ought_v to_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o sardis_n be_v in_o asia_n minor_fw-la and_o this_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v once_o understand_v it_o will_v be_v of_o the_o like_a usefulness_n to_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n especial_o and_o also_o to_o the_o laodicean_n wherefore_o the_o objection_n be_v but_o small_a consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o epistolar_n way_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o the_o mystical_a for_o as_o in_o a_o entire_a vision_n where_o the_o beginning_n be_v touch_v something_o past_a or_o present_a all_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o prophetical_a though_o that_o part_n that_o respect_v thing_n past_a be_v but_o historical_a representation_n so_o in_o this_o entire_a epistolar_n vision_n though_o the_o first_o part_n be_v epistolar_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o historical_a representation_n exhibit_v time_n and_o person_n past_a as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a to_o be_v write_v to_o and_o that_o for_o uniformity_n sake_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n as_o what_o be_v pass_v in_o history_n under_o the_o form_n of_o prophetical_a vision_n as_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n which_o be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n though_o the_o representation_n be_v of_o what_o be_v partly_o past_a and_o partly_o present_a but_o what_o be_v to_o come_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o vision_n prophetical_a but_o now_o beside_o all_o this_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n there_o be_v then_o a_o church_n in_o ephesus_n when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o it_o and_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n it_o be_v applicable_a to_o any_o church_n that_o do_v ephesize_n in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o at_o any_o time_n the_o objection_n in_o my_o judgement_n have_v melt_v into_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o exception_n we_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o place_v the_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o ephesine_n succession_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n reign_n and_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o till_o then_o let_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o title_n of_o ephesus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o about_o three_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n after_o christ_n under_o the_o name_n of_o smyrna_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o albigenses_n and_o waldenses_n let_v she_o be_v the_o church_n dwell_v in_o pergamus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o whole_a nation_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n let_v the_o same_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o thyatira_n from_o that_o time_n protestantisme_n become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n till_o the_o last_o vial_n let_v this_o church_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n from_o that_o time_n till_o the_o four_o thunder_n let_v it_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o philadelphia_n 38._o from_o the_o four_o thunder_n till_o christ_n come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o cloud_n let_v the_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o laodicea_n these_o be_v the_o seven_o interval_n which_o how_o well_o they_o will_v fit_v with_o the_o title_n of_o these_o distinct_a successive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o vision_n i_o will_v anon_o endeavour_v to_o unfold_v chap._n ii_o a_o far_a preparation_n out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n whereby_o this_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v more_o clear_o assure_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o prophetical_a or_o mystical_a sense_n we_o will_v first_o make_v some_o far_a remark_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypso_n where_o we_o will_v make_v only_o this_o one_o modest_a supposition_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v down_o nothing_o immethodical_o nor_o in_o vain_a or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o vain_o immethodicall_a wherefore_o upon_o the_o very_a first_o verse_n which_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n 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 1._o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v some_o short_o and_o other_o some_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n as_o all_o interpreter_n agree_v i_o can_v but_o note_v this_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v but_o respicere_fw-la titulum_fw-la as_o most_o certain_o he_o will_v he_o will_v set_v down_o no_o entire_a vision_n as_o this_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v but_o they_o must_v in_o the_o main_n be_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o of_o thing_n present_v mere_o and_o not_o hide_v but_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o mention_v be_v to_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o something_o far_o must_v be_v mean_v by_o they_o then_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v not_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o title_n require_v but_o only_o of_o thing_n present_a or_o some_o promise_n or_o threaten_n that_o do_v not_o proper_o amount_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n no_o more_o than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v 2._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 for_o 3._o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n this_o again_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o book_n be_v all_o of_o it_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o entire_a vision_n thereof_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n which_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o mere_a promise_n and_o threaten_n can_v make_v it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v those_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v adjoin_v and_o though_o the_o several_a state_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n may_v be_v applicable_a to_o several_a state_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o after-age_n in_o christendom_n l_o yet_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v in_o this_o literal_a sense_n by_o way_n of_o prediction_n but_o of_o example_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n of_o pious_a or_o impious_a action_n which_o repeated_o happen_v in_o all_o history_n whence_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o then_o thus_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n can_v be_v deem_v any_o prophecy_n and_o therefore_o be_v heterogeneous_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o title_n of_o the_o book_n 3._o but_o upon_o the_o so_o express_o call_v 4._o this_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n for_o john_n to_o salute_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n with_o this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v methinks_v it_o do_v even_o forcible_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o he_o so_o immediate_o fall_v upon_o be_v a_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o title_n immediate_o mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n beside_o that_o the_o description_n of_o the_o party_n in_o who_o name_n he_o salute_v they_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v do_v very_o natural_o insinuate_v that_o he_o be_v treat_v of_o what_o reach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o late_a age_n thereof_o which_o he_o insist_o more_o upon_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n behold_v he_o come_v 7._o with_o the_o cloud_n this_o reach_v the_o last_o period_n of_o laodicea_n when_o god_n will_v judge_v all_o people_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o also_o which_o pierce_v he_o and_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v because_o of_o he_o for_o the_o earth_n shall_v then_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o the_o work_v thereof_o even_o so_o amen_n this_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o the_o seven_o thunder_n in_o that_o dark_a hollow_a dungeon_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n let_v the_o son_n of_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n conceit_n what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n wherefore_o the_o mind_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v carry_v out_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a age_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o according_a as_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o 8._o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a that_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o reach_v from_o one_o end_n to_o another_o mighty_o and_o sweet_o order_v all_o thing_n this_o methinks_v strong_o insinuate_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o
touch_v of_o it_o in_o the_o general_n before_o 5._o ten_o why_o be_v christ_n in_o his_o description_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n set_v out_o by_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n coming_z suppose_v 12._o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n according_a to_o the_o ellipticalnesse_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n what_o reason_n in_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o for_o especial_o if_o this_o supplement_n be_v make_v it_o can_v respect_v the_o slay_v of_o antipas_n with_o the_o sword_n what_o peculiar_a thing_n then_o in_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v there_o to_o require_v this_o description_n true_o nothing_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o the_o letter_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n it_o be_v very_o proper_a the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n in_o this_o interval_n assault_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o defend_v themselves_o and_o their_o pure_a faith_n so_o signal_o by_o this_o weapon_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o themselves_o die_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n by_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o faith_n they_o thus_o defend_v and_o in_o the_o eleven_o place_n the_o description_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n as_o if_o they_o burn_v 18._o in_o a_o furnace_n for_o that_o supplement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v out_o of_o his_o description_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n as_o before_o but_o now_o what_o peculiar_a significancy_n have_v this_o description_n or_o what_o congruity_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n literal_o understand_v sure_o none_o but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n it_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o those_o low_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n of_o their_o invincible_a zeal_n and_o patience_n and_o sincerity_n of_o affection_n such_o as_o do_v abide_v the_o most_o fiery_a trial_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o stand_v at_o the_o stake_n among_o burn_a faggot_n with_o the_o flame_n about_o their_o ear_n and_o never_o flinch_v for_o it_o as_o have_v be_v note_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o epistle_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n twelve_o in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o enigmatical_a involution_n and_o cover_n upon_o cover_n where_o he_o call_v the_o church_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n star_n and_o angel_n even_o then_o when_o he_o interpret_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v more_o plain_a that_o the_o same_o author_n shall_v so_o open_o and_o plain_o mention_v any_o one_o by_o name_n as_o he_o do_v the_o martyr_n antipas_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o far_a mystery_n in_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hardly_o to_o be_v digest_v by_o the_o more_o sagacious_a and_o curious_a i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o this_o name_n antipas_n by_o name_n till_o i_o understand_v a_o far_a sense_n thereof_o such_o as_o we_o have_v render_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o that_o epistle_n 6._o in_o the_o thirteen_o place_n one_o may_v well_o demand_v why_o christ_n express_v a_o great_a disgust_n against_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n then_o that_o of_o sardis_n for_o though_o the_o former_a be_v say_v to_o be_v lukewarm_a yet_o the_o other_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o life_n be_v notwithstanding_o declare_v to_o be_v dead_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o enrage_v against_o luke_n warmness_n than_o hypocrisy_n and_o threaten_v it_o more_o deep_o than_o the_o other_o i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n which_o be_v quite_o to_o cast_v a_o thing_n away_o never_o to_o be_v resume_v again_o must_v seem_v marvellous_a to_o the_o considerate_a certain_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o great_a matter_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o speak_v so_o severe_o only_a to_o follow_v a_o metaphor_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o solution_n be_v easy_a that_o passage_n be_v predictive_a of_o the_o extermination_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v expound_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o place_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o so_o affect_o and_o repeat_o in_o every_o epistle_n that_o phrase_n be_v use_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n without_o any_o variation_n or_o omission_n which_o seem_v a_o thing_n but_o of_o small_a importance_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a it_o seem_v on_o purpose_n so_o repeat_v to_o intimate_v a_o allusion_n in_o asia_n to_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o answer_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o asia_n may_v also_o be_v significant_a as_o well_o as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o they_o all_o be_v it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n this_o repetition_n be_v for_o some_o such_o design_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v whereas_o the_o literal_a sense_n can_v give_v no_o account_n thereof_o fifteenth_o alcazar_n himself_o be_v much_o stumble_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a woman_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o so_o call_v she_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jezabel_n as_o be_v ordinary_o suppose_v and_o indeed_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o little_a for_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o write_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n if_o we_o will_v interpret_v with_o constancy_n and_o coherency_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n there_o be_v no_o such_o incongruity_n the_o object_n be_v worth_a the_o spirit_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o this_o kind_n this_o jezabel_n be_v that_o paint_a woman_n of_o rome_n intoxicate_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o cup_n of_o her_o spiritual_a fornication_n as_o have_v be_v show_v upon_o the_o text._n 7._o sixteenth_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o that_o promise_v of_o rule_v over_o the_o nation_n and_o receive_v the_o morningstar_n which_o doubtless_o be_v political_a promise_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n more_o than_o to_o that_o in_o pergamus_n or_o ephesus_n and_o other_o what_o victory_n or_o dominion_n do_v the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n in_o asia_n get_v over_o the_o nation_n more_o than_o other_o church_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a knot_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a it_o be_v loosen_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o the_o closure_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n bring_v in_o the_o time_n wherein_o whole_a nation_n revolt_v from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a church_n and_o profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o so_o in_o these_o part_n get_v the_o pontifician_n party_n under_o they_o seventeenth_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o mighty_a temptation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n touch_v which_o he_o say_v behold_v i_o come_v quick_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o church_n here_o specify_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o thing_n be_v plain_a for_o the_o interval_n of_o philadelphia_n beginning_n in_o the_o last_o vial_n wherein_o that_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a earthquake_n be_v to_o happen_v the_o great_a temptation_n what_o it_o be_v be_v plain_o thence_o understand_v and_o how_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o philadelphian_a church_n it_o will_v come_v quick_o she_o commence_v but_o in_o the_o very_a same_o vial_n that_o this_o be_v to_o happen_v under_o eighteenth_o why_o upon_o this_o philadelphia_n a_o private_a asiatic_a church_n shall_v the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v express_v apoc._n 21._o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v this_o title_n be_v too_o big_a and_o turgent_fw-la for_o any_o private_a church_n be_v it_o not_o a_o type_n or_o symbol_n of_o some_o great_a matter_n but_o by_o the_o prophetical_a interpretation_n this_o difficulty_n be_v quite_o remove_v for_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n be_v co-incident_a with_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n mention_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o of_o the_o millenniall_a empire_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n 8._o
epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n 1._o we_o shall_v first_o premise_v that_o as_o those_o two_o follow_a prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o of_o the_o open_a book_n reach_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n so_o this_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n reach_v also_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o seem_v congruous_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o vision_n itself_o and_o from_o the_o follow_a example_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o the_o open_a book_n we_o shall_v premise_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o as_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a that_o four_o of_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n be_v direct_o significant_a of_o some_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n smyrna_n pergamus_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n so_o it_o be_v exceed_o credible_a that_o the_o other_o three_o name_n may_v allude_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v set_v out_o their_o nature_n and_o condition_n also_o viz._n ephesus_n thyatira_n and_o sardis_n as_o we_o shall_v take_v more_o express_a notice_n in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o exposition_n last_o which_o may_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_a have_v be_v note_v at_o first_o this_o more_o mystical_a sense_n which_o we_o be_v now_o a-rendring_a of_o the_o seven_o church_n do_v not_o at_o all_o clash_n with_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o nor_o exclude_v that_o useful_a applicability_n of_o they_o for_o the_o reproof_n or_o praise_n of_o any_o church_n particular_a in_o any_o time_n or_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o be_v for_o the_o like_a thing_n obnoxious_a or_o commendable_a but_o the_o distinct_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o watchfulness_n and_o foresight_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n may_v haply_o be_v more_o illustrate_v and_o display_v by_o this_o mystical_a way_n of_o exposition_n then_o by_o that_o literal_a or_o moral_a 2._o we_o will_v therefore_o distinguish_v the_o whole_a duration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o also_o the_o other_o prophecy_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n seem_v chief_o to_o regard_v into_o seven_o intervall_n and_o will_v suppose_v the_o first_o interval_n to_o end_v where_o the_o second_o begin_v viz._n in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o nero_n or_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 63._o 3._o which_o period_n therefore_o of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n end_v so_o early_o even_o about_o thirty_o year_n before_o st._n john_n writing_n the_o apocalypse_n agree_v excellent_o well_o with_o that_o passage_n ch._n 1._o v._n 18_o 19_o where_o after_o christ_n declare_v himself_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o as_o before_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o be_v call_v he_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v and_o his_o mention_v his_o own_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o how_o that_o he_o will_v be_v alive_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o present_o infer_v write_v therefore_o what_o thing_n thou_o have_v see_v what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o thing_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o which_o he_o express_o and_o immediate_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n ver_fw-la 20._o which_o be_v worth_a the_o note_n what_o thing_n thou_o have_v see_v already_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o life_n past_a namely_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n what_o thing_n be_v now_o present_a viz._n the_o smyrnian_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o thou_o be_v and_o tast_a of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o in_o this_o thy_o exile_n here_o in_o patmos_n for_o the_o ten_o persecution_n be_v then_o already_o begin_v and_o john_n be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o they_o and_o what_o thing_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o namely_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o period_n of_o the_o smyrnian_a church_n and_o in_o the_o period_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n succeed_v and_o questionless_a the_o vision_n of_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o â—â—_o white_a horse_n respect_v what_o be_v then_o past_a namely_o christ_n first_o warfare_n upon_o his_o conquest_n of_o death_n and_o his_o be_v mount_v into_o his_o glorify_v body_n who_o after_o from_o on_o high_a send_v down_o succour_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o assisted_z and_o and_o manage_v that_o illustrious_a battle_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o apostolic_a time_n so_o successful_o and_o glorious_o that_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o within_o the_o space_n of_o the_o ephesine_n period_n 4._o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o scruple_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n represent_v a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n past_a but_o only_o that_o it_o seem_v improper_a to_o direct_v a_o epistle_n to_o a_o church_n then_o out_o of_o be_v but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n with_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v seven_o successive_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n for_o make_v the_o exitus_fw-la of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n reach_n beyond_o s._n john_n time_n suppose_v to_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 100_o or_o thereabouts_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n will_v be_v write_v to_o church_n not_o yet_o in_o be_v and_o some_o many_o hundred_o nay_o thousand_o of_o year_n ere_o they_o shall_v be_v which_o yet_o they_o must_v not_o count_v absurd_a 5._o the_o brief_a account_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o drive_v on_o two_o main_a design_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n at_o once_o the_o one_o most_o effectual_o to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v the_o church_n to_o do_v well_o to_o stick_v to_o truth_n and_o holiness_n through_o all_o the_o trial_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n as_o also_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o whether_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n idolatry_n sensuality_n or_o whatever_o remissness_n in_o manner_n for_o which_o design_n this_o epistolar_n way_n be_v exceed_o accommodate_v it_o bear_v the_o form_n of_o personal_o speak_v to_o people_n and_o so_o the_o more_o forcible_o make_v they_o take_v notice_n in_o a_o manner_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o of_o what_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o the_o other_o design_n and_o that_o so_o lay_v as_o not_o to_o forego_v the_o former_a advantage_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o foresight_n to_o show_v how_o all_o thing_n lie_v bare_a before_o his_o eye_n in_o such_o order_n and_o succession_n as_o they_o be_v in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n that_o former_a design_n be_v plain_o pursue_v and_o attain_v understand_v they_o direct_v to_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n then_o in_o be_v and_o in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n in_o the_o moral_a sense_n these_o epistle_n i_o say_v be_v so_o applicable_a to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o age_n thereof_o place_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_a circumstance_n of_o condition_n with_o these_o asiatic_a church_n this_o epistolar_n way_n will_v have_v a_o considerable_a efficacy_n and_o influence_n upon_o they_o for_o either_o animation_n or_o reproof_n 6._o but_o now_o the_o great_a question_n be_v why_o the_o prophetical_a design_n discoverable_a in_o the_o mystical_a interpretation_n shall_v have_v be_v couch_v in_o this_o epistolar_n way_n especial_o the_o epistle_n to_o ephesus_n be_v write_v after_o the_o ephesine_n period_n be_v expire_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o prophetical_a design_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o ephesine_n church_n in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n but_o for_o future_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v take_v in_o only_a to_o make_v up_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o several_a distinct_a state_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o but_o this_o epistolar_n way_n be_v still_o retain_v in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o usefulness_n it_o have_v in_o the_o literal_a to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n then_o real_o in_o be_v for_o so_o soon_o as_o any_o of_o these_o letter_n by_o this_o mystical_a sense_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o successive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o now_o for_o example_n as_o will_v appear_v anon_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o protestant_a church_n or_o reform_a christendom_n this_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n
have_v forget_v what_o he_o be_v about_o bring_v in_o a_o large_a vision_n consist_v of_o seven_o part_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o prophetical_a but_o only_o the_o reproof_n or_o praise_n the_o commination_n or_o promise_n to_o a_o few_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o steady_a order_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n especial_o in_o this_o book_n than_o which_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o accurate_o write_v 10._o and_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n 16._o seven_o star_n methinks_v it_o be_v extreme_o harsh_a to_o conceit_n that_o these_o seven_o star_n be_v mere_o the_o seven_o bishop_n of_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n of_o asia_n as_o if_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o support_v nor_o guide_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n but_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o his_o left_a such_o high_a representation_n can_v be_v appropriate_v to_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o but_o seven_o must_v signify_v all_o in_o both_o coexistence_n and_o in_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o sense_n worthy_a so_o sublime_a a_o book_n as_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o septenaries_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n they_o signify_v a_o entire_a succession_n of_o some_o seven_o thing_n or_o other_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o represent_v 11._o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n 20._o of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o same_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n though_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n these_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v easy_o applicable_a to_o those_o particular_a seven_o church_n of_o asia_n above_o specify_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o he_o not_o call_v they_o here_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o seven_o church_n in_o general_a it_o be_v a_o invitation_n to_o the_o search_v out_o some_o more_o large_a prophetical_a sense_n such_o as_o we_o drive_v at_o as_o also_o in_o that_o he_o say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n at_o large_a and_o not_o of_o asia_n nor_o name_v the_o church_n by_o name_n but_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o call_v they_o angel_n in_o stead_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n for_o he_o continue_v so_o in_o the_o prophetical_a style_n proper_a to_o this_o book_n that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v also_o a_o prophetical_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o a_o literal_a or_o rather_o that_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o be_v most_o chief_o of_o all_o intend_a 12._o all_o these_o intimation_n put_v togegether_o out_o of_o this_o first_o chapter_n towards_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v that_o force_n with_o i_o that_o though_o i_o can_v not_o myself_o produce_v such_o a_o continue_a mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n which_o will_v be_v all_o along_o easy_a and_o natural_a yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o reach_v it_o but_o if_o i_o have_v through_o the_o divine_a assistence_n light_n on_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v both_o continual_o coherent_a important_a and_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o prophetical_a style_n i_o hope_v this_o preparation_n will_v even_o extort_v the_o belief_n thereof_o from_o the_o reader_n but_o such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v now_o present_v to_o his_o view_n chap._n iii_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesine_n church_n 1._o it_o be_v intimate_v out_o of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n by_o name_n be_v a_o fair_a invitation_n to_o we_o to_o suspect_v a_o more_o large_a and_o release_v sense_n of_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o indeed_o this_o releasement_n be_v more_o free_a in_o the_o greek_a copy_n then_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n 20._o which_o thou_o see_v be_v seven_o church_n not_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n one_o may_v be_v prone_a to_o imagine_v to_o be_v none_o other_o than_o those_o situate_a in_o asia_n minor_fw-la but_o this_o division_n of_o the_o church_n into_o seven_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v rather_o distributio_fw-la ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la then_o è_fw-la subjectis_fw-la the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o its_o succession_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n be_v cast_v into_o seven_o intervall_n according_a to_o seven_o notorious_a qualification_n or_o condition_n thereof_o for_o so_o we_o say_v the_o primitive_a church_n the_o apostatise_v church_n the_o reform_a church_n etc._n etc._n denote_v not_o their_o place_n but_o rather_o their_o time_n and_o quality_n which_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o prophetic_a style_n if_o it_o be_v to_o express_v they_o will_v exhibit_v as_o so_o many_o church_n distinct_o situate_a 2._o but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v far_a to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a these_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n do_v also_o fair_o quit_v the_o mystical_a interpreter_n of_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o name_n it_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o i_o think_v worth_a the_o note_n tâ—â—â—_n all_o pretence_n of_o cavil_v may_v be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o may_v haply_o prove_v less_o satisfy_v with_o our_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o greek_a name_n from_o a_o hebrew_n allusion_n though_o their_o cavil_v to_o the_o more_o judicious_a i_o hope_v will_v seem_v altogether_o groundless_a 3._o nor_o last_o do_v the_o return_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n by_o name_n in_o these_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o determine_v the_o vision_n sole_o and_o adequate_o to_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n topical_o understand_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o church_n at_o least_o by_o a_o easy_a allusion_n have_v a_o appellative_a signification_n and_o manifest_o denote_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o exposition_n 4._o first_o therefore_o of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o christ_n salute_v after_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o 1._o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o by_o angel_n according_a to_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n all_o the_o agent_n under_o their_o presidency_n be_v represent_v or_o insinuate_v i_o have_v already_o note_v and_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_a and_o obvious_a in_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o none_o that_o be_v verse_v therein_o can_v any_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o wherefore_o christ_n his_o writing_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n be_v his_o writing_n to_o all_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o christian_n in_o this_o first_o apostolical_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o particular_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o this_o church_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n thereof_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o they_o under_o the_o character_n of_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o sense_n strip_v of_o this_o prophetical_a pomp_n be_v that_o i_o be_o he_o that_o support_v all_o my_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o all_o that_o labour_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o kingdom_n from_o this_o time_n for_o ever_o i_o be_o present_a with_o they_o and_o uphold_v they_o as_o he_o say_v at_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 20._o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o walk_v through_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o golden_a
receive_v from_o i_o myself_o or_o my_o apostle_n stand_v fast_o to_o the_o infallible_a word_n which_o will_v impartial_o instruct_v and_o excite_v you_o to_o all_o the_o due_a measure_n of_o godliness_n and_o believe_v not_o the_o rot_a and_o corrupt_a gloss_n ofdeceitful_a man_n that_o will_v sew_v pillow_n under_o man_n armhole_n and_o frame_v opinion_n and_o precept_n to_o favour_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o dote_v upon_o man_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o carnality_n but_o to_o dote_v on_o they_o for_o their_o carnal_a opinion_n and_o fleshfavour_a document_n be_v sardian_n or_o carnaline_n of_o a_o double_a dye_n repent_v therefore_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n stand_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v with_o his_o divine_a grace_n all_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v after_o righteousness_n so_o that_o the_o fault_n lie_v at_o your_o own_o door_n if_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o come_v upon_o thou_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o return_v to_o true_a sobriety_n and_o sincerity_n of_o manner_n i_o shall_v bring_v some_o signal_n mischief_n upon_o thou_o before_o thou_o be_v aware_a i_o shall_v sudden_o come_v in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o when_o thou_o least_o dream_v thereof_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n avert_v the_o ill_a omen_n and_o change_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o he_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o 6._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o 4._o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n notwithstanding_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sardian_n church_n be_v so_o general_o carnal_a in_o the_o very_a hue_n of_o that_o carnaline-stone_n that_o look_v so_o like_o mere_a flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o few_o that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n with_o that_o colour_n but_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o primitiae_fw-la of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n into_o the_o image_n of_o myself_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a these_o shall_v not_o only_o enjoy_v glorious_a converse_v with_o i_o and_o i_o communicate_v my_o spiritual_a grace_n abundant_o to_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o successful_a and_o prosperous_a in_o their_o affair_n for_o to_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a signify_v so_o in_o the_o onirocritick_n according_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o achmetes_n for_o they_o be_v worthy_a for_o i_o do_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o 5._o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n he_o that_o overcome_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o this_o terrestrial_a body_n to_o he_o will_v i_o communicate_v the_o celestial_a or_o divine_a this_o be_v a_o more_o theological_a sense_n but_o the_o political_n be_v most_o proper_a the_o epiphonema_n conclude_v the_o whole_a epistle_n wherefore_o to_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n it_o be_v here_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v signify_v and_o that_o rather_o than_o in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n success_n and_o prosperity_n in_o external_a affair_n and_o exemption_n from_o grief_n and_o affliction_n as_o the_o onirocritick_n do_v express_o interpret_v it_o see_v achmetes_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 the_o more_o proper_a and_o political_a sense_n may_v be_v that_o when_o the_o church_n by_o overcome_v have_v emerge_v into_o the_o philadelphian_a condition_n it_o shall_v never_o change_v at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o external_a frame_n but_o keep_v up_o to_o the_o end_n and_o god_n will_v avowed_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v his_o even_o to_o the_o last_o even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o laodicean_n state_n and_o the_o state_n of_o persecution_n shall_v never_o overwhelm_v it_o any_o more_o so_o the_o book_n of_o life_n may_v signify_v here_o as_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n before_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_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 that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v his_o nature_n to_o have_v become_v in_o a_o manner_n divine_a and_o angelical_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o meet_a associate_n for_o their_o company_n in_o my_o heavenly_a kingdom_n for_o ever_o this_o may_v be_v a_o moral_a or_o theological_a sense_n but_o the_o political_a be_v chief_o aim_v at_o as_o be_v intimate_v by_o the_o place_n of_o the_o epiphonema_n last_o of_o all_o the_o confess_v therefore_o of_o the_o name_n of_o these_o few_o in_o sardis_n that_o be_v right_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o as_o many_o as_o make_v up_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sanctity_n which_o therefore_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n christ_n his_o confess_v of_o their_o name_n before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v the_o mention_v of_o their_o name_n as_o of_o a_o people_n more_o peculiar_o he_o and_o extraordinary_o dear_a unto_o he_o that_o by_o thus_o own_v they_o in_o such_o a_o endear_n manner_n before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n recommend_v to_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o faithful_a and_o watchful_a ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a angel_n which_o will_v be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a and_o of_o their_o name_n never_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o permanency_n of_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n and_o security_n from_o misery_n and_o oppression_n that_o thus_o innocency_n and_o outward_a felicity_n may_v go_v hand_n in_o hand_n in_o the_o bless_a millennium_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o with_o the_o philadelphian_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n will_v amount_v to_o this_o at_o last_o for_o salvation_n be_v to_o spring_v out_o of_o sardis_n not_o out_o of_o babylon_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n will_v be_v so_o extraordinary_o exercise_v about_o a_o church_n which_o will_v then_o have_v become_v so_o angelical_a as_o be_v more_o full_o note_v in_o the_o divine_a dialogue_n 8._o these_o be_v the_o rouse_a motive_n which_o christ_n use_v to_o excite_v the_o carnal_a church_n of_o sardis_n to_o more_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v on_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o most_o happy_a time_n the_o conduct_n of_o which_o affair_n be_v represent_v by_o that_o illustrious_a heros_n on_o his_o white_a horse_n chap._n 19_o where_o his_o army_n follow_v he_o on_o white_a horse_n clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n white_a and_o clean_a which_o appertain_v to_o the_o last_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n a_o great_a part_n of_o who_o by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v likely_a may_v have_v turn_v their_o carnaline-colour_n into_o pure_a white_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o march_v with_o he_o there_o to_o that_o spiritual_a warfare_n as_o some_o be_v say_v here_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o in_o white_a and_o that_o with_o marvellous_a success_n and_o prosperity_n as_o their_o white_a clothing_n do_v intimate_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o 6._o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n reform_a christendom_n especial_o she_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v therein_o for_o she_o as_o i_o say_v at_o first_o be_v this_o sardian_n church_n the_o beginning_n of_o who_o interval_n be_v adorn_v with_o more_o true_a holiness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o zeal_n the_o better_a deserve_v the_o title_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o though_o they_o be_v here_o much_o reprove_v for_o their_o fault_n yet_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n chap._n 1._o 11._o that_o be_v to_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o fundamento_fw-la and_o be_v the_o true_a and_o apostolical_a church_n still_o and_o just_o witness_v against_o the_o idolatry_n and_o gross_a antichristian_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o with_o they_o have_v become_v a_o law_n and_o thereby_o be_v proper_o antichristian_a this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v to_o stop_v the_o preposterous_a proneness_n of_o some_o towards_o the_o roman_a church_n from_o the_o consideration_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a in_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o may_v be_v desire_v for_o though_o they_o be_v
stage_n but_z if_o thou_o strive_v so_o as_o to_o get_v the_o victory_n in_o the_o way_n i_o have_v instruct_v thou_o i_o will_v translate_v thou_o to_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n most_o natural_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v where_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o and_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o my_o father_n as_o i_o 29._o after_o i_o have_v overcome_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n into_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n and_o there_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o encumbrance_n the_o pleasure_n and_o enticement_n of_o this_o low_a world_n will_v i_o cause_v to_o sit_v down_o with_o i_o in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o monition_n be_v the_o more_o seasonable_a by_o how_o much_o more_o near_o the_o approach_n of_o that_o great_a day_n be_v for_o i_o shall_v come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o very_a next_o thunder_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o gog_n and_o magog_n when_o i_o will_v transform_v your_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o my_o glorious_a body_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fit_a companion_n for_o i_o in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o behold_v i_o show_v 54._o you_o a_o mystery_n you_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n yet_o you_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o stupendous_a promise_n but_o thou_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o will_n and_o can_v carry_v on_o all_o his_o design_n to_o the_o very_a end_n amen_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o 22._o the_o church_n from_o the_o epiphonema_n come_v here_o last_o as_o in_o all_o these_o four_o last_o epistle_n one_o may_v haply_o raise_v this_o objection_n as_o if_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n immediate_o precede_v it_o be_v not_o political_a or_o prophetical_a enough_o but_o mere_o theological_a the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o therefore_o be_v against_o our_o profess_a rule_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n after_o this_o life_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n be_v mere_o a_o theogicall_a promise_n and_o of_o a_o thing_n more_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v see_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o earth_n yet_o this_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o general_a day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o that_o great_a and_o visible_a assize_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v appear_v in_o glorify_v body_n may_v well_o be_v range_v in_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o promise_v immediate_o precede_v the_o epiphonemata_fw-la of_o each_o epistle_n and_o to_o be_v accomplish_v visible_o in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o as_o christ_n after_o his_o suffering_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n ascend_v visible_o into_o heaven_n for_o heaven_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o heaven_n become_v also_o christ_n throne_n so_o those_o of_o laodicea_n who_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o their_o lust_n shall_v attain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o life_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v ascend_v visible_o into_o christ_n throne_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v leave_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o inferior_a region_n of_o the_o air_n sentence_v to_o that_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o such_o as_o the_o place_n of_o the_o epiphonema_n require_v and_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n no_o mean_a ratification_n of_o the_o true_a and_o literal_a sense_n of_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n touch_v the_o visible_a resurrection_n and_o glorification_n of_o our_o body_n and_o their_o ascension_n into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n against_o such_o as_o will_v whiffle_v away_o all_o these_o truth_n by_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o mere_a moral_a allegory_n thus_o consonant_a every_o way_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o epistle_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o apostolic_a truth_n chap._n x._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o main_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o way_n of_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n touch_v the_o say_a epistle_n and_o their_o circumstance_n otherwise_o hardly_o or_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v solve_v 1._o as_o in_o natural_a hypothesis_n those_o be_v account_v true_a that_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n the_o most_o natural_o and_o easy_o and_o especial_o if_o such_o as_o be_v no_o otherwise_o solvible_a then_o upon_o the_o propose_a hypothesis_n so_o that_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n i_o mean_v especial_o of_o any_o considerable_a portion_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v true_a that_o can_v solve_v the_o most_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v the_o same_o or_o the_o context_n precedent_n or_o subsequent_a thereto_o and_o if_o all_o still_o the_o more_o certain_a and_o if_o unsolvible_a otherwise_o there_o be_v still_o the_o more_o assurance_n of_o undeniable_a demonstration_n now_o how_o near_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o these_o epistle_n approach_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o case_n i_o will_v leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v after_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o question_n easy_o raise_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o or_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n and_o not_o easy_o answer_v nor_o at_o all_o satisfactory_o at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o hypothesis_n we_o have_v go_v 2._o as_o first_o if_o a_o man_n inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n after_o he_o have_v so_o express_o give_v notice_n that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o call_v it_o plain_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n 3._o shall_v start_v so_o unexpected_o from_o the_o title_n and_o intend_a subject_n as_o to_o write_v no_o less_o than_o seven_o epistle_n to_o certain_a church_n that_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a of_o prophecy_n in_o they_o before_o he_o deliver_v any_o prophecy_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o only_o promise_v and_o commination_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v this_o with_o as_o great_a pomp_n and_o as_o high_a a_o preamble_n as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o begin_v so_o famous_a prophecy_n as_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o the_o open_a book_n but_o according_a to_o our_o hypothesis_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a viz._n that_o though_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v a_o literal_a sense_n yet_o they_o be_v also_o a_o parable_n or_o prophecy_n and_o of_o as_o high_a concern_v for_o both_o matter_n and_o extent_n of_o time_n they_o reach_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o open_a book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o great_a pomp_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o notice_n thereof_o second_o a_o man_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n dictate_v letter_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o the_o church_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o africa_n for_o certain_o the_o church_n have_v disspr_v itself_o into_o all_o these_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o time_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o respecter_n of_o person_n for_o these_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n of_o john_n but_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o our_o answer_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n that_o for_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o word_n asia_n to_o comport_v also_o with_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n asia_n alone_o be_v pitch_v upon_o but_o according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v write_v unto_o under_o such_o distinct_a condition_n as_o she_o be_v to_o vary_v into_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n nor_o acception_n of_o person_n in_o this_o three_o if_o a_o man_n demand_v touch_v the_o order_n or_o precedency_n of_o these_o seven_o