of_o this_o harlot_n jezabel_n and_o yet_o be_v neglegent_fw-la rmiss_o and_o dormant_a therein_o that_o shall_v not_o excuse_v this_o church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a with_o he_o in_o the_o same_o sinful_a connivance_n and_o compliance_n for_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v christ_n according_a to_o their_o work_n if_o you_o will_v indulge_v and_o comply_v with_o jezabel_n and_o her_o curse_a doctrine_n you_o shall_v suffer_v with_o she_o but_o if_o you_o shall_v overcome_v and_o escape_v her_o falsity_n you_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n the_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o censure_v be_v in_o the_o officer_n only_o directive_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n formaliter_fw-la and_o effectual_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v act_v out_o of_o office_n neither_o can_v the_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n act_v in_o judgement_n or_o censure_v without_o the_o aprobation_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n mr._n rutherford_n the_o great_a learned_a champion_n for_o presbytery_n write_v thus_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o way_n and_o judgement_n lib._n 1._o pag._n 49._o here_o grave_a beza_n our_o divine_n calvin_n bucer_n bullinger_n melancthon_n bucan_n pareus_n rivetus_n sibrandus_fw-la junius_n trelcatius_n the_o father_n cyprian_n jerome_n augustine_n nazianzene_n chrisostome_n ambrose_n theodoret_n theophilact_fw-mi require_v all_o to_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n about_o excommunication_n and_o censure_v plebe_fw-la consentiente_fw-la and_o why_o shall_v their_o consent_n be_v desire_v if_o the_o elder_n will_v do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n peter_n martyr_n be_v peremptory_a in_o his_o common_a place_n sect._n 9_o unde_fw-la concluditur_fw-la non_fw-la absque_fw-la commensa_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quempiam_fw-la excommunicari_fw-la posse_fw-la and_o this_o hereon_o shall_v suffice_v see_v more_o former_o in_o the_o 2_o vers_n of_o this_o cap._n verse_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 verse_n 22._o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n though_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v very_o faulty_a in_o suffer_v the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n within_o she_o and_o though_o the_o abomination_n of_o this_o false_a prophetess_n be_v high_o provoke_v sin_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v unto_o this_o false_a prophetess_n and_o to_o the_o church_n that_o entertain_v she_o a_o space_n not_o a_o little_a but_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a fornication_n and_o yet_o â—he_v slight_v the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v lead_v she_o to_o repentance_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o whereupon_o christ_n lay_v a_o index_n a_o mark_n a_o asterisme_n upon_o she_o not_o such_o a_o mark_n as_o he_o lay_v on_o his_o elect_a one_o of_o love_n and_o favour_n but_o the_o contrary_a of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n behold_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o let_v all_o see_v take_v notice_n &_o admire_v of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n i_o be_o go_v about_o to_o pour_v forth_o on_o this_o false_a impenitent_a prophetess_n and_o her_o adherent_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n as_o she_o have_v play_v the_o harlot_n under_o her_o green_a coverture_n both_o in_o her_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o as_o she_o make_v her_o bed_n the_o place_n of_o her_o abomination_n so_o i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o another_o bed_n a_o bed_n of_o my_o own_o make_n not_o of_o down_n or_o of_o wanton_a dalliance_n but_o a_o bed_n of_o affliction_n a_o bed_n of_o tribulation_n and_o of_o much_o anguish_n if_o nothing_o will_v cure_v she_o if_o she_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o gracious_a precaution_n if_o she_o will_v not_o repent_v for_o all_o my_o gracious_a deal_n and_o long_a suffering_n towards_o she_o i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n i_o will_v make_v her_o sick_a unto_o the_o very_a heart_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o bed_n of_o great_a tribulation_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o she_o to_o reform_v and_o amend_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o another_o bed_n a_o bed_n of_o death_n and_o not_o only_o she_o but_o all_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o
such_o help_n jo._n 2.25_o the_o devil_n know_v but_o some_o of_o our_o thought_n at_o some_o time_n but_o god_n know_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o secret_a imagination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o cotinual_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o alone_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o he_o must_v know_v all_o secret_n else_o how_o can_v he_o righteous_o reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n eccles_n 12.14_o rom._n 2.6_o observe_v 2._o god_n in_o his_o distributive_a justice_n deal_v with_o all_o person_n according_a to_o the_o equity_n of_o their_o work_n he_o who_o be_v justice_n in_o the_o abstract_n will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o what_o be_v he_o god_n will_v give_v good_a thing_n unto_o good_a man_n and_o evil_a thing_n unto_o evil_a man_n and_o that_o the_o certain_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o this_o discriminate_a judgement_n will_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n according_a to_o our_o work_n object_n but_o will_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v merit_v by_o our_o work_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o here_o say_v that_o god_n will_v reward_v we_o for_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o so_o in_o rom._n 2.6_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n rom._n 4.2_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n 1._o because_o the_o best_a be_v imperfect_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n require_v perfection_n in_o every_o punctillio_fw-la and_o circumstance_n thereof_o 2._o our_o work_n be_v in_o themselves_o imperfect_a and_o finite_a can_v merit_v before_o a_o infinite_a perfection_n as_o god_n be_v 3._o work_n can_v merit_v because_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o primary_o but_o of_o god_n efficiency_n 4._o because_o man_n do_v they_o as_o their_o oblige_a duty_n unto_o god_n their_o creator_n but_o god_n be_v debtor_n unto_o none_o 5._o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n the_o one_o be_v finite_a the_o other_o infinite_a both_o in_o time_n and_o measure_n yet_o howsoever_o though_o good_a work_n can_v be_v a_o even_a rule_n of_o merit_n with_o god_n as_o they_o be_v with_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o manifest_a rule_n or_o measure_n of_o equity_n for_o it_o be_v very_o equitable_a that_o it_o go_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o we_o as_o we_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o so_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o work_n object_n but_o evil-work_n merit_v eternal_a death_n as_o their_o proper_a hire_n and_o why_o not_o good_a work_n merit_v heaven_n as_o his_o due_a reward_n and_o wage_n answ_n true_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n the_o one_o be_v of_o ourselves_o most_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o deserve_v its_o wage_n and_o reward_n but_o the_o other_o be_v a_o free_a gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n our_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a work_n be_v imperfect_a in_o his_o sight_n verse_n 24._o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v and_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n and_o which_o have_v not_o know_v the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n verse_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v though_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n against_o jezabel_n her_o adultery_n and_o their_o child_n their_o false_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o as_o unto_o those_o of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v not_o embrace_v those_o wicked_a way_n god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o they_o for_o he_o tell_v they_o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v that_o be_v even_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o that_o be_v at_o thyatira_n so_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v not_o embrace_v this_o devilish_a doctrine_n and_o have_v not_o approve_v those_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v that_o be_v those_o mystery_n those_o high_a and_o profound_a speculation_n which_o be_v no_o better_a than_o satan_n own_o device_n and_o stratagem_n hence_o note_v observe_v 1._o that_o satan_n will_v have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o mystery_n his_o profound_a speculation_n in_o his_o false_a worship_n as_o well_o as_o god_n shall_v have_v in_o his_o true_a worship_n the_o devil_n will_v be_v god_n ape_n and_o as_o god_n have_v his_o wisdom_n his_o depth_n his_o height_n and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n so_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v his_o profound_a speculation_n for_o his_o disciple_n also_o if_o god_n will_v have_v true_a prophet_n and_o prophetess_n the_o devil_n will_v have_v his_o balaamite_n nicolaitan_n and_o jezabel_n and_o those_o shall_v have_v their_o mysterious_a doctrine_n as_o the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a who_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o high_a speculation_n and_o notion_n hardly_o intelligible_a to_o any_o sober_a christian_n somewhat_o like_o the_o necromantic_a conjuration_n of_o the_o old_a romish_a priest_n or_o the_o sublevate_v alegorize_a familist_n and_o quaker_n of_o these_o day_n who_o when_o they_o think_v they_o speak_v with_o most_o understanding_n when_o they_o be_v lest_o understand_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o burden_n in_o the_o prophetical_a writing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v take_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o his_o enemy_n isa_n 13.1.15.1.17.1.19.1_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o any_o person_n as_o in_o mat._n 23.4_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pharisee_n lay_v burden_n on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n that_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o touch_v with_o one_o finger_n that_o be_v their_o strict_a and_o severe_a doctrine_n and_o mandate_n to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v other_o bind_v unto_o but_o will_v keep_v themselves_o at_o large_a in_o mat._n 11.30_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v call_v his_o yoke_n and_o his_o burden_n his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o this_o be_v that_o burden_n that_o christ_n will_v lay_v on_o the_o thyatirans_n and_o no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o wit_n christ_n true_a and_o apostolic_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v former_o receive_v from_o john_n and_o other_o of_o christ_n ambassador_n hence_o note_v observe_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o receive_v no_o other_o burden_n or_o doctrine_n then_o what_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o christ_n christ_n himself_o will_v add_v no_o further_o burden_n than_o his_o first_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n deliver_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n but_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v over-presumptuous_a man_n under_o pretence_n of_o catholic_a and_o apostolic_a tradition_n add_v unto_o the_o christian_n religion_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o simple_a many_o of_o their_o own_o vain_a superstitious_a ceremony_n and_o invention_n against_o which_o christ_n have_v declare_v both_o here_o and_o in_o mar_n 7._o and_o luk._n 11._o and_o other_o place_n sure_o one_o day_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v of_o they_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n to_o walk_v by_o god_n manifest_a and_o plain_a command_n be_v a_o sure_a path_n and_o lead_v unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o make_v superstructure_n of_o our_o own_o or_o kindle_v spark_n of_o our_o own_o fire_n and_o warm_v ourselves_o thereat_o at_o least_o notwithstanding_o those_o we_o may_v lie_v down_o in_o sorrrow_n what_o burden_n do_v the_o late_a prelatical_a party_n lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o they_o never_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v true_o burden_n unto_o they_o and_o very_o grievous_a to_o bear_v but_o christ_n burden_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o yoke_n be_v sweet_a mat._n 11.30_o every_o thing_n of_o christ_n be_v pleasant_a unto_o the_o enlighten_v soul_n though_o his_o yoke_n be_v heavy_a unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o irksome_a but_o rather_o sweet_a as_o honey_n to_o the_o regenerate_a and_o spiritual_a christian_n observe_v 2._o that_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n be_v a_o burden_n or_o yoke_n he_o that_o take_v up_o a_o burden_n must_v go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o tug_v under_o it_o and_o pass_v through_o all_o difficulty_n or_o else_o he_o may_v loose_v his_o reward_n it_o be_v not_o a_o burden_n or_o yoke_v take_v up_o by_o ourselves_o for_o of_o our_o selus_fw-la we_o will_v not_o willing_o come_v under_o it_o it_o be_v tedious_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o put_v it_o on_o we_o he_o make_v we_o first_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v our_o
open_v and_o shut_v there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a image_n erect_v like_o the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o in_o dan._n 2.32_o who_o head_n be_v of_o fine_a gold_n his_o breast_n and_o arm_n of_o silver_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a and_o noble_a say_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o his_o time_n vos_fw-fr est_fw-fr be_v in_o ecclesia_fw-la sed_fw-la ego_fw-la extra_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la episcopus_fw-la though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o christian_n temporal_a saviour_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o open_v or_o shut_v in_o christ_n church_n nor_o extort_v the_o key_n of_o david_n or_o christ_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n to_o who_o christ_n leave_v it_o for_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n as_o by_o his_o delegated_a power_n what_o they_o bind_v in_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o wield_v his_o key_n but_o those_o to_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o method_n and_o way_n of_o direction_n who_o use_v they_o contrary_a to_o this_o they_o will_v find_v they_o scorpion_n in_o their_o hand_n ready_a to_o bite_v and_o destroy_v they_o instead_o of_o heal_v and_o cure_v remember_v the_o example_n of_o uzziah_n and_o tremble_v 2_o chron._n 26.16_o be_v it_o not_o the_o downfall_n to_o popery_n when_o spiritual_a man_n turn_v layick_n and_o bishop_n become_v prince_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n secular_a prince_n handle_v the_o spiritual_a key_n open_v and_o shut_v as_o they_o please_v make_v law_n edict_n and_o rule_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n prerogative_n only_o what_o undo_v our_o late_a episcopal_a hierarchy_n in_o england_n but_o mix_v sacred_a thing_n with_o profane_a make_v christ_n and_o caesar_n law_n all_o one_o the_o bishop_n he_o be_v make_v a_o temporal_a lord_n to_o act_v in_o the_o parliamentary_a and_o civil_a affair_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o requital_n hereof_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n he_o be_v make_v supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enact_v what_o law_n he_o please_v as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o who_o he_o will_v by_o his_o high_a court_n of_o delegate_n and_o high_a commission_n etc._n etc._n such_o a_o church_n such_o a_o head_n a_o civil_a church_n a_o civil_a head_n such_o a_o church_n such_o law_n such_o officer_n such_o key_n such_o pow-ar_a all_o prudential_o and_o all_o of_o the_o present_a world_n wisdom_n and_o fabricate_a and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a that_o the_o fabric_n last_v no_o long_o but_o fall_v witâ—in_o few_o age_n after_o the_o first_o structure_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o not_o now_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o church_n among_o we_o may_v be_v lull_v asleep_o as_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o constantine_n by_o overmuch_o indulgence_n and_o temporal_a honour_n cast_v upon_o she_o and_o her_o minister_n though_o i_o be_o not_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o just_a maintenance_n and_o temporal_a comfort_n yet_o i_o be_o jealous_a of_o they_o that_o all_o be_v not_o lambskin_n that_o appear_v so_o about_o they_o but_o that_o somewhat_o if_o not_o too_o much_o of_o the_o fox_n tail_n lie_v undiscovered_a within_o what_o mean_v else_o the_o bleat_n of_o the_o cattle_n i_o mean_v their_o press_v after_o preferment_n extraneous_a as_o to_o their_o church_n as_o head_n of_o university_n state-chaplain_n great_a parsonage_n commissioner_n and_o tryer_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o christ_n own_o key_n do_v often_o open_v to_o person_n against_o who_o christ_n have_v shut_v and_o shut_v against_o some_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v open_v so_o fallible_a be_v man_n that_o open_v with_o the_o wooden_a key_n of_o their_o own_o politic_n the_o lord_n deliver_v our_o sovereign_a magistrate_n from_o the_o snare_n of_o these_o spiritual_a machiavilian_o or_o machiavilian_a doctor_n that_o do_v teach_v the_o magistrate_n to_o lay_v his_o politic_n as_o rule_n to_o christ_n church_n that_o will_v have_v he_o open_a where_o christ_n shut_v and_o shut_v where_o christ_n open_v it_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a unto_o both_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o move_v or_o act_v out_o of_o their_o own_o proper_a sphere_n but_o act_v in_o their_o own_o orb_n the_o one_o in_o his_o civil_a government_n and_o state_n the_o other_o in_o his_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o church_n so_o both_o become_v gracious_a and_o honourable_a in_o their_o respective_a government_n and_o dominion_n quest._n but_o what_o shall_v not_o christian_n magistrate_n do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n or_o execute_v no_o part_n of_o their_o authority_n therein_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v first_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o several_a respect_n first_o in_o protect_v encourage_v and_o countenance_v the_o church_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o defend_v their_o liberty_n therein_o and_o so_o become_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n second_o as_o christ_n do_v approve_v and_o command_v obedience_n from_o all_o to_o magistrate_n and_o their_o law_n as_o for_o god_n sake_n rom._n 13._o so_o magistrate_n shall_v approve_v and_o command_v christ_n law_n and_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o within_o their_o respective_a boundary_n and_o jurisdiction_n three_o if_o any_o prove_v turbulent_a seditious_a or_o factious_a in_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o become_v a_o peace-breaker_n in_o the_o commonweal_n the_o magistrate_n may_v restrain_v he_o by_o his_o civil_a power_n four_o if_o any_o church_n member_n become_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o idolater_n a_o open_a delinquent_n against_o the_o first_o table_n or_o transgressor_n of_o the_o second_o the_o magistrate_n may_v chastise_v he_o for_o it_o over_z and_o above_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o require_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o civil_a law_n that_o equal_o reach_v all_o person_n that_o transgress_v they_o whether_o ecclesiastiques_n or_o other_o 2._o but_o second_o in_o the_o negative_a i_o answer_v that_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v nor_o be_v competent_a judge_n as_o magistrate_n of_o controversal_a point_n opinion_n doctrine_n or_o of_o thing_n mere_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n christ_n never_o endue_v the_o magistrate_n with_o such_o a_o power_n therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o prevalent_a a_o negative_a that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n the_o church_n alone_o under_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o that_o power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n suppress_v error_n in_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n now_o to_o who_o this_o rule_n be_v give_v the_o foresay_a power_n be_v give_v but_o the_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n only_o and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n mat._n 18._o therefore_o the_o say_a power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n and_o suppress_v error_n be_v commit_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n object_n but_o may_v not_o magistrate_n suppress_v error_n and_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o that_o end_n when_o they_o be_v thereunto_o well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n or_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v such_o adviser_n herein_o do_v first_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o call_n in_o their_o master_n service_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n plain_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v not_o provide_v a_o armoury_n sufficient_a in_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n to_o overthrow_v error_n as_o well_o as_o mean_n for_o their_o discovery_n be_v not_o this_o to_o run_v for_o carnal_a weapon_n whilst_o they_o lie_v by_o those_o make_v by_o god_n spiritual_a one_o and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o power_n principality_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n second_o if_o magistrate_n act_n thus_o upon_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o they_o must_v not_o only_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o act_n upon_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o do_v also_o hereby_o become_v but_o the_o executioner_n of_o their_o assembly_n decree_n what_o more_o do_v the_o popish_a prince_n when_o they_o execute_v the_o edict_n of_o the_o romish_a conclave_n and_o what_o otherwise_o do_v pilate_n when_o he_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o the_o priest_n sentence_n upon_o christ_n in_o crucify_a he_o a_o seamark_n to_o all_o to_o take_v notice_n on_o this_o account_n three_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o suppress_v error_n because_o christ_n have_v other_o law_n ordinance_n and_o way_n to_o suppress_v they_o