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
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
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
the_o conquer_a saint_n 181_o 182_o in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o to_o remove_v false_a teacher_n 196_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o presbytery_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n together_o 198_o how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o innocent_a infant_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o have_v never_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a 204_o how_o come_v infant_n die_v infant_n to_o be_v save_v that_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o whether_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o salvation_n 205_o etc._n etc._n whether_o we_o may_v merit_v by_o our_o work_n 208_o &_o 237._o how_o be_v the_o saint_n copartner_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o imperial_a reign_n and_o kingdom_n 212_o be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o saint_n to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o sin_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 223_o whether_o true_a saint_n may_v final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n 223_o 241._o whether_o perfection_n may_v be_v have_v in_o this_o life_n 225_o whether_o christ_n create_v war_n and_o send_v the_o sword_n into_o the_o world_n 233_o whether_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o their_o iniquity_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 241_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o any_o name_n or_o person_n out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n 242_o whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n 250_o 251_o whether_o magistrate_n may_v not_o suppress_v error_n be_v well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n 851_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o make_v law_n for_o he_o to_o rule_v next_o and_o immediate_o under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n 252_o when_o shall_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v glorious_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n 261_o whether_o saint_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o yet_o suffer_v in_o it_o 262_o whether_o the_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v here_o on_o earth_n or_o in_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n 276_o 313_o whether_o the_o imperial_a reign_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o general_a resurrection_n or_o before_o 277_o whether_o christian_n may_v not_o be_v overhot_a and_o zealous_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o whether_o a_o moderate_a temper_n will_v not_o be_v more_o advantageous_a therein_o then_o a_o over-furious_a one_o 285_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o buy_v of_o christ_n his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o contract_n or_o not_o 295_o how_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o love_v those_o who_o he_o bitter_o chastise_v 302_o whether_o do_v christ_n always_o use_v a_o spiritual_a force_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o his_o back_o slidden_a people_n 304_o whether_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o father_n be_v all_o one_o 310_o whether_o the_o saint_n as_o saint_n may_v just_o expect_v by_o virtue_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n under_o christ_n on_o earth_n at_o this_o present_a time_n 335_o whether_o the_o saint_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n may_v oppose_v the_o supreme_a magistracy_n they_o live_v under_o 335_o 337_o whether_o heathenish_a or_o antichristian_a magistrate_n may_v be_v oppose_v 338_o 339_o whether_o the_o saint_n imperial_a reign_n be_v far_o off_o or_o near_o at_o hâ—nd_n 341_o 342_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o saint_n to_o put_v to_o a_o help_a hand_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n that_o uphold_a babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n thereof_o 346_o 347_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o praecognita_fw-la the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a chap._n i._n ver_fw-la i._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n this_o book_n have_v for_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o here_o in_o the_o entrance_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insert_v some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o preliminary_a discourse_n and_o question_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v discuss_v before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o body_n of_o this_o book_n quest_n 1._o whether_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n 2._o whether_o john_n who_o in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n be_v name_v john_n the_o divine_a the_o author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o compendious_a view_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n 1._o concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v say_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o unto_o it_o well_o know_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o move_v foundation_n stone_n or_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n receive_v reverent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o age_n to_o age_n as_o the_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o adversary_n of_o old_a take_v advantage_n by_o this_o artifice_n to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o cast_v prejudice_n on_o many_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o weaken_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o saint_n main_o cherish_v and_o support_v by_o the_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o first_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n hence_o rose_n in_o that_o it_o favour_v the_o pretend_a heresy_n of_o the_o chyliast_n or_o millenaries_n and_o their_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o father_n it_o rather_o on_o cerinthus_n the_o heretic_n than_o the_o apostle_n john_n thereby_o if_o possible_o they_o may_v not_o only_o enervate_v its_o testimony_n but_o quite_o shut_v it_o out_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v never_o do_v the_o chylia_v any_o service_n more_o upon_o this_o ground_n hyrome_n be_v the_o first_o that_o do_v most_o public_o call_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 400._o and_o that_o in_o pure_a opposition_n unto_o the_o millenaries_n the_o follower_n of_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n ireneus_fw-la lactantius_n and_o other_o of_o good_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o judgement_n second_o it_o become_v suspect_v as_o erasmus_n witness_v who_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o concern_v other_o divine_a book_n also_o be_v very_o unstable_a in_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a primitive_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o revelation_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o hierome_n himself_o also_o testify_v but_o on_o what_o slender_a ground_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o shall_v present_o consider_v and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o ancient_a greek_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o other_o of_o the_o same_o age_n and_o of_o the_o far_o able_a part_n judgement_n and_o integrity_n number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v the_o public_a stamp_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o it_o there_o be_v one_o caius_n or_o gaius_n as_o eusebius_n witness_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o history_n who_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v of_o one_o cerinthus_n a_o heretic_n who_o hold_v among_o many_o other_o error_n that_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a wherein_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v again_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n for_o the_o term_n of_o a_o complete_a millenary_a of_o year_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n take_v up_o this_o report_n from_o this_o caius_n a_o obscure_a person_n and_o as_o be_v think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o heretical_a alogi_fw-la who_o deny_v as_o epiphanius_n testify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o false_a report_n of_o this_o caius_n dionysius_n doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n but_o hierome_n take_v up_o the_o same_o slender_a ground_n from_o dionysius_n and_o do_v object_v it_o strong_o but_o i_o answer_v it_o seem_v hierome_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o slender_a testimony_n to_o the_o invalidating_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n because_o this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a fortress_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o chiliast_n yet_o however_o though_o hierome_n
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 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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 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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 whole_a and_o since_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v mean_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n by_o the_o woman_n array_v in_o scarlet_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v the_o great_a city_n that_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o signify_v a_o government_n empire_n or_o kingdom_n on_o seven_o mountain_n where_o the_o great_a harlot_n reign_v under_o ten_o king_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a rash_a or_o presumptuous_a to_o interpret_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystical_a figure_n and_o hyeroglyphick_n character_n of_o this_o book_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a and_o genuine_a tendency_n and_o as_o they_o be_v open_v and_o apply_v in_o other_o prophetical_a writing_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o 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 sake_n these_o great_a concussion_n and_o subversion_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n and_o their_o interest_n may_v be_v exalt_v at_o the_o last_o 2._o note_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o make_v know_v and_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o divine_a mystery_n unto_o his_o servant_n christ_n discover_v unto_o john_n those_o mystery_n of_o star_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v this_o spirit_n that_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 16.15_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n because_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v beforehand_o hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n manifest_a unto_o poor_a soul_n and_o so_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v too_o high_a a_o work_n for_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o his_o natural_a capacity_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o not_o carnal_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n star_n in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v signify_v person_n of_o eminency_n and_o honour_n and_o in_o heraldry_n it_o be_v account_v the_o most_o noble_a sort_n of_o blazon_v peculiar_a alone_o to_o the_o armoury_n of_o prince_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o rather_o messenger_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v because_o they_o come_v with_o the_o best_a message_n and_o news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o glad_a tiding_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 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