this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n to_o bless_v â—_o themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v yet_o still_o to_o say_v and_o think_v god_n will_v bless_v they_o take_v a_o heretickâ—_n who_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o his_o error_n and_o he_o will_v say_v he_o teach_v that_o which_o in_o conscience_n he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n for_o which_o he_o will_v shed_v his_o blood_n and_o whereto_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n yield_v so_o take_v a_o profess_a witch_n man_n or_o woman_n they_o will_v say_v all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o good_a angel_n and_o by_o some_o special_a gift_n give_v unto_o they_o above_o other_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n from_o whence_o indeed_o come_v all_o they_o can_v do_v and_o so_o the_o carnal_a protestant_n of_o our_o time_n they_o look_v for_o god_n blessing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n after_o death_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n in_o sin_n &_o profaneness_n thus_o they_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o make_v christ_n a_o packhorse_n for_o their_o iniquity_n but_o in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o jew_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o lay_v down_o all_o presumptuous_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o goodness_n and_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o god_n favour_n without_o his_o true_a grace_n and_o rather_o look_v unto_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o that_o god_n may_v lift_v we_o up_o ii_o point_n christ_n judgement_n of_o they_o be_v this_o they_o be_v not_o jew_n but_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o seem_v to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o jewish_a manner_n but_o do_v indeed_o worship_v the_o devil_n herein_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v i._n how_o this_o can_v be_v true_a of_o any_o company_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n answ._n election_n be_v twofold_a special_a and_o general_a god_n special_a election_n be_v when_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsâ—ll_v he_o choose_v a_o man_n to_o life_n eternal_a and_o â—his_n befall_v not_o all_o the_o jew_n but_o some_o only_o god_n general_a election_n be_v â—hen_o he_o â—ouchsafeth_v any_o people_n to_o become_v his_o visible_a church_n to_o have_v and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o outward_a signeâ—_n and_o 〈…〉_z his_o covenant_n &_o thus_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n elect_v and_o therefore_o be_v circumcise_v and_o receive_v the_o passover_o from_o this_o general_a election_n a_o church_n and_o people_n may_v fall_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v 9_o and_o so_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n be_v indeed_o never_o within_o the_o particular_a call_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v fall_v away_o for_o god_n election_n remain_v sâ—â—e_z 2._o tim._n 2.19_o his_o calling_n be_v without_o repentance_n rom._n 11._o â—9_n ii_o point_n at_o what_o time_n do_v the_o jew_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n not_o at_o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n though_o that_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n for_o though_o some_o therein_o sin_v of_o malice_n yet_o many_o do_v it_o of_o ignorance_n this_o peter_n confess_v acts._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o sermon_n after_o christ_n ascension_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o 〈…〉_z that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o act_n â—_o â—â—_o but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o long_a time_n preach_v christ_n unto_o they_o &_o convince_v their_o conscience_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o remain_v obstinate_a reject_v and_o persecute_v both_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n then_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o gâ—â—â—ils_n â—_o whereby_o we_o see_v when_o a_o church_n of_o god_n become_v no_o church_n namely_o not_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o hold_v a_o heresy_n for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n hold_v justification_n by_o work_n yet_o thereupon_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o when_o they_o embrace_v a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v convict_v of_o it_o not_o by_o private_a man_n but_o by_o apostolical_a authority_n or_o by_o public_a judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o papist_n of_o the_o libertine_n and_o anabaptist_n family_n of_o love_n and_o such_o like_a namely_o that_o they_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n for_o they_o hold_v heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n which_o the_o church_n long_o ago_o condemn_v by_o apostolical_a and_o judicial_a authority_n again_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n many_o there_o be_v that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o church_n among_o we_o because_o some_o private_a man_n have_v reprove_v the_o same_o for_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o reform_v but_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a and_o foolish_a reason_n for_o first_o the_o error_n must_v be_v against_o the_o foundation_n and_o yet_o that_o make_v not_o a_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v obstinate_o maintain_v after_o sufficient_a reproof_n and_o judicial_a conviction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v affirm_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n iii_o point_n how_o become_v the_o jew_n a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n through_o their_o unbelief_n as_o be_v plain_o prove_v roman_a 11.20_o object_n but_o they_o hold_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o defend_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o which_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o they_o answ._n indeed_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o raze_v out_o and_o deny_v and_o so_o though_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n yet_o worship_v god_n out_o of_o christ_n they_o worship_v a_o idol_n and_o not_o that_o god_n which_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n for_o out_o of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o hold_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereupon_o some_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o indeed_o they_o hold_v they_o not_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v but_o a_o feign_a christ_n for_o they_o take_v from_o he_o both_o his_o nature_n especial_o his_o humanity_n and_o his_o office_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o separat_fw-la from_o they_o this_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v once_o a_o most_o famous_a people_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n must_v be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n continual_o for_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v reject_v they_o stand_v high_a in_o god_n favour_n but_o now_o for_o their_o unbelief_n they_o be_v cast_v off_o from_o god_n and_o be_v become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o must_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o to_o fear_n ro._n 11.20_o for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n they_o that_o be_v his_o first_o choose_v people_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v we_o that_o be_v but_o wild_a olive_n graff_v into_o the_o true_a vine_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o unbelief_n and_o labour_n for_o true_a faith_n which_o we_o must_v testify_v by_o obedience_n in_o our_o life_n &_o conversation_n verse_n 10._o fear_v none_o of_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v behold_v it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v cast_v 〈◊〉_d of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v trieâ—_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o thâ—_n proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n that_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n which_o i_o call_v counsel_n because_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v such_o kind_n of_o instruction_n
regard_n of_o sex_n be_v inferior_a may_v have_v more_o excellent_a gift_n and_o so_o likewise_o may_v exercise_v authority_n and_o rule_n and_o we_o find_v by_o good_a experience_n that_o the_o government_n of_o a_o woman_n be_v a_o haâ—pie_a government_n no_o record_n of_o time_n can_v show_v a_o more_o happy_a regiment_n for_o blessing_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a under_o any_o man_n than_o we_o have_v long_o enjoy_v under_o our_o noble_a queen_n the_o second_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n be_v that_o they_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o seduce_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o thereby_o to_o seduce_v god_n people_n that_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n christ_n reproof_n show_v evident_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o use_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o every_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o teach_v and_o hold_v what_o doctrine_n he_o will_v but_o all_o such_o man_n or_o woman_n as_o â—each_v erroneous_a doctrine_n by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v it_o be_v a_o grievous_a fault_n in_o any_o church_n not_o to_o restrain_v the_o author_n and_o maintainer_n of_o sect_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o of_o opinion_n which_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a gift_n in_o any_o church_n when_o they_o restrain_v the_o author_n and_o favourer_n of_o sect_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n our_o church_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v and_o approve_a and_o the_o commonwealth_n likewise_o for_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v both_o popish_a recusant_n and_o some_o protestant_n who_o depart_v from_o this_o our_o church_n as_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n but_o a_o member_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o babylon_n now_o that_o christ_n may_v aggravate_v these_o their_o offence_n he_o do_v describe_v both_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o teach_n he_o describe_v the_o woman_n first_o by_o her_o property_n in_o this_o name_n iâ—zabell_n that_o be_v one_o like_o jezabell_n second_o by_o her_o action_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n her_o teach_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n touch_v her_o property_n christ_n call_v her_o jezabell_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o for_o that_o she_o be_v like_a to_o jezabell_n and_o in_o her_o person_n revive_v the_o manner_n and_o opinion_n of_o jezabell_n for_o as_o jezabell_n bring_v among_o the_o israelite_n the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o idol_n baal_n so_o this_o woman_n labour_v to_o bring_v into_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n again_o jezabell_n be_v give_v to_o fornication_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v of_o she_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o jehu_n 2._o king_n 9.22_o and_o so_o be_v this_o woman_n give_v to_o fornication_n three_o jezabell_n be_v a_o woman_n of_o authority_n and_o by_o her_o place_n and_o dignity_n do_v countenance_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n and_o her_o wicked_a sin_n so_o it_o be_v like_a that_o this_o woman_n be_v of_o some_o place_n and_o authority_n and_o do_v thereby_o countenance_v her_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o damnable_a sin_n in_o this_o reason_n of_o her_o name_n use_n note_v first_o a_o notable_a practice_n of_o satan_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v this_o in_o succeed_a age_n he_o labour_v to_o revive_v the_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o wicked_a vice_n of_o ungodly_a person_n of_o former_a time_n this_o we_o see_v plain_a in_o this_o place_n for_o long_o after_o â—â—zabelâ—_n death_n the_o wife_n of_o ahab_n a_o wicked_a woman_n â—uen_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n he_o raise_v up_o â—nother_n woman_n like_o jezabell_n both_o for_o wicked_a life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o like_a practice_n he_o use_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o such_o as_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o counsel_n of_o machiavelli_n be_v reviue_v the_o craft_n of_o achitophel_n in_o the_o papist_n be_v reviue_v the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o wicked_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o recusant_n protestant_n be_v reviue_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o the_o sect_n call_v audiani_n the_o family_n of_o love_n revive_v the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o valentinian_o and_o the_o montanist_n and_o many_o other_o damnable_a error_n now_o this_o the_o devil_n do_v because_o he_o know_v by_o experience_n the_o great_a hurt_n that_o these_o opinion_n and_o sin_n have_v former_o do_v unto_o god_n church_n second_o christ_n call_v this_o woman_n jezabell_n that_o he_o may_v provoke_v this_o church_n to_o a_o great_a detestation_n of_o she_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o damnable_a way_n and_o that_o she_o may_v be_v in_o as_o great_a disgrace_n with_o they_o as_o be_v jezabell_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v better_o eschew_v her_o wicked_a seducement_n and_o herein_o we_o have_v a_o good_a direction_n for_o our_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n namely_o that_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o example_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o wicked_a woman_n we_o must_v thereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o be_v unlike_o they_o and_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o like_o they_o any_o way_n either_o in_o wicked_a opinion_n or_o in_o practice_n we_o must_v thereupon_o grow_v to_o a_o dislike_n with_o ourselves_o again_o find_v the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n or_o good_a woman_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o thereto_o and_o become_v like_o they_o and_o in_o this_o regard_n approve_v ourselves_o when_o we_o see_v ourselves_o conformable_a unto_o the_o godly_a in_o any_o virtue_n and_o grace_n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o christ_n describe_v this_o woman_n be_v her_o action_n she_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n that_o be_v she_o challenge_v herself_o to_o be_v one_o that_o do_v teach_v god_n will_n by_o the_o instinct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o herein_o she_o become_v a_o notable_a patron_n of_o the_o damnable_a sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o for_o she_o hold_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o fornication_n and_o of_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n hereof_o she_o say_v she_o be_v a_o prophetess_n one_o that_o speak_v nothing_o but_o as_o she_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o heretic_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o maintain_v their_o damnable_a device_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o induction_n of_o particular_a heretic_n in_o former_a age_n first_o use_n hence_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o labour_n to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_a whereby_o we_o may_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o many_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a teacher_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o herein_o they_o bewray_v their_o profaneness_n they_o ought_v the_o rather_o to_o labour_v for_o this_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o to_o know_v what_o be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o be_v not_o second_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o when_o we_o be_v unjust_o slander_v disgrace_v or_o injure_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o fret_v and_o fume_n but_o by_o patience_n to_o content_v ourselves_o for_o we_o see_v that_o wicked_a man_n to_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o manner_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o abuse_v god_n himself_o and_o make_v his_o bless_a spirit_n the_o author_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o error_n and_o sin_n we_o by_o our_o sin_n deserve_v disgrace_n and_o reproach_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v patient_a be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n as_o luke_n 23.40_o 41._o and_o rather_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o pet._n 4_o vers_fw-la 13._o again_o here_o observe_v how_o she_o prove_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o prophetess_n namely_o by_o her_o own_o testimony_n only_o she_o call_v herself_o so_o where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o note_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o wiâ—_n their_o own_o bare_a word_n and_o testimony_n a_o true_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n have_v sundry_a testimony_n beside_o their_o own_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o call_n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v diverse_a language_n without_o study_n and_o of_o work_a miracle_n they_o have_v also_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n join_v with_o integrity_n of_o life_n &_o last_o many_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o zeal_n courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o christ_n have_v describe_v this_o woman_n for_o her_o further_a disgrace_n as_o also_o to_o aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n in_o suffer_v
david_n himself_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_o dyscipher_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 23.5.6_o &_o hosea_n 3.5_o where_o christ_n be_v plain_o call_v david_n by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o that_o be_v his_o type_n sign_n &_o figure_n quest._n why_o be_v not_o as_o well_o the_o kingdom_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o pharaoh_n type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o david_n answ._n because_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n and_o piety_n but_o they_o be_v kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n kingdom_n because_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o be_v figure_v by_o the_o piety_n in_o david_n kingdom_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o speak_v be_v justifiable_a by_o god_n word_n so_o mat._n 2.23_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n which_o place_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v proper_o of_o samson_n 13._o who_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a figure_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v most_o notable_o represent_v he_o in_o his_o death_n wherein_o he_o kill_v more_o than_o in_o his_o life_n now_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n not_o because_o he_o observe_v their_o rite_n and_o order_n for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o he_o drink_v wine_n so_o do_v not_o the_o nazarite_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o order_n for_o in_o he_o be_v full_o accomplish_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o that_o order_n for_o he_o be_v perfect_o sever_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o pollution_n and_o so_o here_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n because_o he_o have_v the_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o david_n kingdom_n which_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v here_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n which_o can_v be_v open_v and_o shut_v by_o none_o but_o christ_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o none_o have_v power_n above_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o his_o power_n therein_o be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a so_o that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o christ_n jesus_n sit_v in_o heaven_n have_v sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v it_o have_v three_o part_n i._o to_o prescribe_v ii_o to_o judge_n iii_o to_o save_v or_o destroy_v in_o prescribe_v christ_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n as_o first_o in_o prescribe_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v and_o that_o on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n this_o power_n he_o put_v in_o execution_n when_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n he_o prescribe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o believe_v and_o none_o but_o he_o can_v make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o second_o for_o regiment_n he_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o prescribe_v how_o he_o will_v have_v his_o church_n govern_v and_o by_o who_o and_o therefore_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v to_o make_v the_o tabernacle_n 8.5_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o he_o so_o david_n give_v to_o solomon_n pattern_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n touch_v the_o build_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1._o chron._n 28.12_o three_o he_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n for_o as_o the_o ordain_v of_o a_o sabbath_n belong_v to_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o change_v thereof_o he_o that_o prescribe_v worship_n must_v prescribe_v the_o ordinary_a set_a time_n thereunto_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o opinion_n of_o man_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n may_v make_v two_o or_o more_o sabbath_n day_n in_o a_o week_n if_o they_o wil._n four_o in_o prescribe_v the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o 23_o paul_n say_v what_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o deliver_v i_o unto_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o he_o that_o give_v grace_n must_v also_o appoint_v the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v power_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o sovereign_a power_n to_o determine_v on_o his_o own_o will_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o or_o submission_n to_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o in_o determine_v christ_n have_v two_o privilege_n first_o to_o expound_v scripture_n the_o absolute_a power_n of_o expound_v the_o law_n belong_v to_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o his_o exposition_n be_v authentical_a second_o to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o hold_n that_o the_o principal_a judge_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o decyde_v controversy_n be_v the_o church_n the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v to_o save_v and_o destroy_v this_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v say_v 1.18_o to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n whereby_o be_v signify_v first_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n for_o that_o he_o procure_v at_o his_o father_n hand_n second_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o condemn_v for_o when_o man_n believe_v not_o his_o word_n he_o have_v power_n to_o hold_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o can_v cast_v they_o into_o hell_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o threefold_a power_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n this_o because_o he_o be_v sovereign_a lord_n over_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v that_o this_o key_n of_o david_n have_v more_o in_o it_o then_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o power_n to_o make_v and_o depose_v king_n that_o be_v in_o his_o church_n this_o they_o teach_v that_o they_o may_v prove_v the_o pope_n to_o have_v title_n in_o ordain_v and_o depose_n of_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o key_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o for_o though_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v above_o all_o king_n yet_o in_o that_o regard_n he_o neither_o make_v nor_o depose_v any_o king_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v plain_o 3â—_n my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n this_o cause_v he_o to_o refuse_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o earthly_a judge_n or_o prince_n to_o 14_o divide_v a_o inheritance_n between_o two_o brethren_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o 8.11_o refuse_v to_o give_v sentence_n of_o the_o adulterous_a woman_n and_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o make_v or_o depose_v earthly_a king_n so_o the_o wise_a mail_n speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o wisdom_n 8.15_o by_o i_o king_n reign_v for_o the_o further_a clear_n of_o this_o we_o must_v handle_v another_o point_n which_o be_v derive_v hence_o keyeâ—_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v a_o power_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v mention_v mat._n 16.19_o when_o christ_n say_v unto_o peter_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o ministry_n grant_v to_o god_n church_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o i_o call_v it_o a_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o service_n because_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n do_v in_o christ_n name_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n unto_o their_o lord_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o worthy_a member_n and_o officer_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n that_o this_o be_v a_o service_n i_o show_v more_o plain_o thus_o when_o adam_n fall_v in_o his_o sin_n all_o mankind_n fall_v with_o he_o and_o thereby_o be_v all_o bar_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o since_o that_o fall_n christ_n become_v man_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o man_n sin_n and_o this_o
first_o christ_n send_v and_o show_v this_o revelation_n this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o two_o special_a cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o pen_n and_o publish_v this_o book_n rash_o but_o by_o call_v and_o warrant_n from_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o must_v be_v our_o behaviour_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whatsoever_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v look_v we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o call_n and_o with_o out_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v there_o will_v be_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o care_n of_o just_a deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n second_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v to_o get_v more_o reverend_a acceptance_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o holy_a angel_n if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v write_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o withal_o send_v it_o by_o one_o of_o his_o guard_n we_o doubt_v the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o behold_v this_o book_n be_v the_o epistle_n and_o letter_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n what_o reverence_n therefore_o and_o acceptation_n ought_v this_o to_o find_v sure_o a_o thousand_o fold_n more_o with_o every_o one_o than_o the_o writing_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n whatsoever_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o christ_n employ_v about_o this_o revelation_n and_o they_o be_v two_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o saint_n john_n for_o the_o first_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n act._n 7.38_o gal._n 3.19_o and_o daniel_n receive_v the_o exposition_n of_o sundry_a dream_n and_o vision_n by_o a_o angel_n dan._n 8.19_o and_o 9.21_o and_o 10.14_o and_o the_o seven_o vision_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o book_n be_v show_v to_o john_n by_o a_o holy_a angel_n but_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n ground_n hereupon_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n because_o they_o be_v about_o we_o and_o bring_v unto_o we_o particular_a message_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o before_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o they_o we_o must_v have_v from_o god_n a_o particular_a commandment_n so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o else_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n afford_v no_o word_n of_o command_n or_o promise_v for_o any_o such_o action_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o second_o instrument_n here_o employ_v by_o christ_n be_v john_n this_o john_n be_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n and_o so_o kinsman_n unto_o christ_n a_o bless_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o three_o epistle_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o be_v that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v and_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o reverence_n to_o this_o book_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o a_o property_n call_v himself_o christ_n his_o servant_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n or_o action_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o god_n word_n vers_fw-la 2._o for_o the_o first_o note_z that_o john_n do_v not_o call_v himself_o that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v nor_o the_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v be_v ally_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n mother_n be_v sister_n to_o joseph_n christ_n suppose_v father_n and_o cousin_n german_a to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n john_n have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o â—earers_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v esteem_v more_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o he_o than_o any_o bond_n of_o outward_a alliance_n can_v possible_o make_v they_o math._n 12.50_o luk._n 11.28_o but_o he_o call_v himself_o christ_n servant_n have_v yield_v up_o himself_o to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o herein_o stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v service_n unto_o christ._n the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v never_o find_v such_o favour_n with_o god_n to_o have_v be_v christ_n mother_n if_o she_o have_v not_o withal_o become_v christ_n servant_n she_o bear_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o her_o womb_n by_o conception_n or_o else_o she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o he_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o outward_a dignity_n as_o blood_n royal_a noble_a parentage_n and_o such_o like_a will_v nothing_o further_a a_o man_n salvation_n he_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ_n must_v become_v his_o servant_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o do_v his_o will_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o paul_n say_v circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n â—_o 16_o 17._o again_o consider_v in_o what_o regard_n john_n be_v here_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n do_v but_o more_o special_o because_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v his_o particular_a call_n so_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n cap._n 1.1_o and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 9_o because_o he_o do_v service_n unto_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o show_v ourselves_o christ_n servant_n in_o our_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o office_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o profess_v service_n unto_o christ_n by_o hear_v his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n and_o keep_v his_o saboathe_n but_o unless_o therewithal_o we_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n our_o outward_a profession_n be_v flat_a hypocrisy_n this_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n buyer_n seller_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o unless_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o special_a calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n their_o public_a service_n in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n shall_v never_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a micha_n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o vers._n 2._o which_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 the_o thâ—ngs_n that_o he_o see_v here_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v himself_o namely_o by_o this_o action_n or_o effect_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o partly_o by_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o by_o preach_v he_o bare_a witness_n and_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v diverse_a part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n add_v and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n say_v and_o do_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o he_o bare_a record_n say_v and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o here_o he_o allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o testimony_n we_o
may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v hâ—m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n fâ—om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o manâ—r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n fâ—r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_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 here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n â—o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o purpose_n of_o s._n john_n who_o do_v therefore_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v that_o shall_v hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n with_o conscience_n to_o keep_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o do_v it_o with_o delight_n second_o we_o be_v hereby_o admonish_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n that_o place_n before_o name_v be_v most_o excellent_a search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o iâ—_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n â—_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n iâ—_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o taâ—es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
their_o common_a house_n which_o be_v untrue_a for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o such_o diversity_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n service_n and_o presence_n the_o dwell_a house_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n indeed_o church_n must_v be_v maintain_v because_o in_o they_o the_o people_n may_v more_o orderly_o and_o convenient_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v god_n public_o in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n for_o which_o time_n all_o due_a reverence_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o other_o place_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o place_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o what_o mean_v saint_n john_n come_v thither_o second_o to_o what_o end_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n the_o mean_n be_v banishment_n by_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o he_o come_v and_o abode_n in_o patmos_n be_v banish_v thither_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n in_o this_o his_o banishment_n consider_v many_o excellent_a thing_n first_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n endue_v with_o rare_a gift_n a_o singular_a maintainer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o famous_a founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o chief_a pillar_n thereof_o in_o those_o day_n when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n most_o hate_v of_o the_o cruel_a persecutor_n domitian_n and_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o yet_o observe_v that_o whereas_o many_o other_o true_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o the_o sword_n s._n john_n be_v not_o but_o escape_v by_o banishment_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v god_n special_a providence_n by_o which_o he_o reserve_v he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v this_o revelation_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n for_o the_o perpetual_a good_a of_o all_o his_o child_n and_o so_o though_o domitian_n be_v a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o want_v no_o malice_n towards_o john_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o kill_v he_o god_n overrule_v he_o that_o he_o do_v but_o banish_v he_o and_o that_o into_o such_o a_o island_n wherein_o he_o may_v quiet_o receive_v these_o vision_n and_o pen_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n that_o he_o do_v bridle_n and_o over-rule_v the_o cruel_a mind_n and_o may_v of_o bloody_a persecutor_n that_o they_o can_v for_o their_o heart_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n though_o they_o intend_v the_o contrary_n for_o domitian_n intend_v only_o the_o hurt_n of_o john_n yet_o see_v by_o his_o banishment_n into_o that_o isle_n he_o have_v fit_a place_n to_o receive_v these_o vision_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o the_o people_n band_v themselves_o together_o to_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n and_o the_o devil_n he_o labour_v to_o stir_v they_o on_o to_o practice_v their_o intend_a malice_n yet_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n who_o bring_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n direct_v and_o order_v this_o their_o malice_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n so_o josephs_n brethren_n intend_v no_o such_o deliverance_n as_o god_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o sell_v their_o brother_n this_o consideration_n shall_v comfort_v all_o god_n child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o outward_a distress_n even_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n overrule_a hand_n second_o in_o that_o john_n go_v into_o banishment_n when_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v by_o tyrant_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o must_v not_o make_v resistance_n or_o offer_v violence_n but_o suffer_v all_o injury_n with_o patience_n christianorum_fw-la for_o as_o one_o say_v true_o the_o christian_n weapon_n in_o persecution_n be_v only_a prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o saint_n john_n often_o in_o this_o book_n add_v this_o conclusion_n after_o the_o foretell_v of_o persecution_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o saint_n show_v that_o patience_n must_v be_v the_o complete_a armour_n against_o all_o our_o bloody_a enemy_n three_o here_o also_o observe_v that_o john_n come_v into_o this_o island_n not_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n as_o choose_v a_o solitary_a life_n to_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a state_n of_o perfection_n but_o by_o violence_n and_o constraint_n for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v into_o it_o voluntary_o be_v little_a or_o not_o inhabit_v he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o apostleship_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n this_o then_o confute_v the_o monkish_a life_n which_o be_v no_o life_n of_o holy_a perfection_n as_o papist_n call_v it_o but_o of_o glorious_a superstition_n and_o slat_n impiety_n before_o god_n for_o hereby_o they_o forsake_v their_o calling_n and_o utter_o disable_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n four_o whereas_o john_n be_v banish_v receive_v his_o vision_n in_o a_o barren_a and_o base_a desolate_a place_n we_o see_v that_o those_o which_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n even_o then_o when_o man_n seek_v most_o to_o disgrace_v they_o for_o what_o great_a disgrace_n can_v they_o have_v put_v upon_o john_n than_o to_o banish_v he_o into_o so_o base_a a_o island_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n even_o there_o do_v the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o much_o in_o reveal_v unto_o he_o these_o vision_n so_o when_o joseph_n be_v sell_v of_o his_o brethren_n and_o most_o dishonour_v of_o they_o then_o do_v god_n exhalt_v he_o most_o of_o all_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n who_o god_n do_v most_o advance_v when_o his_o enemy_n seek_v his_o great_a ruin_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n child_n they_o which_o honour_n god_n will_v he_o honour_v ii_o point_n the_o cause_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o this_o isle_n be_v express_o set_v down_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n he_o be_v banish_v by_o which_o we_o may_v note_v that_o all_o natural_a man_n as_o domitian_n and_o his_o court_n and_o all_o the_o gentile_n without_o god_n special_a calling_n do_v bear_v a_o deadly_a hatred_n towards_o god_n word_n for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n a_o famous_a man_n for_o gift_n a_o singular_a preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v hate_v nay_o banish_a not_o for_o his_o own_o cause_n but_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o hatred_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n by_o their_o bloody_a persecution_n against_o the_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o word_n and_o yet_o though_o man_n hate_v it_o natural_o the_o same_o word_n win_v they_o and_o take_v place_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o love_v it_o so_o as_o successive_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o world_n which_o show_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o the_o word_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v indeed_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n for_o man_n word_n be_v hate_v can_v win_v unto_o it_o he_o which_o hate_v it_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v by_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o hate_v it_o by_o nature_n which_o it_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v in_o it_o some_o divine_a power_n again_o see_v john_n be_v banish_v for_o god_n word_n all_o minister_n be_v to_o cast_v their_o account_n and_o make_v this_o reckon_n that_o they_o may_v and_o must_v suffer_v trouble_n &_o persecution_n yea_o sometime_o banishment_n itself_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a for_o that_o which_o befall_v the_o principal_a founder_n and_o chief_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v avoid_v of_o they_o which_o be_v ordinary_a minister_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a christ_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o tell_v they_o 6.26_o that_o they_o be_v even_o accurse_v when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o they_o let_v none_o therefore_o think_v it_o strange_a at_o this_o day_n if_o for_o well_o do_v they_o hear_v and_o receive_v evil_a nay_o let_v they_o fear_v the_o curse_n when_o all_o man_n praise_v they_o and_o for_o the_o witness_v of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o john_n do_v note_n more_o special_o the_o
cast_v off_o all_o dulness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o may_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o attentive_a hear_n so_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v bless_v unto_o we_o otherwise_o our_o hear_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n verse_n 11._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardai_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o description_n of_o this_o voice_n whereby_o johns_n heart_n be_v prepare_v touch_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n which_o be_v utter_v which_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v and_o send_v etc._n etc._n i._o touch_v the_o testimony_n the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n where_o the_o word_n be_v handle_v and_o the_o meaning_n show_v they_o do_v serve_v direct_o to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v here_o avouch_v to_o give_v unto_o john_n and_o unto_o the_o church_n full_a assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n now_o utter_v and_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n for_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n in_o this_o testimony_n note_v god_n special_a care_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o more_o special_o his_o care_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o from_o god_n this_o have_v be_v god_n care_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o peter_n receive_v a_o vision_n from_o god_n withal_o 19_o god_n spirit_n assure_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o be_v certain_a &_o sure_a and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n among_o man_n he_o do_v withal_o work_v strange_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n this_o special_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n do_v first_o confute_v the_o papist_n opinion_n touch_v scripture_n use_n they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o unto_o man_n till_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n thereunto_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o god_n ever_o have_v this_o care_n over_o his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v be_v his_o undoubted_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o ever_o be_v not_o only_o in_o it_o self_n bâ—t_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o come_v thereunto_o second_o hereby_o be_v confute_v many_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n therein_o be_v so_o diverse_a that_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n almost_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n in_o sundry_a matter_n hold_v sundry_a private_a opinion_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v religion_n therefore_o be_v uncertain_a god_n forbid_v for_o religion_n be_v certain_a unto_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o certify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o may_v man_n come_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n ii_o point_n the_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n this_o commandment_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o write_v the_o thing_n see_v in_o a_o book_n second_o to_o send_v the_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n here_o name_v and_o both_o these_o must_v john_n do_v be_v now_o disable_v by_o his_o exile_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n unto_o they_o personal_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o these_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o strengthen_v in_o these_o most_o grievous_a time_n of_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v become_v keeper_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o publish_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o in_o this_o commandment_n note_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worthy_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o have_v write_v these_o vision_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o blind_a papist_n which_o say_v the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n because_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v be_v turn_v every_o way_n as_o man_n will_n this_o also_o confute_v the_o anabaptist_n which_o so_o much_o magnify_v their_o revelation_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o word_n write_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o best_o he_o will_v have_v teach_v these_o church_n by_o revelation_n but_o they_o must_v learn_v by_o the_o word_n write_v second_o that_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n either_o public_o or_o private_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v this_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n hereby_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v read_v the_o same_o as_o they_o do_v other_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o sound_n and_o confirm_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o ordinary_o justify_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o read_v must_v have_v his_o due_a reverence_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v three_o here_o note_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o persecution_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o this_o banishment_n into_o such_o a_o desert_a place_n be_v unto_o john_n a_o grievous_a cross_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v there_o to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o honour_n he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o thing_n each_o one_o shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n it_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o seven_o church_n ephesus_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v name_v which_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n wherein_o be_v plant_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v in_o those_o part_n and_o for_o their_o excellency_n be_v they_o name_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n now_o follow_v the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o be_v hear_v fold_v up_o with_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n second_o be_v turn_v of_o himself_o to_o see_v the_o party_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o in_o these_o word_n verse_n 12._o then_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n which_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o when_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o
reveal_v his_o will_n not_o to_o the_o proud_a but_o to_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o as_o isaiah_n say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n isay._n 57.15_o and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o a_o man_n must_v renounce_v his_o own_o natural_a wit_n and_o reason_n and_o become_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o even_o a_o fool_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o conceit_n also_o he_o must_v unfeigned_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o truth_n ask_v say_v christ_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o even_o 11.13_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o they_o that_o desire_v of_o the_o father_n and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n which_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o second_o after_o preparation_n he_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v thorough_o what_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v and_o what_o be_v theiâ—_n opinion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n maintain_v by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a oversight_n to_o misconceive_v the_o state_n of_o the_o adversary_n question_n by_o propound_v it_o otherwise_o than_o they_o hold_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o many_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o controversy_n three_o due_a proof_n must_v be_v make_v whether_o the_o adversary_n doctrine_n be_v of_o man_n or_o of_o god_n this_o be_v god_n commandment_n 1._o john_n 4.1_o prove_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o for_o trial_n hereof_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o cause_n isa._n 8._o vers_fw-la 20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o look_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o who_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o he_o do_v in_o his_o write_a word_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n the_o scripture_n show_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n examine_v be_v direct_o gather_v thence_o and_o by_o just_a consequent_a or_o not_o four_o serious_a consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o live_v of_o the_o teacher_n examine_v for_o a_o false_a teacher_n by_o god_n just_a judgement_n be_v usual_o a_o wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v 1â—_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o examine_v such_o they_o will_v appear_v howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o famous_a heretic_n do_v plain_o declare_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o discovery_n be_v sentence_n give_v in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n the_o church_n here_o give_v out_o a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a sentence_n against_o they_o she_o call_v they_o false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n and_o yet_o she_o sin_v not_o for_o christ_n commend_v she_o for_o it_o though_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_n can_v beseem_v any_o yet_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o place_n may_v give_v ouâ—_n severe_a speech_n against_o offender_n in_o token_n of_o detestation_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o offend_v thus_o john_n call_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n a_o generation_n of_o viper_n matth._n 3.7_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n luk._n 13.32_o and_o paul_n call_v the_o galatian_n fool_n gal._n 3.1_o and_o in_o this_o place_n the_o church_n call_v these_o false_a teacher_n liar_n which_o be_v very_o much_o for_o therein_o she_o accuse_v they_o of_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o teach_v that_o which_o be_v false_a indeed_o second_o that_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n with_o intent_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n in_o this_o discovery_n use_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o just_a accomplishment_n of_o paul_n prophecy_n acts._n 20.29_o 30._o namely_o that_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o among_o the_o ephesian_n grievous_a wolf_n and_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n and_o such_o be_v these_o false_a apostle_n who_o after_o examination_n be_v find_v liar_n again_o see_v in_o the_o day_n of_o this_o apostle_n john_n man_n dare_v presume_v to_o claim_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o do_v challenge_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v peter_n successor_n and_o to_o have_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o dare_v now_o avouch_v some_o book_n to_o be_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o as_o also_o bring_v in_o their_o tradition_n &_o unwritten_a verity_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o obey_v equal_o with_o god_n word_n verse_n 3._o thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v here_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v how_o this_o minister_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o false_a teacher_n after_o their_o discovery_n the_o manner_n we_o shall_v see_v in_o handle_v the_o point_n particular_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n thou_o have_v suffer_v or_o thou_o have_v bear_v a_o burden_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o be_v press_v down_o under_o a_o great_a burden_n this_o burden_n be_v the_o trouble_n which_o false_a apostle_n bring_v upon_o they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v partly_o by_o open_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n partly_o by_o the_o spread_a of_o their_o heretical_a and_o schismatical_a doctrine_n these_o false_a teacher_n be_v ebion_n cerinthus_n martion_n and_o such_o like_a who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n trouble_v this_o church_n as_o history_n do_v show_v here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o the_o best_a church_n shall_v be_v trouble_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o heretical_a teacher_n who_o both_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o persecution_n become_v grievous_a burden_n this_o the_o lord_n permit_v for_o weighty_a cause_n i._o that_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v excite_v more_o constant_o to_o embrace_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o jude_n 3._o most_o worthy_o exhort_v the_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n to_o fight_v for_o the_o common_a faith_n ii_o that_o professor_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o sound_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o not_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o it_o be_v â—ette_v say_v paul_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o approve_a may_v â—ee_n know_v iii_o that_o god_n may_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n reveal_v unto_o they_o 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11._o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o strange_a illusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n for_o many_o know_v the_o word_n that_o love_v it_o not_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o common_a scandal_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v use_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o lord_n wheat_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o evil_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o offence_n that_o hereby_o we_o be_v rather_o provoke_v with_o more_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v religion_n and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n have_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o deal_n of_o this_o church_n against_o these_o false_a apostle_n in_o all_o their_o persecution_n but_o first_o note_v the_o coherence_n of_o this_o virtue_n with_o the_o former_a thou_o have_v suffer_v trouble_n and_o have_v have_v patience_n quest._n how_o can_v these_o stand_v together_o it_o be_v against_o man_n nature_n in_o trouble_n to_o be_v patient_a for_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n make_v man_n discontent_n and_o to_o fret_v against_o god_n and_o man_n answ._n they_o stand_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 4._o tribulation_n bring_v forth_o patience_n namely_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o to_o they_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o their_o trouble_n shed_v
holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n