many_o water_n that_o insinuate_v that_o this_o description_n respect_v also_o his_o body_n mystical_a which_o be_v a_o multitude_n 7._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n 19_o and_o service_n and_o faith_n the_o true_a church_n then_o in_o thyatira_n be_v in_o oppression_n and_o affliction_n stand_v close_o to_o one_o another_o and_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v one_o another_o and_o support_v one_o another_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o endeavour_v after_o a_o exemplarity_n of_o godliness_n and_o due_a proficiency_n in_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v candidate_n for_o that_o deliverance_n which_o they_o by_o faith_n see_v be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v i_o see_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o patience_n in_o suffer_v imprisonment_n torture_n and_o death_n and_o particular_o in_o give_v up_o yourselves_o as_o a_o oblation_n of_o incense_n to_o the_o fire_n and_o faggot_n in_o such_o number_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o truth_n which_o be_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o interval_n it_o be_v fit_o say_v and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o this_o be_v according_a to_o what_o be_v find_v in_o history_n 8._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v 20._o that_o woman_n jezebel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n etc._n etc._n viz._n the_o papal_a hierarchy_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o under_o colour_n of_o this_o bring_v in_o idolatry_n which_o be_v spiritual_a fornication_n and_o detain_v man_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a mass_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o parallel_v to_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n the_o prophetess_n jezebel_n here_o therefore_o answer_v to_o the_o false_a prophet_n after_o mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n 20._o and_o this_o exprobration_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n of_o permit_v jezebel_n thus_o to_o practise_v her_o deceit_n to_o that_o voice_n of_o the_o angel_n come_v out_o of_o 4._o she_o my_o people_n lest_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o of_o her_o plague_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o solicitation_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n in_o christendom_n such_o as_o discern_v the_o fraud_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o make_v a_o defection_n from_o she_o and_o suffer_v she_o trumperies_fw-fr no_o long_o for_o the_o time_n of_o that_o defection_n now_o draw_v near_o and_o thing_n be_v ripe_a for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o that_o dislike_v the_o condition_n of_o affair_n to_o amend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n for_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o we_o to_o suffer_v those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o help_v or_o redress_v 9_o this_o jezebel_n be_v very_o expressive_a of_o the_o roman_a hierarchy_n if_o we_o recur_n to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n not_o only_o for_o her_o paint_n of_o herself_o which_o be_v notorious_a in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o especial_o in_o this_o interval_n and_o such_o as_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n take_v especial_a notice_n of_o compare_v all_o those_o rich_a and_o gorgeous_a adorn_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o paint_n of_o the_o wrinkle_a face_n of_o a_o harlot_n but_o also_o for_o her_o whoredom_n and_o witchcraft_n as_o it_o be_v note_v 1_o king_n 9_o 22._o what_o peace_n so_o long_o as_o the_o whoredom_n of_o thy_o mother_n jezebel_n and_o her_o witchcraft_n be_v so_o many_o which_o be_v exact_o parallel_v to_o the_o description_n of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o fornication_n and_o abomination_n 17._o of_o the_o earth_n describe_v also_o by_o that_o cup_n of_o sorcery_n in_o her_o hand_n whereby_o she_o intoxicate_a the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o her_o fornication_n and_o whereas_o she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n jezebel_n also_o in_o her_o history_n be_v famous_a for_o murder_v the_o prophet_n 4._o of_o god_n 10._o and_o those_o gross_a wickedness_n commit_v by_o ahab_n who_o do_v very_o abominable_o in_o follow_v idol_n and_o in_o persecute_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n be_v impute_v to_o this_o subtle_a murderous_a whore_n and_o witch_n as_o the_o text_n plain_o declare_v but_o there_o be_v none_o like_o unto_o ahab_n who_o do_v sell_v himself_o to_o work_v 25._o wickedness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o jezebel_n his_o wife_n stir_v up_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o roman_a hierarchy_n according_a as_o both_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o of_o the_o two-horned_n beast_n do_v plain_o signify_v be_v the_o author_n contriver_n and_o instigatour_n unto_o all_o those_o murderous_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n that_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o during_o their_o force_n and_o tyranny_n over_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o christ._n the_o beast_n with_o two_o horn_n exercise_v all_o this_o 13._o power_n before_o the_o beast_n with_o ten_o horn_n or_o rather_o make_v use_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n to_o effect_v all_o their_o devilish_a design_n against_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o jezebel_n write_v letter_n in_o ahab_n name_n and_o seal_v they_o with_o his_o 8._o seal_n the_o church_n get_v the_o stamp_n of_o the_o imperial_a authority_n upon_o all_o the_o wicked_a dogmata_fw-la of_o their_o religion_n and_o idolatrous_a practice_n which_o they_o contrive_v for_o their_o own_o carnal_a advantage_n and_o then_o if_o any_o naboth_n will_v not_o part_v with_o the_o inheritance_n of_o his_o father_n the_o possession_n of_o a_o holy_a righteous_a and_o rational_a conscience_n nor_o profess_v nor_o act_v against_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d against_o those_o native_a truth_n and_o notion_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n that_o have_v not_o do_v violence_n to_o that_o innate_a light_n the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o belly_n he_o 27._o be_v through_o the_o murderous_a contrivance_n of_o this_o strumpet_n jezebel_n false_o accuse_v as_o a_o blasphemer_n of_o god_n 10._o and_o the_o king_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o both_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o secular_a magistrate_n and_o so_o be_v sentence_v to_o death_n and_o death_n come_v by_o these_o wicked_a accusation_n in_o this_o interval_n as_o in_o the_o former_a interval_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v slay_v by_o open_o fight_v in_o the_o field_n thus_o apposite_a be_v the_o allusion_n to_o the_o history_n of_o jezebel_n for_o the_o set_n out_o the_o state_n of_o this_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 11._o nor_o be_v it_o all_o harsh_a thus_o to_o interpret_v a_o vineyard_n to_o so_o spiritual_a a_o sense_n as_o to_o make_v it_o something_o within_o we_o whenas_o both_o philo_n and_o other_o ancient_a interpreter_n have_v interpret_v paradise_n to_o that_o sense_n or_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o other_o also_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o that_o law_n of_o moses_n deut._n 22._o 9_o thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o vineyard_n with_o divers_a seed_n have_v also_o a_o moral_a or_o mystical_a meaning_n and_o be_v a_o precept_n of_o simplicity_n or_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n wherefore_o the_o vineyard_n of_o naboth_n may_v very_o well_o signify_v the_o humane_a will_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v sow_v only_o or_o plant_v with_o such_o notion_n or_o notice_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v from_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v those_o innate_a idea_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o what_o be_v communicate_v far_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o inspire_a man_n or_o be_v more_o immediate_o inspire_v into_o we_o by_o the_o abode_n of_o that_o spirit_n in_o we_o all_o these_o plant_n be_v of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v own_o plant_v and_o no_o other_o seed_n be_v to_o be_v sow_v among_o they_o repugnant_a thereunto_o and_o this_o vineyard_n be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n descend_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v pervert_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o whore_n or_o two-horned_n beast_n or_o by_o the_o eorruption_n also_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o invade_v this_o ancient_a right_n as_o ahab_n have_v to_o get_v into_o his_o possession_n naboth_n
better_a and_o therefore_o very_a few_o there_o be_v that_o will_v either_o attempt_v the_o amend_v of_o their_o own_o life_n or_o the_o encourage_n other_o so_o to_o do_v when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v plain_a according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n will_v have_v a_o most_o glorious_a reign_n upon_o earth_n but_o those_o that_o be_v averse_a from_o this_o belief_n be_v usual_o averse_a also_o from_o believe_v any_o certitude_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o prophecy_n they_o will_v not_o forsooth_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o pretend_v they_o can_v understand_v they_o especial_o such_o as_o either_o chastise_v the_o abominable_a wickedness_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o such_o as_o promise_v time_n transcendent_o better_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n much_o like_o that_o of_o ahaz_n when_o the_o prophet_n bid_v he_o ask_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n but_o he_o good_a modest_a hypocrite_n will_v not_o ask_v a_o sign_n neither_o will_v he_o tempt_v the_o 12._o lord_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o amuse_n nor_o distract_v his_o thought_n nor_o render_v himself_o more_o obnoxious_a by_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o supernatural_a evidence_n against_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o carnal_a mind_n under_o who_o government_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v and_o not_o be_v dissettled_a by_o the_o inlet_n of_o any_o high_a light_n the_o application_n be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a 17._o and_o last_o admit_v the_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o establish_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o grand_a point_n that_o this_o terrestrial_a scene_n will_v have_v a_o end_n and_o that_o at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o christ_n will_v visible_o come_v in_o judgement_n to_o reward_v all_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n that_o he_o will_v judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a according_a to_o the_o orthodox_n sense_n of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o as_o the_o exposition_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o convince_a as_o any_o other_o vision_n in_o the_o whole_a apocalypse_n so_o they_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a and_o reach_v the_o main_a design_n in_o a_o less_o compass_n of_o word_n and_o have_v not_o that_o operosenesse_n of_o synchronism_n necessary_o hang_v on_o they_o as_o the_o other_o have_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o be_v only_o seven_o intervall_n manifest_o succeed_v one_o another_o who_o bound_n so_o far_o as_o thing_n be_v pass_v be_v easy_o determinable_a and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o interval_n of_o sardis_n end_v where_o that_o of_o philadelphia_n begin_v and_o laodicea_n be_v the_o close_a of_o all_o which_o facility_n and_o comprehensiblenesse_n must_v needs_o improve_v the_o usefulnesse_n of_o these_o exposition_n very_o considerable_o and_o there_o want_v nothing_o but_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o name_n to_o be_v add_v for_o the_o easy_a applicability_n of_o the_o event_n to_o each_o interval_n i_o will_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o reader_n brief_o furnish_v they_o that_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n aforehand_o 18._o ephesus_z therefore_o with_o a_o allusion_n to_o the_o greek_a word_n ephesis_fw-la signify_v desire_n the_o first_o move_v principle_n that_o drive_v on_o a_o activity_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o main_a scope_n we_o aim_v at_o but_o with_o a_o allusion_n to_o aphesis_n it_o signisy_n remissness_n for_o which_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v 4._o blame_v or_o else_o allude_v again_o to_o aphesis_n it_o signify_v the_o start_n or_o let_v loose_a the_o racer_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o race_n which_o agree_v very_o fit_o with_o this_o ephesine_n interval_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o providence_n concern_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n smyrna_n signify_v myrrh_n intimate_v the_o bitter_a affliction_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n under_o the_o ten_o pagan_a persecution_n pergamus_n signify_v sublimity_n or_o exaltation_n intimate_v the_o raise_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o her_o former_a deject_a and_o afflict_a condition_n under_o the_o aforesaid_a persecution_n into_o a_o glorious_a triumph_n over_o paganism_n as_o it_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o conquest_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a it_o signify_v also_o or_o prefigure_n the_o enormous_a haughtiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o interval_n thyatira_n in_o allusion_n to_o thygatira_n a_o daughter_n intimate_v the_o more-then-ordinary_a womanishness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o interval_n but_o in_o allusion_n to_o thyateria_n altar_n of_o incense_n or_o sweet_a odour_n it_o signify_v the_o more-then-ordinary_a frequentness_n of_o burn_v the_o bless_a protestant_a martyr_n with_o fire_n and_o faggot_n in_o this_o period_n which_o cruelty_n though_o it_o be_v abominable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a church_n that_o commit_v it_o yet_o the_o suffering_n of_o those_o holy_a martyr_n in_o this_o manner_n out_o of_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a odour_n to_o he_o and_o very_o grateful_o accept_v of_o he_o sardis_n in_o allusion_n to_o sarda_n or_o lapis_fw-la sardius_n the_o same_o that_o carnalina_n signify_v the_o imperfect_a and_o carnal_a condition_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o be_v call_v sardian_n philadelphia_n which_o signify_v charity_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o a_o more_o special_a love_n to_o they_o of_o the_o true_a household_n of_o faith_n intimate_v the_o reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n for_o god_n be_v 16._o love_n and_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o love_n abide_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o this_o be_v that_o illustrious_a reign_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o millenniall_a empire_n of_o love_n when_o the_o christian_a life_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o opinion_n and_o persecution_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o last_o laodicea_n signify_v a_o popular_a political_a or_o externally-legal_a righteousness_n the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o former_a philadelphian_a state_n but_z as_o in_o old_a age_n the_o spirit_n much_o decay_v though_o the_o outward_a figure_n of_o the_o body_n muchwhat_a the_o same_o it_o signify_v also_o the_o arraign_v and_o judgeing_a of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a because_o this_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v at_o the_o close_a of_o this_o laodicean_n interval_n 19_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n reckon_v always_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o that_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o answer_v exact_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n both_o to_o these_o name_n in_o this_o order_n they_o be_v reckon_v and_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n as_o they_o be_v orderly_o describe_v in_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o they_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o extreme_o refractory_a especial_o if_o you_o add_v the_o certainty_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o these_o epistle_n as_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o ensue_a book_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o our_o exposition_n be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o so_o easy_a and_o comprehensible_a and_o therefore_o of_o a_o universal_a usefulnesse_n as_o well_o to_o the_o illiterate_a as_o the_o learned_a which_o i_o hope_v reader_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o the_o author_n that_o he_o have_v either_o invite_v thou_o to_o the_o pain_n of_o read_v or_o give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o compile_v this_o present_a treatise_n farewell_n a_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n from_o he_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v siracides_n ch._n 59_o he_o that_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o be_v occupy_v in_o the_o meditation_n thereof_o will_v seek_v out_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n and_o be_v occupy_v in_o prophecy_n a_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n chap._n i._n a_o preparation_n towards_o the_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o seven_o
epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n 1._o we_o shall_v first_o premise_v that_o as_o those_o two_o follow_a prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o of_o the_o open_a book_n reach_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n so_o this_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n reach_v also_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o seem_v congruous_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o vision_n itself_o and_o from_o the_o follow_a example_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o the_o open_a book_n we_o shall_v premise_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o as_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a that_o four_o of_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n be_v direct_o significant_a of_o some_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n smyrna_n pergamus_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n so_o it_o be_v exceed_o credible_a that_o the_o other_o three_o name_n may_v allude_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v set_v out_o their_o nature_n and_o condition_n also_o viz._n ephesus_n thyatira_n and_o sardis_n as_o we_o shall_v take_v more_o express_a notice_n in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o exposition_n last_o which_o may_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_a have_v be_v note_v at_o first_o this_o more_o mystical_a sense_n which_o we_o be_v now_o a-rendring_a of_o the_o seven_o church_n do_v not_o at_o all_o clash_n with_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o nor_o exclude_v that_o useful_a applicability_n of_o they_o for_o the_o reproof_n or_o praise_n of_o any_o church_n particular_a in_o any_o time_n or_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o be_v for_o the_o like_a thing_n obnoxious_a or_o commendable_a but_o the_o distinct_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o watchfulness_n and_o foresight_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n may_v haply_o be_v more_o illustrate_v and_o display_v by_o this_o mystical_a way_n of_o exposition_n then_o by_o that_o literal_a or_o moral_a 2._o we_o will_v therefore_o distinguish_v the_o whole_a duration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o also_o the_o other_o prophecy_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n seem_v chief_o to_o regard_v into_o seven_o intervall_n and_o will_v suppose_v the_o first_o interval_n to_o end_v where_o the_o second_o begin_v viz._n in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o nero_n or_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 63._o 3._o which_o period_n therefore_o of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n end_v so_o early_o even_o about_o thirty_o year_n before_o st._n john_n writing_n the_o apocalypse_n agree_v excellent_o well_o with_o that_o passage_n ch._n 1._o v._n 18_o 19_o where_o after_o christ_n declare_v himself_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o as_o before_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o be_v call_v he_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v and_o his_o mention_v his_o own_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o how_o that_o he_o will_v be_v alive_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o present_o infer_v write_v therefore_o what_o thing_n thou_o have_v see_v what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o thing_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o which_o he_o express_o and_o immediate_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n ver_fw-la 20._o which_o be_v worth_a the_o note_n what_o thing_n thou_o have_v see_v already_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o life_n past_a namely_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n what_o thing_n be_v now_o present_a viz._n the_o smyrnian_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o thou_o be_v and_o tast_a of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o in_o this_o thy_o exile_n here_o in_o patmos_n for_o the_o ten_o persecution_n be_v then_o already_o begin_v and_o john_n be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o they_o and_o what_o thing_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o namely_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o period_n of_o the_o smyrnian_a church_n and_o in_o the_o period_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n succeed_v and_o questionless_a the_o vision_n of_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o â—â—_o white_a horse_n respect_v what_o be_v then_o past_a namely_o christ_n first_o warfare_n upon_o his_o conquest_n of_o death_n and_o his_o be_v mount_v into_o his_o glorify_v body_n who_o after_o from_o on_o high_a send_v down_o succour_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o assisted_z and_o and_o manage_v that_o illustrious_a battle_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o apostolic_a time_n so_o successful_o and_o glorious_o that_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o within_o the_o space_n of_o the_o ephesine_n period_n 4._o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o scruple_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n represent_v a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n past_a but_o only_o that_o it_o seem_v improper_a to_o direct_v a_o epistle_n to_o a_o church_n then_o out_o of_o be_v but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n with_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v seven_o successive_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n for_o make_v the_o exitus_fw-la of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n reach_n beyond_o s._n john_n time_n suppose_v to_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 100_o or_o thereabouts_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n will_v be_v write_v to_o church_n not_o yet_o in_o be_v and_o some_o many_o hundred_o nay_o thousand_o of_o year_n ere_o they_o shall_v be_v which_o yet_o they_o must_v not_o count_v absurd_a 5._o the_o brief_a account_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o drive_v on_o two_o main_a design_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n at_o once_o the_o one_o most_o effectual_o to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v the_o church_n to_o do_v well_o to_o stick_v to_o truth_n and_o holiness_n through_o all_o the_o trial_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n as_o also_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o whether_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n idolatry_n sensuality_n or_o whatever_o remissness_n in_o manner_n for_o which_o design_n this_o epistolar_n way_n be_v exceed_o accommodate_v it_o bear_v the_o form_n of_o personal_o speak_v to_o people_n and_o so_o the_o more_o forcible_o make_v they_o take_v notice_n in_o a_o manner_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o of_o what_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o the_o other_o design_n and_o that_o so_o lay_v as_o not_o to_o forego_v the_o former_a advantage_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o foresight_n to_o show_v how_o all_o thing_n lie_v bare_a before_o his_o eye_n in_o such_o order_n and_o succession_n as_o they_o be_v in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n that_o former_a design_n be_v plain_o pursue_v and_o attain_v understand_v they_o direct_v to_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n then_o in_o be_v and_o in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n in_o the_o moral_a sense_n these_o epistle_n i_o say_v be_v so_o applicable_a to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o age_n thereof_o place_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_a circumstance_n of_o condition_n with_o these_o asiatic_a church_n this_o epistolar_n way_n will_v have_v a_o considerable_a efficacy_n and_o influence_n upon_o they_o for_o either_o animation_n or_o reproof_n 6._o but_o now_o the_o great_a question_n be_v why_o the_o prophetical_a design_n discoverable_a in_o the_o mystical_a interpretation_n shall_v have_v be_v couch_v in_o this_o epistolar_n way_n especial_o the_o epistle_n to_o ephesus_n be_v write_v after_o the_o ephesine_n period_n be_v expire_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o prophetical_a design_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o ephesine_n church_n in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n but_o for_o future_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v take_v in_o only_a to_o make_v up_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o several_a distinct_a state_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o but_o this_o epistolar_n way_n be_v still_o retain_v in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o usefulness_n it_o have_v in_o the_o literal_a to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n then_o real_o in_o be_v for_o so_o soon_o as_o any_o of_o these_o letter_n by_o this_o mystical_a sense_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o successive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o now_o for_o example_n as_o will_v appear_v anon_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o protestant_a church_n or_o reform_a christendom_n this_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n
ought_v to_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o sardis_n be_v in_o asia_n minor_fw-la and_o this_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v once_o understand_v it_o will_v be_v of_o the_o like_a usefulness_n to_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n especial_o and_o also_o to_o the_o laodicean_n wherefore_o the_o objection_n be_v but_o small_a consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o epistolar_n way_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o the_o mystical_a for_o as_o in_o a_o entire_a vision_n where_o the_o beginning_n be_v touch_v something_o past_a or_o present_a all_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o prophetical_a though_o that_o part_n that_o respect_v thing_n past_a be_v but_o historical_a representation_n so_o in_o this_o entire_a epistolar_n vision_n though_o the_o first_o part_n be_v epistolar_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o historical_a representation_n exhibit_v time_n and_o person_n past_a as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a to_o be_v write_v to_o and_o that_o for_o uniformity_n sake_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n as_o what_o be_v pass_v in_o history_n under_o the_o form_n of_o prophetical_a vision_n as_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n which_o be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n though_o the_o representation_n be_v of_o what_o be_v partly_o past_a and_o partly_o present_a but_o what_o be_v to_o come_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o vision_n prophetical_a but_o now_o beside_o all_o this_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n there_o be_v then_o a_o church_n in_o ephesus_n when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o it_o and_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n it_o be_v applicable_a to_o any_o church_n that_o do_v ephesize_n in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o at_o any_o time_n the_o objection_n in_o my_o judgement_n have_v melt_v into_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o exception_n we_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o place_v the_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o ephesine_n succession_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n reign_n and_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o till_o then_o let_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o title_n of_o ephesus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o about_o three_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n after_o christ_n under_o the_o name_n of_o smyrna_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o albigenses_n and_o waldenses_n let_v she_o be_v the_o church_n dwell_v in_o pergamus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o whole_a nation_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n let_v the_o same_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o thyatira_n from_o that_o time_n protestantisme_n become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n till_o the_o last_o vial_n let_v this_o church_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n from_o that_o time_n till_o the_o four_o thunder_n let_v it_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o philadelphia_n 38._o from_o the_o four_o thunder_n till_o christ_n come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o cloud_n let_v the_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o laodicea_n these_o be_v the_o seven_o interval_n which_o how_o well_o they_o will_v fit_v with_o the_o title_n of_o these_o distinct_a successive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o vision_n i_o will_v anon_o endeavour_v to_o unfold_v chap._n ii_o a_o far_a preparation_n out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n whereby_o this_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v more_o clear_o assure_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o prophetical_a or_o mystical_a sense_n we_o will_v first_o make_v some_o far_a remark_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypso_n where_o we_o will_v make_v only_o this_o one_o modest_a supposition_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v down_o nothing_o immethodical_o nor_o in_o vain_a or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o vain_o immethodicall_a wherefore_o upon_o the_o very_a first_o verse_n which_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o 1._o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v some_o short_o and_o other_o some_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n as_o all_o interpreter_n agree_v i_o can_v but_o note_v this_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v but_o respicere_fw-la titulum_fw-la as_o most_o certain_o he_o will_v he_o will_v set_v down_o no_o entire_a vision_n as_o this_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v but_o they_o must_v in_o the_o main_n be_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o of_o thing_n present_v mere_o and_o not_o hide_v but_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o mention_v be_v to_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o something_o far_o must_v be_v mean_v by_o they_o then_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v not_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o title_n require_v but_o only_o of_o thing_n present_a or_o some_o promise_n or_o threaten_n that_o do_v not_o proper_o amount_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n no_o more_o than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n for_o 3._o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n this_o again_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o book_n be_v all_o of_o it_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o entire_a vision_n thereof_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n which_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o mere_a promise_n and_o threaten_n can_v make_v it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v those_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v adjoin_v and_o though_o the_o several_a state_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n may_v be_v applicable_a to_o several_a state_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o after-age_n in_o christendom_n l_o yet_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v in_o this_o literal_a sense_n by_o way_n of_o prediction_n but_o of_o example_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n of_o pious_a or_o impious_a action_n which_o repeated_o happen_v in_o all_o history_n whence_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o then_o thus_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n can_v be_v deem_v any_o prophecy_n and_o therefore_o be_v heterogeneous_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o title_n of_o the_o book_n 3._o but_o upon_o the_o so_o express_o call_v 4._o this_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n for_o john_n to_o salute_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n with_o this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v methinks_v it_o do_v even_o forcible_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o he_o so_o immediate_o fall_v upon_o be_v a_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o title_n immediate_o mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n beside_o that_o the_o description_n of_o the_o party_n in_o who_o name_n he_o salute_v they_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v do_v very_o natural_o insinuate_v that_o he_o be_v treat_v of_o what_o reach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o late_a age_n thereof_o which_o he_o insist_o more_o upon_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n behold_v he_o come_v 7._o with_o the_o cloud_n this_o reach_v the_o last_o period_n of_o laodicea_n when_o god_n will_v judge_v all_o people_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o also_o which_o pierce_v he_o and_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v because_o of_o he_o for_o the_o earth_n shall_v then_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o the_o work_v thereof_o even_o so_o amen_n this_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o the_o seven_o thunder_n in_o that_o dark_a hollow_a dungeon_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n let_v the_o son_n of_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n conceit_n what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n wherefore_o the_o mind_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v carry_v out_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a age_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o according_a as_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o 8._o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a that_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o reach_v from_o one_o end_n to_o another_o mighty_o and_o sweet_o order_v all_o thing_n this_o methinks_v strong_o insinuate_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o
church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o of_o the_o open_a book_n reach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o consideration_n be_v so_o repeat_v to_o we_o that_o certain_o it_o must_v not_o stand_v for_o nought_o but_o be_v to_o give_v infallible_a aim_n at_o a_o high_a meaning_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n then_o we_o be_v at_o first_o ware_n of_o for_o the_o summary_n of_o the_o vision_n before_o he_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n begin_v and_o end_v with_o this_o v_o 11._o and_o 18._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n which_o undoubted_o respect_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o final_a sentence_n under_o the_o seven_o thunder_n 5._o but_o there_o be_v first_o this_o not_o able_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o 10._o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n this_o pompous_a entrance_n with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n into_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n with_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n come_v up_o so_o near_o to_o that_o splendid_a preamble_n to_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n that_o any_o sagacious_a man_n can_v but_o suspect_v that_o both_o the_o vision_n be_v of_o like_a extent_n and_o importance_n and_o not_o of_o such_o private_a concern_v as_o mere_o to_o respect_v those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o both_o these_o vision_n there_o be_v the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o standing_z or_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o the_o latter_a sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n and_o both_o these_o preamble_n to_o the_o future_a vision_n usher_v in_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n wherefore_o the_o pomp_n be_v equal_a the_o concern_v of_o each_o vision_n in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v equal_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o pomp_n before_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v design_v as_o a_o fair_a frontispiece_n to_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o prophecy_n because_o at_o least_o as_o splendid_a a_o frontispiece_n be_v again_o erect_v before_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n wherefore_o that_o former_a be_v entire_o intend_v for_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o therefore_o portend_v some_o mighty_a concern_v mystery_n therein_o and_o such_o as_o the_o present_a affair_n of_o those_o seven_o particular_a church_n in_o asia_n can_v not_o reach_v nor_o exhaust_v but_o we_o proceed_v 6._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o what_o thou_o 11._o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n here_o again_o immediate_o before_o his_o send_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n he_o display_v those_o title_n of_o himself_o that_o least_o of_o all_o suit_n with_o the_o small_a continuance_n of_o those_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n endure_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o upon_o which_o therefore_o i_o can_v doubt_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v his_o eye_n at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o the_o mystery_n understand_v by_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n divide_v into_o seven_o successive_a intervall_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o petrus_n galatinus_n for_o indeed_o in_o all_o reason_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o grand_a mystery_n underneath_o why_o shall_v only_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v write_v to_o when_o there_o be_v other_o many_o other_o either_o there_o or_o at_o least_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o likelihood_n as_o notorious_a for_o either_o the_o fault_n the_o virtue_n or_o the_o suffering_n that_o be_v note_v in_o these_o 7._o you_o will_v say_v haply_o that_o asia_n minor_a be_v the_o special_a diocese_n as_o it_o be_v of_o s._n john_n but_o they_o that_o answer_v thus_o forget_v that_o john_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o these_o vision_n and_o write_v no_o otherwise_o then_o he_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v certain_o other_o church_n in_o asia_n beside_o these_o seven_o why_o therefore_o just_a seven_n and_o why_o these_o but_o that_o seven_o signify_v universality_n be_v obvious_a in_o the_o prophetic_a style_n therefore_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o it_o be_v much_o that_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n minor_a shall_v be_v thus_o careful_o salute_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o as_o if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o proverb_n that_o kiss_v go_v by_o favour_n whenas_o yet_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n as_o i_o intimate_v before_o 8._o but_o you_o will_v far_o urge_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o make_v it_o any_o more_o than_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n unless_o asia_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o appellative_a which_o consideration_n will_v put_v a_o bar_n to_o all_o attempt_n for_o any_o mystical_a interpretation_n so_o that_o we_o must_v necessary_o rest_v in_o the_o literal_a but_o hugo_n grotius_n who_o interprete_v all_o the_o church_n also_o mystical_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o name_n yet_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o allusive_a signification_n in_o the_o word_n asia_n so_o that_o in_o this_o learned_a man_n judgement_n that_o sequel_n be_v not_o so_o firm_a but_o beside_o though_o i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o play_v with_o word_n more_o than_o needs_o must_v i_o think_v it_o not_o hard_a to_o find_v out_o a_o allusive_a signification_n apposite_a enough_o in_o the_o name_n of_o asia_n to_o the_o mystical_a sense_n intend_v for_o both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o former_a signify_v fundamentum_fw-la the_o latter_a actio_fw-la or_o effectio_fw-la as_o to_o their_o paronomasticall_a sound_n be_v as_o near_o asia_n as_o the_o nice_a critical_a ear_n can_v require_v in_o these_o case_n and_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o both_o it_o be_v extreme_o accommodate_v to_o the_o present_a purpose_n for_o than_o will_v this_o superscription_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n either_o signify_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v that_o keep_v to_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n or_o else_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v these_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o they_o with_o a_o intend_a censure_n of_o their_o action_n and_o it_o be_v say_v express_o by_o the_o logician_n touch_v the_o topick_n of_o effect_n and_o action_n huius_fw-la loci_fw-la sunt_fw-la laudes_fw-la &_o vituperationes_fw-la upon_o which_o all_o these_o 9_o epistle_n altogether_o run_v and_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n begin_v every_o epistle_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o nothing_o repugnant_a thereunto_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o our_o interpretation_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o s._n john_n though_o write_v in_o greek_a shall_v himself_n be_v a_o jew_n make_v a_o allusion_n to_o hebrew_n word_n nor_o be_v it_o without_o example_n for_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n do_v plain_o in_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o greek_a text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d allude_v to_o the_o hebrew_n 22._o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o hide_v as_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 9_o these_o verbal_a allusion_n be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o prophetic_a style_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n far_o to_o take_v notice_n thereof_o nor_o any_o doubt_n i_o think_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o comprehensive_a and_o majestic_a salute_v only_o seven_o particular_a church_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o with_o such_o pompous_a circumstance_n nor_o when_o he_o have_v begin_v so_o magnificent_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o so_o express_o entitle_v it_o so_o that_o he_o will_v immediate_o afterward_o as_o if_o he_o
have_v forget_v what_o he_o be_v about_o bring_v in_o a_o large_a vision_n consist_v of_o seven_o part_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o prophetical_a but_o only_o the_o reproof_n or_o praise_n the_o commination_n or_o promise_n to_o a_o few_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o steady_a order_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n especial_o in_o this_o book_n than_o which_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o accurate_o write_v 10._o and_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n 16._o seven_o star_n methinks_v it_o be_v extreme_o harsh_a to_o conceit_n that_o these_o seven_o star_n be_v mere_o the_o seven_o bishop_n of_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n of_o asia_n as_o if_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o support_v nor_o guide_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n but_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o his_o left_a such_o high_a representation_n can_v be_v appropriate_v to_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o but_o seven_o must_v signify_v all_o in_o both_o coexistence_n and_o in_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o sense_n worthy_a so_o sublime_a a_o book_n as_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o septenaries_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n they_o signify_v a_o entire_a succession_n of_o some_o seven_o thing_n or_o other_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o represent_v 11._o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n 20._o of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o same_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n though_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n these_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v easy_o applicable_a to_o those_o particular_a seven_o church_n of_o asia_n above_o specify_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o he_o not_o call_v they_o here_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o seven_o church_n in_o general_a it_o be_v a_o invitation_n to_o the_o search_v out_o some_o more_o large_a prophetical_a sense_n such_o as_o we_o drive_v at_o as_o also_o in_o that_o he_o say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n at_o large_a and_o not_o of_o asia_n nor_o name_v the_o church_n by_o name_n but_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o call_v they_o angel_n in_o stead_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n for_o he_o continue_v so_o in_o the_o prophetical_a style_n proper_a to_o this_o book_n that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v also_o a_o prophetical_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o a_o literal_a or_o rather_o that_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o be_v most_o chief_o of_o all_o intend_a 12._o all_o these_o intimation_n put_v togegether_o out_o of_o this_o first_o chapter_n towards_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v that_o force_n with_o i_o that_o though_o i_o can_v not_o myself_o produce_v such_o a_o continue_a mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n which_o will_v be_v all_o along_o easy_a and_o natural_a yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o reach_v it_o but_o if_o i_o have_v through_o the_o divine_a assistence_n light_n on_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v both_o continual_o coherent_a important_a and_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o prophetical_a style_n i_o hope_v this_o preparation_n will_v even_o extort_v the_o belief_n thereof_o from_o the_o reader_n but_o such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v now_o present_v to_o his_o view_n chap._n iii_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesine_n church_n 1._o it_o be_v intimate_v out_o of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n by_o name_n be_v a_o fair_a invitation_n to_o we_o to_o suspect_v a_o more_o large_a and_o release_v sense_n of_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o indeed_o this_o releasement_n be_v more_o free_a in_o the_o greek_a copy_n then_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n 20._o which_o thou_o see_v be_v seven_o church_n not_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n one_o may_v be_v prone_a to_o imagine_v to_o be_v none_o other_o than_o those_o situate_a in_o asia_n minor_fw-la but_o this_o division_n of_o the_o church_n into_o seven_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v rather_o distributio_fw-la ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la then_o è_fw-la subjectis_fw-la the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o its_o succession_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n be_v cast_v into_o seven_o intervall_n according_a to_o seven_o notorious_a qualification_n or_o condition_n thereof_o for_o so_o we_o say_v the_o primitive_a church_n the_o apostatise_v church_n the_o reform_a church_n etc._n etc._n denote_v not_o their_o place_n but_o rather_o their_o time_n and_o quality_n which_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o prophetic_a style_n if_o it_o be_v to_o express_v they_o will_v exhibit_v as_o so_o many_o church_n distinct_o situate_a 2._o but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v far_a to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a these_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n do_v also_o fair_o quit_v the_o mystical_a interpreter_n of_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o name_n it_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o i_o think_v worth_a the_o note_n tâ—â—â—_n all_o pretence_n of_o cavil_v may_v be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o may_v haply_o prove_v less_o satisfy_v with_o our_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o greek_a name_n from_o a_o hebrew_n allusion_n though_o their_o cavil_v to_o the_o more_o judicious_a i_o hope_v will_v seem_v altogether_o groundless_a 3._o nor_o last_o do_v the_o return_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n by_o name_n in_o these_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o determine_v the_o vision_n sole_o and_o adequate_o to_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n topical_o understand_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o church_n at_o least_o by_o a_o easy_a allusion_n have_v a_o appellative_a signification_n and_o manifest_o denote_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o exposition_n 4._o first_o therefore_o of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o christ_n salute_v after_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o 1._o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o by_o angel_n according_a to_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n all_o the_o agent_n under_o their_o presidency_n be_v represent_v or_o insinuate_v i_o have_v already_o note_v and_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_a and_o obvious_a in_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o none_o that_o be_v verse_v therein_o can_v any_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o wherefore_o christ_n his_o writing_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n be_v his_o writing_n to_o all_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o christian_n in_o this_o first_o apostolical_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o particular_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o this_o church_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n thereof_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o they_o under_o the_o character_n of_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o sense_n strip_v of_o this_o prophetical_a pomp_n be_v that_o i_o be_o he_o that_o support_v all_o my_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o all_o that_o labour_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o kingdom_n from_o this_o time_n for_o ever_o i_o be_o present_a with_o they_o and_o uphold_v they_o as_o he_o say_v at_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 20._o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o walk_v through_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o golden_a
stage_n but_z if_o thou_o strive_v so_o as_o to_o get_v the_o victory_n in_o the_o way_n i_o have_v instruct_v thou_o i_o will_v translate_v thou_o to_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n most_o natural_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v where_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o and_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o my_o father_n as_o i_o 29._o after_o i_o have_v overcome_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n into_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n and_o there_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o encumbrance_n the_o pleasure_n and_o enticement_n of_o this_o low_a world_n will_v i_o cause_v to_o sit_v down_o with_o i_o in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o monition_n be_v the_o more_o seasonable_a by_o how_o much_o more_o near_o the_o approach_n of_o that_o great_a day_n be_v for_o i_o shall_v come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o very_a next_o thunder_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o 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as_o if_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n immediate_o precede_v it_o be_v not_o political_a or_o prophetical_a enough_o but_o mere_o theological_a the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o therefore_o be_v against_o our_o profess_a rule_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n after_o this_o life_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n be_v mere_o a_o theogicall_a promise_n and_o of_o a_o thing_n more_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v see_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o earth_n yet_o this_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o general_a day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o that_o great_a and_o visible_a assize_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v appear_v in_o glorify_v body_n may_v well_o be_v range_v in_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o promise_v immediate_o precede_v the_o epiphonemata_fw-la of_o each_o epistle_n and_o to_o be_v accomplish_v visible_o in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o as_o christ_n after_o his_o suffering_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n ascend_v visible_o into_o heaven_n for_o heaven_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o heaven_n become_v also_o christ_n throne_n so_o those_o of_o laodicea_n who_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o their_o lust_n shall_v attain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o life_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v ascend_v visible_o into_o christ_n throne_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v leave_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o inferior_a region_n of_o the_o air_n sentence_v to_o that_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o such_o as_o the_o place_n of_o the_o epiphonema_n require_v and_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n no_o mean_a ratification_n of_o the_o true_a and_o literal_a sense_n of_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n touch_v the_o visible_a resurrection_n and_o glorification_n of_o our_o body_n and_o their_o ascension_n into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n against_o such_o as_o will_v whiffle_v away_o all_o these_o truth_n by_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o mere_a moral_a allegory_n thus_o consonant_a every_o way_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o epistle_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o apostolic_a truth_n chap._n x._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o main_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o way_n of_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n touch_v the_o say_a epistle_n and_o their_o circumstance_n otherwise_o hardly_o or_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v solve_v 1._o as_o in_o natural_a hypothesis_n those_o be_v account_v true_a that_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n the_o most_o natural_o and_o easy_o and_o especial_o if_o such_o as_o be_v no_o otherwise_o solvible_a then_o upon_o the_o propose_a hypothesis_n so_o that_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n i_o mean_v especial_o of_o any_o considerable_a portion_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v true_a that_o can_v solve_v the_o most_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v the_o same_o or_o the_o context_n precedent_n or_o subsequent_a thereto_o and_o if_o all_o still_o the_o more_o certain_a and_o if_o unsolvible_a otherwise_o there_o be_v still_o the_o more_o assurance_n of_o undeniable_a demonstration_n now_o how_o near_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o these_o epistle_n approach_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o case_n i_o will_v leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v after_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o question_n easy_o raise_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o or_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n and_o not_o easy_o answer_v nor_o at_o all_o satisfactory_o at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o hypothesis_n we_o have_v go_v 2._o as_o first_o if_o a_o man_n inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n after_o he_o have_v so_o express_o give_v notice_n that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o call_v it_o plain_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n 3._o shall_v start_v so_o unexpected_o from_o the_o title_n and_o intend_a subject_n as_o to_o write_v no_o less_o than_o seven_o epistle_n to_o certain_a church_n that_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a of_o prophecy_n in_o they_o before_o he_o deliver_v any_o prophecy_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o only_o promise_v and_o commination_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v this_o with_o as_o great_a pomp_n and_o as_o high_a a_o preamble_n as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o begin_v so_o famous_a prophecy_n as_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o the_o open_a book_n but_o according_a to_o our_o hypothesis_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a viz._n that_o though_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v a_o literal_a sense_n yet_o they_o be_v also_o a_o parable_n or_o prophecy_n and_o of_o as_o high_a concern_v for_o both_o matter_n and_o extent_n of_o time_n they_o reach_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o open_a book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o great_a pomp_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o notice_n thereof_o second_o a_o man_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n dictate_v letter_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o the_o church_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o africa_n for_o certain_o the_o church_n have_v disspr_v itself_o into_o all_o these_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o time_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o respecter_n of_o person_n for_o these_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n of_o john_n but_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o our_o answer_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n that_o for_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o word_n asia_n to_o comport_v also_o with_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n asia_n alone_o be_v pitch_v upon_o but_o according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v write_v unto_o under_o such_o distinct_a condition_n as_o she_o be_v to_o vary_v into_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n nor_o acception_n of_o person_n in_o this_o three_o if_o a_o man_n demand_v touch_v the_o order_n or_o precedency_n of_o these_o seven_o
church_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o what_o a_o plain_a and_o manifest_a account_n be_v there_o to_o he_o that_o compare_v the_o epistle_n in_o their_o prophetical_a sense_n with_o the_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n lie_v in_o that_o order_n that_o these_o church_n be_v range_v this_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n and_o worthy_a the_o spirit_n that_o write_v these_o epistle_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v range_v in_o this_o order_n because_o that_o a_o letter-carrier_n go_v from_o patmos_n his_o first_o journey_n will_v be_v to_o ephesus_n and_o then_o to_o smyrna_n and_o so_o in_o order_n till_o he_o come_v to_o laodicea_n whether_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o prophecy_n regard_v that_o in_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o letter_n though_o alcazar_n the_o jesuit_n be_v for_o it_o i_o can_v but_o suspend_v my_o judgement_n and_o that_o not_o without_o a_o smile_n but_o of_o this_o ataxy_n more_o particular_o anon_o 3._o four_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o just_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v write_v to_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o especial_o that_o in_o thyatira_n according_a to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o epiphanius_n be_v than_o not_o found_v but_o after_o the_o write_n of_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n for_o to_o say_v this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n affect_v the_o number_n seven_o and_o that_o because_o it_o run_v upon_o the_o number_n seven_o altogether_o in_o the_o ensue_a part_n of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v prophetical_a it_o therefore_o for_o conformity_n sake_n choose_v this_o number_n in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n though_o literal_o understand_v seem_v but_o a_o meager_a mean_a and_o trifle_a account_n a_o design_n unworthy_a the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o dictate_v this_o book_n but_o the_o use_v this_o number_n seven_o all_o over_o be_v rather_o a_o intimation_n that_o the_o book_n be_v prophetical_a all_o over_o and_o that_o these_o epistle_n be_v also_o a_o prophecy_n according_o as_o we_o have_v explain_v they_o and_o take_v they_o so_o the_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a viz._n the_o number_n seven_n be_v here_o choose_v out_o as_o symbolical_a it_o be_v the_o note_n of_o universality_n whence_o the_o pythagorean_n as_o i_o above_o note_v call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o seven_o and_o no_o more_o than_o seven_o church_n be_v write_v unto_o as_o stand_v for_o the_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o five_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o seven_o church_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n may_v have_v the_o same_o virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o these_o be_v commend_v and_o tax_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v write_v in_o the_o very_a notation_n of_o their_o name_n every_o name_n be_v significative_a of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o that_o successive_a interval_n of_o time_n that_o this_o or_o that_o church_n so_o name_v stand_v for_o and_o in_o such_o order_n as_o they_o be_v repeat_v six_o if_o one_o require_v a_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o sardis_n why_o the_o same_o description_n in_o both_o or_o why_o in_o either_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o peculiar_a reason_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n already_o declare_v it_o be_v obvious_a for_o the_o seven_o star_n signify_v all_o the_o pastor_n whether_o in_o present_a existence_n or_o succession_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o beginning-state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o very_o seasonable_a and_o methodical_a to_o represent_v the_o first_o founder_n sustainer_n and_o continuer_n thereof_o by_o this_o emblem_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o again_o be_v hint_v at_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v with_o evident_a proportion_n and_o analogy_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n there_o represent_v for_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n again_o or_o the_o emerge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n 4._o seven_o why_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v commend_v for_o their_o try_v false_a apostle_n why_o may_v not_o other_o church_n be_v attaque_v by_o they_o and_o also_o discover_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o solution_n of_o which_o problem_n be_v easy_a in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o epistle_n that_o place_n the_o ephesine_n interval_n within_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n of_o they_o eight_o if_o any_o one_o demand_n why_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v 11._o give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o again_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v by_o the_o second_o death_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v any_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o this_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n where_o there_o be_v kill_v for_o religion_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o martyr_n antipas_n ay_o but_o there_o be_v no_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n there_o in_o any_o peculiar_a sense_n but_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a crown_n be_v give_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n under_o the_o ten_o persecution_n to_o who_o also_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n belong_v which_o be_v here_o oblique_o glance_v at_o according_a to_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n that_o love_v to_o hint_n thing_n by_o ellipse_n in_o that_o promise_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v by_o 6._o the_o second_o death_n imply_v thereby_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n nine_o if_o any_o one_o will_v again_o object_v more_o particular_o against_o the_o ataxy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v range_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n nor_o congeneracy_n of_o their_o condition_n pretend_v that_o it_o have_v be_v far_o better_a to_o have_v join_v the_o two_o irreprehensible_a church_n together_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n at_o all_o and_o than_o ephesus_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n of_o eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o afterward_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n in_o which_o church_n alone_o there_o be_v if_o any_o one_o i_o say_v contend_v that_o this_o method_n have_v be_v more_o exact_a true_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o frame_v a_o handsome_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n especial_o if_o he_o urge_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o method_n as_o well_o as_o the_o god_n of_o order_n but_o in_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o answer_n be_v solid_a and_o exquisite_a and_o muchwhat_a the_o same_o that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o like_a difficulty_n more_o general_o propound_v before_o namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v name_v in_o that_o order_n the_o successive_a intervall_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o of_o which_o these_o asiatic_a church_n be_v but_o the_o symbol_n or_o hieroglyphic_n and_o therefore_o those_o two_o intervall_n of_o time_n which_o take_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n viz._n the_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o of_o thyatira_n must_v come_v after_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n because_o till_o the_o expiration_n of_o those_o two_o intervall_n idolatry_n have_v not_o again_o reentered_n the_o apostatise_v church_n and_o the_o three_o follow_a intervall_n of_o sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n be_v the_o intervall_n of_o the_o true_a church_n elapse_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o domineer_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o we_o hear_v no_o more_o in_o they_o of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n nor_o of_o any_o jezabel_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o the_o most_o glorious_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o appear_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v name_v according_a to_o her_o dignity_n but_o according_a to_o her_o succession_n in_o time_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o she_o be_v here_o range_v but_o of_o this_o more_o than_o enough_o because_o we_o have_v
touch_v of_o it_o in_o the_o general_n before_o 5._o ten_o why_o be_v christ_n in_o his_o description_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n set_v out_o by_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n coming_z suppose_v 12._o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n according_a to_o the_o ellipticalnesse_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n what_o reason_n in_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o for_o especial_o if_o this_o supplement_n be_v make_v it_o can_v respect_v the_o slay_v of_o antipas_n with_o the_o sword_n what_o peculiar_a thing_n then_o in_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v there_o to_o require_v this_o description_n true_o nothing_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o the_o letter_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n it_o be_v very_o proper_a the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n in_o this_o interval_n assault_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o defend_v themselves_o and_o their_o pure_a faith_n so_o signal_o by_o this_o weapon_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o themselves_o die_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n by_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o faith_n they_o thus_o defend_v and_o in_o the_o eleven_o place_n the_o description_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n as_o if_o they_o burn_v 18._o in_o a_o furnace_n for_o that_o supplement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v out_o of_o his_o description_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n as_o before_o but_o now_o what_o peculiar_a significancy_n have_v this_o description_n or_o what_o congruity_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n literal_o understand_v sure_o none_o but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n it_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o those_o low_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n of_o their_o invincible_a zeal_n and_o patience_n and_o sincerity_n of_o affection_n such_o as_o do_v abide_v the_o most_o fiery_a trial_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o stand_v at_o the_o stake_n among_o burn_a faggot_n with_o the_o flame_n about_o their_o ear_n and_o never_o flinch_v for_o it_o as_o have_v be_v note_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o epistle_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n twelve_o in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o enigmatical_a involution_n and_o cover_n upon_o cover_n where_o he_o call_v the_o church_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n star_n and_o angel_n even_o then_o when_o he_o interpret_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v more_o plain_a that_o the_o same_o author_n shall_v so_o open_o and_o plain_o mention_v any_o one_o by_o name_n as_o he_o do_v the_o martyr_n antipas_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o far_a mystery_n in_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hardly_o to_o be_v digest_v by_o the_o more_o sagacious_a and_o curious_a i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o this_o name_n antipas_n by_o name_n till_o i_o understand_v a_o far_a sense_n thereof_o such_o as_o we_o have_v render_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o that_o epistle_n 6._o in_o the_o thirteen_o place_n one_o may_v well_o demand_v why_o christ_n express_v a_o great_a disgust_n against_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n then_o that_o of_o sardis_n for_o though_o the_o former_a be_v say_v to_o be_v lukewarm_a yet_o the_o other_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o life_n be_v notwithstanding_o declare_v to_o be_v dead_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o enrage_v against_o luke_n warmness_n than_o hypocrisy_n and_o threaten_v it_o more_o deep_o than_o the_o other_o i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n which_o be_v quite_o to_o cast_v a_o thing_n away_o never_o to_o be_v resume_v again_o must_v seem_v marvellous_a to_o the_o considerate_a certain_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o great_a matter_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o speak_v so_o severe_o only_a to_o follow_v a_o metaphor_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o solution_n be_v easy_a that_o passage_n be_v predictive_a of_o the_o extermination_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v expound_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o place_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o so_o affect_o and_o repeat_o in_o every_o epistle_n that_o phrase_n be_v use_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n without_o any_o variation_n or_o omission_n which_o seem_v a_o thing_n but_o of_o small_a importance_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a it_o seem_v on_o purpose_n so_o repeat_v to_o intimate_v a_o allusion_n in_o asia_n to_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o answer_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o asia_n may_v also_o be_v significant_a as_o well_o as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o they_o all_o be_v it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n this_o repetition_n be_v for_o some_o such_o design_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v whereas_o the_o literal_a sense_n can_v give_v no_o account_n thereof_o fifteenth_o alcazar_n himself_o be_v much_o stumble_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a woman_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o so_o call_v she_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jezabel_n as_o be_v ordinary_o suppose_v and_o indeed_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o little_a for_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o write_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n if_o we_o will_v interpret_v with_o constancy_n and_o coherency_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n there_o be_v no_o such_o incongruity_n the_o object_n be_v worth_a the_o spirit_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o this_o kind_n this_o jezabel_n be_v that_o paint_a woman_n of_o rome_n intoxicate_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o cup_n of_o her_o spiritual_a fornication_n as_o have_v be_v show_v upon_o the_o text._n 7._o sixteenth_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o that_o promise_v of_o rule_v over_o the_o nation_n and_o receive_v the_o morningstar_n which_o doubtless_o be_v political_a promise_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n more_o than_o to_o that_o in_o pergamus_n or_o ephesus_n and_o other_o what_o victory_n or_o dominion_n do_v the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n in_o asia_n get_v over_o the_o nation_n more_o than_o other_o church_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a knot_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a it_o be_v loosen_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o the_o closure_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n bring_v in_o the_o time_n wherein_o whole_a nation_n revolt_v from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a church_n and_o profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o so_o in_o these_o part_n get_v the_o pontifician_n party_n under_o they_o seventeenth_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o mighty_a temptation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n touch_v which_o he_o say_v behold_v i_o come_v quick_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o church_n here_o specify_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o thing_n be_v plain_a for_o the_o interval_n of_o philadelphia_n beginning_n in_o the_o last_o vial_n wherein_o that_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a earthquake_n be_v to_o happen_v the_o great_a temptation_n what_o it_o be_v be_v plain_o thence_o understand_v and_o how_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o philadelphian_a church_n it_o will_v come_v quick_o she_o commence_v but_o in_o the_o very_a same_o vial_n that_o this_o be_v to_o happen_v under_o eighteenth_o why_o upon_o this_o philadelphia_n a_o private_a asiatic_a church_n shall_v the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v express_v apoc._n 21._o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v this_o title_n be_v too_o big_a and_o turgent_fw-la for_o any_o private_a church_n be_v it_o not_o a_o type_n or_o symbol_n of_o some_o great_a matter_n but_o by_o the_o prophetical_a interpretation_n this_o difficulty_n be_v quite_o remove_v for_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n be_v co-incident_a with_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n mention_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o of_o the_o millenniall_a empire_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n 8._o
excuse_n and_o therefore_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n eternal_a wrath_n and_o damnation_n if_o they_o relinquish_v not_o that_o false_a prophetess_n jezebel_n as_o she_o be_v call_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n who_o by_o her_o corrupt_a doctrine_n deceive_v the_o people_n and_o inveigle_v they_o into_o gross_a idolatrous_a practice_n 9_o thus_o little_a be_v concede_v by_o those_o of_o our_o reform_a church_n that_o speak_v most_o favourable_o of_o those_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o this_o little_a must_v be_v retract_v unless_o we_o can_v make_v it_o out_o that_o any_o of_o that_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n while_o they_o be_v of_o it_o for_o to_o repent_v as_o a_o thief_n because_o he_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v hang_v be_v not_o that_o save_a repentance_n but_o to_o repent_v as_o a_o true_a christian_a none_o can_v do_v unless_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n for_o true_a repentance_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o detestation_n of_o the_o ugliness_n of_o sin_n itself_o and_o out_o of_o the_o love_n to_o the_o pulchritude_n and_o amiableness_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o of_o true_a virtue_n which_o none_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o but_o those_o that_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v of_o god_n now_o those_o holy_a and_o divine_a sentiment_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n to_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o bloody_a murder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v perpetrate_v upon_o the_o dear_a servant_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o that_o have_v this_o holy_a sense_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v incontinent_o fly_v from_o that_o church_n with_o as_o much_o horror_n and_o affrightment_n as_o any_o countryman_n will_v from_o some_o evil_a spectre_n or_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o devil_n 10._o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o sai_z s._n john_n how_o then_o can_v they_o 18._o be_v so_o bear_v who_o very_a religion_n be_v a_o trade_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o of_o the_o high_a nature_n they_o ever_o and_o anon_o exercise_v gross_a act_n of_o idolatry_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v consent_v by_o give_v up_o their_o belief_n and_o suffrage_n to_o the_o murderous_a conclusion_n of_o that_o church_n to_o all_o the_o barbarous_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o either_o have_v happen_v or_o may_v happen_v in_o their_o own_o time_n or_o ever_o shall_v happen_v by_o that_o church_n they_o become_v i_o say_v guilty_a thereof_o by_o adjoin_v themselves_o to_o this_o bloodthirsty_a body_n of_o man_n with_o who_o the_o murder_n of_o those_o that_o will_v not_o commit_v idolatry_n with_o they_o and_o so_o rebel_v against_o god_n be_v become_v a_o holy_a papal_a law_n and_o statute_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v how_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v that_o those_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n who_o be_v thus_o deep_o defile_v with_o murderous_a and_o idolatrous_a impurity_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o mere_a blind_a carnal_a condition_n and_o uncapable_a while_o they_o be_v thus_o of_o any_o true_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o consequent_o of_o repent_v of_o their_o daily_a idolatry_n which_o they_o commit_v and_o ordinary_o to_o make_v all_o sure_a in_o ipso_fw-la articulo_fw-la mortis_fw-la and_o therefore_o be_v out_o of_o all_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n while_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n as_o plain_o appear_v both_o by_o this_o present_a reason_n fetch_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n as_o also_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o idolater_n after_o this_o life_n and_o chief_o from_o the_o express_a sentence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o i_o intimate_v before_o 11._o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n it_o be_v exceed_o manifest_a how_o stupid_a and_o regardless_o those_o soul_n be_v of_o their_o own_o salvation_n that_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o desperate_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a they_o be_v who_o never_o have_v be_v of_o it_o but_o have_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o better_a principle_n yet_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o this_o must_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o some_o great_a defect_n in_o judgement_n or_o else_o in_o their_o sincerity_n that_o they_o ever_o can_v be_v allure_v to_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o god_n and_o heaven_n 12._o but_o this_o church_n as_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o proverb_n be_v i_o must_v confess_v both_o very_a fair_a of_o speech_n and_o subtle_a of_o heart_n and_o know_v how_o to_o tamper_v with_o the_o simple_a one_o right_o skilful_o she_o know_v how_o to_o overcome_v all_o their_o carnal_a sense_n by_o her_o luxurious_a enticement_n she_o have_v deck_v her_o bed_n with_o cover_n of_o 17._o tapestry_n with_o carve_a work_n with_o fine_a linen_n of_o egypt_n she_o have_v perfume_v her_o bed_n with_o myrrh_n aloe_n and_o cinnamon_n she_o entertain_v her_o paramour_n with_o the_o most_o delicious_a strain_n of_o music_n and_o chant_v out_o the_o most_o sweet_a and_o please_a rhyme_n to_o lull_v they_o secure_v in_o her_o lap_n such_o as_o those_o idolatrous_a form_n of_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o virgin_n marie_n and_o of_o other_o saint_n which_o i_o have_v produce_v of_o which_o she_o have_v a_o numerous_a store_n unto_o which_o i_o conceive_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o allude_v in_o that_o passage_n touch_v the_o city_n of_o tyre_n represent_v there_o mystical_o the_o relapse_v church_n of_o rome_n take_v 16._o a_o harp_n go_v about_o the_o city_n thou_o harlot_n that_o have_v be_v forget_v make_v sweet_a melody_n sing_v many_o song_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v remember_v see_v synopsis_fw-la prophetica_fw-la book_n 2._o ch_z 16._o 13._o she_o gild_v herself_o over_o also_o with_o the_o goodly_a and_o specious_a title_n of_o unity_n antiquity_n universality_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n of_o sanctity_n likewise_o and_o of_o infallibility_n and_o boast_v high_o of_o herself_o that_o she_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o can_v give_v safe_a conduct_n to_o heaven_n by_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n and_o if_o need_v be_v out_o of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o holy_a man_n of_o their_o church_n which_o she_o have_v the_o keep_n and_o dispose_n of_o can_v add_v oil_n to_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o unprovided_a virgin_n and_o so_o piece_n out_o their_o deficiency_n in_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n such_o fair_a speech_n and_o fine_a gloze_a word_n she_o have_v to_o befool_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o simple_a 14._o but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o unity_n that_o be_v by_o force_n be_v no_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o sign_n of_o the_o true_a church_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v from_o free_a agreement_n if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o good_a ends._n for_o solomon_n describe_v a_o agreement_n of_o thief_n or_o robber_n hearten_v one_o another_o to_o spoil_v and_o bloodshed_n and_o to_o enter_v so_o strict_a a_o society_n as_o to_o have_v but_o 14._o one_o purse_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o company_n of_o man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o spirituality_n to_o agree_v in_o the_o invent_v or_o uphold_v such_o doctrine_n or_o fiction_n as_o be_v most_o serviceable_a for_o a_o worldly_a design_n and_o for_o the_o more_o easy_o ride_v and_o abuse_v the_o credulous_a and_o carnal-minded_n thereby_o to_o be_v master_n of_o their_o person_n and_o wealth_n this_o be_v no_o holy_a unity_n but_o a_o horrid_a and_o unrighteous_a conspiracy_n against_o the_o delude_a son_n of_o adam_n 15._o and_o for_o antiquity_n and_o universality_n they_o be_v both_o plain_o on_o the_o protestant_n side_n who_o make_v no_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o be_v manifest_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v much_o more_o ancient_a and_o more_o universal_o receive_v than_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n upon_o who_o account_n we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o apostasy_n which_o 5._o after_o four_o hundred_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o church_n be_v to_o fall_v into_o according_a to_o divine_a prediction_n so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o ancient_a and_o universal_a as_o the_o apostolic_a church_n itself_o nor_o do_v we_o desire_v to_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n that_o be_v not_o apostolical_a and_o for_o their_o boast_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v produce_v to_o ratify_v their_o crafty_a figment_n they_o be_v but_o fiction_n themselves_o frame_v by_o their_o priest_n or_o delusion_n of_o