of_o god_n in_o the_o good_a of_o other_o hereto_o i_o aim_v in_o this_o second_o edition_n of_o this_o book_n for_o my_o call_n to_o this_o work_n when_o my_o accuser_n stand_v forth_o the_o executor_n of_o the_o dead_a shall_v answer_v for_o my_o discharge_n and_o for_o my_o endeavour_n to_o do_v good_a the_o small_a gain_n of_o this_o revised_a work_n be_v true_o return_v to_o the_o right_a owner_n thereof_o if_o thou_o therefore_o return_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o good_a receive_v to_o thy_o soul_n in_o this_o behalf_n i_o have_v my_o desire_n here_o only_o rest_v the_o doubt_n how_o this_o second_o edition_n shall_v not_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o good_a estimation_n that_o publish_v the_o former_a i_o answer_v well_o enough_o for_o i_o hope_v he_o intend_v end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o this_o work_n now_o if_o any_o addition_n be_v bring_v hereunto_o his_o intent_n be_v further_v and_o wherein_o then_o can_v he_o be_v grieve_v if_o one_o man_n shall_v help_v poor_a orphan_n to_o some_o land_n or_o live_a he_o will_v not_o think_v himself_o wrong_v by_o another_o that_o shall_v enlarge_v their_o just_a claim_n or_o settle_v their_o possession_n in_o a_o better_a tenure_n so_o i_o trust_v it_o fare_v in_o this_o work_n where_o thou_o shall_v find_v upon_o thy_o diligent_a view_n in_o some_o doubtful_a 1._o thing_n the_o author_n meaning_n true_o clear_v his_o method_n rectify_v many_o repetition_n omit_v and_o the_o matter_n special_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n somewhat_o enlarge_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v dissonant_n to_o the_o author_n judgement_n in_o his_o live-work_n which_o i_o hope_v thou_o shall_v not_o perceive_v rather_o charge_v the_o fault_n on_o i_o through_o ignorance_n or_o misunderstanding_n than_o entertain_v in_o thy_o heart_n the_o least_o conceit_n of_o waver_a levity_n in_o so_o godly_a learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o divine_a who_o have_v so_o well_o deserve_v of_o thy_o love_n if_o thou_o love_v the_o truth_n thus_o crave_v thy_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o my_o help_a hand_n to_o do_v thou_o good_a i_o end_v with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_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 thou_o in_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o t.p._n â§_o a_o general_n analysis_n of_o the_o vision_n show_v to_o john_n the_o three_o first_o chapter_n consist_v of_o a_o preface_n contain_v the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n viz._n apocalypse_n or_o revelation_n describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3._o inscription_n of_o the_o vision_n wherein_o be_v johns_n dedication_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n verse_n 4._o salutation_n include_v the_o blessing_n wish_v for_o grace_n verse_n 4._o peace_n verse_n 4._o author_n of_o they_o viz._n 1._o the_o father_n verse_n 4._o 2._o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 4._o 3._o the_o son_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o his_o office_n prophetical_a vers._n 5._o priestly_n vers._n 5._o kingly_a vers._n 5._o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n in_o four_o work_n 1._o love_v us._n vers._n 5._o 2._o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n vers._n 5._o 3._o make_v we_o king_n &_o priest_n vers._n 6._o 4._o come_v to_o â—â—dgement_n vers._n 7._o do_v confirm_v the_o former_a description_n vers._n 8._o a_o vision_n contain_v circumstance_n four_o person_n to_o who_o john_n vers._n 9_o place_v where_o isle_n pathmâ—â—_n vers._n 9_o manner_n how_o in_o a_o trance_n vers._n 10._o time_n when_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n vers._n 10._o part_v the_o entrance_n into_o it_o contain_v the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n viz._n a_o voice_n set_v out_o by_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v vers._n 10._o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o vers._n 10._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o vers._n 11._o part_n of_o his_o preparation_n hear_v note_v in_o the_o mean_n vers._n 10._o turn_v himself_o vers._n 12._o matter_n viz._n a_o representation_n of_o christ_n in_o majesty_n set_v out_o by_o the_o place_n where_o john_n see_v he_o vers._n 13._o his_o form_n or_o figure_n in_o his_o attire_n vers._n 13._o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n vers._n 14.15_o the_o property_n thereof_o vers._n 16._o his_o action_n 1._o a_o confirmation_n of_o john_n be_v sore_o afraid_a vers._n 17_o 18._o 2._o a_o commandment_n to_o write_v vers._n 19_o 3._o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vision_n vers._n 20._o 4._o seven_o several_a commandment_n to_o write_v seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n chap._n 2._o &_o 3_o a_o godly_a and_o learned_a exposition_n of_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n revel_v 1.1_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o 〈…〉_z his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o 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 before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n where_o in_o be_v contain_v singular_a mater_fw-la fit_a for_o the_o time_n &_o age_n this_o question_n must_v be_v handle_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n for_o some_o have_v heretofore_o as_o also_o in_o our_o time_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o in_o question_n but_o we_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n to_o resolve_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n book_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v apostolical_a as_o any_o shall_v perceive_v which_o serious_o read_v the_o same_o second_o the_o stile_n of_o this_o book_n be_v apostolical_a that_o be_v plain_a simple_a and_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v prophetical_a three_o this_o book_n have_v be_v approve_v and_o receive_v for_o canonical_a by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o day_n of_o john_n and_o be_v never_o refuse_v of_o any_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o of_o some_o private_a man_n four_o the_o thing_n foretell_v in_o this_o book_n come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v foretell_v as_o among_o the_o rest_n in_o one_o for_o all_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o two_o beast_n whereof_o one_o come_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n the_o other_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n chap._n 13._o the_o one_o prefigure_v the_o roman_a empire_n the_o other_o the_o heretical_a apostatical_a church_n of_o rome_n both_o which_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n answerable_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o contrary_a reason_n bring_v to_o improve_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n 1._o reason_n john_n name_v himself_o sundry_a time_n in_o this_o book_n whereas_o in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n he_o do_v not_o once_o mention_v his_o own_o name_n though_o he_o have_v just_a occasion_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v by_o john_n but_o by_o some_o other_o and_o publish_v afterward_o in_o johns_n name_n answ._n the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o history_n and_o a_o prophecy_n the_o gospel_n of_o john_n be_v a_o history_n of_o christ_n now_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a reason_n why_o one_o man_n pen_v the_o history_n of_o another_o shall_v name_v himself_o but_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o prophecy_n in_o pen_v whereof_o it_o be_v more_o requisite_a the_o prophet_n shall_v put_v to_o his_o own_o name_n so_o do_v the_o former_a prophet_n jeremy_n mention_v his_o name_n in_o his_o book_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n so_o do_v isaiah_n and_o daniel_n almost_o in_o every_o chapter_n then_o see_v they_o do_v it_o so_o often_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o s._n john_n repeat_v his_o name_n five_o sundry_a time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n 2._o they_o object_n that_o his_o stile_n in_o this_o book_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o he_o use_v in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o gospel_n ans._n the_o difference_n of_o the_o stile_n arise_v from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o matter_n see_v there_o he_o write_v a_o history_n here_o he_o pen_v a_o prophecy_n again_o he_o write_v not_o his_o own_o word_n but_o those_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n by_o particular_a revelation_n 3._o they_o say_v this_o book_n have_v be_v reject_v in_o diverse_a age_n as_o not_o canonical_a ans._n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o refuse_v of_o any_o whole_a church_n but_o of_o some_o particular_a man_n now_o the_o disallow_n of_o any_o private_a man_n can_v make_v a_o whole_a book_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o then_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n of_o james_n and_o of_o john_n shall_v not_o be_v canonical_a which_o yet_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o
must_v give_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 1._o cor._n 15.24_o and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n give_v his_o revelation_n to_o his_o son_n first_o therefore_o christ_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o this_o revelation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v his_o own_o right_n and_o royalty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v now_o govern_v whereof_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n again_o this_o revelation_n be_v reveal_v unto_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n before_o it_o be_v ever_o know_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o manhood_n with_o the_o godhead_n in_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v christ_n his_o right_n and_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o own_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n for_o as_o the_o law_n in_o any_o kingdom_n belong_v to_o the_o prince_n thereof_o and_o be_v call_v his_o law_n alone_o and_o no_o man_n else_o so_o this_o book_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o christ_n govern_v his_o church_n be_v his_o royalty_n alone_o for_o god_n give_v it_o he_o and_o he_o have_v by_o his_o angel_n send_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o book_n must_v be_v understand_v proportional_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n christ_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o royalty_n and_o possession_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v follow_v necessary_o first_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v authority_n above_o this_o book_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n indeed_o monarch_n and_o prince_n have_v great_a authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o their_o dominion_n over_o all_o person_n and_o over_o all_o cause_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o church_n they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v homage_n unto_o christ_n there_o he_o have_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v his_o law_n whereto_o every_o one_o must_v subject_v himself_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v his_o royal_a ordinance_n over_o which_o none_o may_v dare_v to_o claim_v rule_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o shall_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o prerogative_n as_o they_o be_v to_o christ_n but_o god_n give_v they_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o he_o dispose_v thereof_o as_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o the_o pope_n in_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o word_n and_o to_o mangle_v the_o sacrament_n do_v herein_o step_n into_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n by_o seek_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o princely_a royalty_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o second_o that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o expound_v scripture_n belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o and_o to_o none_o other_o with_o he_o true_a it_o be_v that_o man_n have_v a_o ministry_n commit_v unto_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v expound_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o man_n have_v no_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o popish_a practice_n in_o give_v to_o the_o church_n absolute_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o without_o scripture_n be_v flat_a robbery_n against_o christ_n for_o therein_o they_o give_v unto_o man_n that_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ._n three_o herein_o we_o observe_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n for_o all_o of_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o like_a can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o write_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v they_o never_o so_o excellent_a herein_o the_o scripture_n surpass_v they_o all_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v more_o reverent_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n than_o of_o all_o the_o write_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n here_o then_o behold_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o more_o delight_v to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n than_o the_o glorious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n whereas_o the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o every_o way_n perfect_a proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n unto_o his_o belove_a son_n who_o have_v faithful_o disperse_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o show_v to_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v viz._n the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v arg._n ii_o the_o end_n of_o this_o revelation_n be_v to_o show_v that_o be_v to_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v exceed_o in_o debar_v lie_v people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a to_o god_n servant_n thing_n to_o come_v and_o who_o be_v god_n servant_n be_v the_o clergy_n only_o and_o not_o lay_v people_n also_o god_n forbid_v the_o lie_v man_n be_v christ_n his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o he_o shall_v learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v this_o book_n like_o one_o of_o his_o servant_n and_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a must_v be_v learn_v of_o the_o lie_v man_n then_o much_o more_o must_v he_o search_v into_o all_o other_o book_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o history_n of_o gospel_n epistle_n etc._n etc._n arg._n iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v viz._n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n this_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n indefinite_o but_o for_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v such_o alone_a as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o new_a obedience_n so_o he_o teach_v elsewhere_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n to_o give_v they_o understanding_n psalm_n 25.14_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o and_o god_n will_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v unto_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n because_o he_o know_v abraham_n will_v do_v his_o will_n and_o teach_v his_o family_n after_o he_o genes_n 18._o vers_fw-la 17.19_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o outward_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o labour_v principal_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n and_o to_o show_v the_o same_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v hereby_o shall_v we_o receive_v instruction_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o our_o understand_n shall_v more_o easy_o conceive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o they_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v know_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7.17_o here_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o most_o hearer_n after_o long_o teach_v profit_n little_a but_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v even_o their_o own_o impiety_n they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n second_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v true_a god_n for_o here_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n every_o true_a believer_n be_v his_o servant_n and_o he_o his_o lord_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v his_o angel_n as_o after_o we_o shall_v see_v which_o prerogative_n none_o can_v have_v but_o he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o very_o god_n three_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v those_o confute_v which_o hold_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v save_v and_o call_v all_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o if_o he_o call_v all_o effectual_o than_o he_o will_v offer_v the_o mean_n to_o all_o to_o wit_n his_o holy_a word_n that_o so_o they_o may_v
may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v hâ—m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n fâ—om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o manâ—r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n fâ—r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n â—o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o purpose_n of_o s._n john_n who_o do_v therefore_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v that_o shall_v hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n with_o conscience_n to_o keep_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o do_v it_o with_o delight_n second_o we_o be_v hereby_o admonish_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n that_o place_n before_o name_v be_v most_o excellent_a search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o iâ—_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n â—_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n iâ—_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o taâ—es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
everlasting_a life_n which_o christ_n there_o keep_v in_o store_n for_o we_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n principal_o do_v christ_n here_o say_v behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o 3._o this_o also_o must_v move_v we_o to_o put_v all_o our_o affiance_n in_o he_o and_o to_o place_v all_o our_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o man_n have_v most_o regard_n to_o that_o part_n of_o their_o body_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n live_v well_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v our_o spiritual_a life_n we_o therefore_o must_v set_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n on_o he_o especial_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n be_v this_o though_o i_o be_v dead_a yeâ—_n i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n here_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o hell_n be_v a_o bodily_a place_n keep_v with_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o door_n as_o man_n dwelling_n house_n be_v that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o place_n of_o god_n word_n neither_o yet_o that_o the_o torment_n thereof_o be_v bodily_a such_o as_o be_v inflict_v in_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o they_o be_v spiritual_a be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n who_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n but_o christ_n in_o this_o phrase_n borrow_v a_o comparison_n from_o steward_n of_o great_a house_n who_o at_o their_o installing_n into_o their_o stewardship_n have_v the_o key_n of_o all_o thing_n give_v unto_o they_o which_o give_v of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o token_n of_o regiment_n and_o authority_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o once_o die_v yet_o by_o his_o death_n do_v vanquish_v hell_n and_o death_n and_o have_v obtain_v full_a power_n &_o dominion_n over_o they_o both_o for_o evermore_o hence_o arise_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n proper_o belong_v only_o unto_o christ._n no_o mere_a creature_n have_v this_o power_n for_o he_o that_o can_v forgive_v sin_n must_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n namely_o hell_n and_o death_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o christ_n alone_o who_o only_o have_v the_o key_n thereof_o and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v proper_o forgive_v sin_n be_v to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v power_n in_o himself_o over_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o therefore_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v full_a of_o blasphemy_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o proper_o to_o pronounce_v unto_o man_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n of_o themselves_o and_o they_o deride_v the_o custom_n of_o reform_a church_n who_o from_o god_n pronounce_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n unto_o they_o that_o repent_v second_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o reverence_n christ_n and_o to_o perform_v unto_o he_o all_o due_a honour_n and_o loyal_a obedience_n if_o we_o never_o have_v do_v this_o heretofore_o we_o must_v now_o begin_v and_o if_o we_o have_v do_v it_o we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o more_o for_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n he_o can_v open_v the_o gate_n thereof_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o cast_v thither_o who_o he_o will_n many_o deceive_v themselves_o through_o their_o false_a conceit_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v not_o of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o judge_n but_o as_o a_o saviour_n only_o they_o make_v he_o all_o of_o mercy_n and_o pity_n and_o thereby_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v likewise_o a_o righteous_a judge_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o in_o our_o evil_a way_n but_o strive_v to_o please_v he_o continual_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a least_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o stir_v up_o his_o wrath_n against_o we_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o cast_v we_o into_o hell_n whence_o be_v no_o redemption_n three_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n unto_o all_o those_o in_o god_n church_n that_o in_o this_o life_n unfeigned_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n for_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n &_o death_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o from_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v because_o they_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o if_o this_o be_v always_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n it_o will_v minister_v endless_a joy_n unto_o our_o soul_n against_o the_o servile_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n vers._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 hereafter_o here_o s._n john_n propound_v a_o second_o action_n of_o christ._n for_o have_v confirm_v john_n against_o his_o great_a fear_n he_o give_v he_o a_o commandment_n to_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v etc._n etc._n this_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o john_n in_o the_o eleven_o verse_n and_o be_v here_o again_o repeat_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o john_n may_v see_v the_o special_a care_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n that_o he_o still_o continue_v a_o provident_a head_n thereof_o for_o their_o good_a estate_n after_o his_o ascension_n second_o that_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a man_n shall_v know_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a unto_o trouble_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v better_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o evil_n to_o come_v three_o that_o john_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v of_o his_o call_n to_o write_v and_o publish_v this_o book_n four_o that_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v be_v out_o of_o doubt_n that_o this_o book_n be_v no_o device_n of_o man_n but_o a_o book_n of_o god_n and_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n reveal_v from_o christ_n to_o john_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v though_o christ_n do_v faithful_o reveal_v his_o will_n yet_o john_n may_v err_v in_o publish_v it_o answ._n as_o christ_n deliver_v this_o to_o john_n so_o he_o receive_v and_o publish_v it_o faithful_o without_o all_o fault_n either_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n for_o we_o must_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o teacher_n as_o the_o prophet_n in_o former_a time_n so_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v immediate_o by_o christ_n and_o have_v such_o special_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v when_o they_o propound_v by_o preach_v or_o write_v any_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n make_v unto_o they_o luk._n 10.16_o he_o which_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o be_v which_o refuse_v you_o refuse_v i_o and_o â—e_v which_o refuse_v i_o refuse_v he_o that_o send_v i_o again_o matth._n 10.20_o it_o be_v not_o you_o which_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n speak_v in_o you_o joh._n 14.26_o he_o promise_v to_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v their_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n yea_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16_o 1â—_n which_o promise_v some_o apply_v 〈◊〉_d all_o god_n minister_n but_o if_o we_o mark_v the_o circumstance_n thereof_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o proper_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o apostle_n for_o though_o in_o other_o the_o certainty_n hereof_o can_v be_v affirm_v yet_o in_o they_o it_o may_v for_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o counsel_n at_o jerusalem_n thus_o they_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o 28._o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o certain_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o no_o minister_n ever_o since_o can_v say_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n both_o in_o speak_v and_o write_v this_o distinction_n must_v be_v hold_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o faithful_a pen_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o book_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o repetition_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o commandment_n be_v contain_v the_o division_n of_o this_o whole_a book_n write_v the_o word_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v that_o be_v set_v down_o what_o i_o have_v show_v thou_o in_o this_o vision_n and_o which_o be_v that_o be_v all_o thing_n which_o i_o reveal_v unto_o thou_o touch_v the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o that_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n
unto_o ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v the_o very_a occasion_n thereof_o for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o obey_v the_o same_o our_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o when_o we_o commit_v any_o sin_n we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v make_v a_o pen_n and_o reach_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n to_o blot_v our_o name_n out_o of_o that_o book_n and_o they_o that_o keep_v a_o course_n in_o sin_v do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o write_v therein_o second_o consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v certain_a it_o must_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o some_o aâ—â—â—rance_n of_o election_n that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v we_o have_v our_o name_n write_v in_o god_n book_n but_o here_o some_o bad_a person_n will_v say_v see_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v unchangeable_a i_o will_v live_v as_o i_o list_v for_o if_o my_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o it_o can_v never_o be_v add_v ans._n these_o man_n deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n shall_v live_v as_o these_o few_o do_v in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n in_o true_a faith_n and_o holy_a obedience_n for_o he_o that_o be_v ordain_v to_o glorification_n be_v ordain_v to_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o live_v always_o in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o these_o man_n must_v rather_o labour_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o get_v some_o sign_n of_o their_o election_n that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n the_o three_o benefit_n be_v this_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n that_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v he_o to_o be_v i_o one_o of_o my_o elect_a that_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n i_o will_v take_v he_o from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n and_o set_v he_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o advance_v he_o to_o glory_n pronounce_v upon_o he_o the_o bless_a voice_n of_o absolution_n come_v thou_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n mat._n 25.34_o the_o end_n why_o this_o benefit_n be_v thus_o propound_v be_v to_o draw_v this_o church_n to_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o if_o they_o will_v profess_v christ_n before_o man_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o his_o own_o at_o the_o last_o day_n use_n this_o same_o reason_n here_o propound_v must_v induce_v we_o to_o make_v a_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o world_n &_o all_o christ_n enemy_n which_o to_o do_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n and_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v stand_v out_o but_o yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n will_v confess_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v a_o notable_a motive_n and_o mean_n to_o enable_v he_o thereto_o if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o man_n among_o a_o great_a company_n and_o call_v he_o by_o his_o name_n speak_v kind_o unto_o he_o he_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o great_a honour_n unto_o he_o and_o for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v in_o the_o prince_n cause_n oh_o then_o what_o honour_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n jesus_n will_v in_o the_o last_o day_n vouchsafe_v to_o all_o those_o that_o in_o this_o life_n do_v sincere_o confess_v he_o and_o overcome_v he_o will_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v he_o and_o receive_v they_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o will_v not_o confess_v he_o here_o but_o disgrace_v he_o either_o by_o false_a doctrine_n or_o profaneness_n of_o life_n will_v christ_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n utter_o disgrace_n by_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v his_o and_o there_o pronounce_v upon_o they_o the_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n which_o if_o we_o will_v then_o escape_v and_o also_o procure_v unto_o we_o the_o joyful_a voice_n of_o absolution_n we_o must_v here_o labour_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n &_o also_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n but_o if_o we_o only_o profess_v he_o in_o judgement_n and_o not_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n sure_o christ_n will_v profess_v that_o he_o know_v we_o not_o and_o then_o give_v we_o our_o portion_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o commandment_n follow_v vers_fw-la 6._o let_v he_o &c_n &c_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v verse_n 7._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o philadelphia_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a which_o hâ—th_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v here_o begin_v the_o six_o particular_a epistle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o 14._o and_o before_o it_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n be_v prefix_v a_o special_a commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n the_o end_n of_o which_o commandment_n be_v to_o warrant_v the_o call_n of_o john_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o this_o verse_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v send_v namely_o in_o christ_n where_o as_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n he_o be_v excellent_o describe_v for_o the_o win_n of_o more_o credit_n unto_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o first_o by_o his_o property_n holiness_n and_o truth_n second_o by_o his_o kingly_a office_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v for_o his_o property_n first_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a quest._n how_o can_v christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v man_n consider_v he_o descend_v from_o adam_n who_o câ—â—ueyed_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n the_o common_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o indeed_o christ_n descend_v from_o adam_n as_o he_o be_v man_n but_o his_o substance_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n and_o thereby_o he_o be_v free_v from_o adam_n sin_n this_o answer_n be_v true_a but_o not_o sufficient_a for_o man_n beside_o the_o corruption_n original_a take_v from_o adam_n the_o guiltiness_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o adam_n commit_v now_o sanctification_n take_v away_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o therefore_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o all_o which_o come_v of_o adam_n by_o natural_a generation_n do_v receive_v by_o that_o order_n which_o god_n set_v in_o nature_n at_o the_o creation_n say_v increase_n &_o multiply_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o sin_n &_o guilt_n thereof_o but_o god_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o this_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n ordain_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o come_v of_o adam_n by_o natural_a generation_n but_o by_o a_o miraculous_a conception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o he_o take_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n with_o the_o infirmity_n thereof_o without_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n nature_n or_o the_o the_o guiltiness_n thereof_o and_o thus_o be_v christ_n free_a from_o sin_n as_o he_o be_v man_n further_o christ_n be_v holy_a two_o way_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o church_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v holy_a sundry_a way_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o godhead_n for_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v holiness_n itself_o second_o as_o he_o be_v man_n for_o his_o manhood_n be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o miraculous_a conception_n but_o it_o be_v also_o enrich_v and_o fill_v with_o holiness_n and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n for_o he_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o measure_n and_o again_o as_o he_o be_v man_n christ_n be_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o action_n for_o live_v on_o earth_n he_o do_v actual_o as_o our_o surety_n fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o us._n second_o christ_n be_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o church_n first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v in_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n
yet_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o read_v the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o constant_a course_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v three_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n be_v break_v for_o though_o most_o man_n at_o set_a time_n will_v come_v into_o the_o congregation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o that_o private_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v which_o god_n word_n require_v but_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o to_o outward_a delight_n to_o omit_v those_o that_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n in_o any_o sort_n now_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o want_v both_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o all_o sound_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v employ_v themselves_o in_o god_n word_n and_o by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o infect_v our_o congregation_n now_o where_o this_o negligence_n be_v though_o coldness_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v zeal_n and_o so_o luke-warmnesse_n must_v needs_o abound_v ii_o sign_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n be_v this_o in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_n they_o show_v religion_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o in_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n who_o show_v his_o religion_n for_o when_o as_o man_n shall_v practice_v their_o calling_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o true_a godliness_n they_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n little_a conscience_n be_v make_v of_o lie_v and_o oppression_n that_o love_n and_o plain_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v want_v which_o prove_v they_o plain_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n iii_o sign_n there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a for_o though_o all_o general_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o many_o when_o they_o see_v some_o make_v conscience_n to_o become_v answerable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o receive_v do_v take_v up_o in_o their_o mouth_n this_o slander_n of_o precizenesse_n against_o they_o mock_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n themselves_o profess_v shall_v be_v do_v these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o profess_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v zealous_a by_o reproach_v zeal_n in_o other_o therefore_o they_o do_v more_o than_o these_o laodicean_n do_v even_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a for_o he_o that_o reproach_v another_o for_o zeal_n in_o religion_n brand_v himself_o with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o who_o know_v not_o how_o many_o of_o this_o â—ort_n be_v every_o where_o i_o dare_v with_o good_a conscience_n say_v our_o congregation_n general_o consist_v of_o such_o now_o mark_v what_o follow_v hereupon_o first_o that_o our_o common_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n than_o heathen_a man_n jew_n and_o turk_n that_o know_v not_o christ._n this_o christ_n teach_v in_o prefer_v cold_a person_n before_o the_o lukewarm_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v rather_o thou_o were_v a_o pagan_a than_o a_o professor_n without_o zeal_n and_o 2.21_o saint_n peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v of_o such_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v further_a matter_n in_o we_o than_o knowledge_n and_o bare_a profession_n our_o case_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o turk_n religion_n know_v will_v not_o make_v thou_o better_o than_o they_o but_o it_o be_v zeal_n and_o obedience_n that_o must_v prefer_v thou_o before_o they_o second_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o estate_n i_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n out_o of_o the_o stomach_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n here_o threaten_v which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o may_v know_v where_o lukewarmenesse_a take_v place_n there_o this_o punishment_n will_v follow_v we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o old_a world_n do_v &_o think_v all_o be_v well_o never_o regard_v till_o the_o judgement_n come_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o true_a society_n with_o christ_n god_n can_v do_v this_o sundry_a way_n either_o by_o bereave_v we_o of_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v we_o as_o the_o heathen_a or_o by_o send_v the_o enemy_n among_o we_o to_o destroy_v and_o root_v we_o out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o even_o in_o our_o neighbor-countreys_n and_o town_n he_o set_v spectacle_n before_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v see_v how_o he_o can_v spew_v we_o ouâ—_n &_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a vers._n 17._o for_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o make_v rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a &_o blind_a and_o naked_a here_o be_v the_o second_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o former_a as_o a_o reason_n thereof_o before_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o deadness_n in_o religion_n and_o here_o he_o paint_v out_o the_o cause_n thereof_o namely_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o hart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o think_v thus_o within_o thyself_o i_o be_o rich_a for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n by_o their_o speech_n because_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v as_o evident_a to_o christ_n as_o any_o man_n speech_n can_v be_v to_o another_o use_n in_o that_o christ_n do_v express_v man_n secret_a thought_n and_o propound_v the_o same_o in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o set_v down_o the_o thought_n of_o country_n of_o church_n &_o of_o particular_a man_n even_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o this_o can_v no_o man_n do_v in_o any_o book_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v a_o argument_n against_o atheist_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o they_o reveal_v man_n secret_a thought_n now_o follow_v the_o thought_n itself_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o people_n of_o this_o church_n i_o be_o rich_a that_o be_v i_o have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o this_o effect_n he_o express_v their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o overween_a their_o estate_n before_o god_n this_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o have_v be_v christ_n say_v 5.32_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o righteous_a mean_v such_o as_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o the_o 10._o proud_a pharisie_n in_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o heart_n think_v himself_o far_o better_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n or_o other_o man_n and_o paul_n â—_o bring_v in_o the_o corinthian_n think_v proud_o of_o themselves_o say_v we_o be_v full_a and_o make_v rich_a etc._n etc._n this_o sin_n take_v place_n in_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o temporal_a work_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o other_o to_o come_v to_o ourselves_o this_o same_o proud_a thought_n have_v place_n among_o us._n first_o we_o think_v we_o be_v rich_a in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n both_o young_a and_o old_a scorn_n to_o be_v catechize_v because_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a some_o stick_v not_o to_o profess_v this_o pride_n by_o brag_v thus_o that_o they_o know_v as_o much_o for_o substance_n as_o any_o man_n can_v teach_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o nature_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n second_o man_n plead_v that_o they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a say_v so_o as_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_v
be_v call_v to_o the_o state_n of_o gâ—ace_n this_o he_o do_v not_o for_o as_o we_o see_v this_o book_n be_v give_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o this_o book_n be_v true_a of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o lord_n show_v his_o word_n say_v david_n not_o to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o jacob_n that_o be_v his_o people_n with_o who_o he_o make_v a_o covenant_n psal._n 147.19_o 20._o the_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o viz._n thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v whereby_o in_o general_a we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n of_o this_o book_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o thing_n present_a or_o past_a this_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o come_v they_o must_v be_v do_v second_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o short_o or_o quick_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v so_o speak_v the_o holy_a ghost_n elsewhere_o of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o come_v of_o offence_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v mat._n 18.7_o of_o heresy_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 11.19_o and_o of_o affliction_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o and_o they_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o timoâ—h_o 3.12_o from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v concern_v god_n church_n and_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n will_v not_o agree_v unto_o it_o for_o some_o will_v say_v if_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o then_o in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n man_n have_v no_o free_a will_n for_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n can_v stand_v together_o answ._n they_o may_v indeed_o constraint_n and_o man_n free_a will_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o man_n will_n and_o unchangeable_a necessity_n may_v well_o accord_v as_o i_o show_v thus_o in_o god_n there_o be_v most_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o will_n yet_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n of_o necessity_n as_o he_o will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a necessary_o for_o he_o can_v possible_o will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o yet_o he_o will_v the_o same_o most_o free_o so_o christ_n die_v necessary_o he_o can_v not_o but_o die_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o die_v most_o free_o for_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n of_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o he_o john_n 10.18_o it_o will_v be_v say_v again_o if_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o necessity_n than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o mean_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o for_o god_n will_v must_v be_v do_v do_v we_o what_o we_o will_n answ._n this_o be_v man_n corrupt_a reason_n these_o man_n must_v consider_v that_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v what_o thing_n must_v come_v to_o pass_v so_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v effect_v and_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o well_o the_o mean_n as_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v by_o this_o necessity_n rather_o be_v induce_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n than_o any_o way_n move_v to_o neglect_v the_o same_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v a_o double_a necessity_n one_o be_v absolute_a another_o in_o part_n i_o call_v that_o absolute_a necessity_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o possible_o as_o that_o god_n live_v and_o can_v die_v be_v omnipotent_a infinite_a etc._n etc._n necessity_n in_o part_n be_v when_o any_o thing_n do_v be_v necessary_a only_a because_o it_o depend_v on_o necessary_a cause_n as_o fire_n to_o burn_v be_v necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o nature_n by_o creation_n yet_o this_o necessity_n be_v not_o absolute_a for_o fire_n will_v not_o burn_v if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o change_v that_o order_n set_v in_o nature_n as_o he_o do_v when_o the_o three_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o hot_a fiery_a oven_n dan._n 3.27_o now_o whereas_o we_o say_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v necessary_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o necessity_n in_o part_n and_o not_o of_o absolute_a for_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v changeable_a and_o contingent_a and_o necessary_a only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n decree_n appoint_v they_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o regard_n whereof_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v take_v away_o freedom_n from_o man_n will_n it_o only_o incline_v the_o same_o to_o one_o part_n &_o so_o dispose_v that_o man_n shall_v free_o will_v that_o to_o be_v which_o god_n eternal_o have_v decree_v the_o second_o thing_n whereby_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v shortly_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o howsoever_o some_o thing_n foretell_v be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o which_o space_n of_o time_n may_v seem_v very_o long_o yet_o in_o two_o respect_n it_o be_v but_o short_a first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n to_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n 2._o pet._n 3.8_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n to_o who_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n seem_v but_o a_o short_a time_n when_o once_o they_o be_v expire_v though_o before_o they_o seem_v long_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v set_v down_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o terrify_v all_o carnal_a and_o careless_a man_n for_o this_o book_n foretell_v judgement_n plague_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n which_o mâ—st_v short_o come_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a our_o careful_a consideration_n in_o this_o secure_a age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o man_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v after_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n say_v spare_v thyself_o this_o shall_v not_o come_v unto_o thou_o but_o shall_v the_o lion_n roar_v and_o the_o beast_n not_o tremble_v yet_o the_o lord_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n but_o man_n will_v not_o repent_v well_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o whether_o we_o be_v young_a or_o old_a high_a or_o low_o that_o god_n judgement_n be_v short_o to_o come_v and_o let_v this_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o raise_v we_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o security_n that_o which_o peter_n say_v of_o false_a teacher_n be_v also_o true_a of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n unless_o they_o prevent_v the_o same_o by_o speedy_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n their_o judgement_n long_o ago_o be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o 2._o pet._n 2.3_o second_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n serve_v great_o to_o comfort_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o all_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v under_o any_o adversity_n or_o distress_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o in_o body_n or_o mind_n or_o both_o indeed_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o impatience_n and_o distrust_n by_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v here_o set_v down_o concern_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o foretell_v deliverance_n for_o god_n church_n and_o for_o every_o member_n thereof_o namely_o that_o they_o must_v short_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o a_o very_a little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o come_v for_o their_o deliverance_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v hebr._n 10._o vers_fw-la 37._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o revelation_n now_o follow_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o lord_n do_v convey_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o these_o word_n which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n where_o two_o point_n must_v be_v observe_v first_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o employment_n second_o the_o person_n employ_v therein_o as_o his_o instrument_n for_o the_o
first_o christ_n send_v and_o show_v this_o revelation_n this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o two_o special_a cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o pen_n and_o publish_v this_o book_n rash_o but_o by_o call_v and_o warrant_n from_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o must_v be_v our_o behaviour_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whatsoever_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v look_v we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o call_n and_o with_o out_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v there_o will_v be_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o care_n of_o just_a deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n second_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v to_o get_v more_o reverend_a acceptance_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o holy_a angel_n if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v write_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o withal_o send_v it_o by_o one_o of_o his_o guard_n we_o doubt_v the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o behold_v this_o book_n be_v the_o epistle_n and_o letter_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n what_o reverence_n therefore_o and_o acceptation_n ought_v this_o to_o find_v sure_o a_o thousand_o fold_n more_o with_o every_o one_o than_o the_o writing_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n whatsoever_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o christ_n employ_v about_o this_o revelation_n and_o they_o be_v two_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o saint_n john_n for_o the_o first_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n act._n 7.38_o gal._n 3.19_o and_o daniel_n receive_v the_o exposition_n of_o sundry_a dream_n and_o vision_n by_o a_o angel_n dan._n 8.19_o and_o 9.21_o and_o 10.14_o and_o the_o seven_o vision_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o book_n be_v show_v to_o john_n by_o a_o holy_a angel_n but_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n ground_n hereupon_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n because_o they_o be_v about_o we_o and_o bring_v unto_o we_o particular_a message_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o before_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o they_o we_o must_v have_v from_o god_n a_o particular_a commandment_n so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o else_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n afford_v no_o word_n of_o command_n or_o promise_v for_o any_o such_o action_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o second_o instrument_n here_o employ_v by_o christ_n be_v john_n this_o john_n be_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n and_o so_o kinsman_n unto_o christ_n a_o bless_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o three_o epistle_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o be_v that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v and_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o reverence_n to_o this_o book_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o a_o property_n call_v himself_o christ_n his_o servant_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n or_o action_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o god_n word_n vers_fw-la 2._o for_o the_o first_o note_z that_o john_n do_v not_o call_v himself_o that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v nor_o the_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v be_v ally_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n mother_n be_v sister_n to_o joseph_n christ_n suppose_v father_n and_o cousin_n german_a to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n john_n have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o â—earers_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v esteem_v more_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o he_o than_o any_o bond_n of_o outward_a alliance_n can_v possible_o make_v they_o math._n 12.50_o luk._n 11.28_o but_o he_o call_v himself_o christ_n servant_n have_v yield_v up_o himself_o to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o herein_o stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v service_n unto_o christ._n the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v never_o find_v such_o favour_n with_o god_n to_o have_v be_v christ_n mother_n if_o she_o have_v not_o withal_o become_v christ_n servant_n she_o bear_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o her_o womb_n by_o conception_n or_o else_o she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o he_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o outward_a dignity_n as_o blood_n royal_a noble_a parentage_n and_o such_o like_a will_v nothing_o further_a a_o man_n salvation_n he_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ_n must_v become_v his_o servant_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o do_v his_o will_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o paul_n say_v circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n â—_o 16_o 17._o again_o consider_v in_o what_o regard_n john_n be_v here_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n do_v but_o more_o special_o because_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v his_o particular_a call_n so_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n cap._n 1.1_o and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 9_o because_o he_o do_v service_n unto_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o show_v ourselves_o christ_n servant_n in_o our_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o office_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o profess_v service_n unto_o christ_n by_o hear_v his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n and_o keep_v his_o saboathe_n but_o unless_o therewithal_o we_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n our_o outward_a profession_n be_v flat_a hypocrisy_n this_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n buyer_n seller_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o unless_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o special_a calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n their_o public_a service_n in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n shall_v never_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a micha_n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o vers._n 2._o which_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o thâ—ngs_n that_o he_o see_v here_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v himself_o namely_o by_o this_o action_n or_o effect_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o partly_o by_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o by_o preach_v he_o bare_a witness_n and_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v diverse_a part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n add_v and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n say_v and_o do_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o he_o bare_a record_n say_v and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o here_o he_o allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o testimony_n we_o
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a benediction_n for_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n &_o must_v short_o be_v fulfil_v therefore_o those_o be_v bless_v which_o read_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n and_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o secret_a objection_n for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v we_o need_v not_o to_o read_v or_o remember_v this_o prophecy_n see_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n but_o he_o add_v the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v mark_v these_o word_n for_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o revelation_n be_v of_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o here_o they_o be_v repeat_v again_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o these_o prophecy_n contain_v weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v deep_o consider_v and_o earnest_o think_v on_o and_o s._n john_n repeat_v the_o same_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o awake_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n continual_o for_o though_o they_o can_v fall_v into_o the_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o slumber_n of_o security_n may_v overtake_v they_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a matth._n 25.5_o and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a church_n confess_v that_o she_o sleep_v though_o her_o heart_n wake_v cant._n 5.2_o second_o to_o confirm_v and_o hearten_v the_o church_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o affliction_n to_o come_v for_o herein_o be_v the_o common_a say_n true_a he_o that_o be_v forewarn_v be_v fore-armed_n now_o in_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n whether_o affliction_n temptation_n death_n or_o the_o last_o judgement_n itself_o all_o will_v come_v short_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o life_n as_o to_o stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n so_o to_o move_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n the_o bad_a servant_n beat_v his_o fellow_n because_o he_o think_v his_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.48.49_o the_o old_a world_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n never_o regard_v noah_n prophecy_n and_o so_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o matth._n 24.39_o we_o shall_v lay_v these_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o always_o think_v with_o paul_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o â—and_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n these_o eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v interchangeable_a one_o while_o peace_n and_o then_o trouble_v so_o as_o it_o be_v like_a this_o peaceable_a state_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v but_o we_o must_v be_v try_v and_o the_o time_n of_o ouâ—_n trial_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v befall_v the_o church_n will_v come_v short_o we_o must_v therefore_o prepare_v for_o trouble_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o less_o grievous_a vers._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o wit_n the_o inscription_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o a_o dedication_n in_o these_o word_n john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n second_o a_o salutation_n in_o the_o next_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n observe_v first_o the_o penman_n that_o dedicate_v this_o book_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v for_o the_o first_o the_o penman_n be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o repeat_v his_o name_n to_o show_v and_o certify_v every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o true_a penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v this_o revelation_n but_o though_o he_o repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o add_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n or_o commendation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v never_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o cause_n to_o our_o own_o praise_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o god_n glory_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n maintain_v this_o paul_n practise_v who_o often_o humble_v himself_o and_o call_v himself_o the_o 15._o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n yet_o when_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n come_v into_o question_n than_o he_o set_v out_o himself_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a apostle_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o as_o we_o may_v find_v in_o both_o of_o his_o 11.5_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n second_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n concern_v they_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o write_v to_o church_n second_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o the_o first_o why_o write_v he_o to_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o church_n see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a catholic_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a &_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o the_o same_o be_v part_v into_o several_a branch_n and_o company_n one_o part_n be_v in_o one_o country_n and_o another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o wherein_o also_o every_o several_a congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n all_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v only_o one_o yet_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o take_v their_o name_n of_o the_o country_n whereto_o they_o adjoine_v be_v call_v so_o many_o particular_a sea_n as_o the_o english_a sea_n the_o spanish_a sea_n french_a italian_a scottish_a sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o particular_a church_n must_v john_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n now_o john_n choose_v rather_o to_o write_v to_o church_n than_o to_o particular_a man_n first_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n second_o because_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o call_v not_o that_o her_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n house_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o god_n enemy_n second_o because_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o three_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v therein_o second_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n among_o all_o particular_a church_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o seven_o in_o asia_n no_o doubt_n for_o special_a cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a church_n as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v plain_o show_v second_o that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o long_o before_o have_v be_v foretell_v may_v be_v more_o evident_a for_o here_o the_o jew_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o gentile_n send_v unto_o last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o other_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n whereon_o alâ—_n other_o church_n shall_v depend_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v know_v of_o they_o why_o john_n pass_v by_o it_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n which_o contain_v matter_n needful_a for_o all_o church_n to_o know_v grace_n be_v with_o
church_n for_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n now_o come_v to_o the_o word_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 these_o three_o first_o chapter_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o preface_n and_o a_o vision_n the_o preface_n be_v a_o entrance_n to_o the_o vision_n contain_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o nine_o the_o vision_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o three_o chapter_n the_o preface_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n second_o the_o inscription_n thereof_o the_o title_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n the_o inscription_n from_o the_o four_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n the_o title_n in_o these_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n a_o revelation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o manifestation_n or_o discovery_n of_o thing_n secret_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n revelation_n from_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v show_v three_o way_n first_o by_o dream_n second_o by_o vision_n three_o by_o create_a voice_n of_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num._n 12.6_o 8._o now_o this_o be_v not_o by_o dream_n nor_o by_o vision_n or_o voice_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mix_a revelation_n receive_v partly_o by_o vision_n and_o partly_o by_o voice_n utter_v in_o the_o vision_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o author_n second_o the_o end_n three_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v four_o the_o matter_n five_o the_o instrument_n six_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o seven_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o revelation_n first_o the_o author_n be_v jesus_n christ_n it_o come_v from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v call_v his_o revelation_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o not_o to_o exclude_v the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o show_v the_o special_a office_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n which_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o publish_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o his_o church_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v the_o 3.1_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o â—_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o â—4_n wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n &_o the_o 1._o word_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v difference_n between_o this_o and_o all_o satanical_a revelation_n for_o as_o god_n have_v his_o true_a revelation_n so_o satan_n who_o herein_o may_v be_v call_v god_n ape_n have_v his_o counterfeit_a vision_n and_o deliver_v they_o in_o show_n like_o to_o god_n but_o they_o differ_v much_o first_o the_o devil_n revelation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ambiguous_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o speech_n and_o phrase_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o way_n to_o take_v they_o but_o the_o revelation_n which_o come_v from_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o truth_n who_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n deliver_v second_o the_o devil_n show_v his_o vision_n to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o be_v his_o instrument_n but_o the_o lord_n choose_v the_o godly_a which_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o to_o they_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o devil_n revelation_n evermore_o tend_v to_o set_v up_o and_o uphold_v heresy_n wickedness_n apostasy_n and_o idolatry_n deut._n 13.1_o 2._o but_o these_o that_o come_v from_o god_n serve_v to_o erect_v and_o maintain_v truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n even_o pure_a apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o his_o special_a kingly_a office_n in_o heaven_n for_o be_v ascend_v and_o exalt_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n might_n and_o domination_n and_o there_o do_v direct_v rule_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n upon_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n for_o all_o these_o vision_n serve_v to_o direct_v his_o church_n in_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n whereas_o christ_n jesus_n be_v author_n of_o this_o revelation_n use_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n give_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n we_o may_v observe_v his_o constant_a care_n over_o his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n before_o his_o incarnation_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n such_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o still_o some_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v such_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o now_o behold_v the_o continuance_n or_o rather_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o his_o care_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o beside_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o former_a prophecy_n and_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a will_n by_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v unto_o eternal_a life_n loe_o here_o be_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o this_o worthy_a prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o great_a good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o show_v how_o this_o become_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n namely_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o where_o the_o title_n god_n in_o any_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v oppose_v to_o christ_n there_o it_o import_v the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o sundry_a time_n in_o scripture_n the_o father_n alone_o be_v term_v god_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o the_o other_o person_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o the_o son_n receive_v the_o godhead_n by_o communication_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n receive_v it_o from_o they_o both_o but_o the_o father_n have_v his_o godhead_n of_o himself_o and_o receive_v it_o not_o by_o communication_n from_o any_o other_o here_o some_o will_v say_v this_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o christ_n see_v he_o be_v god_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n of_o himself_o answ._n we_o must_v conceive_v of_o christ_n two_o way_n first_o as_o god_n second_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o father_n give_v he_o nothing_o for_o so_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o the_o same_o with_o the_o father_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v except_v personal_a property_n and_o be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o father_n neither_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o give_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n do_v but_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v mediator_n he_o be_v not_o god_n simple_o but_o god_n incarnate_a or_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n as_o himself_o confess_v all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o matth._n 28.18_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n philip._n 2.9_o he_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v peter_n act._n 2.33_o and_o god_n make_v he_o both_o lord_n and_o christ_n ver_fw-la 36._o and_o so_o god_n give_v he_o this_o revelation_n in_o this_o place_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o make_v christ_n inferior_a to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o receiver_n be_v usual_o inferior_a to_o the_o giver_n answer_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n incarnate_a and_o make_v man_n he_o be_v inferior_a and_o receive_v of_o he_o so_o much_o himself_o confess_v my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o john_n 10.29_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n paul_n call_v god_n the_o father_n the_o head_n of_o christ._n 1._o cor._n 11.6_o and_o as_o christ_n now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n be_v mediator_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o his_o father_n and_o receive_v his_o kingdom_n from_o his_o father_n which_o he_o