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
and_o some_o other_o of_o suspect_a credit_n and_o of_o obscure_a note_n as_o dorotheus_n dionysius_n eusebius_n caius_n do_v oppugn_v it_o yet_o epiphanius_n be_v so_o passionate_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v they_o among_o heretic_n that_o do_v reject_v it_o and_o justin_n martyr_n and_o ireneus_fw-la of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o of_o singular_a piety_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v this_o book_n as_o canonical_a but_o write_v commentary_n on_o it_o 2._o whatsoever_o that_o caius_n be_v that_o father_n the_o apocalypse_v on_o cerinthus_n on_o who_o report_n all_o his_o follower_n be_v mislead_v yet_o the_o relation_n itself_o hold_v not_o any_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n for_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o write_v very_o large_o of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o his_o successor_n yet_o never_o mention_n that_o he_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o chiliasme_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o caius_n concern_v he_o and_o he_o apocalypse_v be_v apocryphal_a and_o a_o mere_a figment_n on_o purpose_n devise_v by_o the_o adversary_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o d._n homes_n lib._n 3._o chap._n 3._o sect_n 3._o further_o if_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v besprinkle_v it_o with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o error_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n deny_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o affirm_v his_o generation_n to_o be_v only_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o m._n baxter_n book_n of_o infidelity_n treat_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n carpocrates_n and_o their_o follower_n page_z 129._o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a strong_o confirm_v in_o many_o place_n thereof_o as_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n thereon_o will_v manifest_v and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o cerinthus_n hold_v and_o expect_v a_o riotous_a and_o luxuriant_a millenary_a which_o be_v now_o disprove_v yet_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n thereof_o but_o of_o a_o millenary_a of_o rest_n and_o joy_n in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n then_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v on_o earth_n heretofore_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o earthly_a sensual_a reign_n and_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n saint_n may_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o spiritualised_a and_o heavenly_a one_o which_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o suspect_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o apocalypse_v second_o hierome_n the_o great_a antagonist_n of_o this_o book_n write_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n speak_v very_o sharp_o against_o this_o book_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n thereof_o as_o not_o become_v the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v only_o a_o common_a history_n of_o thing_n shadow_v under_o dark_a figure_n and_o hard_a kind_n of_o speech_n i_o answer_v rather_o it_o become_v and_o savour_v the_o excellency_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o lesser_a asia_n carry_v in_o it_o all_o along_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o very_a step_n sentence_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n be_v full_a of_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o his_o continual_a intercession_n and_o providential_a act_n of_o gubernation_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o expression_n thereof_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o that_o be_v not_o strange_a in_o prophetical_a writing_n as_o in_o daniel_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o set_v we_o on_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o overslip_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o their_o appoint_a time_n of_o discovery_n that_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o three_o dionysius_n aforesaid_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n reason_n very_o slight_o against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o cast_v up_o so_o oft_o his_o own_o name_n since_o in_o his_o gospel_n he_o never_o name_v himself_o but_o only_o point_v it_o out_o by_o some_o modest_a mark_n as_o these_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n in_o his_o vision_n and_o conference_n with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o do_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o word_n i_o john_n this_o reason_n move_v dionysius_n to_o think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v rather_o set_v out_o by_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n then_o by_o himself_o i_o answer_v this_o opposition_n be_v but_o weak_a for_o he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n or_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v mix_v of_o both_o he_o need_v not_o often_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o depend_v on_o its_o present_a verity_n and_o other_o apparent_a circumstance_n witness_v unto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o miracle_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o writer_n of_o prophecy_n for_o that_o receive_v authority_n by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o in_o every_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v we_o must_v inquire_v first_o who_o reveal_v it_o and_o then_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o to_o have_v divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o who_o will_v give_v credence_n or_o faith_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n or_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o see_v they_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n how_o oft_o do_v he_o repeat_v these_o word_n isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n and_o in_o daniel_n prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o name_n more_o than_o threescore_o time_n repeat_v yea_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o daniel_n about_o nine_o time_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o paul_n when_o his_o apostleship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o some_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o ministry_n how_o often_o shall_v you_o read_v i_o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v strange_a when_o john_n mention_n not_o his_o name_n above_o five_o time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o with_o that_o modesty_n that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n have_v wipe_v off_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v cast_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n on_o these_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v some_o testimony_n for_o that_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o will_n receive_v this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n but_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o from_o without_o or_o second_o within_o the_o say_a book_n those_o from_o without_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n except_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o contest_v among_o some_o violent_a person_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o the_o canon_n the_o counsel_n of_o laodicea_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o council_n of_o toletan_n 5._o cap._n 16._o decree_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n second_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n cyril_n epiphanius_n lactantius_n ireneus_fw-la augustine_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o this_o book_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n in_o their_o writing_n i_o shall_v
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
though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o call_v himself_o and_o glory_n in_o the_o privilege_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phil._n 3.5_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n race_n and_o lineage_n and_o one_o mighty_a in_o the_o law_n bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o how_o often_o do_v paul_n inculcate_v in_o his_o epistle_n paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 1.1_o phil._n 1.1_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 1.1_o etc._n etc._n david_n a_o king_n shall_v rather_o glory_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o god_n and_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o his_o house_n then_o to_o live_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n observe_v 3._o if_o the_o high_a in_o repute_n and_o office_n in_o christ_n church_n be_v but_o servant_n than_o not_o lord_n the_o grave_a apostle_n paul_n james_n john_n be_v but_o servant_n and_o will_v be_v account_v but_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o not_o as_o lord_n and_o master_n over_o the_o church_n faith_n 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o great_a dictator_n and_o imposer_n of_o tie_v and_o rule_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n matth._n 23.13_o the_o great_a apostle_n bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_a deserve_v but_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o servant_n minister_n or_o steward_n in_o the_o church_n not_o of_o a_o lord_n and_o master_n their_o work_n be_v a_o work_n of_o service_n to_o persuade_v entreat_v convince_v by_o reason_n not_o to_o impose_v dictate_v and_o compel_v in_o short_a they_o can_v impose_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v do_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o that_o neither_o in_o their_o own_o name_n or_o for_o their_o own_o end_n for_o they_o be_v servant_n not_o at_o their_o own_o dispose_n but_o at_o the_o call_n beck_n and_o direction_n of_o another_o even_o of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n there_o be_v also_o somewhat_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o that_o when_o christ_n precise_o set_v down_o and_o take_v notice_n by_o name_n to_o who_o he_o give_v this_o prophecy_n his_o servant_n john_n whence_o note_n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophecy_n depend_v much_o for_o credit_n on_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o relator_n john_n be_v christ_n belove_a disciple_n most_o high_o illuminate_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n of_o god_n john_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o last_o that_o have_v prophetical_a vision_n to_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o anathema_n go_v forth_o against_o all_o person_n that_o shall_v add_v or_o diminish_v from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o 18_o and_o 19_o verse_n of_o chap._n 22._o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o discovery_n of_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n than_o what_o be_v in_o this_o present_a book_n to_o be_v expect_v until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o verse_n the_o better_a to_o gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o unto_o the_o subordinate_a instrument_n and_o author_n thereof_o describe_v his_o excellency_n office_n gift_n and_o quality_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 2._o who_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v you_o have_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o witness_v a_o record_n or_o bear_v a_o sure_a testimony_n and_o that_o of_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o of_o jesus_n christ_n three_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v wherein_o two_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o view_n whether_o this_o record_n be_v to_o be_v take_v single_o as_o john_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o bare_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o word_n as_o one_o with_o god_n and_o that_o word_n be_v god_n john_n 1.1_o and_o this_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o bare_a record_n of_o all_o the_o act_n and_o miracle_n which_o he_o see_v this_o divine_a person_n do_v and_o perform_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n here_o beneath_o or_o second_o whether_o this_o record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n which_o jesus_n christ_n do_v testify_v unto_o and_o be_v make_v apparent_a by_o vision_n unto_o john_n indeed_o i_o shall_v willing_o admit_v of_o both_o sense_n and_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o verse_n aim_v at_o both_o for_o add_v the_o better_a authority_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o though_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n be_v not_o write_v when_o this_o revelation_n be_v give_v yet_o by_o his_o constant_a preach_n he_o may_v well_o be_v see_v to_o bear_v record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v 1._o from_o the_o first_o sense_n note_v that_o they_o that_o be_v the_o faithful_a publisher_n or_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n get_v best_a credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o all_o other_o their_o relation_n 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v vision_n or_o prophecy_n from_o god_n that_o bear_v the_o faithful_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n john_n be_v now_o a_o prisoner_n and_o under_o banishment_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n when_o he_o receive_v those_o revelation_n paul_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n have_v even_o here_o a_o irradiation_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n when_o he_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o three_o heaven_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a ezekiel_n daniel_n jeremiah_n etc._n etc._n receive_v those_o vision_n of_o god_n high_a and_o excellent_a one_o because_o they_o be_v faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o publisher_n of_o it_o unto_o other_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v most_o conversant_a with_o god_n and_o exercise_v in_o his_o word_n be_v fit_a instrument_n to_o receive_v and_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o omne_fw-la simile_n gaudet_fw-la simili_fw-la every_o like_a desire_n communication_n with_o its_o like_a verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_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 you_o have_v again_o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n make_v to_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n verse_n 7â—_n from_o which_o promise_n here_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o book_n and_o in_o the_o end_n thereof_o reiterated_a and_o make_v good_a to_o such_o as_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n you_o may_v observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v not_o altogether_o inaccessible_a but_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o diligent_o inquire_v thereinto_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n if_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o feasible_a how_o vain_a will_v it_o be_v to_o promise_v blessedness_n to_o the_o diligent_a observer_n thereof_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o supposition_n beside_o the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o keep_v and_o therefore_o most_o absurd_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o hide_a as_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scope_n and_o substantial_a part_n thereof_o from_o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n note_v observe_v 2._o that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n contain_v most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a thing_n to_o be_v understand_v keep_v and_o observe_v how_o singular_a useful_a it_o be_v to_o foresee_v the_o come_n either_o of_o the_o day_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_v or_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n and_o affliction_n that_o our_o spirit_n may_v be_v bear_v up_o and_o our_o heart_n comfort_v under_o all_o condition_n in_o the_o certain_a hope_n and_o expectance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o murmur_v in_o the_o other_o but_o acquiesce_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o patience_n until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v past_a and_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
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
much_o every_o way_n both_o to_o every_o particular_a soul_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n first_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o but_o the_o detect_n and_o make_v manifest_a of_o the_o antichristian_a whore_n or_o state_n and_o the_o pollution_n thereof_o and_o so_o give_v a_o warning_n to_o all_o god_n people_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o and_o not_o to_o partake_v of_o her_o iniquity_n lest_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o her_o plague_n be_v it_o not_o a_o blessing_n to_o keep_v their_o soul_n undefiled_a from_o antichrist_n pollutious_a and_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o judgement_n due_a thereunto_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a blessing_n for_o lot_n to_o be_v fore_o tell_v and_o deliver_v out_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n so_o be_v it_o not_o a_o singular_a blessing_n and_o mercy_n unto_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v deliver_v and_o free_v from_o the_o divine_a wrath_n that_o be_v go_v out_o against_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a babylon_n 2._o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a privilege_n and_o blessing_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o know_v the_o catastrophe_n and_o result_n of_o all_o their_o trouble_n and_o to_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n for_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o oppression_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n triumph_v over_o they_o to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n be_v not_o this_o able_a to_o beat_v up_o their_o spirit_n in_o all_o their_o fiery_a trial_n to_o see_v that_o their_o deliverance_n draw_v nigh_o be_v it_o not_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n in_o the_o day_n of_o mourning_n to_o be_v keep_v faithful_a witness_n unto_o our_o god_n and_o though_o satan_n and_o his_o deputized_a antichrist_n have_v power_n over_o we_o to_o overcome_v and_o afflict_v we_o yet_o we_o be_v these_o that_o be_v seal_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o lamb_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o a_o blessing_n to_o know_v that_o antichrist_n reign_n be_v but_o 42._o month_n a_o certain_a definite_a time_n which_o be_v now_o draw_v to_o its_o period_n be_v it_o not_o a_o blessing_n to_o know_v that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o witness_n mourn_v in_o sackcloth_n the_o tread_v down_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v but_o for_o 1260._o day_n which_o term_n be_v also_o near_o expire_a be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a blessing_n after_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n their_o head_n with_o myriad_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v will_v appear_v to_o the_o final_a destroy_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o give_v they_o peace_n and_o rest_n cause_v they_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n last_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o communion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o glorify_a saint_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n when_o mortality_n shall_v put_v on_o immortality_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v and_o know_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v see_v and_o know_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v no_o long_o in_o a_o glass_n through_o weak_a and_o dark_a ordinance_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n when_o all_o our_o ordinance_n will_v be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n when_o sorrow_n sin_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o victory_n when_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o lamb_n wife_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n wherein_o dwell_v true_a righteousness_n and_o shall_v all_o those_o thing_n be_v discover_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n with_o a_o promise_n thereof_o and_o of_o blessedness_n to_o all_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o yet_o will_v any_o be_v so_o stupid_a to_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o dry_a useless_a book_n that_o treat_v of_o christianity_n from_o its_o very_a rise_n to_o the_o consummation_n thereof_o full_o fraught_v with_o abundance_n of_o useful_a observation_n to_o steer_v our_o foot_n aright_o in_o our_o militant_a course_n here_o until_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v to_o the_o full_a stature_n of_o christ_n and_o whereas_o some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a book_n to_o interpret_v and_o that_o many_o able_a expositor_n have_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o study_n about_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o sluggard_n indeed_o be_v difficult_a the_o pith_n marrow_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o a_o coursary_n read_v thereof_o it_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n and_o this_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o 3._o vers_fw-la of_o chap._n 1._o wherein_o be_v observable_a that_o blessedness_n be_v entail_v to_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a read_n or_o hear_v that_o will_v entitle_v to_o this_o blessedness_n but_o it_o must_v be_v keep_v treasure_v up_o ponder_v and_o digest_v before_o it_o will_v produce_v the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o blessedness_n indeed_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o depth_n for_o elephant_n to_o swim_v in_o as_o well_o as_o shallows_o for_o lamb_n to_o wade_v through_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v dispense_v various_a gift_n and_o ability_n in_o his_o saint_n so_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o his_o word_n several_a measure_n of_o truth_n suitable_a thereunto_o none_o may_v complain_v for_o want_v to_o exercise_v their_o spirit_n in_o the_o weak_a may_v see_v so_o much_o as_o shall_v make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o the_o high_a capacity_n can_v attain_v no_o more_o and_o when_o it_o have_v do_v all_o yet_o it_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o omniscient_a but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o will_v be_v still_o mystery_n unto_o it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v wherein_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o prosper_v parvuli_fw-la magni_fw-la fortes_fw-la infirmi_fw-la habent_fw-la in_o scripture_n unde_fw-la alantur_fw-la &_o satientur_fw-la no_o age_n so_o young_a which_o scripture_n do_v not_o fit_a there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a wit_n 2._o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o all_o such_o that_o be_v not_o verse_v in_o the_o old_a and_o modern_a roman_a history_n not_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v the_o figure_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o prophecy_n to_o their_o several_a time_n and_o period_n neither_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o time_n of_o the_o revolution_n and_o change_n but_o confound_v several_a thing_n speak_v of_o diverse_a state_n one_o with_o another_o not_o observe_v where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o secular_a or_o civil_a state_n and_o whereof_o the_o ecclesiastic_a conceive_v that_o the_o revelation_n be_v as_o a_o continue_a history_n or_o relation_n of_o event_n succeed_v one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o order_n and_o cause_n as_o the_o vision_n be_v reveil_v in_o and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a observation_n herein_o many_o interpreter_n have_v stumble_v and_o so_o confound_v pervert_v and_o disturb_v the_o whole_a method_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o make_v several_a epact_n and_o period_n of_o time_n so_o place_v thing_n which_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n and_o the_o beast_n before_o it_o whereas_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v so_o relate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o though_o write_v in_o order_n one_o after_o another_o that_o many_o thereof_o do_v concur_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n so_o that_o he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o describe_v they_o in_o order_n of_o time_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o book_n in_o order_n of_o place_n without_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o methd_v oharmony_n and_o connexion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n fall_v under_o the_o same_o syncronisme_n or_o concurrency_n of_o time_n indeed_o to_o such_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n must_v needs_o remain_v full_a of_o difficulty_n mystery_n and_o obscurity_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o revelation_n together_o with_o themselves_o be_v render_v in-extricable_a and_o confound_v whereas_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o well_o verse_v historian_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o the_o description_n of_o
he_o be_v the_o high_a steward_n and_o great_a dispenser_n in_o god_n kingdom_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n observe_v 3._o that_o that_o prophesy_v which_o come_v from_o so_o sure_a a_o author_n as_o jesus_n christ_n must_v infallible_o be_v true_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o be_v and_o always_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n sometime_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n sometime_o by_o himself_o in_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ezek._n 1._o v._o 26._o and_o all_o know_v that_o their_o prophecy_n stand_v sure_a and_o be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o respective_a season_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o steadfastness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n see_v what_o christ_n himself_o testify_v in_o rev._n 3.7_o &_o 14._o and_o in_o ch_z ult_n v._o 6._o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n therefore_o of_o most_o sure_a performance_n in_o god_n appoint_a season_n from_o the_o word_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n servant_n be_v very_o privy_a to_o god_n counsel_n and_o know_v much_o of_o his_o design_n this_o christ_n have_v verify_v first_o from_o that_o ground_n of_o union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n for_o be_v once_o become_v his_o member_n or_o servant_n than_o they_o in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o that_o 1_o john_n 2.20_o they_o have_v a_o unction_n from_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n so_o that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v the_o father_n also_o for_o they_o both_o be_v one_o in_o will_n counsel_n power_n and_o essence_n john_n 17.21_o 22._o and_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o 2._o they_o know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o combustion_n change_n and_o revolution_n of_o this_o world_n many_o think_v that_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n ill_a fortune_n or_o for_o want_n of_o foresight_n in_o management_n of_o state_n affair_n but_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n know_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o those_o revolution_n and_o state-shaking_n and_o that_o there_o can_v no_o evil_n befall_v unto_o the_o city_n but_o that_o there_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o it_o direct_v and_o overrule_a it_o unto_o its_o end_n so_o that_o they_o do_v foresee_v that_o this_o change_n and_o that_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n will_v come_v too_o and_o can_v right_o conclude_v that_o all_o tend_v as_o in_o a_o chain_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v about_o god_n great_a end_n in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n throne_n and_o the_o pull_v down_o his_o enemy_n observe_v 2._o god_n reserve_v the_o more_o full_a revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n exaltation_n in_o glory_n christ_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o glorious_a as_o christ_n in_o heaven_n he_o have_v not_o so_o full_a commission_n to_o send_v out_o so_o much_o of_o his_o spirit_n while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n john_n 7.39_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o communicate_v unto_o christ_n manhood_n while_o here_o on_o earth_n the_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o his_o manhood_n while_o here_o on_o earth_n may_v be_v ignorant_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o father_n reveal_v it_o to_o he_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v reveal_v it_o to_o his_o church_n as_o the_o due_a reward_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n chap._n 5._o 9_o thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o open_v the_o seal_n thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v etc._n etc._n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v see_v vers_fw-la 3._o on_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n from_o these_o word_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n reveal_v these_o prophecy_n not_o immediate_o from_o himself_o but_o mediate_o and_o by_o instrument_n first_o god_n give_v this_o revelation_n to_o christ_n christ_n give_v discovery_n partly_o himself_o and_o partly_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o same_o three_o the_o angel_n instruct_v john_n four_o john_n direct_v the_o same_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o five_o from_o the_o seven_o church_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o information_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o finiteness_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o compatible_a therefore_o god_n use_v instrument_n suitable_a to_o our_o capacity_n for_o discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n observe_v 2._o from_o the_o messenger_n or_o angel_n by_o who_o partly_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v send_v observe_v that_o christ_n employ_v angel_n in_o great_a service_n for_o his_o church_n angel_n be_v the_o first_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o christ_n birth_n a_o angel_n tell_v the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n shall_v return_v in_o that_o manner_n they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n act_v 1.11_o angel_n tell_v abraham_n and_o lot_n what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o sodom_n christ_n tell_v john_n rev._n 22.16_o that_o he_o send_v his_o angel_n to_o testify_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n the_o angel_n be_v make_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o service_n be_v more_o manifest_a in_o these_o particular_n 1._o they_o inform_v we_o of_o god_n will_n and_o god_n of_o our_o way_n they_o ascend_v and_o descend_v zac._n 1.11_o gen._n 18.19_o 2._o they_o oppose_v the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n rev._n 12.7_o dan._n 10.20_o numb_a 21.22_o 3._o they_o execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o enemy_n exo._n 12.23_o gen._n 19.11.13_o etc._n etc._n isa_n 37_o 36._o rev._n 16._o throughout_o 4._o they_o defend_v the_o godly_a both_o against_o wicked_a man_n wicked_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a practice_n rev_n 7.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 34.7_o and_o 91.11_o gen._n 32.1_o 2._o 2_o king_n 6.14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n 5._o next_o after_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a in_o their_o distress_n luke_n 1.30_o act_n 10.4_o and_o 27.24_o dan._n 6.10_o 11_o 12._o luke_n 22.43_o 6._o they_o be_v god_n reaper_n and_o gatherer_n of_o god_n elect_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24.31_o from_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v send_v and_o reveal_v by_o the_o angel_n under_o this_o relation_n of_o his_o servant_n john_n what_o this_o john_n be_v be_v make_v full_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o preliminary_n discourse_n unto_o the_o title_n it_o be_v john_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n our_o lord_n kinsman_n the_o belove_a disciple_n a_o great_a pillar_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v here_o describe_v under_o the_o title_n and_o relation_n of_o servant_n not_o only_o so_o by_o right_a of_o creation_n but_o of_o redemption_n special_a right_n covenant_n and_o service_n from_o which_o observe_v that_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o service_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n than_o any_o outward_a relation_n to_o he_o better_o be_v christ_n bondman_n than_o his_o kinsman_n inward_a privilege_n be_v more_o honourable_a than_o carnal_a mary_n be_v happy_a in_o carry_v christ_n in_o her_o heart_n then_o in_o her_o womb_n john_n glory_v more_o to_o be_v christ_n servant_n than_o his_o cousin_n mat._n 12.47_o 48_o etc._n etc._n christ_n profess_v that_o they_o be_v his_o kindred_n who_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o he_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n in_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v as_o sure_a of_o his_o love_n and_o acceptation_n as_o any_o of_o his_o near_a friend_n or_o kinsman_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v man_n great_a honour_n to_o be_v christ_n servant_n it_o be_v a_o curse_n upon_o cain_n gen._n 9_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o servant_n but_o to_o be_v christ_n servant_n be_v not_o only_o free_a but_o noble_a john_n though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a pillar_n a_o prophetical_a apostle_n the_o darling_n disciple_n yet_o christ_n call_v he_o but_o his_o servant_n paul_n
in_o part_n to_o come_v write_v without_o that_o be_v plain_a for_o discovery_n open_a to_o the_o view_n all_o which_o import_v that_o john_n be_v to_o write_v of_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a and_o as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o also_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o a_o book_n write_v within_o seal_v and_o secret_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o futurity_n 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o god_n true_a prophet_n and_o faithful_a minister_n will_v commend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o church_n as_o vision_n from_o god_n than_o what_o they_o have_v real_o see_v and_o have_v be_v discover_v from_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v vision_n from_o god_n like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jer._n 14_o while_o their_o mouth_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_v vanity_n john_n write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n nor_o discover_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v be_v then_o present_a or_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after_o time_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v and_o be_v bold_a to_o preach_v and_o to_o commend_v unto_o you_o christ_n minister_n shall_v press_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o be_v assure_v be_v experience_v truth_n i_o doubt_v i_o every_o opinion_n concern_v outward_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o the_o like_a will_v not_o at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v vision_n of_o god_n which_o some_o do_v now_o a_o day_n so_o hot_o contend_v for_o it_o may_v be_v one_o day_n say_v unto_o such_o hotspur_n boanerges_n son_n of_o thunder_n who_o require_v such_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n while_o you_o let_v the_o great_a work_n as_o of_o love_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n lie_v prostrate_a at_o your_o foot_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v you_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n to_o make_v thing_n plain_a unto_o john_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o his_o book_n interpret_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n present_v unto_o his_o sight_n in_o the_o precedent_n 12_o and_o 16_o verse_n and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o candlestick_n because_o indeed_o unto_o john_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n what_o those_o figure_n of_o star_n and_o candlestick_n do_v mystical_o mean_a or_o represent_v and_o unto_o john_n it_o will_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n if_o christ_n himself_o have_v not_o here_o interpret_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v make_v clear_a obvious_a and_o manifest_a by_o a_o diligent_a observation_n and_o a_o right_a applicationof_o the_o mystical_a character_n and_o figure_n of_o each_o vision_n christ_n himself_o in_o this_o verse_n have_v make_v the_o first_o entrance_n and_o essay_n on_o this_o account_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n do_v mystical_o represent_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n the_o church_n themselves_o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n christ_n be_v more_o large_a in_o interpret_n the_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o connote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o wise_a observant_a christian_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n thereinto_o the_o spirit_n say_v often_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v the_o number_n here_o be_v the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n cap._n 17._o v._n 9_o so_o that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n a_o intelligent_a understand_a ear_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a heart_n to_o consider_v that_o be_v fit_a and_o capable_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v aright_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n therefore_o difficult_a to_o all_o but_o unto_o the_o spiritualised_a eye_n and_o unto_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o such_o to_o undertake_v this_o essay_n see_v it_o have_v please_v christ_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o fruit_n himself_o in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v as_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o 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prophecy_n who_o wisdom_n it_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o represent_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o downial_n of_o the_o great_a empire_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n by_o such_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a figure_n and_o representation_n unto_o god_n servant_n his_o prophet_n and_o conceive_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a carriage_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o intendment_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v but_o unto_o few_o such_o as_o have_v spirit_n suitable_a and_o will_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o great_a event_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n be_v make_v vulgar_a and_o know_v unto_o all_o it_o will_v raise_v innumerable_a combustion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o those_o power_n that_o they_o live_v under_o for_o who_o 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to_o they_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o hear_v they_o as_o they_o you_o but_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v those_o christian_n society_n and_o church_n among_o you_o that_o be_v as_o lily_n shine_v in_o grace_n among_o those_o thorn_n and_o unfruitful_a nation_n and_o to_o retard_v our_o reformation_n in_o church_n and_o ordinance_n till_o all_o be_v square_v and_o hew_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n or_o before_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v all_o unto_o this_o work_n be_v a_o vain_a expectation_n see_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o that_o old_a leven_a of_o our_o ancestor_n national_a church_n national_a officer_n birth_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n on_o that_o account_n etc._n etc._n still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o among_o we_o that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o render_v the_o work_n of_o a_o full_a reformation_n in_o this_o generation_n most_o difficult_a but_o the_o attempt_n thereof_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o land_n but_o general_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a nation_n round_o about_o we_o witness_v the_o intemperate_a zeal_n of_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n who_o become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n in_o their_o irregular_a attempt_n about_o this_o work_n though_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o desire_v and_o aim_v at_o good_a and_o just_a thing_n yet_o they_o prosecute_v it_o not_o just_o for_o to_o denominate_v a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n the_o thing_n itself_o desire_v and_o attempt_v must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n in_o itself_o as_o a_o full_a reformation_n to_o god_n word_n be_v but_o it_o must_v have_v other_o honest_a circumstance_n in_o it_o also_o 1_o the_o time_n when_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o god_n and_o a_o clear_a providence_n call_v unto_o it_o 2_o the_o manner_n how_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o 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temptation_n stop_v not_o the_o current_n of_o god_n reformation_n by_o your_o precipitate_a and_o irregular_a act_n be_v you_o still_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n you_o see_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o this_o full_a work_n among_o we_o even_o the_o old_a leven_a of_o false_a worship_n derive_v and_o leave_v unto_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n god_n will_v remove_v this_o more_o and_o more_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o that_o more_o general_o and_o will_v enlarge_v the_o tent_n of_o jacob_n among_o we_o if_o we_o provoke_v not_o god_n by_o our_o sin_n towards_o he_o but_o to_o expect_v a_o total_a reformation_n never_o look_v for_o it_o until_o the_o day_n star_n shall_v arise_v with_o a_o incomparable_a glory_n in_o the_o interim_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o and_o sober_o like_o child_n of_o the_o light_n serve_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o than_o god_n will_v make_v they_o unto_o we_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n and_o most_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o have_v their_o portion_n and_o lot_n in_o such_o a_o land_n object_n but_o after_o all_o this_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v rise_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v those_o among_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o practise_v spiritual_a and_o corporal_a adultery_n so_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n thyatira_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n galathia_fw-la the_o jewish_a doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n and_o many_o other_o great_a corruption_n be_v among_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o drunkenness_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n incest_n eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o the_o obscenity_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n yet_o these_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n his_o seven_o candlestick_n his_o faithful_a one_o call_v and_o elect_a and_o be_v not_o then_o our_o parochial_a church_n our_o national_a church_n as_o true_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o be_v and_o be_v they_o not_o as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o those_o first_o primitive_a christian_n and_o church_n be_v and_o so_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o church_n of_o christ_n faithful_a elect_a and_o call_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 1_o i_o answer_v we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o all_o church_n if_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o plant_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n elect_v and_o call_v though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o envious_a one_o sow_v plentiful_o among_o the_o good_a wheat_n his_o tare_n and_o darnel_n as_o among_o those_o of_o corinth_n pergamus_n and_o other_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yet_o i_o believe_v christ_n have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n against_o they_o in_o respect_n what_o he_o have_v against_o we_o they_o be_v but_o corrupt_a in_o part_n we_o all_o leprous_a they_o lose_v but_o some_o 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