go_v undiscovered_a that_o deserve_v such_o title_n better_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o wise_a so_o to_o raise_v a_o scarecrow_n to_o drive_v away_o the_o fearful_a and_o disingenuous_a from_o a_o full_a inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o will_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o their_o opposer_n but_o no_o more_o of_o this_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o one_o mistake_n of_o i_o who_o once_o think_v as_o most_o man_n do_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providential_a dispose_v the_o kingdom_n oâ—_n this_o world_n and_o in_o exalt_v man_n of_o low_a degreâ—_n into_o the_o throne_n of_o prince_n and_o throw_v down_o great_a prince_n and_o their_o progeny_n into_o the_o state_n of_o slave_n it_o be_v only_o to_o manifest_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n to_o give_v they_o to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o more_o mature_o consider_v the_o alwise_a order_n hand_n of_o god_n in_o 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it_o be_v worth_a further_o the_o take_a notice_n of_o how_o wonderful_o god_n in_o late_a age_n raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o some_o obscure_a person_n as_o martin_n luther_n and_o his_o associate_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n with_o some_o other_o reform_a minister_n since_o that_o they_o have_v make_v the_o great_a hierarchy_n of_o rome_n to_o shake_v with_o their_o power_n so_o that_o many_o christian_a prince_n then_o and_o since_o begin_v to_o hate_v the_o whore_n with_o the_o wine_n of_o who_o fornication_n they_o be_v make_v drunken_a and_o now_o begin_v not_o only_o to_o hate_v she_o but_o to_o make_v her_o desolate_a and_o naked_a and_o to_o eat_v her_o flesh_n but_o yet_o that_o age_n be_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n or_o prodromus_n not_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o work_n for_o she_o have_v since_o lift_v up_o her_o head_n and_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n and_o to_o cure_v herself_o of_o her_o great_a wound_n receive_v but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o her_o period_n draw_v nigh_o god_n exasperate_v she_o sore_o more_o and_o more_o and_o make_v those_o horn_n those_o prince_n that_o be_v once_o her_o strong_a supporter_n to_o fall_v off_o from_o she_o and_o to_o hate_v she_o indeed_o the_o first_o reformer_n take_v off_o her_o outward_a garment_n and_o show_v her_o nakedness_n in_o her_o false_a doctrine_n and_o partly_o in_o her_o false_a worship_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o eat_v her_o flesh_n in_o take_v off_o some_o of_o her_o pompous_a revenue_n but_o yet_o the_o main_a work_n be_v leave_v undo_v to_o its_o appoint_a time_n for_o as_o this_o great_a city_n rise_v not_o in_o one_o day_n but_o gradual_o so_o will_v also_o her_o ruin_n be_v by_o several_a measure_n or_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o she_o until_o the_o consummation_n of_o her_o ruin_n come_v with_o fire_n both_o material_a and_o analogical_a the_o one_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n word_n first_o destroy_v quite_o her_o false_a worship_n which_o daily_a 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predesigned_a end_n for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v be_v all_o pious_a good_a prince_n and_o right_a in_o their_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o this_o work_n for_o they_o be_v the_o ten_o horn_n or_o ten_o king_n that_o receive_v power_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n and_o be_v member_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v destroy_v the_o whore_n and_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n rev._n 17.12.16_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o few_o conclude_v that_o hen._n 8._o and_o some_o other_o prince_n be_v so_o justifiable_a in_o their_o end_n in_o expel_v the_o authority_n of_o antichrist_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o yet_o god_n employ_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v his_o business_n god_n know_v how_o to_o lay_v they_o by_o and_o all_o such_o self-ended_n person_n as_o useless_a or_o at_o least_o make_v they_o but_o as_o gibeonite_n or_o hewer_n of_o wood_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n last_o your_o worship_n may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o some_o conceive_v those_o and_o the_o like_a interpretation_n of_o dark_a prophecy_n to_o be_v but_o the_o issue_n of_o distemper_a brain_n and_o of_o little_a certainty_n to_o who_o i_o answer_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o book_n that_o have_v the_o public_a impress_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o leave_v as_o it_o be_v as_o its_o last_o legacy_n of_o this_o sort_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o profess_v sober_o i_o know_v not_o what_o tolerable_a sense_n to_o set_v on_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o historical_a discovery_n under_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o all_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n with_o their_o period_n and_o issue_n that_o shall_v befall_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o their_o oppressor_n and_o enemy_n until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o i_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o interpret_n and_o in_o not_o right_o apply_v some_o of_o the_o several_a character_n period_n and_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n and_o in_o other_o circumstantial_a part_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o i_o fail_v i_o entreat_v not_o only_o your_o worship_n but_o all_o other_o to_o remember_v my_o weakness_n and_o our_o common_a attribute_n humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la and_o especial_o be_v among_o such_o prophetical_a deep_n and_o difficulty_n which_o may_v well_o plead_v for_o his_o fail_n who_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o insufficiency_n for_o so_o high_a and_o difficult_a a_o undertake_n yet_o this_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v here_o clear_v and_o discover_v and_o if_o any_o receive_v light_a hereby_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n the_o dark_a mystery_n thereof_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v with_o daniel_n cap._n
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
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
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
be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.17_o because_o it_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n come_v as_o a_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v it_o come_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o christ_n make_v any_o discovery_n unto_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v as_o unto_o philadelphia_n as_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o as_o the_o true_a one_o as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n unto_o holiness_n so_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o he_o john_n 14.6_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shute_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n cap._n 22._o 20._o 22._o about_o the_o call_n of_o eliakim_n the_o son_n of_o hilkiah_n who_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n shall_v be_v commit_v and_o in_o vers_n 22._o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v this_o eliakim_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v his_o chief_a steward_n or_o master_n of_o his_o household_n as_o appear_v by_o 2_o king_n 18.18_o 26._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o transaction_n between_o he_o and_o senacharib_n none_o be_v suffer_v to_o go_v in_o or_o out_o to_o treat_v with_o senacharib_n but_o eliakim_n and_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o he_o be_v a_o man_n in_o great_a authority_n with_o the_o king_n and_o carry_v the_o key_n and_o sovereignty_n ever_o his_o whole_a household_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o isaiah_n to_o come_v or_o to_o be_v call_v again_o of_o god_n not_o in_o person_n but_o in_o his_o antitype_n and_o true_a counterpane_n jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a eliakim_n who_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n etc._n etc._n christ_n may_v well_o be_v typify_v by_o eliakim_n and_o to_o be_v call_v the_o spiritual_a eliakim_n promise_v in_o isa_n 22._o both_o for_o his_o name_n and_o nature_n eliakim_n signify_v as_o hierom_n the_o interpretatione_n nominum_fw-la the_o god_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o god_n that_o rise_v again_o and_o who_o be_v this_o true_a eliakim_n but_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o place_n christ_n be_v descend_v from_o this_o eliakim_n luke_n 3.30_o therefore_o right_o bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o isaiah_n to_o typify_v he_o forth_o but_o last_o and_o chief_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a eliakim_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o sovereignty_n which_o he_o bear_v over_o his_o spiritual_a house_n his_o church_n as_o eliakim_n bear_v it_o over_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o key_n be_v put_v metonymice_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o but_o why_o the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n isa_n 2d_o 22_o i_o answer_v either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v metonimical_o the_o master_n be_v put_v for_o the_o house_n or_o else_o for_o the_o more_o excellency_n of_o this_o key_n that_o christ_n bear_v before_o that_o of_o eliakim_n the_o truth_n itself_o exceed_v the_o type_n eliakim_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a minister_n as_o the_o steward_n and_o that_o in_o the_o family_n of_o david_n but_o christ_n he_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v before_o or_o by_o david_n himself_o due_a unto_o the_o high_a governor_n and_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o excel_v that_o of_o eliakim_n be_v limit_v only_o to_o the_o household_n of_o david_n but_o why_o be_v the_o key_n of_o david_n bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o represent_v christ_n sovereignty_n and_o kingdom_n over_o his_o church_n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o god_n promise_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n to_o david_n and_o therefore_o a_o fit_a type_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v love_v with_o the_o everlasting_a and_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n second_o david_n kingdom_n be_v over_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n so_o christ_n over_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n three_o david_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n over_o his_o kingdom_n he_o suffer_v no_o jebusite_n nor_o canaanite_n to_o domineer_v within_o his_o realm_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o christ_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n he_o suffer_v no_o unclean_a canaanite_n to_o rule_v and_o reign_v nor_o any_o unclean_a thing_n to_o enter_v therein_o but_o he_o will_v be_v sole_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n within_o his_o house_n as_o be_v david_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o same_o key_n that_o open_v the_o same_o key_n shut_v christ_n key_n power_n or_o authority_n do_v open_a and_o shut_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n first_o it_o open_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n that_o none_o ever_o hereafter_o shall_v shut_v it_o up_o or_o obscure_v it_o and_o again_o he_o shut_v it_o up_o to_o many_o unworthy_a and_o impenitent_a people_n which_o none_o but_o by_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a again_o to_o open_v and_o discover_v second_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o christ_n bear_v over_o his_o kingdom_n his_o holy_a temple_n and_o church_n either_o in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n isa_n 9.6_o zeah._n 6.12_o and_o herein_o no_o man_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v admit_v or_o exclude_v but_o as_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n three_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v into_o christ_n hidden_a mystical_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o invisible_a saint_n and_o to_o who_o christ_n do_v open_a to_o enter_v herein_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v and_o to_o who_o christ_n shut_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o open_a so_o absolute_a a_o lord_n be_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o what_o he_o do_v no_o man_n can_v undo_v or_o hinder_v and_o what_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v none_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v from_o the_o word_n thus_o explicate_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o sole_a absolute_a lord_n sovereign_a giver_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n relate_v unto_o his_o kingdom_n christ_n be_v a_o lord_n by_o power_n mat._n 28.18_o 2._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o purchase_n rom._n 7.20_o 3._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o conquest_n john_n 16.30_o 4._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o donation_n ps_n 2.8_o 5._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o election_n as_o from_o god_n mat._n 12.18_o isa_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o such_o a_o lord_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o all_o the_o ministration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o promote_v execute_v or_o hinder_v as_o he_o please_v the_o magistrate_n walk_v not_o in_o this_o sphere_n he_o have_v another_o kingdom_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o magistrate_n can_v here_o shut_v nor_o open_v though_o erastus_n vain_o dream_v the_o contrary_n christ_n key_n or_o the_o key_n of_o david_n only_o fit_v this_o lock_n as_o the_o spiritual_a key_n of_o david_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v in_o the_o civil_a kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v their_o civil_a key_n open_a or_o shut_v in_o the_o spiritual_a house_n of_o david_n be_v fit_v for_o another_o lock_n and_o who_o prove_v the_o contrary_a disorder_v the_o whole_a lock_n and_o bring_v always_o ruin_v instead_o of_o blessing_n upon_o the_o experiencer_n thereof_o christ_n fit_v not_o upon_o caesar_n throne_n nor_o caesar_n upon_o he_o each_o must_v remember_v and_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o station_n if_o christ_n open_v with_o his_o key_n and_o receive_v into_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o shut_v out_o if_o christ_n shut_v against_o any_o caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o open_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d caesar_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n to_o true_a saint_n and_o open_v it_o to_o the_o debauch_a world_n and_o so_o make_v a_o image_n like_a to_o that_o of_o nebuchadnezzar_n who_o foot_n be_v partly_o iron_n partly_o clay_n but_o when_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n
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