2.28_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o reveal_v mystery_n to_o he_o be_v all_o the_o glory_n but_o to_o you_o worthy_a sir_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v nor_o for_o you_o a_o great_a good_a to_o pray_v then_o that_o god_n who_o have_v exalt_v you_o in_o authority_n and_o power_n into_o that_o likeness_n of_o himself_o so_o he_o will_v engrave_v upon_o you_o another_o image_n or_o likeness_n of_o his_o own_o true_a wisdom_n and_o give_v you_o a_o enlighten_v wise_a solomon-like_a discern_v heart_n whereby_o you_o may_v daily_o see_v more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v have_v your_o aim_n right_a and_o your_o heart_n fix_v to_o prosecute_v those_o end_n and_o that_o in_o integrity_n which_o god_n in_o your_o present_a employment_n have_v call_v you_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o this_o present_a generation_n for_o all_o christian_a worthy_n to_o set_v their_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v if_o not_o to_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o the_o eclipse_v of_o the_o austrian_a sun_n the_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n may_v not_o be_v want_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o christian_a worthy_n in_o those_o great_a transaction_n be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o he_o that_o be_v your_o worship_n most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n hicks_n to_o the_o judicious_a christian_a reader_n reader_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o among_o most_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o in_o search_v out_o hide_a verity_n they_o be_v various_a in_o their_o project_n and_o their_o cogitation_n be_v usual_o fix_v upon_o divers_a end_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v and_o this_o be_v vanity_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o this_o be_v curiosity_n other_o know_v that_o they_o may_v edify_v and_o this_o be_v charity_n how_o distasteful_a the_o two_o former_a be_v to_o all_o judicious_a person_n and_o how_o desirable_a the_o latter_a be_v to_o all_o know_a christian_n i_o need_v not_o inculcate_v the_o latter_a be_v my_o choice_n i_o hope_v thy_o candour_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o my_o end_n will_v apologise_v for_o i_o in_o that_o i_o appear_v in_o public_a now_o among_o the_o crowd_n in_o print_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o as_o one_o witty_o observe_v viz._n heylin_n geogr._n in_o folio_n 865._o the_o treasury_n of_o learning_n be_v never_o so_o full_a and_o yet_o never_o more_o empty_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o vain_a frothy_a and_o unnecessary_a discourse_n it_o abound_v with_o from_o the_o scribbler_n and_o idle_a paper-blurrer_n of_o these_o day_n and_o if_o i_o have_v go_v beside_o myself_o to_o become_v one_o of_o that_o number_n by_o 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〈◊〉_d or_o exitus_fw-la actu_fw-la probat_fw-la the_o excellency_n of_o our_o work_n appear_v and_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o end_n therefore_o though_o my_o labour_n herein_o may_v by_o some_o be_v account_v superfluous_a and_o myself_o to_o be_v just_o number_v among_o the_o former_a sort_n that_o have_v oleum_fw-la &_o operam_fw-la perdiderunt_fw-la that_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o undertake_n yet_o i_o believe_v the_o indifferent_a and_o ingenious_a reader_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o when_o god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o myself_o opportunity_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o will_v partake_v of_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o instrument_n yet_o i_o trust_v the_o reader_n will_v find_v my_o end_n high_a and_o honourable_a enough_o and_o of_o sufficient_a excellency_n to_o bear_v up_o my_o spirit_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o his_o in_o peruse_v and_o consider_v and_o although_o to_o some_o i_o may_v seem_v herein_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o fall_v upon_o a_o theme_n full_o already_o discuss_v by_o other_o yet_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n with_o that_o say_n of_o augustine_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la plures_fw-la libros_fw-la a_o pluribus_fw-la fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it etiam_fw-la de_fw-la questionibus_fw-la iisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la res_fw-la perveniat_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la that_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o have_v book_n compose_v of_o the_o same_o work_n or_o question_n in_o a_o various_a and_o divers_a stile_n that_o knowledge_n may_v be_v convey_v to_o very_a many_o to_o some_o in_o one_o manner_n to_z other_o after_z another_z though_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o boast_n of_o my_o impartiality_n in_o interpret_n and_o apply_v those_o prophetical_a vision_n yet_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v single_a and_o unbiased_a in_o this_o undertake_n have_v first_o desire_v god_n to_o guide_v my_o understanding_n and_o pen_n aright_o to_o write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o do_v genuine_o rise_v from_o the_o substance_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n or_o what_o may_v be_v extract_v therefrom_o by_o good_a consequence_n or_o what_o do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o figure_n and_o hierogliphique_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n interpret_v not_o according_a to_o private_a judgement_n nor_o unto_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o party_n or_o faction_n be_v free_a from_o any_o such_o pre-engagement_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o in_o all_o such_o undertake_n as_o abraham_n do_v his_o follower_n as_o great_a encumbrance_n when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o mount_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n i_o trust_v the_o candid_a reader_n shall_v find_v the_o divine_a mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n open_v and_o apply_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o for_o the_o main_a make_v evident_a by_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n and_o according_a to_o that_o full_a complete_a spirit_n of_o harmony_n that_o run_v through_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n i_o confess_v i_o may_v come_v short_a of_o some_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v go_v herein_o before_o i_o to_o who_o labour_n i_o must_v just_o acknowledge_v a_o due_a tribute_n be_v assist_v thereby_o unto_o this_o work_n and_o though_o i_o can_v just_o apply_v that_o say_n of_o cicero_n to_o my_o cause_n for_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o vanity_n and_o self-exalting_a recentissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la sunt_fw-la emandata_fw-la magis_fw-la yet_o this_o i_o may_v bold_o adventure_v to_o say_v that_o thou_o shall_v find_v such_o variety_n of_o collection_n observation_n question_n and_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v not_o ordinary_a in_o any_o former_a writer_n hereupon_o that_o will_v yield_v thou_o if_o a_o ingenious_a person_n no_o small_a delight_n and_o profit_n in_o read_v ponder_a and_o treasure_v up_o the_o same_o the_o variety_n of_o flower_n make_v the_o sweet_a posy_n and_o various_a discord_v yet_o harmonize_a sound_n make_v the_o sweet_a music_n so_o variety_n of_o truth_n and_o question_n discuss_v will_v yield_v the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o though_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o many_o that_o go_v before_o i_o on_o this_o theme_n do_v excel_v in_o true_a piety_n learning_n and_o part_n yet_o save_v due_a respect_n both_o to_o the_o person_n and_o their_o part_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a if_o that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n be_v advance_v by_o their_o help_n upon_o their_o own_o shoulder_n and_o come_v near_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v see_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o mysterious_a
prophecy_n than_o they_o that_o go_v before_o we_o and_o no_o discredit_n to_o they_o be_v they_o ever_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o and_o no_o mean_a one_o that_o be_v go_v before_o on_o this_o theme_n be_v not_o without_o their_o maculae_fw-la and_o defect_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v of_o too_o private_a and_o narrow_a a_o spirit_n in_o their_o interpret_n and_o apply_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n unto_o their_o own_o time_n interest_n and_o design_n as_o if_o the_o action_n and_o revolution_n of_o every_o petty_a city_n and_o commonweal_n yea_o the_o end_n design_n and_o period_n of_o every_o person_n that_o divine_a providence_n exalt_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n somewhat_o beyond_o the_o common_a boundary_n of_o the_o ordinary_a lord_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v comprise_v predict_v foretold_v and_o prophesy_v of_o in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n make_v strange_a and_o wild_a application_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o where_o this_o conceit_n work_v strong_o it_o will_v work_v mad_o too_o when_o once_o it_o be_v elevate_v to_o that_o height_n and_o get_v a_o power_n than_o there_o must_v be_v no_o oppose_v of_o those_o end_n and_o design_n that_o such_o opinionist_n pretend_v as_o just_a collection_n from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o have_v only_o a_o be_v as_o wild_a chimera_n in_o their_o own_o deceive_a imagination_n this_o be_v that_o rock_n whereon_o some_o have_v former_o make_v shipwreck_n and_o perish_v thereon_o and_o other_o now_o adays_o be_v sail_v with_o a_o full_a gale_n towards_o the_o same_o charybdis_n and_o if_o god_n in_o mercy_n prevent_v not_o will_v thereon_o split_v and_o perish_v also_o but_o to_o return_v here_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o answer_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi or_o to_o what_o end_v i_o undertake_v this_o exercitation_n on_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n this_o last_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o dangerous_a rock_n be_v not_o the_o least_o end_n that_o i_o set_v before_o i_o in_o this_o undertake_n which_o end_v for_o better_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v here_o more_o particular_o set_v down_o in_o order_n 1._o my_o first_o be_v next_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o truth_n for_o the_o keep_v the_o saint_n foot_n straight_o in_o not_o stumble_v by_o a_o false_a interpret_n and_o apply_v of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o in_o vain_o endeavour_v the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o pull_n down_o all_o authority_n that_o oppose_v such_o pretender_n to_o their_o own_o utter_a ruin_n and_o undo_n without_o repentance_n 2._o that_o christ_n true_a saint_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v under_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n own_o true_a and_o real_a kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o come_v not_o this_o of_o weakness_n which_o be_v partly_o spiritual_a partly_o carnal_a but_o that_o of_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n when_o all_o his_o enemy_n shall_v be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o break_a and_o rule_v by_o his_o rod_n of_o iron_n which_o will_v be_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o appearance_n and_o come_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o not_o before_o 3._o in_o profit_v myself_o and_o other_o myself_o in_o write_v other_o in_o read_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o augustine_n prodest_fw-la scribendo_fw-la &_o scribendo_fw-la prodest_fw-la we_o have_v all_o as_o aquinas_n testify_v long_v desire_n conjungi_fw-la cum_fw-la svo_fw-la principio_fw-la to_o be_v conjoin_v with_o our_o principle_n 4._o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n have_v spend_v many_o precious_a hour_n and_o day_n in_o folly_n and_o be_v example_n unto_o other_o in_o evil_n do_v so_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n we_o shall_v redeem_v the_o time_n and_o god_n call_v in_o this_o day_n of_o light_n both_o from_o myself_o and_o all_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v pattern_n unto_o other_o in_o well_o do_v if_o that_o possible_o we_o may_v redeem_v the_o lose_a time_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o folly_n last_o that_o god_n may_v have_v his_o end_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o be_v bear_v not_o alone_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o generation_n to_o serve_v god_n therein_o faithful_o in_o all_o the_o relation_n that_o he_o call_v we_o to_o god_n have_v not_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o spend_v away_o all_o our_o precious_a day_n in_o sport_n pastime_n and_o folly_n or_o about_o the_o more_o profitable_a affair_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o too_o too_o many_o be_v but_o to_o sacrifice_v some_o competent_a part_n thereof_o unto_o the_o service_n of_o our_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o our_o friend_n neighbour_n relation_n and_o posterity_n may_v take_v encouragement_n and_o example_n by_o we_o to_o live_v more_o unto_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o their_o creator_n have_v thus_o lay_v down_o my_o end_n in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v this_o more_o to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o this_o exercitation_n be_v send_v forth_o as_o my_o first-born_a in_o this_o kind_n in_o public_a unto_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v intend_v also_o on_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n if_o god_n do_v continue_v but_o his_o wont_a mercy_n and_o encouragement_n thereunto_o this_o first_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o doctrinal_a and_o therefore_o i_o have_v herein_o follow_v a_o method_n with_o observation_n and_o note_n which_o the_o second_o will_v not_o so_o commodious_o admit_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o each_o prophecy_n and_o how_o the_o mystery_n figure_n and_o character_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v understand_v and_o apply_v to_o their_o proper_a time_n period_n state_n interest_n and_o revolution_n represent_v by_o they_o but_o this_o first_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o treat_v of_o divers_a question_n that_o be_v under_o dispute_n now_o in_o these_o day_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o let_v this_o see_v the_o light_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o try_v how_o it_o will_v taste_v upon_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o godly_a ingenious_a for_o if_o it_o savour_v well_o with_o they_o it_o will_v suffice_v and_o be_v a_o far_a encouragement_n unto_o the_o second_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v not_o please_v all_o in_o this_o write_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o writer_n with_o who_o all_o have_v be_v satisfy_v for_o according_a to_o the_o poet_n ad_fw-la capio_fw-la lectoris_fw-la habent_fw-la sva_fw-la fata_fw-la libelli_fw-la book_n do_v either_o hit_v or_o miss_v as_o the_o reader_n judgement_n be_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o in_o my_o thought_n to_o endeavour_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o so_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n or_o at_o least_o so_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o servility_n in_o the_o world_n to_o captivate_v one_o reason_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o overween_a folly_n it_o be_v also_o far_o beneath_o my_o design_n to_o accommodate_v my_o write_n to_o the_o popular_a applause_n and_o as_o the_o tragedian_n say_v populo_fw-la ut_fw-la placerent_fw-la who_o common_o weigh_v not_o the_o matter_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o scriptural_a reason_n but_o by_o their_o own_o irregular_a fancy_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o be_o far_o from_o their_o humour_n who_o nil_fw-la rectum_fw-la reputant_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la placuit_fw-la sibi_fw-la ducunt_fw-la next_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o ingenious_a reader_n that_o if_o any_o of_o my_o conclusion_n recede_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o can_v willing_o wish_v all_o such_o a_o abortion_n in_o the_o very_a birth_n but_o if_o any_o thereof_o seem_v only_o to_o discede_fw-la from_o the_o common_a receive_v opinion_n let_v the_o ingenious_a consider_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o want_v a_o protector_n or_o a_o sufficient_a defence_n and_o apologie_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o add_v in_o this_o way_n of_o apologize_v unto_o the_o reader_n but_o if_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n unto_o the_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v i_o wish_v he_o a_o far_a increase_n of_o divine_a light_n if_o he_o be_v malevolent_a thereunto_o all_o the_o harm_n i_o wish_v he_o be_v a_o better_a spirit_n and_o a_o more_o enlighten_v judgement_n if_o he_o be_v supine_n and_o negligent_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o add_v diligence_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o right_a enquiry_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a i_o wish_v he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o true_a
add_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1651._o who_o do_v number_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n very_o radiant_a and_o pregnant_a within_o the_o say_a book_n to_o prove_v it_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n first_o in_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o so_o high_o illuminate_v a_o person_n as_o john_n the_o apostle_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v evince_v and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o last_o public_a legacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o special_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v god_n will_v never_o suffer_v such_o a_o palpable_a deceit_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o long_o without_o control_n and_o under_o his_o own_o name_n so_o often_o reiterated_a in_o those_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n direction_n approbation_n and_o providential_a preservation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o this_o book_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o do_v full_o harmonise_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o indubitable_a receive_v book_n of_o god_n that_o treat_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n three_o and_o last_o see_v those_o thing_n be_v evident_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v predict_v and_o foretell_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o dethron_n of_o the_o dragon_n the_o rise_n continuance_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o whore_n ride_v upon_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n with_o divers_a other_o event_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o former_a some_o whereof_z be_v long_o since_o evident_o accomplish_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o determine_a time_n and_o period_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o prophecy_n come_v from_o god_n when_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v consult_v deut._n 18.21_o 22_o verse_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n about_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n have_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o whether_o this_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n first_o they_o that_o oppose_v the_o first_o do_v offer_n as_o their_o reason_n the_o unlikelyness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n that_o there_o be_v between_o this_o book_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n and_o his_o epistle_n which_o two_o latter_a agree_v in_o style_n and_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n be_v very_a dissonant_n from_o they_o both_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n in_o the_o first_o two_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n though_o he_o write_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o substantial_a truth_n contain_v therein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a tie_v up_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o the_o epistle_n but_o be_v leave_v at_o large_a by_o the_o spirit_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o expression_n which_o he_o write_v according_a to_o his_o own_o genius_n and_o temper_n be_v high_a and_o sublimate_n but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o must_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v and_o be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o beside_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o prophecy_n keep_v somewhat_o the_o like_a and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o expression_n character_n and_o method_n as_o it_o do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n daniel_n isaiah_n and_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v joint_o run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n in_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v and_o other_o of_o john_n writing_n second_o they_o that_o oppose_v give_v as_o another_o reason_n but_o unadvised_o that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n the_o revelation_n be_v entitle_v not_o unto_o john_n evangelist_n or_o john_n the_o apostle_n but_o unto_o john_n the_o divine_a this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n for_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o john_n be_v by_o excellency_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n call_v by_o this_o name_n of_o the_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o write_v and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o heretic_n that_o oppose_v it_o in_o his_o time_n as_o the_o ebonite_n simon_n magus_n carpocrates_n cerinthus_n and_o their_o follower_n yet_o withal_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o this_o word_n the_o divine_a in_o our_o language_n be_v too_o narrow_a a_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o this_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v of_o more_o copious_a and_o extensive_a signification_n which_o make_v much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o evangelist_n that_o write_v this_o book_n for_o the_o foresay_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n and_o maintainer_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v this_o denomination_n either_o from_o his_o work_n and_o so_o be_v entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a or_o last_o he_o acquire_v that_o peculiar_a title_n to_o himself_o from_o the_o high_a divine_a inspiration_n and_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n he_o have_v from_o god_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o those_o his_o vision_n and_o so_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o eminent_o conversant_a with_o god_n he_o may_v just_o acquire_v unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o john_n the_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o former_a be_v the_o more_o genuine_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o title_n in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v that_o this_o john_n who_o be_v the_o subordinate_a author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o be_v write_v cap._n 1._o 9_o when_o john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n under_o banishment_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n which_o do_v agree_v with_o all_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a father_n who_o all_o testify_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v there_o banish_v and_o second_o as_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n as_o aretas_n witness_v basil_n gregory_n cyril_n epiphanius_n ireneus_fw-la hippolyta_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n counsel_n plain_o avouch_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n this_o john_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n major_n or_o the_o great_a and_o the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o three_o great_a witness_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o most_o retire_a and_o eminent_a action_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n who_o after_o christ_n have_v accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v ascend_v he_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o as_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n testify_v have_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n receive_v power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o province_n fall_v in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n where_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o preach_v convert_v and_o found_v those_o several_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n philadelphia_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n but_o also_o it_o seem_v
people_n to_o be_v forewarn_v of_o this_o time_n &_o fore_o see_v it_o though_o long_a before_o it_o come_v to_o bear_v up_o their_o spirit_n in_o there_o great_a affliction_n and_o distress_n abraham_n see_v christ_n day_n and_o bless_a god_n though_o see_v it_o afar_o of_o by_o faith_n this_o god_n have_v more_o especial_o do_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o discovery_n unto_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o hierogliphique_a figure_n of_o all_o the_o empire_n state_n and_o kingdom_n both_o ethnic_a and_o antichristian_a with_o their_o several_a usurpation_n and_o oppression_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v happen_v from_o john_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o issue_n thereof_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o other_o before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o but_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o will_v be_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o hide_a mystery_n and_o seal_v and_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v espouse_v their_o study_n to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n have_v come_v of_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o over_o bold_a undertake_n 1._o i_o answer_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n be_v indeed_o full_a of_o mystery_n which_o will_v so_o remain_v until_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o do_v discover_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v they_o manifest_v but_o when_o we_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o event_n do_v see_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o effect_n of_o each_o prophecy_n and_o what_o by_o this_o and_o that_o thing_n have_v be_v mean_v it_o be_v now_o no_o long_o a_o mystery_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v now_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n rev._n 17.6_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v clear_a up_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o be_v the_o city_n with_o seven_o head_n reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o few_o or_o none_o do_v hesitate_n but_o do_v acknowledge_v yea_o even_o the_o learn_v of_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o as_o bellar._n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr pontif._n rom._n chap._n 2._o blasius_n viegas_n in_o chap._n 17.18_o apoc._n 5._o sect._n 3_o ribera_n in_o apoc._n châ—p_n 14._o page_n 144._o etc._n etc._n that_o by_o this_o great_a city_n here_o be_v mean_v rome_n likewise_o all_o interpreter_n of_o the_o reformation_n do_v harmonious_o accord_v that_o by_o the_o beast_n of_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n rev._n 13_o 1._o must_v be_v mean_v the_o romish_a empire_n divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o two_o horn_n like_o a_o lamb_n rev._n 13.11_o yet_o speak_v like_o a_o dragon_n to_o be_v the_o popish_a antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o if_o event_n have_v plain_o evidence_v these_o without_o contradiction_n so_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v as_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v why_o then_o shall_v if_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v unlock_v and_o make_v obvious_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a since_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o in_o the_o 17._o chapter_n have_v lay_v the_o first_o ground_n work_n from_o whence_o as_o from_o a_o sure_a foundation_n we_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a revelation_n by_o collate_v history_n time_n and_o passage_n one_o with_o another_o and_o lay_v they_o to_o their_o several_a character_n and_o period_n which_o the_o spirit_n have_v affix_v to_o every_o remarkable_a revolution_n passage_n and_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n as_o a_o sure_a token_n and_o touchstone_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o make_v they_o manifest_v so_o that_o now_o the_o revelation_n be_v no_o long_o a_o mystery_n but_o a_o book_n of_o history_n of_o memorable_a act_n and_o passage_n wherein_o be_v fore_o tell_v the_o several_a change_n that_o shall_v befall_v to_o the_o secular_a state_n or_o roman_a empire_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o empire_n until_o it_o shall_v as_o that_o stone_n prophesy_v of_o in_o dan._n 2._o smite_v the_o image_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o become_v itself_o a_o great_a mountain_n and_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o all_o mountain_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o history_n and_o change_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n with_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v discover_v clear_o how_o far_o the_o accomplishment_n reach_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v ere_o long_o so_o that_o the_o thing_n represent_v in_o this_o book_n be_v no_o more_o mystery_n and_o hide_a thing_n but_o as_o clear_v and_o accomplish_a act_n unto_o we_o 2._o the_o very_a title_n and_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o verse_n of_o this_o book_n deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o hide_a mystery_n no_o far_o then_o before_o the_o event_n do_v discover_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apocalypse_n or_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 which_o short_o must_v be_v do_v which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o book_n shut_v and_o seal_v for_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n vers_fw-la 8._o the_o lamb_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o seal_a book_n and_o so_o discovery_n be_v make_v unto_o john_n and_o by_o he_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o little_a book_n mention_v in_o chap._n 10._o which_o more_o especial_o contain_v the_o fate_n or_o destiny_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o open_a book_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 22.10_o plain_o prohibit_v to_o seal_v the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n therefore_o this_o hence_o clear_o follow_v to_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o our_o supine_n and_o overly_o look_v on_o this_o book_n we_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o seal_v and_o hide_a though_o the_o son_n of_o god_n testify_v the_o contrary_a then_o to_o bestow_v our_o industry_n with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o truth_n be_v like_o treasure_n get_v by_o the_o forest_n labour_v be_v most_o sweet_a and_o precious_a but_o with_o all_o such_o slowbelly_n that_o think_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n i_o leave_v with_o they_o these_o consideration_n be_v it_o the_o book_n or_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v as_o i_o hereafter_o shall_v clear_o evince_v then_o study_v it_o some_o good_a will_v come_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o it_o no_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n or_o write_v in_o vain_a it_o will_v stand_v in_o great_a stead_n yea_o in_o the_o alpha_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o omega_n thereof_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o blessing_n store_v up_o for_o they_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 3._o and_o chap._n 22._o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o shall_v there_o a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o these_o that_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v most_o faithful_a to_o perform_v yea_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_a fire_n revel_v 2.18_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a chap_n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n chap._n 3.14_o and_o so_o close_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 6._o that_o these_o say_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v first_o pass_v away_o before_o one_o jota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unaccomplish_v i_o say_v shall_v there_o a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v upon_o so_o faithful_a ground_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o look_v after_o it_o i_o shall_v judge_v blessedness_n worth_a the_o look_n after_o see_v that_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v most_o ready_a willing_a and_o able_a to_o perform_v but_o if_o it_o demand_v what_o be_v the_o advantage_n what_o be_v this_o blessing_n that_o may_v accrue_v in_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o answer_v
humane_a action_n do_v right_o distinguish_v of_o all_o the_o revolution_n and_o change_n both_o of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a state_n and_o though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v do_v and_o act_v together_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a person_n yet_o can_v be_v declare_v together_o but_o several_o one_o after_o another_o so_o these_o prophecy_n though_o reveal_v and_o set_v down_o in_o order_n of_o place_n one_o precede_a the_o other_o yet_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o interpret_v they_o that_o observe_v not_o the_o peculiar_a character_n and_o hide_a mystery_n of_o number_n syncronise_v and_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a key_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o make_v all_o the_o passage_n and_o revolution_n therein_o though_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n they_o seem_v abstruse_a and_o disturb_a yet_o by_o collate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o they_o become_v plain_a and_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o in_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n will_v manifest_v itself_o and_o these_o have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o some_o former_a interpreter_n have_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o study_n and_o exposition_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o they_o have_v apply_v diverse_a passage_n in_o this_o book_n to_o their_o own_o time_n when_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o sometime_o interpret_v as_o they_o be_v in_o order_n set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v one_o another_o whereas_o they_o shall_v be_v interpret_v as_o they_o be_v relata_fw-la and_o â—orrelata_fw-la and_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o period_n though_o disperse_v here_o and_o there_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o so_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v keep_v some_o and_o entire_a for_o we_o see_v that_o the_o order_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o every_o aptness_n of_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o interpreter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a by_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o several_a and_o particuliar_a character_n for_o explanation_n thereof_o affix_v thereunto_o now_o because_o some_o expositor_n have_v herein_o go_v astray_o must_v there_o no_o far_o inquiry_n be_v make_v into_o this_o book_n this_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o cast_v of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o in_o which_o of_o they_o have_v not_o some_o expositor_n do_v amiss_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n but_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n unto_o the_o latter_a day_n that_o many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v dan._n 12.4_o do_v not_o art_n grow_v in_o time_n to_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o perfection_n and_o be_v it_o any_o disparagement_n to_o those_o that_o go_v before_o we_o that_o we_o see_v far_o than_o they_o do_v apigmy_n upon_o a_o giants_n shoulder_n may_v see_v far_o than_o the_o himself_o so_o we_o be_v help_v by_o the_o instruction_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o predecessor_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n it_o be_v no_o great_a advance_n of_o our_o ability_n if_o we_o soar_v a_o little_a high_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o this_o my_o essay_n be_v perfect_a and_o so_o exact_a as_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v thereunto_o for_o herein_o i_o shall_v balk_v our_o proper_a attribute_n humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la since_o other_o that_o come_v after_o we_o will_v see_v far_o than_o we_o of_o this_o present_a age_n come_v near_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n of_o all_o only_o i_o leave_v this_o consideration_n and_o proposal_n with_o the_o judicious_a and_o pious_a christian_a that_o if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o a_o more_o commodious_a method_n of_o interpretation_n upon_o better_a reason_n and_o ground_n than_o i_o have_v for_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n suit_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o preserve_v the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a prophecy_n entire_a and_o discover_v the_o several_a passage_n and_o revolution_n therein_o how_o they_o do_v relate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o in_o their_o several_a proper_a character_n and_o syncronisme_n with_o more_o prospicuity_n and_o fit_a application_n of_o history_n answer_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v most_o willing_o become_v a_o learner_n at_o his_o foot_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o of_o the_o poet._n horat._n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la novisti_fw-la rectius_fw-la istis_fw-la candidus_n imperti_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la his_fw-la vtere_fw-la mecum_fw-la object_n again_o other_o will_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o curiosity_n and_o impertinency_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o of_o the_o apocaliptique_a day_n and_o period_n to_o the_o several_a time_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v too_o precise_a and_o peremptory_a 1._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o assert_v no_o more_o in_o this_o interpretation_n the_o text_n be_v not_o at_o all_o force_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o literal_a or_o figurative_o refer_v to_o the_o time_n and_o state_n then_o in_o be_v and_o that_o interpretation_n make_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a by_o such_o necessary_a and_o sure_a argument_n character_n and_o notable_a token_n as_o will_v make_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o every_o notable_a mystery_n obvious_a to_o every_o discern_a eye_n and_o herein_o i_o walk_v not_o alone_o have_v m._n brightman_n napeir_n piscator_fw-la alsteed_n and_o learned_a m._n mede_n with_o some_o other_o in_o their_o several_a tractate_v upon_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v my_o leader_n herein_o 2._o those_o figure_n and_o representation_n which_o make_v this_o interpretation_n dubious_a difficult_a oâ—_n mysterious_a be_v clear_v out_o of_o the_o other_o place_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v right_o apply_v to_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a state_n as_o the_o text_n and_o time_n do_v require_v shall_v wipe_v of_o the_o brand_n of_o impertinency_n and_o curiosity_n what_o god_n have_v sanctify_v no_o man_n shall_v call_v unholy_a what_o god_n have_v reveal_v no_o man_n shall_v judge_v himself_o too_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a to_o search_v into_o unrevealed_a thing_n pertain_v unto_o god_n but_o reveal_v thing_n be_v for_o the_o use_n and_o good_a of_o man_n 3._o i_o answer_v to_o the_o perciseness_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apocaliptique_a period_n though_o i_o will_v not_o herein_o be_v too_o peremptory_a well_o know_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o history_n &_o chronology_n there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o imperfection_n therein_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o scaligerde_n emendatione_fw-la temporum_fw-la and_o other_o account_n also_o treat_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n yet_o all_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o the_o time_n and_o period_n be_v fix_v in_o the_o predeterminate_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v high_a than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n unalterable_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o though_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v difference_n and_o imperfection_n in_o most_o account_n of_o time_n yet_o by_o a_o regular_a judgement_n draw_v from_o the_o visible_a token_n character_n image_n and_o representation_n of_o each_o time_n which_o be_v either_o concomitant_n contemporary_n or_o immediate_a antecedent_n or_o consequent_n of_o each_o great_a revolution_n and_o change_n we_o may_v judge_v their_o period_n either_o to_o be_v pass_v draw_v nigh_o at_o hand_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v in_o set_v down_o remarkable_a forerun_v as_o sign_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o his_o least_o come_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o matth._n and_o the_o 13._o of_o mark._n but_o i_o will_v desire_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o i_o set_v down_o the_o exact_a epact_n and_o period_n of_o time_n it_o may_v vary_v as_o unto_o we_o in_o preciseness_n of_o account_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o chronology_n but_o long_a time_n it_o can_v miss_v every_o notable_a revolution_n and_o season_n have_v their_o own_o proper_a character_n and_o token_n to_o point_v they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o finger_n which_o will_v notable_o help_v we_o peremptory_o to_o conclude_v in_o the_o foresay_a limit_a sense_n this_o time_n be_v the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n birth_n and_o rise_n this_o of_o his_o reign_n this_o of_o his_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n consider_v to_o this_o end_n that_o of_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n chap._n 12.7_o who_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o leave_v hand_n unto_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o
shall_v be_v for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n 13.14_o have_v show_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o the_o saint_n for_o 42._o month_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o witness_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n to_o be_v 1260._o day_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v he_o see_v that_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o saint_n mourning_n be_v in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n limit_v and_o prefix_v and_o that_o which_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v testify_v with_o a_o great_a oath_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o several_a period_n and_o appoint_a season_n again_o against_o the_o definite_a demonstration_n of_o the_o last_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n two_o scripture_n offer_v themselves_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o mark_n 13.32_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o his_o second_o come_v but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n the_o other_o be_v that_o of_o the_o act._n 1.7_o wherein_o christ_n answer_v his_o disciple_n question_v will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n so_o the_o objection_n lie_v thus_o if_o no_o man_n no_o not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n know_v the_o last_o day_n but_o that_o time_n and_o season_n be_v leave_v alone_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o father_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o of_o the_o last_o day_n itself_o and_o end_n of_o all_o make_v out_o unto_o john_n in_o this_o revelation_n by_o christ_n himself_o i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o nature_n distinct_a and_o unconfounded_a to_o make_v up_o one_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o the_o property_n of_o each_o nature_n do_v remain_v entire_a unto_o each_o he_o be_v true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v no_o derogation_n at_o all_o unto_o he_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v not_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o so_o of_o the_o last_o day_n but_o to_o affirm_v it_o as_o he_o be_v god_n be_v one_o in_o counsel_n nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v it_o for_o shall_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o handiwork_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o injunction_n or_o command_n of_o his_o father_n on_o he_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o on_o earth_n to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n be_v that_o scripture_n mark_n 10.40_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n to_o sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n or_o his_o left_a be_v not_o he_o to_o give_v yet_o in_o revel_n 3.21_o he_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o he_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n this_o scripture_n give_v a_o fair_a light_n to_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o former_a for_o while_o he_o be_v here_o beneath_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o father_n to_o discover_v time_n and_o season_n nor_o to_o give_v throne_n power_n and_o kingdom_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o saint_n until_o after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o father_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o give_v into_o his_o hand_n by_o right_a of_o purchase_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v clear_o intimate_v in_o the_o revel_n 5.9_o etc._n etc._n when_o none_o be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n than_o the_o 24._o elder_n before_o the_o throne_n sing_v a_o new_a song_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_v thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o thy_o blood_n of_o every_o kindred_n tongue_n people_n and_o nation_n the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n be_v as_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o his_o second_o come_v neither_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o suffer_v nor_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o father_n for_o christ_n unto_o that_o day_n 3._o that_o place_n of_o the_o act_n 1.7_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o disciple_n to_o know_v then_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o meet_a time_n which_o god_n think_v good_a at_o that_o time_n not_o to_o make_v know_v to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n he_o do_v not_o answer_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o de_fw-la tempore_fw-la tempestivo_fw-la of_o the_o opportune_a and_o fit_a time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n do_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o will_v not_o reveal_v unto_o his_o people_n 4._o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o essay_n i_o do_v consider_v the_o time_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o period_n of_o antichrist_n and_o other_o the_o great_a event_n syncronize_a with_o the_o same_o in_o a_o indefinite_a and_o more_o general_a way_n not_o in_o a_o exact_a definite_a precise_a day_n and_o hour_n here_o i_o only_o consider_v the_o year_n in_o a_o more_o general_a way_n which_o now_o the_o father_n have_v not_o reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o other_o book_n of_o god_n last_o account_v it_o as_o labour_v lose_v to_o answer_v the_o vain_a interpretation_n and_o gloss_n of_o the_o allegorise_a and_o chemical_a scripturist_n to_o wit_v the_o familistical_a notionist_n who_o can_v extract_v quidlibet_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la and_o so_o make_v the_o revelation_n indeed_o a_o mystery_n and_o book_n seal_v to_o the_o wise_a christian_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o meddle_v with_o they_o when_o as_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o mystical_a â—_z of_o their_o own_o confuse_a brain_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n for_o indeed_o if_o this_o book_n be_v not_o open_v according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n with_o their_o peculiar_a character_n right_o apply_v to_o their_o several_a time_n and_o season_n we_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o tolerable_a sense_n or_o exposition_n to_o set_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v well_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o do_v clear_o discover_v and_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o 17._o chap._n the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o be_v a_o government_n or_o empire_n that_o shall_v arise_v under_o ten_o king_n and_o that_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a and_o the_o woman_n sit_v upon_o many_o water_n to_o be_v that_o great_a city_n situate_v upon_o seven_o hill_n and_o which_o do_v reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v holpen_v we_o with_o this_o key_n to_o unshut_a in_o part_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o fall_v on_o the_o same_o method_n in_o open_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o figure_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v we_o some_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o itself_o as_o sure_a footstep_n to_o tread_v in_o from_o which_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v as_o from_o a_o watchtower_n take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o so_o a_o scanding_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n otherwise_o in_o itself_o inaccessible_a and_o that_o thy_o servant_n o_o christ_n who_o
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 record_v vision_n and_o thing_n which_o he_o shall_v see_v which_o be_v relate_v unto_o the_o future_a observe_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o historical_a relation_n and_o discovery_n under_o hyerogliphick_n figure_n of_o thing_n present_a but_o also_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o asian_a church_n and_o that_o as_o a_o introduction_n to_o all_o the_o future_a prophecy_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o cap._n 5._o v._n 1._o where_o a_o book_n be_v represent_v write_v within_o and_o without_o within_z that_o be_v secret_a seal_v under_o seven_o seal_n and_o their_o end_n yet_o
make_v know_v by_o enjoyment_n that_o be_v here_o promise_v it_o be_v but_o a_o variation_n of_o the_o former_a promise_n of_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n ver_fw-la 10.11_o and_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n and_o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o the_o morning_n star_n and_o write_v the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n upon_o he_o and_o put_v on_o he_o the_o white_a raiment_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o be_v but_o various_a expression_n of_o the_o future_a eternal_a blessedness_n that_o the_o conquer_a saint_n shall_v enjoy_v after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o this_o hide_a manna_n that_o be_v here_o promise_v to_o they_o to_o eat_v be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o hide_a manner_n in_o that_o day_n that_o it_o far_o pass_v our_o understanding_n for_o the_o excellency_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o who_o eat_a and_o participate_v will_v be_v then_o in_o a_o far_o high_a key_n and_o on_o a_o more_o spiritual_a account_n than_o now_o we_o can_v possible_o in_o the_o state_n of_o weakness_n enjoy_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o call_v the_o hide_a manna_n and_o as_o another_o additional_a degree_n of_o blessedness_n to_o this_o hide_a manna_n there_o be_v annex_v and_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o some_o take_v this_o stone_n to_o be_v the_o stone_n of_o free_a absolution_n and_o free_a justification_n by_o christ_n as_o have_v allusion_n to_o that_o ancient_a practice_n among_o those_o common-weal_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o democrasie_n as_o athens_n sparta_n etc._n etc._n who_o when_o any_o person_n be_v accuse_v of_o a_o crime_n they_o that_o absolve_v and_o acquit_v he_o cast_v into_o the_o pot_n a_o white_a stone_n and_o they_o that_o condemn_v he_o cast_v in_o a_o black_a stone_n and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o stone_n the_o person_n be_v either_o acquit_v or_o convict_v and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o judicious_a custom_n ovid_n testify_v in_o his_o 15._o book_n of_o metamor_n mos_fw-la erat_fw-la antiquis_fw-la niveis_fw-la atrisque_fw-la lapillis_fw-la his_o damnare_fw-la reos_fw-la illis_fw-la absolvere_fw-la culpâ_fw-la so_o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o practice_n say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o free_a absolution_n and_o acquittance_n give_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v by_o christ_n and_o a_o white_a stone_n give_v they_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o new_a name_n write_v that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o that_o be_v say_v they_o it_o be_v new_a and_o strange_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o that_o have_v it_o not_o or_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o man_n have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n thereof_o but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o conquer_a christian_n for_o the_o white_a stone_n of_o absolution_n and_o adoption_n he_o have_v in_o the_o very_a first_o day_n that_o he_o undertake_v his_o christian_n combat_n by_o faith_n for_o he_o can_v make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o in_o this_o spritual_a conflict_n unless_o he_o have_v first_o receive_v the_o white_a stone_n of_o justification_n absolution_n and_o adoption_n by_o faith_n and_o though_o indeed_o no_o man_n know_v the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o stone_n save_o but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o and_o so_o indeed_o unto_o the_o unregenerate_a and_o unbeliever_n this_o stone_n have_v a_o new_a name_n and_o nature_n write_v thereon_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o but_o unto_o a_o believer_n and_o the_o faithful_a christian_n combatant_n this_o white_a stone_n of_o absolution_n and_o justification_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n unto_o they_o at_o all_o for_o this_o white_a stone_n that_o be_v here_o promise_v be_v but_o a_o additional_a promise_n of_o other_o term_n and_o variableness_n of_o expression_n of_o that_o blessedness_n that_o the_o overcome_a christian_n shall_v enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v therefore_o as_o unto_o they_o it_o have_v a_o new_a name_n also_o and_o this_o expression_n have_v rather_o allusion_n to_o that_o practice_n of_o the_o ancients_n who_o be_v accustom_v to_o give_v a_o certain_a white_a stone_n with_o some_o such_o inscription_n in_o it_o as_o detur_fw-la vincenti_fw-la to_o those_o that_o get_v the_o victory_n in_o play_n and_o game_n and_o this_o the_o ancient_n accustom_v as_o aretus_n testify_v and_o we_o as_o yet_o retain_v some_o practice_n answerable_a thereunto_o as_o when_o we_o set_v up_o a_o silver_n sword_n for_o the_o master_n or_o conquer_a fencer_n a_o golden_a ring_n for_o the_o best_a dancer_n a_o golden_a cup_n for_o the_o best_a racer_n or_o shooter_n or_o a_o golden_a ball_n for_o the_o best_a runner_n these_o be_v as_o several_a prize_n set_v forth_o for_o he_o that_o overcome_v in_o their_o respective_a game_n and_o pastime_n among_o man_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n here_o do_v allude_v and_o promise_v he_o that_o overcome_v in_o his_o christian_n combat_n the_o white_a stone_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o new_a name_n write_v as_o a_o prize_n of_o his_o victory_n and_o conquest_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o stone_n that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a name_n write_v therein_o that_o be_v first_o there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a glory_n in_o this_o white_a stone_n or_o prize_n of_o victory_n that_o be_v as_o yet_o most_o strange_a and_o secret_a and_o that_o never_o mortal_a eye_n yet_o see_v and_o so_o unspeakable_a that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v the_o glory_n thereof_o for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v write_v on_o it_o and_o of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n cap._n 3._o 12._o and_o no_o man_n can_v perfect_o know_v or_o describe_v this_o glorious_a new_a state_n and_o crown_n of_o life_n or_o this_o prize_n of_o inestimable_a glory_n this_o white_a stone_n wherein_o this_o new_a name_n be_v write_v but_o those_o that_o shall_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o last_o day_n we_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o be_v at_o present_a but_o we_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v that_o day_n before_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o we_o know_v now_o but_o in_o part_n dark_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n by_o medium_n figure_n and_o resemblance_n as_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n white_a raiment_n hide_a manna_n white_a stone_n new_a name_n and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o as_o we_o be_v know_v second_o this_o white_a stone_n or_o prize_n of_o glory_n be_v say_v here_o to_o have_v a_o new_a name_n write_v on_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n thereof_o and_o this_o be_v christ_n own_o new_a name_n which_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o cap._n 3._o 12._o little_a do_v the_o world_n think_v to_o see_v the_o despicable_a and_o afflict_a state_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n that_o he_o have_v another_o new_a name_n for_o himself_o and_o they_o that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o himself_o cap._n 19_o 12._o and_o what_o be_v that_o new_a name_n peruse_v the_o subsequent_a verse_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_a fire_n and_o on_o his_o head_n be_v many_o crown_n and_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o a_o vesture_n dip_v in_o blood_n and_o his_o name_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o nation_n and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o he_o have_v on_o his_o vesture_n and_o on_o his_o thigh_n a_o name_n write_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_z of_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o new_a name_n be_v here_o write_v upon_o the_o conquer_a saint_n and_o they_o be_v make_v copartner_n with_o christ_n in_o this_o his_o kingdom_n see_v the_o 26._o and_o 27._o vers_fw-la of_o this_o cap._n and_o cap._n 3._o 12._o be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a and_o new_a thing_n think_v you_o for_o the_o poor_a afflict_a break_a and_o despise_v christian_n to_o receive_v this_o white_a stone_n or_o price_n of_o victory_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o to_o rule_v the_o nation_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o new_a thing_n and_o a_o new_a name_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o also_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v here_o promise_v as_o a_o prize_n crown_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o faithful_a perseverance_n and_o conquest_n which_o when_o they_o receive_v it_o they_o shall_v full_o know_v and_o comprehend_v it_o but_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o new_a
receive_v to_o and_o by_o soul_n before_o they_o can_v act_v towards_o god_n in_o the_o least_o acceptable_a service_n object_n but_o then_o again_o some_o one_o may_v say_v if_o the_o small_a remain_v of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o sardis_n be_v almost_o dead_a or_o ready_a to_o die_v do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o perish_v total_o answ_n grace_n may_v be_v very_o low_a and_o yet_o not_o dead_a it_o be_v as_o spark_n of_o fire_n under_o much_o ash_n with_o sardis_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v spark_n be_v as_o real_a fire_n though_o not_o as_o fervent_a and_o virtual_a as_o a_o flame_a one_o indeed_o it_o be_v low_a with_o sardis_n in_o her_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v most_o just_a with_o god_n when_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n against_o he_o that_o he_o hide_v much_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o we_o when_o by_o sin_n we_o quench_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n god_n may_v just_o quench_v its_o effect_n towards_o we_o but_o no_o soon_o shall_v we_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o renew_v by_o repentance_n but_o present_o god_n give_v a_o more_o enliven_a and_o effectual_a spirit_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o former_a withdrawing_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n not_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n and_o forsake_v second_o i_o answer_v person_n that_o be_v elect_a and_o have_v real_o taste_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o intercession_n can_v never_o utter_o fall_v away_o unless_o they_o will_v make_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o preordination_n of_o god_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o fallible_a and_o the_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n impotent_a and_o insufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v yet_o withal_o i_o assert_v though_o elect_a person_n can_v utter_o fall_v away_o as_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n unto_o christ_n and_o none_o such_o can_v be_v cast_v away_o be_v help_v by_o the_o mighty_a powâ—â—_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n yet_o election_n of_o a_o state_n of_o person_n may_v fail_v and_o perish_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o election_n thereof_o do_v obtain_v rom._n 11.7_o to_o wit_n those_o that_o do_v pertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o god_n in_o that_o nation_n do_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n yet_o at_o last_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o nation_n the_o election_n of_o god_n do_v fail_v as_o respect_v that_o state_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v unto_o the_o root_n and_o that_o good_a olive_n cut_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o wild_a olive_n or_o gentile_a nation_n graff_v in_o upon_o their_o stock_n obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n be_v their_o cut_n off_o and_o faith_n be_v the_o gentile_n incision_n and_o graft_n in_o as_o the_o one_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n so_o the_o other_o be_v graff_v in_o by_o faith_n rom._n 11.20_o those_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n that_o do_v hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n whilst_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o church_n may_v perish_v utter_o the_o first_o be_v mark_v and_o write_v in_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o life_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o can_v perish_v but_o after_o god_n have_v finish_v his_o work_n at_o sardis_n thyatira_n rome_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o call_v his_o elect_n out_o of_o they_o and_o secure_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n he_o can_v remove_v the_o current_n of_o his_o election_n to_o another_o people_n without_o any_o changeableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n in_o he_o and_o make_v those_o very_a people_n in_o their_o posterity_n the_o very_a seat_n and_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v once_o his_o beulah_n darling_n and_o belove_a one_o three_o there_o be_v guild_v formal_a hipocritical_a grace_n and_o believer_n and_o such_o may_v not_o be_v only_o ready_a to_o die_v but_o dead_a twice_o dead_a dead_a at_o the_o root_n and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o such_o be_v fall_v away_o perish_v and_o lose_v from_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v all_o their_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n only_o so_o demas_n simon_n magus_n judas_n ananias_n and_o saphira_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v never_o the_o truth_n of_o real_a grace_n in_o they_o all_o be_v but_o seem_v formal_a hypocritical_a and_o at_o best_a but_o historical_a which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v and_o for_o all_o this_o perish_v everlasting_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n for_o god_n to_o leave_v some_o remain_v of_o grace_n in_o a_o sinful_a church_n and_o people_n if_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n we_o have_v be_v worse_o than_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n small_a spark_n be_v blow_v and_o cherish_v may_v become_v a_o flame_n so_o little_a grace_n though_o like_o a_o mustardseed_n may_v become_v a_o great_a tree_n if_o god_n shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o spiritual_a death_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v go_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v soul-less_a and_o dead_a unto_o every_o good_a and_o spiritual_a work_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v life_n in_o we_o though_o it_o be_v infirm_a and_o weak_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o recovery_n but_o be_v once_o dead_a there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_n so_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o work_v but_o faint_o and_o weak_o by_o reason_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o come_v but_o to_o the_o first_o step_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a life_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o dead_a and_o carnal_a condition_n and_o to_o complain_v under_o it_o there_o be_v good_a hope_n of_o recovery_n unto_o such_o a_o soul_n and_o unto_o such_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v unto_o its_o comfort_n awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v observe_v 3._o though_o our_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o low_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o cherish_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o until_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n within_o ourselves_o unto_o perfection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o contemn_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n for_o he_o that_o improve_v but_o one_o talon_n well_o shall_v be_v make_v ruler_n of_o many_o talent_n the_o beast_n in_o the_o prophet_n always_o go_v forward_o ezek._n 1.11_o but_o grub_n that_o be_v backward_o be_v reckon_v among_o unclean_a creature_n leu._n 11.10_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n if_o we_o cherish_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o though_o in_o never_o so_o small_a a_o measure_n god_n will_v add_v a_o great_a and_o full_a supply_n unto_o we_o god_n will_v add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n unto_o virtue_n patience_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v all_o come_v hand_n in_o hand_n in_o consort_n as_o follow_v one_o the_o other_o as_o in_o a_o chorus_n or_o dance_n doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o be_v labour_n lose_v for_o sardis_n to_o strengthen_v and_o revive_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o expire_v within_o she_o though_o christ_n will_v be_v at_o hand_n to_o assist_v she_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o without_o her_o motion_n and_o improvement_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o austin_n though_o god_n make_v we_o without_o we_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o without_o we_o grace_n work_v most_o kind_o when_o it_o meet_v with_o improve_n heart_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o young_a samuel_n thy_o servant_n hear_v lord_n speak_v though_o god_n have_v ascertain_v and_o decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o duty_n of_o creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o second_o cause_n ezek._n 36.37_o jer._n 29.11_o 12._o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a we_o be_v to_o work_v for_o life_n as_o if_o life_n be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o work_v and_o doubtless_o the_o crown_n will_v be_v the_o more_o glorious_a where_o the_o great_a improument_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v the_o more_o grace_n the_o vessel_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o here_o
that_o be_v make_v null_n god_n have_v institute_v a_o most_o gracious_a one_o wherein_o he_o have_v free_o give_v eternal_a life_n to_o all_o his_o choose_a once_o merit_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o receive_v here_o in_o the_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o by_o faith_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n object_n but_o here_o come_v the_o sophistical_a jesuite_n and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a in_o rigour_n or_o justice_n we_o can_v merit_v at_o god_n hand_n we_o can_v give_v he_o quid_fw-la pro_fw-la quo_fw-la but_o in_o his_o favourable_a acceptance_n we_o may_v give_v he_o some_o satisfaction_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o imperfect_a proportion_n to_o divine_a justice_n and_o accept_v by_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o good_a payment_n from_o we_o and_o if_o you_o will_v take_v it_o rather_o in_o their_o own_o word_n who_o they_o design_v and_o say_v there_o be_v either_o 1._o sat_n be_v factio_fw-la justiciae_fw-la ex_fw-la rigore_fw-la justiciae_fw-la ad_fw-la absolutam_fw-la &_o perfectam_fw-la equalitatem_fw-la quantitatis_fw-la or_o 2._o acceptationis_fw-la facti_fw-la ex_fw-la gratia_fw-la donante_fw-la ad_fw-la imperfectam_fw-la aequalitatem_fw-la proportionis_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la condigno_fw-la the_o first_o satisfaction_n they_o deny_v but_o the_o latter_a they_o grant_v and_o assert_v that_o our_o own_o work_n though_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o to_o answer_v strict_a justice_n yet_o be_v now_o dye_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n become_v currant_n for_o good_a payment_n and_o christ_n have_v merit_v to_o set_v a_o value_n upon_o they_o now_o they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v by_o themselves_o and_o merit_n upon_o their_o own_o account_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n these_o be_v some_o of_o belarmines_n expression_n i_o answer_v this_o distinction_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o strict_a justice_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o favourable_a acceptance_n be_v but_o vain_a and_o sophistical_a unto_o this_o question_n i_o grant_v that_o our_o good_a work_n and_o holiness_n do_v out_o of_o faith_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n in_o scripture_n god_n be_v not_o like_a man_n in_o humane_a satisfaction_n ready_a to_o take_v twenty_o pound_n for_o one_o hundred_o pound_n from_o his_o debtor_n where_o no_o more_o be_v to_o be_v have_v god_n will_v make_v no_o such_o complemental_a composition_n with_o his_o debtor_n divine_a justice_n will_v exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n either_o it_o will_v have_v full_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sinner_n or_o of_o his_o surety_n either_o of_o ourselves_o and_o upon_o our_o own_o person_n or_o upon_o christ_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v such_o a_o facility_n or_o partiality_n in_o divine_a justice_n as_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o few_o poor_a unworthy_a rag_n of_o our_o own_o imperfect_a righteousness_n no_o satisfaction_n will_v suit_v and_o comport_v with_o divine_a justice_n but_o such_o as_o be_v by_o the_o same_o justice_n repute_v sufficient_a such_o as_o be_v christ_n satisfaction_n and_o they_o only_o can_v do_v the_o work_n and_o therefore_o those_o pure_a undefiled_a name_n at_o sardis_n be_v account_v worthy_a to_o walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a not_o out_o of_o their_o own_o merit_n or_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o can_v render_v unto_o divine_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o god_n mere_a gracious_a acceptation_n and_o free_a love_n towards_o they_o they_o be_v worthy_a not_o out_o of_o merit_n and_o justice_n but_o out_o of_o fitness_n aptness_n and_o excellency_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o and_o so_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o gracious_a lovely_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o verse_n 5._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n to_o the_o overcome_a saint_n in_o sardis_n that_o shall_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o time_n there_o be_v promise_v a_o glorious_a white_a vestment_n to_o represent_v the_o innocency_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o glory_n they_o shall_v enjoy_v when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v with_o who_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a as_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n more_o full_o hence_o note_v observe_v the_o future_a bless_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sinless_a innocent_a one_o but_o a_o most_o glorious_a one_o also_o this_o be_v manifest_v by_o their_o solemn_a investiture_n into_o that_o state_n be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n which_o do_v typify_v and_o represent_v as_o the_o priest_n vesture_n of_o old_a both_o innocency_n and_o majesty_n and_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o we_o be_v then_o make_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o our_o god_n rev._n 5.10_o and_o we_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n this_o be_v a_o other_o addition_n or_o further_a degree_n of_o blessedness_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v take_v up_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o blot_v out_o of_o it_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n metaphorical_o borrow_v from_o their_o practice_n and_o be_v very_o often_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o that_o prayer_n of_o moses_n exod._n 32.32_o i_o pray_v thou_o raze_v i_o out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o thou_o have_v write_v and_o according_a to_o that_o imprecation_n of_o david_n psalm_n 69.28_o let_v they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o rev._n 22._o â—9_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v diminish_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n add_v to_o these_o psal_n 139.16_o dan._n 12.12_o rev._n 20.12_o mal._n 3.15_o rev._n 13.8_o &_o 17.8_o all_o which_o do_v signify_v that_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n wherein_o he_o write_v and_o blot_v out_o that_o the_o thing_n therein_o signify_v may_v be_v make_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v a_o book_n for_o the_o help_n of_o his_o memory_n or_o that_o he_o write_v or_o blot_v out_o as_o man_n usual_o do_v god_n be_v no_o such_o corporeal_a be_v to_o use_v such_o help_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v metaphorical_o as_o abovesaid_a and_o per_fw-la anthropopathean_a according_a to_o his_o condescension_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n as_o when_o eye_n face_n hear_v hand_n etc._n etc._n be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n he_o need_v not_o book_n of_o writing_n for_o help_v of_o his_o knowledge_n or_o memory_n for_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v be_v in_o his_o fight_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o term_n a_o little_a more_o distinct_o know_v god_n have_v a_o double_a book_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v say_v to_o write_v and_o blot_v out_o the_o one_o be_v that_o of_o his_o decree_n of_o his_o election_n unto_o life_n the_o other_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o decree_n in_o the_o first_o book_n person_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o it_o two_o way_n either_o real_o or_o seem_o so_o unto_o other_o for_o the_o first_o they_o can_v never_o be_v expunge_v or_o blot_v out_o of_o that_o book_n unless_o divine_a omniscience_n and_o omnipotency_n shall_v fail_v that_o be_v engage_v for_o their_o support_n and_o perseverance_n which_o more_o full_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v declare_v but_o the_o second_o sort_n that_o be_v but_o seem_o write_v in_o this_o book_n of_o life_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v blot_v out_o and_o castaways_a for_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v never_o real_o write_v in_o it_o so_o also_o in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n decree_n person_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o that_o also_o two_o way_n first_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n when_o god_n execute_v his_o decree_n of_o election_n by_o bring_v and_o receive_v his_o elect_a one_o into_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n by_o believe_v and_o so_o enroll_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o faithful_a one_o church_n and_o family_n second_o other_o also_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n which_o be_v but_o only_o seem_v and_o tiâ—ulary_a christian_n in_o respect_n they_o have_v take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v add_v
to_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o member_n thereof_o and_o be_v so_o just_o repute_v by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o denominate_v they_o saint_n call_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n now_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v out_o name_n name_n be_v put_v for_o person_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o only_o signify_v that_o god_n will_v manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v it_o know_v both_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o never_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o the_o state_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n nor_o never_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n under_o this_o negative_a promise_n unto_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v contain_v a_o strong_a affirmation_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o contrary_a blessing_n christ_n will_v not_o only_o not_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v confirm_v and_o continue_v his_o undoubted_a right_n and_o title_n unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o he_o will_v also_o manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o other_o his_o lawful_a title_n and_o interest_n according_a as_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o thereunto_o in_o his_o book_n of_o life_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o so_o the_o subsequent_a word_n do_v intimate_v i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n often_o in_o scripture_n thing_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v only_o manifest_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o that_o say_n res_fw-la tum_fw-la demum_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la fieri_fw-la cum_fw-la incipiantur_fw-la manifestari_fw-la reg._n petrum_fw-la as_o to_o instance_n by_o heb._n 1.5_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o scripture_n not_o intend_v that_o the_o son_n be_v not_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n before_o that_o day_n when_o that_o word_n be_v utter_v but_o that_o on_o that_o day_n he_o be_v more_o eminent_o declare_v and_o manifest_v to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n then_o former_o so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n will_v blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o only_o import_v that_o god_n will_v discover_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o their_o name_n be_v never_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n nor_o have_v any_o right_a or_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o election_n or_o salvation_n far_o than_o in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n from_o the_o word_n note_v observe_v that_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o god_n choose_a one_o be_v seal_v and_o secure_v by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o god_n decree_n of_o life_n and_o he_o will_v not_o blot_v they_o out_o for_o be_v once_o enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n election_n and_o among_o the_o catalogue_n of_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n invisible_a they_o can_v never_o be_v raze_v out_o for_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n continue_v sure_a rom._n 9.11_o and_o have_v a_o twofold_a seal_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o first_o god_n knowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o second_o his_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n which_o seal_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v blot_v out_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o enroll_v or_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o must_v be_v their_o sin_n and_o pollution_n that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n choose_a one_o can_v move_v the_o lord_n to_o raze_v we_o out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n for_o than_o the_o foresight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n will_v much_o more_o have_v hinder_v he_o from_o choose_v and_o enrol_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n see_v every_o one_o know_v that_o a_o less_o cause_n will_v hinder_v the_o choice_n of_o any_o then_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o person_n once_o choose_v nay_o rather_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v we_o therefore_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o will_v preserve_v we_o though_o not_o altogether_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o from_o final_o lie_v dormant_a and_o impenitent_a therein_o and_o as_o he_o have_v free_o choose_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o worthiness_n so_o also_o he_o will_v free_o execute_v this_o decree_n by_o give_v we_o all_o the_o good_a mean_n conduce_v to_o that_o end_n object_n but_o some_o may_v say_v though_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v secure_a and_o their_o name_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o this_o book_n yet_o this_o do_v intimate_v that_o other_o who_o name_n be_v write_v therein_o for_o their_o sinful_a pollution_n and_o iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o may_v be_v blot_v out_o according_a to_o that_o of_o exod._n 32.33_o whosoever_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o say_v god_n he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n and_o as_o david_n pray_v psal_n 69.28_o let_v they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a answ_n first_o this_o threaten_a be_v not_o against_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n who_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o those_o that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o and_o be_v only_a seem_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n member_n in_o show_n and_o not_o in_o truth_n branch_n in_o the_o vine_n by_o profession_n but_o not_o in_o practice_n and_o life_n of_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n but_o not_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n estimation_n second_o whereas_o god_n say_v he_o will_v blot_v such_o out_o of_o his_o book_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v thereby_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v they_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n unto_o life_n wherein_o they_o be_v never_o write_v or_o that_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v but_o that_o he_o will_v raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o life_n the_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o decree_n to_o wit_n the_o book_n and_o roll_n â—f_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_o declare_v that_o they_o who_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v write_v in_o both_o book_n or_o both_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o that_o of_o god_n decree_n which_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o invisible_a member_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o of_o that_o other_o book_n or_o roll_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n ever_o enroll_v in_o either_o far_o than_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o appearance_n only_o and_o last_o whereas_o david_n pray_v that_o the_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a be_v no_o more_o but_o as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v do_v not_o o_o lord_n write_v they_o down_o or_o reckon_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o thy_o faithful_a one_o or_o if_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o thy_o church_n and_o people_n and_o to_o be_v account_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n and_o external_a walk_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o discover_v such_o and_o display_v they_o that_o it_o may_v manifest_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v account_v among_o the_o righteous_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o child_n that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o regard_n that_o god_n decree_n of_o election_n be_v unsearchable_a to_o man_n those_o be_v say_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n who_o be_v outward_o call_v and_o add_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v themselves_o member_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o outward_a but_o not_o the_o infallible_a sign_n of_o god_n election_n because_o they_o be_v common_a both_o to_o hypocrite_n and_o sound_a believer_n and_o so_o likewise_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v person_n out_o of_o this_o book_n who_o sin_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v and_o so_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o
the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o david_n because_o he_o will_v have_v god_n vengeance_n against_o these_o wicked_a one_o plain_o manifest_v desire_v the_o lord_n to_o discover_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o portion_n right_a or_o part_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n nor_o worthy_a to_o be_v write_v or_o number_v among_o the_o righteous_a but_o that_o all_o may_v sensible_o discern_v they_o to_o be_v but_o reprobate_n and_o thus_o far_o david_n prayer_n be_v imitable_a as_o unto_o we_o quest_n but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v put_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o moses_n do_v exod._n 32.32_o i_o pray_v thou_o raze_v i_o out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o thou_o have_v write_v and_o as_o paul_n wish_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 9.3_o or_o second_o to_o pray_v that_o other_o man_n name_n though_o wicked_a may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n as_o david_n in_o psal_n 69.28_o pray_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o answ_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o command_n or_o promise_n annex_v to_o such_o a_o prayer_n but_o abundant_o to_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o sure_o such_o prayer_n must_v be_v most_o vain_a and_o sinful_a for_o neither_o moses_n nor_o paul_n be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n before_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n moses_n nor_o paul_n do_v pray_v so_o absolute_a but_o conditional_o like_v to_o that_o of_o christ_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o so_o they_o if_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o god_n will_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o he_o can_v desire_v and_o wish_v to_o be_v raze_v out_o and_o anathematise_v from_o the_o roll_n of_o god_n church_n and_o from_o life_n itself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v deliver_v their_o lose_a brethren_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o curse_n and_o damnation_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o impenitency_n this_o they_o do_v desire_n under_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a but_o whether_o moses_n or_o paul_n have_v so_o a_o eye_n and_o respect_n in_o these_o particular_a prayer_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v uncertain_a for_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o either_o moses_n or_o paul_n may_v be_v carry_v aside_o by_o a_o over_o mislead_v zeal_n to_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o say_v the_o apostle_n james_n cap._n 3._o 2._o 3._o last_o if_o david_n do_v pray_v unto_o god_n absolute_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ungodly_a may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n i_o think_v it_o not_o warrantable_a nor_o imitable_a in_o we_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n he_o well_o know_v against_o who_o he_o pray_v prophesy_v and_o imprecate_v and_o so_o his_o prayer_n and_o imprecation_n to_o this_o effect_n be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o prophetical_a denunciation_n and_o prediction_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n which_o be_v no_o pattern_n or_o example_n to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n even_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o most_o vile_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o their_o return_v but_o second_o though_o we_o may_v not_o pray_v absolute_o yet_o we_o may_v conditional_o with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_n against_o all_o his_o and_o our_o antichristian_a enemy_n that_o god_n will_v either_o convert_v they_o or_o bring_v they_o to_o shame_n and_o ruin_n that_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o saint_n peace_n and_o comfort_n may_v be_v more_o enlarge_v and_o multiply_v thereby_o but_o to_o proceed_v i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n christ_n have_v assure_v the_o overcome_a saint_n of_o sardis_n that_o they_o shall_v participate_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o majesty_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v undoubted_o assure_v they_o the_o confirmation_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o bless_a estate_n and_o their_o right_n thereunto_o in_o not_o blot_v out_o their_o name_n out_o of_o his_o bless_a roll_n and_o register_v of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o have_v promise_v not_o only_o to_o do_v all_o this_o good_a for_o they_o but_o will_v also_o acknowledge_v they_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v his_o by_o name_n before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v those_o who_o i_o present_v before_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o thy_o holy_a minister_a spirit_n clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n in_o innocency_n and_o majesty_n and_o which_o be_v from_o eternity_n register_v in_o thy_o book_n i_o avouch_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v of_o my_o own_o name_n member_n of_o my_o own_o body_n anoint_v with_o the_o same_o unction_n and_o spirit_n that_o i_o be_o of_o true_o christian_n faithful_a follower_n of_o i_o and_o my_o doctrine_n through_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o regeneration_n and_o new_a life_n which_o they_o have_v lead_v unto_o this_o present_a day_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o will_v public_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o faithful_a one_o at_o the_o last_o day_n before_o god_n his_o father_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n this_o he_o promise_v mat._n 10.32_o to_o confess_v and_o own_v they_o before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v faithful_o confess_v and_o own_v he_o here_o on_o earth_n christ_n call_v such_o here_o his_o sheep_n his_o friend_n his_o brethren_n his_o member_n yea_o himself_n by_o his_o own_o name_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v they_o john_n 20.17_o i_o ascend_v to_o your_o father_n and_o my_o father_n to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n and_o see_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n and_o their_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n sure_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o but_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o the_o godly_a or_o godlike_a christian_n that_o faithful_o own_a god_n and_o christ_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n this_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o we_o bold_o and_o with_o constancy_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o under_o the_o great_a defection_n to_o confess_v and_o own_v so_o worthy_a a_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n see_v we_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n by_o it_o but_o rather_o great_a gainer_n for_o before_o god_n and_o his_o angel_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v by_o name_n to_o confess_v we_o and_o to_o honour_v we_o as_o his_o own_o before_o so_o glorious_a a_o presence_n although_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v most_o unworthy_a creature_n who_o ever_o true_o honour_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o a_o open_a sincere_a profession_n and_o follow_v of_o their_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o honour_v both_o by_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v say_v god_n and_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v 1_o sam._n 2.30_o if_o we_o only_o lose_v our_o honour_n among_o man_n for_o our_o profession_n and_o among_o the_o base_a and_o vile_a sort_n for_o all_o scornful_a ungodly_a one_o be_v so_o to_o be_v account_v be_v they_o never_o otherwise_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n so_o great_a rich_a mighty_a or_o honourable_a and_o win_v honour_n with_o god_n if_o we_o be_v vilify_v on_o earth_n and_o among_o earthly_a mind_a man_n and_o be_v accept_v in_o heaven_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v discourage_v or_o murmur_v at_o our_o loss_n when_o christ_n own_v stephen_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o his_o ston_a act_v 7._o what_o loss_n do_v the_o three_o child_n sustain_v when_o they_o keep_v their_o conscience_n undefiled_a by_o not_o obey_v nebuchadnezzar_n command_n in_o worship_v his_o golden_a image_n but_o open_o profess_v and_o pray_v with_o their_o window_n open_a to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n dan._n 3._o do_v not_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o their_o faithful_a honour_v of_o he_o honour_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n with_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n and_o make_v they_o everliving_a example_n to_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o help_v in_o all_o extremity_n that_o fall_v on_o
needs_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a for_o in_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o amen_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a faith_n and_o credence_n thereunto_o he_o add_v another_o title_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n paul_n can_v public_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o his_o discsple_n and_o that_o he_o have_v hide_v nothing_o back_o that_o do_v necessary_o conduce_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o think_v you_o that_o christ_n in_o these_o revelation_n have_v not_o deal_v as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o truth_n himself_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o beast_n babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n together_o with_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o church_n glorious_a restore_v state_n on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v and_o evidence_v from_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v not_o christ_n promise_v it_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o come_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n that_o can_v never_o fail_v and_o to_o take_v off_o all_o suspicion_n of_o failure_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n there_o be_v a_o three_o property_n here_o add_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n this_o have_v relation_n to_o that_o description_n of_o christ_n in_o chap._n 1._o v._n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v render_v either_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o he_o be_v also_o the_o supreme_a prince_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o so_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o principality_n and_o government_n who_o do_v at_o first_o create_v they_o and_o give_v a_o be_v to_o they_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o the_o say_n of_o these_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v sure_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o appoint_a season_n see_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o the_o creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v say_v and_o speak_v they_o who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v they_o come_v first_o from_o so_o faithful_a and_o true_a a_o witness_n and_o from_o one_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o most_o able_a to_o perform_v they_o verse_n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n as_o she_o come_v last_o in_o place_n so_o she_o come_v last_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o all_o her_o sister_n church_n christ_n find_v nothing_o in_o she_o that_o be_v true_o commendable_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o pergamus_n though_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n yet_o there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o somewhat_o praiseworthy_a some_o undefiled_a name_n that_o be_v not_o carry_v aside_o by_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n but_o in_o laodicea_n nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o therefore_o she_o hear_v of_o nothing_o from_o christ_n but_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o of_o the_o desperateness_n of_o her_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o sincere_a faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n be_v silence_n in_o it_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o number_v as_o one_o of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o number_n be_v but_o small_a they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o denomination_n unto_o the_o whole_a for_o indeed_o a_o body_n politic_a whither_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n or_o unsound_a from_o the_o major_a part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a soul_n or_o person_n if_o grace_n be_v more_o prevalent_a in_o degree_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o sin_n and_o corruption_n it_o be_v to_o be_v term_v a_o sincere_a gracious_a soul_n but_o if_o sin_n be_v most_o prevalent_a it_o may_v be_v just_o term_v a_o sinful_a and_o unregenerate_a soul_n so_o be_v the_o case_n of_o political_a church_n if_o their_o frame_n constitution_n and_o matter_n be_v most_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a such_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n healthful_a body_n we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n though_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o the_o deadness_n thereof_o they_o may_v with_o sardis_n be_v right_o term_v dead_a one_o yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n doubtless_o under_o prelacy_n both_o english_a and_o romish_a there_o be_v and_o be_v diverse_a precious_a christian_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n when_o the_o idol_n of_o baal_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o priest_n thereof_o be_v exalt_v yet_o then_o in_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o that_o bowâ—d_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n yet_o they_o few_o faithful_a one_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n or_o those_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prelacy_n etc._n etc._n popery_n come_v far_o short_a to_o denominate_v israel_n at_o that_o time_n or_o our_o english_a or_o foreign_a nation_n under_o that_o corrupt_a frame_n or_o temper_n of_o antichristian_a prelacy_n to_o be_v praiseworthy_a church_n or_o sound_n sincere_a and_o healthful_a in_o their_o general_a matter_n frame_n or_o constitution_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n against_o laodicea_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a laodicea_n be_v of_o a_o strange_a mongrel_n composure_n and_o temper_n neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a mould_v and_o compact_v as_o a_o certain_a odd_a extraction_n of_o two_o contrary_n cold_a and_o heat_n i_o think_v before_o this_o that_o that_o maxim_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n unquestionable_a in_o medio_fw-la consistit_fw-la virtus_fw-la it_o seem_v true_a religion_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o principle_n for_o laodicea_n be_v here_o blame_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a that_o be_v in_o a_o frame_n or_o temper_v which_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a by_o hot_a be_v here_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v zealous_a fervent_a in_o spirit_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o can_v endure_v any_o corruption_n will-worship_n or_o superstition_n shall_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o true_a christian_n worship_n and_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v call_v a_o hot_a fervent_a or_o zealous_a christian_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v too_o intense_a as_o unto_o the_o degree_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v considerate_a and_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n the_o ignorant_a inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v as_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a not_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n grace_n as_o with_o moral_a habit_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o both_o the_o extreme_n stray_v from_o mediocrity_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o in_o the_o defect_n be_v fault_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o excess_n of_o liberality_n may_v run_v into_o prodigality_n and_o the_o defect_n into_o covetous_a parsimony_n or_o the_o excess_n in_o fortitude_n may_v be_v call_v temerity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n and_o the_o defect_n cowardice_n and_o pusilanimity_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o gracious_a habit_n the_o case_n be_v different_a soul_n can_v exceed_v therein_o be_v you_o holy_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v holy_a no_o less_o than_o a_o aim_n unto_o perfection_n will_v serve_v turn_n be_v zealous_a fervent_a boil_a hot_a for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v sound_a and_o considerate_a it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mediocrity_n lukewarmness_n or_o half_a friend_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n be_v equal_o a_o abomination_n in_o god_n sight_n for_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n as_o be_v coldness_n or_o deadness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o this_o strange_a commixture_n of_o temper_n in_o laodicea_n be_v explode_v by_o christ_n as_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o therefore_o add_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a hence_o note_v observe_v a_o lukewarm_a temper_n among_o
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