to_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o member_n thereof_o and_o be_v so_o just_o repute_v by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o denominate_v they_o saint_n call_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n now_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v out_o name_n name_n be_v put_v for_o person_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o only_o signify_v that_o god_n will_v manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v it_o know_v both_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o never_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o the_o state_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n nor_o never_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n under_o this_o negative_a promise_n unto_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v contain_v a_o strong_a affirmation_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o contrary_a blessing_n christ_n will_v not_o only_o not_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v confirm_v and_o continue_v his_o undoubted_a right_n and_o title_n unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o he_o will_v also_o manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o other_o his_o lawful_a title_n and_o interest_n according_a as_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o thereunto_o in_o his_o book_n of_o life_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o so_o the_o subsequent_a word_n do_v intimate_v i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n often_o in_o scripture_n thing_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v only_o manifest_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o that_o say_n res_fw-la tum_fw-la demum_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la fieri_fw-la cum_fw-la incipiantur_fw-la manifestari_fw-la reg._n petrum_fw-la as_o to_o instance_n by_o heb._n 1.5_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o 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election_n see_v every_o one_o know_v that_o a_o less_o cause_n will_v hinder_v the_o choice_n of_o any_o then_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o person_n once_o choose_v nay_o rather_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v we_o therefore_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o will_v preserve_v we_o though_o not_o altogether_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o from_o final_o lie_v dormant_a and_o impenitent_a therein_o and_o as_o he_o have_v free_o choose_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o worthiness_n so_o also_o he_o will_v free_o execute_v this_o decree_n by_o give_v we_o all_o the_o good_a mean_n conduce_v to_o that_o end_n object_n but_o some_o may_v say_v though_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v secure_a and_o their_o name_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o this_o book_n yet_o this_o do_v intimate_v that_o other_o who_o name_n be_v write_v therein_o for_o their_o sinful_a pollution_n and_o iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o may_v be_v blot_v out_o according_a to_o that_o of_o exod._n 32.33_o whosoever_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o say_v god_n he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n and_o as_o david_n pray_v psal_n 69.28_o let_v they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a answ_n first_o this_o threaten_a be_v not_o against_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n who_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o those_o that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o and_o be_v only_a seem_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n member_n in_o show_n and_o not_o in_o truth_n branch_n in_o the_o vine_n by_o profession_n but_o not_o in_o practice_n and_o life_n of_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n but_o not_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n estimation_n second_o whereas_o god_n say_v he_o will_v blot_v such_o out_o of_o his_o book_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v thereby_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v they_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n unto_o life_n wherein_o they_o be_v never_o write_v or_o that_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v but_o that_o he_o will_v raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o life_n the_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o decree_n to_o wit_n the_o book_n and_o roll_n â—f_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_o declare_v that_o they_o who_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v write_v in_o both_o book_n or_o both_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o that_o of_o god_n decree_n which_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o invisible_a member_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o of_o that_o other_o book_n or_o roll_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n ever_o enroll_v in_o either_o far_o than_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o appearance_n only_o and_o last_o whereas_o david_n pray_v that_o the_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a be_v no_o more_o but_o as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v do_v not_o o_o lord_n write_v they_o down_o or_o reckon_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o thy_o faithful_a one_o or_o if_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o thy_o church_n and_o people_n and_o to_o be_v account_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n and_o external_a walk_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o discover_v such_o and_o display_v they_o that_o it_o may_v manifest_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v account_v among_o the_o righteous_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o child_n that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o regard_n that_o god_n decree_n of_o election_n be_v unsearchable_a to_o man_n those_o be_v say_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n who_o be_v outward_o call_v and_o add_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v themselves_o member_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o outward_a but_o not_o the_o infallible_a sign_n of_o god_n election_n because_o they_o be_v common_a both_o to_o hypocrite_n and_o sound_a believer_n and_o so_o likewise_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v person_n out_o of_o this_o book_n who_o sin_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v and_o so_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o
and_o some_o other_o of_o suspect_a credit_n and_o of_o obscure_a note_n as_o dorotheus_n dionysius_n eusebius_n caius_n do_v oppugn_v it_o yet_o epiphanius_n be_v so_o passionate_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v they_o among_o heretic_n that_o do_v reject_v it_o and_o justin_n martyr_n and_o ireneus_fw-la of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o of_o singular_a piety_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v this_o book_n as_o canonical_a but_o write_v commentary_n on_o it_o 2._o whatsoever_o that_o caius_n be_v that_o father_n the_o apocalypse_v on_o cerinthus_n on_o who_o report_n all_o his_o follower_n be_v mislead_v yet_o the_o relation_n itself_o hold_v not_o any_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n for_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o write_v very_o large_o of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o his_o successor_n yet_o never_o mention_n that_o he_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o chiliasme_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o caius_n concern_v he_o and_o he_o apocalypse_v be_v apocryphal_a and_o a_o mere_a figment_n on_o purpose_n devise_v by_o the_o adversary_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o d._n homes_n lib._n 3._o chap._n 3._o sect_n 3._o further_o if_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v besprinkle_v it_o with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o error_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n deny_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o affirm_v his_o generation_n to_o be_v only_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o m._n baxter_n book_n of_o infidelity_n treat_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n carpocrates_n and_o their_o follower_n page_z 129._o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a strong_o confirm_v in_o many_o place_n thereof_o as_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n thereon_o will_v manifest_v and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o cerinthus_n hold_v and_o expect_v a_o riotous_a and_o luxuriant_a millenary_a which_o be_v now_o disprove_v yet_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n thereof_o but_o of_o a_o millenary_a of_o rest_n and_o joy_n in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n then_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v on_o earth_n heretofore_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o earthly_a sensual_a reign_n and_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n saint_n may_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o spiritualised_a and_o heavenly_a one_o which_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o suspect_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o apocalypse_v second_o hierome_n the_o great_a antagonist_n of_o this_o book_n write_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n speak_v very_o sharp_o against_o this_o book_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n thereof_o as_o not_o become_v the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v only_o a_o common_a history_n of_o thing_n shadow_v under_o dark_a figure_n and_o hard_a kind_n of_o speech_n i_o answer_v rather_o it_o become_v and_o savour_v the_o excellency_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o lesser_a asia_n carry_v in_o it_o all_o along_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o very_a step_n sentence_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n be_v full_a of_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o his_o continual_a intercession_n and_o providential_a act_n of_o gubernation_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o expression_n thereof_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o that_o be_v not_o strange_a in_o prophetical_a writing_n as_o in_o daniel_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o set_v we_o on_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o overslip_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o their_o appoint_a time_n of_o discovery_n that_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o three_o dionysius_n aforesaid_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n reason_n very_o slight_o against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o cast_v up_o so_o oft_o his_o own_o name_n since_o in_o his_o gospel_n he_o never_o name_v himself_o but_o only_o point_v it_o out_o by_o some_o modest_a mark_n as_o these_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n in_o his_o vision_n and_o conference_n with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o do_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o word_n i_o john_n this_o reason_n move_v dionysius_n to_o think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v rather_o set_v out_o by_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n then_o by_o himself_o i_o answer_v this_o opposition_n be_v but_o weak_a for_o he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n or_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v mix_v of_o both_o he_o need_v not_o often_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o depend_v on_o its_o present_a verity_n and_o other_o apparent_a circumstance_n witness_v unto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o miracle_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o writer_n of_o prophecy_n for_o that_o receive_v authority_n by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o in_o every_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v we_o must_v inquire_v first_o who_o reveal_v it_o and_o then_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o to_o have_v divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o who_o will_v give_v credence_n or_o faith_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n or_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o see_v they_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n how_o oft_o do_v he_o repeat_v these_o word_n isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n and_o in_o daniel_n prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o name_n more_o than_o threescore_o time_n repeat_v yea_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o daniel_n about_o nine_o time_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o paul_n when_o his_o apostleship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o some_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o ministry_n how_o often_o shall_v you_o read_v i_o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v strange_a when_o john_n mention_n not_o his_o name_n above_o five_o time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o with_o that_o modesty_n that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n have_v wipe_v off_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v cast_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n on_o these_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v some_o testimony_n for_o that_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o will_n receive_v this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n but_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o from_o without_o or_o second_o within_o the_o say_a book_n those_o from_o without_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n except_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o contest_v among_o some_o violent_a person_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o the_o canon_n the_o counsel_n of_o laodicea_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o council_n of_o toletan_n 5._o cap._n 16._o decree_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n second_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n cyril_n epiphanius_n lactantius_n ireneus_fw-la augustine_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o this_o book_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n in_o their_o writing_n i_o shall_v
in_o part_n to_o come_v write_v without_o that_o be_v plain_a for_o discovery_n open_a to_o the_o view_n all_o which_o import_v that_o john_n be_v to_o write_v of_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a and_o as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o also_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o a_o book_n write_v within_o seal_v and_o secret_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o futurity_n 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o god_n true_a prophet_n and_o faithful_a minister_n will_v commend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o church_n as_o vision_n from_o god_n than_o what_o they_o have_v real_o see_v and_o have_v be_v discover_v from_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v vision_n from_o god_n like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jer._n 14_o while_o their_o mouth_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_v 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concern_v you_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n to_o make_v thing_n plain_a unto_o john_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o his_o book_n interpret_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n present_v unto_o his_o sight_n in_o the_o precedent_n 12_o and_o 16_o verse_n and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o candlestick_n because_o indeed_o unto_o john_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n what_o those_o figure_n of_o star_n and_o candlestick_n do_v mystical_o mean_a or_o represent_v and_o unto_o john_n it_o will_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n if_o christ_n himself_o have_v not_o here_o interpret_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v make_v clear_a obvious_a and_o manifest_a by_o a_o diligent_a observation_n and_o a_o right_a applicationof_o the_o mystical_a character_n and_o figure_n of_o each_o vision_n christ_n himself_o in_o this_o verse_n have_v make_v the_o first_o entrance_n and_o essay_n on_o this_o account_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n do_v mystical_o represent_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n the_o church_n themselves_o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n christ_n be_v more_o large_a in_o interpret_n the_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o connote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o wise_a observant_a christian_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n thereinto_o the_o spirit_n say_v often_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v the_o number_n here_o be_v the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n cap._n 17._o v._n 9_o so_o that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n a_o intelligent_a understand_a ear_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a heart_n to_o consider_v that_o be_v fit_a and_o capable_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v aright_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n therefore_o difficult_a to_o all_o but_o unto_o the_o spiritualised_a eye_n and_o unto_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o such_o to_o undertake_v this_o essay_n see_v it_o have_v please_v christ_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o fruit_n himself_o in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v as_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o whole_a and_o since_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v mean_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n by_o the_o woman_n array_v in_o scarlet_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v the_o great_a city_n that_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o signify_v a_o government_n empire_n or_o kingdom_n on_o seven_o mountain_n where_o the_o great_a harlot_n reign_v under_o ten_o king_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a rash_a or_o presumptuous_a to_o interpret_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystical_a figure_n and_o hyeroglyphick_n character_n of_o this_o book_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a and_o genuine_a tendency_n and_o as_o they_o be_v open_v and_o apply_v in_o other_o prophetical_a writing_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n who_o wisdom_n it_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o represent_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o downial_n of_o the_o great_a empire_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n by_o such_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a figure_n and_o representation_n unto_o god_n servant_n his_o prophet_n and_o conceive_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a carriage_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o intendment_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v but_o unto_o few_o such_o as_o have_v spirit_n suitable_a and_o will_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o great_a event_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n be_v make_v vulgar_a and_o know_v unto_o all_o it_o will_v raise_v innumerable_a combustion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o those_o power_n that_o they_o live_v under_o for_o who_o sake_n these_o great_a concussion_n and_o subversion_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n and_o their_o interest_n may_v be_v exalt_v at_o the_o last_o 2._o note_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o make_v know_v and_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o divine_a mystery_n unto_o his_o servant_n christ_n discover_v unto_o john_n those_o mystery_n of_o star_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v this_o spirit_n that_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 16.15_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n because_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v beforehand_o hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n manifest_a unto_o poor_a soul_n and_o so_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a 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such_o great_a transaction_n i_o have_v find_v the_o issue_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v very_o advantageous_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o such_o state-shaking_n and_o revolution_n to_o be_v in_o mercy_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n when_o god_n break_v the_o great_a caldeo-assyrian_a monarchy_n and_o transfer_v it_o to_o the_o medio-persian_a how_o wonderful_o and_o by_o what_o strange_a providence_n do_v god_n raise_v cyrus_n his_o servant_n or_o instrument_n for_o that_o work_n who_o be_v expose_v to_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o grandsire_n astyages_n while_o a_o infant_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o fatal_a prophecy_n yet_o preserve_v and_o bring_v up_o among_o shepherd_n as_o his_o story_n go_v that_o afterward_o he_o become_v most_o providential_o the_o great_a deliverer_n of_o god_n people_n the_o jew_n from_o their_o assyrian_a bondage_n moses_n the_o great_a captain_n of_o israel_n we_o be_v sure_o tread_v 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it_o be_v worth_a further_o the_o take_a notice_n of_o how_o wonderful_o god_n in_o late_a age_n raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o some_o obscure_a person_n as_o martin_n luther_n and_o his_o associate_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n with_o some_o other_o reform_a minister_n since_o that_o they_o have_v make_v the_o great_a hierarchy_n of_o rome_n to_o shake_v with_o their_o power_n so_o that_o many_o christian_a prince_n then_o and_o since_o begin_v to_o hate_v the_o whore_n with_o the_o wine_n of_o who_o fornication_n they_o be_v make_v drunken_a and_o now_o begin_v not_o only_o to_o hate_v she_o but_o to_o make_v her_o desolate_a and_o naked_a and_o to_o eat_v her_o flesh_n but_o yet_o that_o age_n be_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n or_o prodromus_n not_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o work_n for_o she_o have_v since_o lift_v up_o her_o head_n and_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n and_o to_o cure_v herself_o of_o her_o great_a wound_n receive_v but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o her_o period_n draw_v nigh_o god_n exasperate_v she_o sore_o more_o and_o more_o and_o make_v those_o horn_n those_o prince_n that_o be_v once_o her_o strong_a supporter_n to_o fall_v off_o from_o she_o and_o to_o hate_v she_o indeed_o the_o first_o reformer_n take_v off_o her_o outward_a garment_n and_o show_v her_o nakedness_n in_o her_o false_a doctrine_n and_o partly_o in_o her_o false_a worship_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o eat_v her_o flesh_n in_o take_v off_o some_o of_o her_o pompous_a revenue_n but_o yet_o the_o main_a work_n be_v leave_v undo_v to_o its_o appoint_a time_n for_o as_o this_o great_a city_n rise_v not_o in_o one_o day_n but_o gradual_o so_o will_v also_o her_o ruin_n be_v by_o several_a measure_n or_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o she_o until_o the_o consummation_n of_o her_o ruin_n come_v with_o fire_n both_o material_a and_o analogical_a the_o one_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n word_n first_o destroy_v quite_o her_o false_a worship_n which_o daily_a go_v on_o in_o perfect_v the_o other_o god_n fire_n of_o war_n and_o judgement_n destroy_v quite_o up_o her_o outward_a state_n and_o policy_n that_o her_o place_n be_v no_o more_o find_v and_o to_o the_o bring_n about_o this_o great_a end_n god_n work_v very_o various_o sometime_o in_o move_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n and_o so_o make_v they_o willing_a unto_o this_o work_n sometime_o in_o lay_v aside_o prince_n of_o ancient_a and_o potent_a family_n and_o raise_v up_o mean_o and_o low_a person_n on_o their_o throne_n as_o he_o most_o wonderful_o have_v do_v of_o late_a among_o ourselves_o to_o who_o he_o give_v heart_n spirit_n and_o gift_n meet_v for_o this_o great_a work_n and_o last_o in_o overrule_a the_o design_n of_o other_o that_o though_o they_o go_v about_o to_o seek_v themselves_o and_o to_o advance_v their_o own_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o ruling_n yet_o the_o alwise_a providence_n of_o god_n know_v how_o so_o to_o order_v they_o as_o to_o bring_v about_o his_o predesigned_a end_n for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v be_v all_o pious_a good_a prince_n and_o right_a in_o their_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o this_o work_n for_o they_o be_v the_o ten_o horn_n or_o ten_o king_n that_o receive_v power_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n and_o be_v member_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v destroy_v the_o whore_n and_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n rev._n 17.12.16_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o few_o conclude_v that_o hen._n 8._o and_o some_o other_o prince_n be_v so_o justifiable_a in_o their_o end_n in_o expel_v the_o authority_n of_o antichrist_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o yet_o god_n employ_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v his_o business_n god_n know_v how_o to_o lay_v they_o by_o and_o all_o such_o self-ended_n person_n as_o useless_a or_o at_o least_o make_v they_o but_o as_o gibeonite_n or_o hewer_n of_o wood_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n last_o your_o worship_n may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o some_o conceive_v those_o and_o the_o like_a interpretation_n of_o dark_a prophecy_n to_o be_v but_o the_o issue_n of_o distemper_a brain_n and_o of_o little_a certainty_n to_o who_o i_o answer_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o book_n that_o have_v the_o public_a impress_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o leave_v as_o it_o be_v as_o its_o last_o legacy_n of_o this_o sort_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o profess_v sober_o i_o know_v not_o what_o tolerable_a sense_n to_o set_v on_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o historical_a discovery_n under_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o all_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n with_o their_o period_n and_o issue_n that_o shall_v befall_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o their_o oppressor_n and_o enemy_n until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o i_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o interpret_n and_o in_o not_o right_o apply_v some_o of_o the_o several_a character_n period_n and_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n and_o in_o other_o circumstantial_a part_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o i_o fail_v i_o entreat_v not_o only_o your_o worship_n but_o all_o other_o to_o remember_v my_o weakness_n and_o our_o common_a attribute_n humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la and_o especial_o be_v among_o such_o prophetical_a deep_n and_o difficulty_n which_o may_v well_o plead_v for_o his_o fail_n who_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o insufficiency_n for_o so_o high_a and_o difficult_a a_o undertake_n yet_o this_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v here_o clear_v and_o discover_v and_o if_o any_o receive_v light_a hereby_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n the_o dark_a mystery_n thereof_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v with_o daniel_n cap._n
people_n to_o be_v forewarn_v of_o this_o time_n &_o fore_o see_v it_o though_o long_a before_o it_o come_v to_o bear_v up_o their_o spirit_n in_o there_o great_a affliction_n and_o distress_n abraham_n see_v christ_n day_n and_o bless_a god_n though_o see_v it_o afar_o of_o by_o faith_n this_o god_n have_v more_o especial_o do_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o discovery_n unto_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o hierogliphique_a figure_n of_o all_o the_o empire_n state_n and_o kingdom_n both_o ethnic_a and_o antichristian_a with_o their_o several_a usurpation_n and_o oppression_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v happen_v from_o john_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o issue_n thereof_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o other_o before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o but_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o will_v be_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o hide_a mystery_n and_o seal_v and_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v espouse_v their_o study_n to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n have_v come_v of_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o over_o bold_a undertake_n 1._o i_o answer_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n be_v indeed_o full_a of_o mystery_n which_o will_v so_o remain_v until_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o do_v discover_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v they_o manifest_v but_o when_o we_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o event_n do_v see_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o effect_n of_o each_o prophecy_n and_o what_o by_o this_o and_o that_o thing_n have_v be_v mean_v it_o be_v now_o no_o long_o a_o mystery_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v now_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n rev._n 17.6_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v clear_a up_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o be_v the_o city_n with_o seven_o head_n reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o few_o or_o none_o do_v hesitate_n but_o do_v acknowledge_v yea_o even_o the_o learn_v of_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o as_o bellar._n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr pontif._n rom._n chap._n 2._o blasius_n viegas_n in_o chap._n 17.18_o apoc._n 5._o sect._n 3_o ribera_n in_o apoc._n châ—p_n 14._o page_n 144._o etc._n etc._n that_o by_o this_o great_a city_n here_o be_v mean_v rome_n likewise_o all_o interpreter_n of_o the_o reformation_n do_v harmonious_o accord_v that_o by_o the_o beast_n of_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n rev._n 13_o 1._o must_v be_v mean_v the_o romish_a empire_n divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o two_o horn_n like_o a_o lamb_n rev._n 13.11_o yet_o speak_v like_o a_o dragon_n to_o be_v the_o popish_a antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o if_o event_n have_v plain_o evidence_v these_o without_o contradiction_n so_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v as_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v why_o then_o shall_v if_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v unlock_v and_o make_v obvious_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a since_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o in_o the_o 17._o chapter_n have_v lay_v the_o first_o ground_n work_n from_o whence_o as_o from_o a_o sure_a foundation_n we_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a revelation_n by_o collate_v history_n time_n and_o passage_n one_o with_o another_o and_o lay_v they_o to_o their_o several_a character_n and_o period_n which_o the_o spirit_n have_v affix_v to_o every_o remarkable_a revolution_n passage_n and_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n as_o a_o sure_a token_n and_o touchstone_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o make_v they_o manifest_v so_o that_o now_o the_o revelation_n be_v no_o long_o a_o mystery_n but_o a_o book_n of_o history_n of_o memorable_a act_n and_o passage_n wherein_o be_v fore_o tell_v the_o several_a change_n that_o shall_v befall_v to_o the_o secular_a state_n or_o roman_a empire_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o empire_n until_o it_o shall_v as_o that_o stone_n prophesy_v of_o in_o dan._n 2._o smite_v the_o image_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o become_v itself_o a_o great_a mountain_n and_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o all_o mountain_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o history_n and_o change_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n with_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v discover_v clear_o how_o far_o the_o accomplishment_n reach_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v ere_o long_o so_o that_o the_o thing_n represent_v in_o this_o book_n be_v no_o more_o mystery_n and_o hide_a thing_n but_o as_o clear_v and_o accomplish_a act_n unto_o we_o 2._o the_o very_a title_n and_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o verse_n of_o this_o book_n deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o hide_a mystery_n no_o far_o then_o before_o the_o event_n do_v discover_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apocalypse_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n which_o short_o must_v be_v do_v which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o book_n shut_v and_o seal_v for_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n vers_fw-la 8._o the_o lamb_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o seal_a book_n and_o so_o discovery_n be_v make_v unto_o john_n and_o by_o he_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o little_a book_n mention_v in_o chap._n 10._o which_o more_o especial_o contain_v the_o fate_n or_o destiny_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o open_a book_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 22.10_o plain_o prohibit_v to_o seal_v the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n therefore_o this_o hence_o clear_o follow_v to_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o our_o supine_n and_o overly_o look_v on_o this_o book_n we_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o seal_v and_o hide_a though_o the_o son_n of_o god_n testify_v the_o contrary_a then_o to_o bestow_v our_o industry_n with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o truth_n be_v like_o treasure_n get_v by_o the_o forest_n labour_v be_v most_o sweet_a and_o precious_a but_o with_o all_o such_o slowbelly_n that_o think_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n i_o leave_v with_o they_o these_o consideration_n be_v it_o the_o book_n or_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v as_o i_o hereafter_o shall_v clear_o evince_v then_o study_v it_o some_o good_a will_v come_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o it_o no_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n or_o write_v in_o vain_a it_o will_v stand_v in_o great_a stead_n yea_o in_o the_o alpha_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o omega_n thereof_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o blessing_n store_v up_o for_o they_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 3._o and_o chap._n 22._o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o shall_v there_o a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o these_o that_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v most_o faithful_a to_o perform_v yea_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_a fire_n revel_v 2.18_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a chap_n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n chap._n 3.14_o and_o so_o close_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 6._o that_o these_o say_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v first_o pass_v away_o before_o one_o jota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unaccomplish_v i_o say_v shall_v there_o a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v upon_o so_o faithful_a ground_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o look_v after_o it_o i_o shall_v judge_v blessedness_n worth_a the_o look_n after_o see_v that_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v most_o ready_a willing_a and_o able_a to_o perform_v but_o if_o it_o demand_v what_o be_v the_o advantage_n what_o be_v this_o blessing_n that_o may_v accrue_v in_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o answer_v
evident_a that_o he_o appoint_v pastor_n and_o elder_n and_o other_o officer_n over_o those_o church_n by_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o paul_n and_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v in_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o this_o be_v somewhat_o clear_a in_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n those_o several_a preadmonishment_n which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v and_o to_o deliver_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o child_n beget_v of_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 84._o wherein_o fall_v the_o second_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n john_n be_v force_v and_o banish_v from_o his_o church_n at_o ephesus_n to_o pathmos_n a_o mediterranean_a island_n and_o one_o of_o those_o call_v cyclades_n wherein_o he_o himself_o testify_v cap._n 1._o 9_o that_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o banishment_n last_o i_o conceive_v the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a to_o be_v a_o superadded_a title_n and_o not_o john_n own_a and_o yet_o of_o great_a antiquity_n give_v it_o by_o some_o primitive_a well-meaning_a christian_n my_o reason_n for_o this_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o john_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o writing_n the_o revelation_n it_o be_v write_v some_o year_n before_o his_o gospel_n but_o his_o gospel_n be_v write_v after_o his_o return_n from_o banishment_n as_o eusebius_n prideaux_n history_n pag_n 27._o and_o other_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n testify_v and_o for_o write_v so_o divine_o of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n in_o his_o gospel_n as_o be_v declare_v he_o just_o acquire_v the_o title_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o not_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v write_v before_o it_o another_o reason_n that_o justify_v this_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o first_o verse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n look_v as_o john_n own_o title_n write_v by_o himself_o to_o wit_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n wherein_o he_o only_o modest_o nominate_v himself_o by_o the_o title_n of_o christ_n servant_n john_n and_o without_o any_o other_o eminent_a superadded_a title_n as_o john_n the_o divine_a which_o have_v sway_v my_o reason_n that_o that_o first_o title_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o for_o honour_n sake_n and_o not_o take_v up_o by_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o also_o with_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v consider_v to_o wit_n the_o scope_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o i_o shall_v handle_v but_o compendious_o and_o more_o general_a that_o i_o may_v not_o preoccupy_v my_o subsequent_a discourse_n this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n wherein_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o notable_a event_n and_o alteration_n as_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o her_o enemy_n from_o her_o first_o rise_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o set_v out_o and_o describe_v in_o hyerogliphique_a and_o prophetical_a vision_n which_o christ_n have_v signify_v unto_o his_o servant_n john_n and_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o two_o general_a part_n 1._o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n minor_a which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n 2._o a_o general_a discourse_n of_o all_o the_o alteration_n which_o general_o do_v concern_v or_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o john_n time_n to_o the_o latter_a day_n which_o be_v comprise_v from_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n 1._o in_o the_o epistle_n there_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n as_o in_o the_o preface_n thereof_o first_o the_o immediate_a author_n from_o who_o this_o admonition_n come_v and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n cap_n 1._o 1._o and_o 11._o second_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o deliver_v and_o that_o be_v john_n vers_fw-la 9_o three_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o be_v particular_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n to_o sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n cap._n 1._o v._n 11._o and_o cap._n 2._o &_o 3._o throughout_o four_o in_o this_o monitory_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o fault_n and_o error_n they_o be_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v of_o five_o the_o threat_n lay_v out_o against_o they_o for_o non-amendment_n six_o and_o last_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o well-doing_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n with_o a_o exhortation_n unto_o perseverance_n therein_o â—_o in_o the_o second_o general_a part_n or_o discourse_n concern_v the_o great_a alteration_n that_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o adversary_n these_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n 1._o a_o historical_a relation_n under_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o seal_a book_n or_o seal_v prophecy_n in_o the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o and_o 8_o chapter_n which_o principal_o concern_v the_o various_a success_n combustion_n confusion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o heathenish_a roman_a empire_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o high_a confusion_n yet_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o providential_a preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o it_o hot_a persecution_n and_o though_o mighty_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n yet_o preserve_v fence_a and_o seal_v by_o god_n 2._o in_o part_n of_o the_o eight_o and_o in_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n under_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n there_o be_v a_o alarm_n sound_v forth_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o then_o degenerate_v roman_a christian_n empire_n by_o a_o sevenfold_a order_n of_o plague_n the_o four_o first_o be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o the_o three_o last_o be_v entitle_v the_o three_o wo-trumpet_n 3._o you_o may_v observe_v as_o it_o be_v a_o digression_n in_o the_o pprophecy_n after_o the_o plague_n of_o the_o sixth_o be_v the_o second_o wo-trumpet_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n and_o the_o description_n of_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o wo-trumpet_n set_v off_o to_o another_o place_n where_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n find_v it_o more_o convenient_o to_o refer_v it_o and_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o little_a book_n which_o be_v as_o a_o preface_n and_o entrance_n unto_o the_o pprophecy_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o event_n and_o destiny_n that_o shall_v befall_v to_o christ_n church_n until_o the_o end_n 4._o in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n you_o may_v observe_v how_o therein_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a visible_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o state_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n unto_o the_o late_a day_n and_o you_o may_v far_o observe_v that_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o open_a book_n which_o principal_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o eleven_o chapter_n do_v most_o necessary_o concur_v and_o connex_v with_o all_o other_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o revelation_n concern_v the_o secular_a power_n under_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n for_o both_o do_v concur_v together_o though_o under_o several_a character_n and_o vision_n 5._o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o retrogranation_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a ample_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o persecute_a and_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n concur_v with_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o six_o seal_n under_o the_o idolatrous_a heathenish_a roman_a empire_n until_o she_o have_v bring_v forth_o her_o man-child_n and_o the_o dragon_n cast_v down_o and_o destroy_v yet_o she_o be_v not_o so_o free_v from_o her_o afflict_a state_n but_o she_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o the_o dragon_n send_v his_o flood_n after_o she_o of_o persecution_n beside_o error_n and_o heresy_n to_o overwhelm_v she_o if_o he_o can_v 6._o you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n the_o dragon_n be_v dethrone_v how_o he_o substitute_n in_o his_o room_n the_o ten_o horn_a beast_n the_o secular_a roman_a empire_n divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n which_o persecute_v the_o woman_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o of_o the_o former_a heathenish_a empire_n against_o she_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v
only_o indeed_o be_v temporary_a and_o necessary_a alone_o for_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v defunct_a because_o some_o of_o their_o first_o primitive_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v cease_v also_o but_o second_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o what_o be_v necessary_o essential_a to_o denominate_v a_o apostle_n do_v not_o consist_v sole_o in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n or_o of_o power_n of_o miracle_n for_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v partaker_n in_o those_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o equal_o with_o themselves_o and_o yet_o no_o apostle_n and_o paul_n that_o want_v much_o of_o the_o accommodation_n of_o witness_v unto_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n though_o supply_v by_o a_o miraculous_a sight_n from_o heaven_n none_o can_v deny_v but_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n and_o light_n unto_o the_o gentile_n last_o in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o assert_v the_o true_a essential_o of_o a_o apostle_n do_v consist_v in_o his_o call_n and_o commission_n to_o that_o work_n and_o function_n christ_n call_v the_o first_o twelve_o matth._n 10.1.5_o which_o be_v only_o denominate_v disciple_n and_o from_o their_o mission_n unto_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v then_o first_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n and_o so_o have_v take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o office_n as_o man_n send_v it_o soon_o become_v their_o proper_a appellation_n now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o right_a mission_n and_o commission_n that_o give_v a_o be_v and_o essential_o unto_o a_o apostle_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o first_o author_n that_o commissionated_a unto_o this_o office_n in_o that_o of_o matth._n 10._o his_o commission_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o of_o narrow_a jurisdiction_n but_o in_o matth._n 28.19_o it_o be_v much_o enlarge_v for_o in_o the_o first_o they_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o disciple_n all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n now_o as_o they_o be_v send_v on_o this_o great_a embassy_n for_o christ_n and_o by_o christ_n so_o they_o send_v other_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o same_o work_n mathias_n be_v the_o first_o we_o read_v of_o act_v 1._o that_o they_o choose_v into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n after_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_n 13.2_o 3._o be_v choose_v and_o separate_v unto_o this_o work_n and_o send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o may_v be_v true_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o again_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a province_n go_v about_o gather_v and_o constitute_v church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o those_o political_a church_n make_v up_o of_o officer_n and_o elder_n and_o member_n be_v the_o true_a delegate_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o they_o again_o from_o this_o delegated_a power_n commissionate_v other_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o disciple_v the_o gentile_n and_o unconvert_v nation_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o then_o practice_v unless_o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o all_o nation_n convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o day_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o history_n be_v afterward_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o become_v famous_a church_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n but_o of_o one_o generation_n and_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o that_o work_n be_v to_o make_v they_o eviternal_a though_o their_o doctrine_n continue_v yet_o their_o person_n be_v translate_v and_o go_v to_o their_o father_n and_o this_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o work_v of_o conversion_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n till_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v call_v in_o and_o we_o all_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v do_v by_o apostolical_a man_n and_o officer_n for_o i_o will_v have_v the_o ingenious_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n pastor_n teacher_n help_n and_o government_n be_v but_o relative_a function_n and_o have_v their_o be_v only_o dependent_a and_o limit_v to_o their_o relation_n and_o church_n they_o be_v neither_o elder_n pastor_n nor_o governent_n without_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o officer_n universal_o commissionated_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconverted_a gentile_n and_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v apostle_n of_o christ_n authorize_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o service_n joseph_n of_o arimethea_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v be_v our_o english_a apostle_n which_o be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o our_o nation_n conversion_n dionysius_n areopagita_n be_v the_o apostle_n unto_o france_n james_n unto_o spain_n anthony_n unto_o italy_n thomas_n unto_o italy_n and_o so_o other_o unto_o other_o nation_n and_o when_o christianity_n be_v almost_o lose_v and_o obliterated_a here_o in_o england_n by_o the_o incursion_n of_o barbarous_a nation_n gregory_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o yet_o antichistianize_v some_o century_n of_o year_n after_o send_v here_o austin_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o their_o almost_o lose_a faith_n and_o christian_n profession_n so_o likewise_o when_o our_o church_n send_v man_n to_o convert_v the_o gentile_a nation_n of_o america_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o private_a disciple_n they_o can_v go_v for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v as_o officer_n to_o wit_n as_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n or_o governent_n they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v relation_n only_o to_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o they_o must_v go_v as_o apostle_n which_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a work_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o the_o apostolical_a office_n must_v continue_v as_o necessary_a to_o do_v the_o full_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n why_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o necssity_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o add_v because_o of_o unbelief_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n second_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a what_o great_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v that_o such_o gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n though_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o ordinary_a as_o in_o the_o first_o church_n i_o have_v read_v of_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o cyprian_a about_o the_o second_o century_n who_o provoke_v their_o adversary_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n by_o miracle_n by_o bring_v person_n possess_v with_o devil_n into_o their_o assembly_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v effect_v and_o make_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v m._n baxter_n give_v we_o a_o far_a account_n out_o of_o athanasiâ—_n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o miracle_n in_o their_o day_n and_o attest_v to_o by_o so_o many_o and_o honest_a witness_n that_o they_o be_v credible_a to_o reason_n page_n 63._o upon_o that_o question_n in_o his_o book_n of_o infidelity_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n page_z 15._o speak_v of_o cast_v out_o devil_n of_o which_o sort_n say_v he_o some_o think_v that_o real_o they_o do_v so_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o we_o may_v do_v now_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n sometime_o to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o the_o prayer_n and_o appeal_n of_o god_n people_n have_v strange_o and_o miraculous_o perfect_v and_o produce_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n of_o late_a and_o within_o our_o memory_n in_o divers_a example_n which_o be_v now_o too_o long_o to_o rehearse_v some_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o miraculous_o recover_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n other_o dispossess_v of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v palpable_o vex_v and_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o only_a by_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n of_o somg_v odd_o person_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v one_o instance_n i_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o a_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o public_a
christ_n hate_v it_o and_o his_o church_n hate_v it_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o have_v some_o poisonous_a and_o pestilential_a quality_n in_o it_o sometime_o it_o amount_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defile_v both_o judgement_n and_o practice_v joint_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o this_o it_o most_o frequent_o do_v unless_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n will_v seem_v better_o with_o satan_n design_n for_o if_o the_o theoretique_n part_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o sound_a the_o practic_a can_v hardly_o be_v straight_o where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v darken_v our_o foot_n will_v soon_o stumble_v and_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o some_o make_v the_o will_v to_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o practic_a part_n of_o the_o judgement_n so_o near_o they_o be_v relate_v into_o oneness_n that_o the_o contagion_n of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o defilement_n of_o the_o other_o yet_o second_o satan_n be_v so_o serpentine_a and_o crafty_a that_o often_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o will_n and_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o set_v on_o a_o strict_a garb_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n then_o ordinary_a even_o unto_o a_o erenetique_a monastical_a conversation_n deny_v the_o lawful_a comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o society_n that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o great_a impression_n to_o deceive_v thereby_o as_o he_o do_v in_o some_o of_o the_o crafty_a deceive_a heretic_n of_o these_o day_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o but_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o crown_n to_o abominate_a and_o hate_v all_o such_o deed_n and_o mystery_n of_o satan_n even_o as_o they_o be_v abominate_v and_o hate_v by_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 7._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o taste_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n the_o ear_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n or_o organ_n by_o which_o we_o hear_v and_o the_o spirit_n set_v it_o here_o metonimical_o for_o hear_v itself_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o right_a understanding_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o rom._n 10.17_o as_o come_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o a_o sagacious_a and_o diligent_a prepend_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n stir_v up_o and_o warm_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o such_o a_o ear_n be_v here_o call_v as_o competent_o fit_a for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o prophecy_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v chief_o require_v a_o spiritualised_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n and_o a_o well_o order_v judgement_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n holy_a and_o good_a affection_n without_o sound_a knowledge_n will_v not_o reach_v it_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v understanding_n that_o must_v count_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 13.18_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a some_o one_o be_v excellent_a for_o a_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n another_o for_o prophecy_n another_o for_o exhortation_n another_o for_o a_o psalm_n another_o for_o gubernation_n and_o discipline_n another_o be_v excellent_a about_o justification_n another_o about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n other_o again_o be_v for_o unlock_v prophetical_a deep_n and_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n so_o every_o one_o have_v their_o variety_n of_o gift_n and_o excellency_n that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v complete_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o co-assistance_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o book_n be_v dark_a and_o difficult_a to_o the_o supine_n and_o lazy_a christian_n it_o be_v only_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v neither_o angel_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n personal_o consider_v for_o in_o the_o next_o immediate_a verse_n the_o same_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a now_o this_o must_v be_v christ_n who_o appear_v unto_o john_n not_o in_o his_o humanity_n but_o spiritual_o in_o his_o deity_n under_o the_o figure_n and_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n review_n v._n 13._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n to_o denote_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o only_o in_o property_n and_o quality_n with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o in_o essence_n also_o he_o have_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o precedent_a chapter_n v._o 4_o 8_o &_o 17._o who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o in_o vers_fw-la 18._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n all_o make_v up_o this_o harmonious_a conclusion_n and_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o everlasting_a father_n son_n and_o spirit_n our_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o observe_v another_o note_n from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o every_o wise_a and_o judicious_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_a intent_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o all_o his_o providential_a deal_n and_o discovery_n towards_o his_o church_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n what_o god_n speak_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v not_o of_o a_o private_a interpretation_n but_o of_o a_o public_a concernment_n unto_o all_o other_o if_o god_n have_v deal_v in_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n with_o those_o asiatic_a church_n and_o for_o their_o abound_a iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o have_v anathematise_v and_o utter_o unchurch_v they_o all_o think_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v free_a if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o transgression_n with_o they_o there_o be_v other_o church_n too_o as_o well_o as_o these_o once_o famous_a for_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n now_o become_v the_o den_n of_o dragon_n and_o habitation_n of_o all_o unclean_a spirit_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o divine_a judgement_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n how_o behoveful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o be_v sure_a if_o we_o run_v the_o same_o course_n of_o sin_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n of_o indignation_n with_o they_o also_o if_o we_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o repent_v not_o for_o god_n be_v the_o same_o immutable_a be_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o a_o hater_n of_o all_o iniquity_n today_o and_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v hold_v out_o against_o the_o spiritual_a assault_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n will_v i_o give_v say_v christ_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v the_o triumphant_a christian_a conqueror_n describe_v together_o with_o his_o crown_n and_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v the_o conqueror_n the_o reward_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v wherein_o shall_v a_o christian_n combatant_n overcome_v to_o denominate_v he_o a_o true_a conqueror_n and_o to_o overcome_v indeed_o i_o answer_v as_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o armoury_n from_o himself_o which_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n so_o we_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o he_o to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_n warfare_n here_o beneath_o we_o have_v not_o only_o to_o fight_v with_o our_o corruption_n within_o but_o we_o must_v meet_v with_o divers_a assault_n of_o satan_n also_o from_o without_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n to_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o if_o we_o comply_v not_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v his_o buffet_n from_o without_o in_o revile_n reproach_n affliction_n etc._n etc._n and_o often_o as_o paul_n do_v fight_v with_o unreasonable_a and_o bestial_a man_n as_o he_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n so_o that_o he_o that_o overcome_v to_o
that_o be_v make_v null_n god_n have_v institute_v a_o most_o gracious_a one_o wherein_o he_o have_v free_o give_v eternal_a life_n to_o all_o his_o choose_a once_o merit_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o receive_v here_o in_o the_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o by_o faith_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n object_n but_o here_o come_v the_o sophistical_a jesuite_n and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a in_o rigour_n or_o justice_n we_o can_v merit_v at_o god_n hand_n we_o can_v give_v he_o quid_fw-la pro_fw-la quo_fw-la but_o in_o his_o favourable_a acceptance_n we_o may_v give_v he_o some_o satisfaction_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o imperfect_a proportion_n to_o divine_a justice_n and_o accept_v by_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o good_a payment_n from_o we_o and_o if_o you_o will_v take_v it_o rather_o in_o their_o own_o word_n who_o they_o design_v and_o say_v there_o be_v either_o 1._o sat_n be_v factio_fw-la justiciae_fw-la ex_fw-la rigore_fw-la justiciae_fw-la ad_fw-la absolutam_fw-la &_o perfectam_fw-la equalitatem_fw-la quantitatis_fw-la or_o 2._o acceptationis_fw-la facti_fw-la ex_fw-la gratia_fw-la donante_fw-la ad_fw-la imperfectam_fw-la aequalitatem_fw-la proportionis_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la condigno_fw-la the_o first_o satisfaction_n they_o deny_v but_o the_o latter_a they_o grant_v and_o assert_v that_o our_o own_o work_n though_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o to_o answer_v strict_a justice_n yet_o be_v now_o dye_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n become_v currant_n for_o good_a payment_n and_o christ_n have_v merit_v to_o set_v a_o value_n upon_o they_o now_o they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v by_o themselves_o and_o merit_n upon_o their_o own_o account_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n these_o be_v some_o of_o belarmines_n expression_n i_o answer_v this_o distinction_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o strict_a justice_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o favourable_a acceptance_n be_v but_o vain_a and_o sophistical_a unto_o this_o question_n i_o grant_v that_o our_o good_a work_n and_o holiness_n do_v out_o of_o faith_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n in_o scripture_n god_n be_v not_o like_a man_n in_o humane_a satisfaction_n ready_a to_o take_v twenty_o pound_n for_o one_o hundred_o pound_n from_o his_o debtor_n where_o no_o more_o be_v to_o be_v have_v god_n will_v make_v no_o such_o complemental_a composition_n with_o his_o debtor_n divine_a justice_n will_v exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n either_o it_o will_v have_v full_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sinner_n or_o of_o his_o surety_n either_o of_o ourselves_o and_o upon_o our_o own_o person_n or_o upon_o christ_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v such_o a_o facility_n or_o partiality_n in_o divine_a justice_n as_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o few_o poor_a unworthy_a rag_n of_o our_o own_o imperfect_a righteousness_n no_o satisfaction_n will_v suit_v and_o comport_v with_o divine_a justice_n but_o such_o as_o be_v by_o the_o same_o justice_n repute_v sufficient_a such_o as_o be_v christ_n satisfaction_n and_o they_o only_o can_v do_v the_o work_n and_o therefore_o those_o pure_a undefiled_a name_n at_o sardis_n be_v account_v worthy_a to_o walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a not_o out_o of_o their_o own_o merit_n or_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o can_v render_v unto_o divine_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o god_n mere_a gracious_a acceptation_n and_o free_a love_n towards_o they_o they_o be_v worthy_a not_o out_o of_o merit_n and_o justice_n but_o out_o of_o fitness_n aptness_n and_o excellency_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o and_o so_o god_n accept_v they_o as_o gracious_a lovely_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o verse_n 5._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n to_o the_o overcome_a saint_n in_o sardis_n that_o shall_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o time_n there_o be_v promise_v a_o glorious_a white_a vestment_n to_o represent_v the_o innocency_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o glory_n they_o shall_v enjoy_v when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v with_o who_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a as_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n more_o full_o hence_o note_v observe_v the_o future_a bless_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sinless_a innocent_a one_o but_o a_o most_o glorious_a one_o also_o this_o be_v manifest_v by_o their_o solemn_a investiture_n into_o that_o state_n be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n which_o do_v typify_v and_o represent_v as_o the_o priest_n vesture_n of_o old_a both_o innocency_n and_o majesty_n and_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o we_o be_v then_o make_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o our_o god_n rev._n 5.10_o and_o we_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n this_o be_v a_o other_o addition_n or_o further_a degree_n of_o blessedness_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v take_v up_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o blot_v out_o of_o it_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n metaphorical_o borrow_v from_o their_o practice_n and_o be_v very_o often_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o that_o prayer_n of_o moses_n exod._n 32.32_o i_o pray_v thou_o raze_v i_o out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o thou_o have_v write_v and_o according_a to_o that_o imprecation_n of_o david_n psalm_n 69.28_o let_v they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o rev._n 22._o â—9_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v diminish_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n add_v to_o these_o psal_n 139.16_o dan._n 12.12_o rev._n 20.12_o mal._n 3.15_o rev._n 13.8_o &_o 17.8_o all_o which_o do_v signify_v that_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n wherein_o he_o write_v and_o blot_v out_o that_o the_o thing_n therein_o signify_v may_v be_v make_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v a_o book_n for_o the_o help_n of_o his_o memory_n or_o that_o he_o write_v or_o blot_v out_o as_o man_n usual_o do_v god_n be_v no_o such_o corporeal_a be_v to_o use_v such_o help_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v metaphorical_o as_o abovesaid_a and_o per_fw-la anthropopathean_a according_a to_o his_o condescension_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n as_o when_o eye_n face_n hear_v hand_n etc._n etc._n be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n he_o need_v not_o book_n of_o writing_n for_o help_v of_o his_o knowledge_n or_o memory_n for_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v be_v in_o his_o fight_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o term_n a_o little_a more_o distinct_o know_v god_n have_v a_o double_a book_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v say_v to_o write_v and_o blot_v out_o the_o one_o be_v that_o of_o his_o decree_n of_o his_o election_n unto_o life_n the_o other_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o decree_n in_o the_o first_o book_n person_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o it_o two_o way_n either_o real_o or_o seem_o so_o unto_o other_o for_o the_o first_o they_o can_v never_o be_v expunge_v or_o blot_v out_o of_o that_o book_n unless_o divine_a omniscience_n and_o omnipotency_n shall_v fail_v that_o be_v engage_v for_o their_o support_n and_o perseverance_n which_o more_o full_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v declare_v but_o the_o second_o sort_n that_o be_v but_o seem_o write_v in_o this_o book_n of_o life_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v blot_v out_o and_o castaways_a for_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v never_o real_o write_v in_o it_o so_o also_o in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n decree_n person_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o that_o also_o two_o way_n first_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n when_o god_n execute_v his_o decree_n of_o election_n by_o bring_v and_o receive_v his_o elect_a one_o into_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n by_o believe_v and_o so_o enroll_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o faithful_a one_o church_n and_o family_n second_o other_o also_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n which_o be_v but_o only_o seem_v and_o tiâ—ulary_a christian_n in_o respect_n they_o have_v take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v add_v
will_v keep_v she_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v 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 be_v no_o more_o in_o effect_n but_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v i_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hurt_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o christian_n church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o constancy_n in_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o not_o any_o of_o christ_n church_n be_v exempt_v from_o trial_n and_o temptation_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o the_o church_n most_o thrive_v and_o grow_v this_o way_n it_o be_v observe_v a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n grow_v fair_a and_o large_a and_o it_o be_v ancient_o say_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o the_o church_n the_o more_o time_n that_o gold_n be_v refine_v by_o the_o refiner_n fire_n the_o more_o ductible_a and_o solid_a it_o become_v so_o christ_n church_n the_o more_o trial_n they_o go_v under_o the_o more_o eminent_a and_o resplendent_a they_o become_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n under_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n more_o true_a godliness_n do_v appear_v then_o at_o present_a in_o the_o day_n of_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n a_o belove_a child_n never_o escape_v without_o a_o rod_n from_o his_o father_n when_o he_o offend_v neither_o a_o true_a church_n from_o god_n fatherly_a trial_n and_o chastisement_n for_o in_o some_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o the_o best_a have_v their_o maculae_fw-la their_o spot_n dross_n and_o defection_n to_o be_v purge_v from_o therefore_o not_o strange_a when_o we_o fall_v into_o diverse_a trial_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v not_o bastard_n but_o son_n belove_v of_o god_n heb._n 12._o and_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o those_o that_o fear_v god_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o the_o great_a hour_n of_o calamity_n and_o temptation_n that_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o trial_n unto_o the_o godly_a temptation_n unto_o the_o wicked_a be_v god_n judgement_n towards_o they_o they_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o justice_n he_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a in_o his_o fiery_a indignation_n but_o unto_o the_o godly_a they_o be_v only_o for_o their_o trial_n strengthen_v and_o better_v to_o one_o god_n give_v riches_n honour_n preferment_n &c._n &c._n as_o a_o mercy_n to_o the_o other_o they_o become_v snare_n unto_o and_o destructive_a so_o also_o on_o the_o godly_a as_o on_o job_n god_n send_v the_o plunder_v sabaean_n as_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o patience_n on_o the_o other_o as_o the_o executioner_n of_o his_o wrath_n sword_n famine_n or_o death_n that_o equal_o sweep_v away_o both_o yet_o unto_o the_o one_o they_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n gate_n or_o door_n to_o a_o high_a glory_n yet_o unto_o the_o other_o a_o entrance_n unto_o final_a judgement_n therefore_o saint_n think_v it_o neither_o no_o loss_n when_o temptation_n seize_v upon_o they_o they_o become_v more_o weighty_a more_o solid_a more_o sound_a more_o sincere_a more_o experimental_a more_o gracious_a and_o at_o last_o more_o glorious_a thereby_o and_o on_o this_o ground_n how_o little_a be_v they_o trouble_v when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o in_o combustion_n about_o their_o ear_n when_o many_o do_v call_v for_o the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o fiery_a indignation_n that_o be_v pass_v over_o yet_o they_o be_v placide_fw-la serene_a and_o in_o a_o haltion_n condition_n all_o be_v peace_n with_o they_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v fire_n about_o they_o be_v so_o far_o above_o the_o world_n verse_n 11._o behold_v i_o come_v quick_o hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n christ_n tell_v philadelphia_n that_o he_o be_v about_o a_o remarkable_a and_o notable_a work_n and_o it_o be_v behold_v i_o come_v quick_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o christ_n second_o come_v to_o judgement_n nor_o of_o his_o spiritual_a come_n but_o of_o his_o come_n with_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o trial_n upon_o his_o church_n this_o be_v somewhat_o agreeable_a unto_o that_o expression_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n cap._n 2._o 5._o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n with_o a_o behold_v to_o usher_v it_o in_o i_o come_v quick_o what_o to_o do_v but_o with_o that_o hour_n of_o temptation_n upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n which_o happen_v and_o fall_v out_o present_o after_o this_o vision_n be_v give_v unto_o john_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n who_o succeed_v domitian_n in_o who_o day_n this_o revelation_n be_v give_v to_o john_n at_o patmos_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n his_o successor_n this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n trial_n affliction_n and_o persecution_n seize_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o asia_n and_o else_o where_o therefore_o she_o be_v exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o what_o she_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o patience_n which_o she_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o keep_v and_o that_o she_o be_v now_o again_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o maintain_v and_o persevere_v in_o when_o that_o hour_n of_o temptation_n come_v on_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n speedy_a come_n with_o time_n of_o trial_n upon_o his_o church_n be_v a_o special_a motive_n to_o persevere_v with_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n if_o we_o know_v that_o judgement_n be_v so_o near_o at_o the_o door_n it_o will_v make_v we_o to_o trim_v up_o our_o lamp_n to_o have_v they_o furnish_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o faith_n and_o light_n of_o good_a work_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n no_o great_a motive_n to_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o our_o grace_n then_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v near_o with_o time_n of_o trial_n if_o we_o know_v the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n will_v return_v this_o present_a day_n we_o will_v have_v all_o thing_n garnish_v to_o bid_v he_o welcome_a hold_v fast_o for_o i_o come_v quick_o or_o else_o as_o in_o the_o next_o word_n you_o will_v lose_v your_o honour_n and_o your_o crown_n hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n thou_o have_v hitherto_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n keep_v close_o unto_o my_o gospel_n go_v on_o courageous_o in_o that_o course_n which_o thou_o have_v begin_v hold_v fast_o and_o persevere_v therein_o lest_o if_o thou_o fail_v in_o thy_o course_n another_z come_z and_o take_v away_o thy_o crown_n and_o reward_n here_o lie_v a_o difficulty_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o crown_n some_o will_v have_v it_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o our_o faithful_a adhere_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o i_o can_v adhere_v to_o this_o opinion_n for_o this_o crown_n can_v never_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o faithful_a for_o though_o many_o that_o be_v only_o external_o call_v may_v be_v say_v for_o non-persevering_a to_o lose_v their_o crown_n which_o they_o once_o hope_v for_o and_o indeed_o they_o never_o have_v true_a right_n and_o title_n to_o it_o but_o only_o in_o their_o outward_a seem_a call_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o of_o god_n election_n and_o predetermination_n as_o former_o more_o at_o large_a be_v manifest_v verse_n 5._o on_o the_o book_n of_o life_n therefore_o sure_o this_o crown_n which_o may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o faithful_a and_o give_v to_o another_o for_o inconstancy_n or_o non-perseverance_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o honour_n and_o reward_v which_o be_v promise_v philadelphia_n in_o verse_n 9_o precede_a that_o all_o her_o enemy_n shall_v fall_v low_a before_o she_o and_o worship_n before_o her_o foot_n which_o kind_n of_o crown_n and_o reward_v indeed_o may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o faithful_a for_o their_o looseness_n slothfulness_n or_o remissness_n in_o duty_n of_o godliness_n to_o which_o they_o be_v often_o promise_v and_o annex_v and_o for_o want_v thereof_o be_v often_o remove_v and_o give_v to_o a_o more_o proficient_a and_o worthy_a people_n so_o you_o see_v what_o be_v this_o crown_n that_o may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o faithful_a for_o their_o
in_o which_o their_o soul_n will_v delight_v neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o compartner_n in_o that_o kingdom_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o weak_a christian_n shall_v be_v a_o partner_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n must_v needs_o know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o earth_n already_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o then_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o also_o for_o there_o be_v write_v thereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o the_o same_o all_o signify_v power_n strength_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o feel_v the_o effect_n thereof_o unto_o their_o pain_n if_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v rule_v and_o break_v they_o as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n as_o in_o cap._n 2._o v._n 27._o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o kingdom_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o god_n shall_v sure_o be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o all_o and_o especial_o come_v with_o thaâ—_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n do_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o most_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o morning_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o miriads_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o raâ—â—â—d_a saâ—â—â—s_n that_o none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v deal_v plain_o with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v the_o saint_n to_o reign_v before_o their_o leader_n head_n and_o king_n appear_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o right_a with_o their_o master_n spirit_n who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a ready_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n not_o draw_v the_o sword_n to_o free_v or_o revenge_v himself_o or_o his_o follower_n but_o check_v peter_n for_o it_o when_o he_o attempt_v it_o on_o malchas_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o lay_v hand_n upon_o he_o christ_n well_o know_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n of_o this_o age_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o sword_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o suffer_v and_o patience_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o they_o that_o go_v another_o way_n may_v build_v a_o city_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n who_o builder_n be_v god_n they_o may_v erect_v a_o city_n who_o builder_n be_v man_n and_o on_o who_o gate_n and_o wall_n be_v write_v their_o own_o name_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n they_o may_v build_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n a_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o beast_n may_v reign_v in_o not_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o kingdom_n of_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o they_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o trust_v thereunto_o may_v be_v just_o involve_v into_o utter_a ruin_n and_o misery_n for_o trust_v to_o the_o weak_a arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o hope_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a new_a city_n promise_v to_o the_o conquer_a suffer_a patient_a saint_n and_o not_o to_o the_o heady_a rebellious_a or_o precipitant_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o whereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v and_o inscribe_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o say_v at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o descend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o lamb_n wife_n the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o conspicuous_a for_o light_n and_o glory_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n thereof_o and_o bring_v their_o glory_n to_o it_o and_o this_o city_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n neither_o of_o the_o moon_n to_o shine_v in_o it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o rev._n 21.23_o verse_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o word_n be_v so_o often_o inculcate_v at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o peculiarly_a relate_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o all_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o also_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o it_o be_v not_o only_o write_v for_o they_o but_o for_o our_o instruction_n also_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o wise_a christian_n consider_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n ver._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o of_o christ_n monitory_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v archippus_n as_o some_o say_v mention_v coloss_n 4.17_o not_o far_o from_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n it_o be_v call_v laodicea_n from_o laodice_n wife_n of_o antiochus_n who_o build_v it_o in_o honour_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o call_v it_o according_a to_o her_o name_n laodicea_n which_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v as_o much_o as_o commandress_n princess_n or_o dictatrix_n of_o the_o people_n the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o this_o church_n be_v somewhat_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o name_n she_o conceive_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n a_o princess_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o in_o vers_n 17._o she_o vaunt_v herself_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o be_v increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n bring_v she_o to_o the_o trial_n she_o be_v find_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v often_o in_o his_o providence_n ordain_v name_n to_o person_n and_o place_n suitable_a and_o well_o comport_v with_o their_o natural_a disposition_n and_o quality_n christ_n be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n joshua_n have_v a_o name_n also_o from_o the_o same_o root_n he_o be_v also_o a_o temporal_a saviour_n unto_o israel_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n save_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n many_o example_n be_v find_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o john_n who_o name_n and_o nature_n both_o be_v gracious_a chrysostome_n he_o be_v a_o eloquent_a golden_a mouth_a father_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v 2._o for_o place_n and_o church_n rome_n be_v call_v roma_n from_o romulus_n from_o some_o old_a word_n of_o the_o like_a sound_n which_o signify_v strength_n babylon_n from_o babel_n confusion_n philadelphia_n have_v a_o belove_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o belove_a church_n laodicea_n have_v a_o vainglorious_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a church_n much_o boast_n of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n while_o miserable_a poor_a and_o naked_a these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v here_o describe_v under_o a_o threefold_a property_n 1._o as_o the_o amen_o 2._o as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 3._o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n these_o three_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o general_a description_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preliminary_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o amen_o out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o what_o christ_n promise_v and_o predict_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n must_v sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v not_o fail_v he_o add_v another_o property_n take_v out_o of_o chap._n 1._o v._n 5._o he_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n now_o what_o this_o amen_o have_v promise_v predict_v and_o say_v in_o these_o prophecy_n must_v
in_o the_o resurrection_n so_o have_v power_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o state_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n or_o second_o take_v death_n and_o hell_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o he_o have_v power_n over_o that_o too_o he_o hold_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 20.1_o as_o he_o have_v obtain_v power_n since_o his_o exaltation_n to_o give_v crown_n and_o throne_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o shall_v persevere_v and_o overcome_v so_o also_o to_o chastise_v his_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a adversary_n with_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o key_n in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v power_n dominion_n and_o rule_n he_o that_o keep_v and_o command_v the_o key_n of_o a_o city_n have_v the_o power_n and_o rule_n over_o it_o the_o key_n be_v ancient_o carry_v before_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o be_v in_o some_o place_n at_o this_o present_a time_n as_o symbol_n and_o badge_n of_o authority_n on_o peter_n honourable_a confession_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o christ_n which_o intimate_v the_o power_n of_o shut_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n deposit_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n that_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o in_o chap._n 20._o v._n 1._o christ_n be_v there_o represent_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n all_o this_o connote_v observe_v that_o christ_n have_v the_o full_a power_n over_o all_o power_n and_o principality_n of_o darkness_n over_o the_o devil_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n itself_o which_o before_o he_o have_v attain_v and_o purchase_v by_o his_o death_n 1_o cor._n 15.55_o etc._n etc._n they_o can_v move_v nor_o stir_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n but_o as_o he_o permit_v they_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a conceit_n yea_o and_o savour_v of_o little_a faith_n in_o those_o that_o think_v that_o the_o godly_a or_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o devil_n or_o witch_n to_o be_v hurt_v by_o they_o or_o torment_v at_o their_o pleasure_n christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o wicked_a angel_n be_v so_o sure_o lock_v in_o their_o prison_n and_o reserve_v in_o chain_n up_o by_o his_o providence_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o touch_v any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o god_n no_o not_o to_o hurt_v a_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n or_o the_o least_o lamb_n in_o their_o fold_n without_o christ_n special_a commission_n for_o it_o and_o then_o too_o they_o be_v like_o a_o dog_n in_o a_o chain_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o direction_n to_o go_v thus_o far_o and_o no_o far_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o touch_v job_n who_o be_v hedge_v about_o by_o god_n before_o he_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o therefore_o o_o how_o reasonless_a and_o weak_a it_o be_v to_o affirm_v or_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n power_n to_o touch_v or_o hurt_v at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o who_o christ_n have_v say_v down_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o be_v as_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n god_n shall_v give_v any_o of_o he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v touch_v by_o he_o either_o in_o person_n or_o good_n let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v either_o to_o withdraw_v and_o wean_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n for_o it_o or_o else_o to_o winnow_v and_o try_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v bless_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n which_o seldom_o god_n exercise_v his_o child_n under_o for_o few_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v such_o temptation_n and_o god_n will_v lay_v no_o more_o on_o he_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o most_o high_a and_o eminent_a in_o grace_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o meet_v with_o such_o strong_a trial_n and_o not_o sink_v under_o they_o as_o job_n and_o paul_n who_o satan_n buffet_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o smite_v any_o of_o his_o child_n let_v they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o the_o principal_a mover_n and_o author_n of_o it_o and_o though_o satan_n be_v the_o instrument_n yet_o to_o say_v with_o wise_a and_o godly_a job_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o the_o lord_n take_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n observe_v 2._o another_o observation_n hence_o be_v that_o christ_n obstinate_a enemy_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n may_v expect_v and_o look_v for_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o here_o christ_n say_v unto_o john_n fear_v thou_o not_o john_n that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o execution_n of_o those_o dreadful_a prediction_n and_o judiciary_n vision_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o make_v know_v unto_o thou_o concern_v those_o high_a implacable_a and_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o i_o they_o may_v think_v i_o have_v not_o power_n to_o execute_v those_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n that_o satan_n be_v at_o my_o command_n and_o beck_n to_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o my_o wrath_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o i_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o hell_n death_n and_o destruction_n and_o to_o shut_v they_o up_o together_o with_o satan_n in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o rev._n 19.20_o and_o 20.10_o hence_o two_o uses_n arise_v very_o natural_o first_o that_o the_o godly_a need_v not_o fear_v hell_n nor_o death_n either_o that_o of_o the_o grave_n or_o that_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o christ_n their_o head_n be_v the_o key-keeper_n of_o both_o and_o have_v power_n thereof_o next_o let_v the_o impenitent_a wicked_a and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n therefore_o repent_v in_o time_n and_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a before_o the_o day_n come_v wherein_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v verse_n 19_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v after_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v in_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v this_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n after_o christ_n have_v fit_v and_o confirm_v john_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o by_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o he_o and_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o that_o be_v alive_a but_o be_v dead_a and_o have_v the_o power_n over_o hell_n and_o death_n most_o able_a and_o mighty_a therefore_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o execute_v all_o the_o dreadful_a prediction_n and_o vision_n which_o christ_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v thus_o qualify_v and_o confirm_v he_o receive_v his_o commission_n to_o write_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o be_v to_o record_v these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v and_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o by_z and_o in_o the_o precedent_a vision_n which_o relate_v unto_o thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o in_o be_v to_o wit_n god_n discovery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o judgement_n towards_o the_o famous_a seven_o asian_a church_n some_o whereof_o have_v much_o back-slidden_a from_o their_o native_a purity_n which_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n do_v treat_v of_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v then_o present_a and_o in_o be_v next_o john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v after_o that_o be_v he_o be_v to_o record_v vision_n and_o thing_n which_o he_o shall_v see_v which_o be_v relate_v unto_o the_o future_a observe_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o historical_a relation_n and_o discovery_n under_o hyerogliphick_n figure_n of_o thing_n present_a but_o also_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o asian_a church_n and_o that_o as_o a_o introduction_n to_o all_o the_o future_a prophecy_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o cap._n 5._o v._n 1._o where_o a_o book_n be_v represent_v write_v within_o and_o without_o within_z that_o be_v secret_a seal_v under_o seven_o seal_n and_o their_o end_n yet_o
the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o david_n because_o he_o will_v have_v god_n vengeance_n against_o these_o wicked_a one_o plain_o manifest_v desire_v the_o lord_n to_o discover_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o portion_n right_a or_o part_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n nor_o worthy_a to_o be_v write_v or_o number_v among_o the_o righteous_a but_o that_o all_o may_v sensible_o discern_v they_o to_o be_v but_o reprobate_n and_o thus_o far_o david_n prayer_n be_v imitable_a as_o unto_o we_o quest_n but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v put_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o moses_n do_v exod._n 32.32_o i_o pray_v thou_o raze_v i_o out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o thou_o have_v write_v and_o as_o paul_n wish_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 9.3_o or_o second_o to_o pray_v that_o other_o man_n name_n though_o wicked_a may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n as_o david_n in_o psal_n 69.28_o pray_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o answ_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o command_n or_o promise_n annex_v to_o such_o a_o prayer_n but_o abundant_o to_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o sure_o such_o prayer_n must_v be_v most_o vain_a and_o sinful_a for_o neither_o moses_n nor_o paul_n be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n before_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n moses_n nor_o paul_n do_v pray_v so_o absolute_a but_o conditional_o like_v to_o that_o of_o christ_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o so_o they_o if_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o god_n will_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o he_o can_v desire_v and_o wish_v to_o be_v raze_v out_o and_o anathematise_v from_o the_o roll_n of_o god_n church_n and_o from_o life_n itself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v deliver_v their_o lose_a brethren_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o curse_n and_o damnation_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o impenitency_n this_o they_o do_v desire_n under_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a but_o whether_o moses_n or_o paul_n have_v so_o a_o eye_n and_o respect_n in_o these_o particular_a prayer_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v uncertain_a for_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o either_o moses_n or_o paul_n may_v be_v carry_v aside_o by_o a_o over_o mislead_v zeal_n to_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o say_v the_o apostle_n james_n cap._n 3._o 2._o 3._o last_o if_o david_n do_v pray_v unto_o god_n absolute_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ungodly_a may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n i_o think_v it_o not_o warrantable_a nor_o imitable_a in_o we_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n he_o well_o know_v against_o who_o he_o pray_v prophesy_v and_o imprecate_v and_o so_o his_o prayer_n and_o imprecation_n to_o this_o effect_n be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o prophetical_a denunciation_n and_o prediction_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n which_o be_v no_o pattern_n or_o example_n to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n even_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o most_o vile_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o their_o return_v but_o second_o though_o we_o may_v not_o pray_v absolute_o yet_o we_o may_v conditional_o with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_n against_o all_o his_o and_o our_o antichristian_a enemy_n that_o god_n will_v either_o convert_v they_o or_o bring_v they_o to_o shame_n and_o ruin_n that_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o saint_n peace_n and_o comfort_n may_v be_v more_o enlarge_v and_o multiply_v thereby_o but_o to_o proceed_v i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n christ_n have_v assure_v the_o overcome_a saint_n of_o sardis_n that_o they_o shall_v participate_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o majesty_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v undoubted_o assure_v they_o the_o confirmation_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o bless_a estate_n and_o their_o right_n thereunto_o in_o not_o blot_v out_o their_o name_n out_o of_o his_o bless_a roll_n and_o register_v of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o have_v promise_v not_o only_o to_o do_v all_o this_o good_a for_o they_o but_o will_v also_o acknowledge_v they_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v his_o by_o name_n before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v those_o who_o i_o present_v before_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o thy_o holy_a minister_a spirit_n clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n in_o innocency_n and_o majesty_n and_o which_o be_v from_o eternity_n register_v in_o thy_o book_n i_o avouch_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v of_o my_o own_o name_n member_n of_o my_o own_o body_n anoint_v with_o the_o same_o unction_n and_o spirit_n that_o i_o be_o of_o true_o christian_n faithful_a follower_n of_o i_o and_o my_o doctrine_n through_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o regeneration_n and_o new_a life_n which_o they_o have_v lead_v unto_o this_o present_a day_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o will_v public_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o faithful_a one_o at_o the_o last_o day_n before_o god_n his_o father_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n this_o he_o promise_v mat._n 10.32_o to_o confess_v and_o own_v they_o before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v faithful_o confess_v and_o own_v he_o here_o on_o earth_n christ_n call_v such_o here_o his_o sheep_n his_o friend_n his_o brethren_n his_o member_n yea_o himself_n by_o his_o own_o name_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v they_o john_n 20.17_o i_o ascend_v to_o your_o father_n and_o my_o father_n to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n and_o see_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n and_o their_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n sure_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o but_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o the_o godly_a or_o godlike_a christian_n that_o faithful_o own_a god_n and_o christ_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n this_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o we_o bold_o and_o with_o constancy_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o under_o the_o great_a defection_n to_o confess_v and_o own_v so_o worthy_a a_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n see_v we_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n by_o it_o but_o rather_o great_a gainer_n for_o before_o god_n and_o his_o angel_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v by_o name_n to_o confess_v we_o and_o to_o honour_v we_o as_o his_o own_o before_o so_o glorious_a a_o presence_n although_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v most_o unworthy_a creature_n who_o ever_o true_o honour_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o a_o open_a sincere_a profession_n and_o follow_v of_o their_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o honour_v both_o by_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v say_v god_n and_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v 1_o sam._n 2.30_o if_o we_o only_o lose_v our_o honour_n among_o man_n for_o our_o profession_n and_o among_o the_o base_a and_o vile_a sort_n for_o all_o scornful_a ungodly_a one_o be_v so_o to_o be_v account_v be_v they_o never_o otherwise_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n so_o great_a rich_a mighty_a or_o honourable_a and_o win_v honour_n with_o god_n if_o we_o be_v vilify_v on_o earth_n and_o among_o earthly_a mind_a man_n and_o be_v accept_v in_o heaven_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v discourage_v or_o murmur_v at_o our_o loss_n when_o christ_n own_v stephen_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o his_o ston_a act_v 7._o what_o loss_n do_v the_o three_o child_n sustain_v when_o they_o keep_v their_o conscience_n undefiled_a by_o not_o obey_v nebuchadnezzar_n command_n in_o worship_v his_o golden_a image_n but_o open_o profess_v and_o pray_v with_o their_o window_n open_a to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n dan._n 3._o do_v not_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o their_o faithful_a honour_v of_o he_o honour_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n with_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n and_o make_v they_o everliving_a example_n to_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o help_v in_o all_o extremity_n that_o fall_v on_o