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
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
but_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o wisdom_n betimes_o to_o sue_v for_o grace_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o defeat_v satan_n and_o prevent_v eternal_a wail_n second_o here_o see_v what_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v it_o lie_v asleep_o here_o while_o a_o man_n live_v and_o never_o trouble_v he_o and_o so_o it_o may_v do_v in_o death_n also_o but_o in_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o judge_n with_o his_o eye_n than_o it_o will_v stir_v it_o will_v torment_v he_o it_o will_v attach_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v he_o it_o will_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n all_o his_o sin_n his_o contempt_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n his_o unbelief_n in_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n and_o than_o it_o will_v break_v his_o heart_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o thousand_o witness_n to_o condemn_v he_o this_o shall_v cause_v all_o man_n to_o labour_n to_o get_v a_o good_a conscience_n wash_v and_o purge_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n and_o upon_o our_o repentance_n will_v assure_v we_o we_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o do_v in_o this_o life_n then_o will_v it_o never_o make_v we_o to_o wail_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o it_o will_v excuse_v we_o and_o make_v we_o look_v up_o to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o he_o but_o take_v heed_n when_o thy_o conscience_n lie_v asleep_a and_o accuse_v not_o for_o thy_o sin_n no_o not_o at_o death_n that_o be_v a_o evil_a conscience_n which_o will_v awake_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o torment_n and_o condemn_v thou_o v._o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n that_o be_v by_o a_o double_a note_n of_o asseveration_n even_o so_o amen_n one_o of_o these_o be_v take_v from_o the_o greek_n even_o so_o the_o second_o from_o the_o hebrew_n amen_n be_v both_o as_o much_o as_o amen_o amen_n or_o very_o very_o in_o which_o phrase_n saint_n john_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o confirm_v the_o thing_n we_o avouch_v there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v avouch_v first_o by_o a_o simple_a and_o bare_a affirmation_n or_o negation_n second_o by_o a_o earnest_a asseveration_n three_o by_o a_o oath_n now_o s._n john_n use_v these_o two_o note_n of_o assure_v in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v say_v he_o come_v even_o so_o amen_o that_o be_v certain_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v so_o hereby_o teach_v we_o first_o that_o a_o asseveration_n must_v not_o be_v use_v but_o only_o when_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n here_o than_o we_o see_v that_o wretched_a be_v their_o practice_n who_o use_v to_o bind_v every_o word_n with_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v a_o degree_n above_o this_o asseveration_n yea_o they_o also_o be_v here_o just_o reprove_v who_o in_o their_o ordinary_a communication_n have_v ever_o in_o their_o mouth_n some_o weighty_a asseveration_n our_o saviour_n often_o use_v these_o word_n of_o asseveration_n yet_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n and_o when_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o be_v move_v to_o great_a attention_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v more_o full_o settle_v in_o some_o truth_n of_o great_a importance_n second_o by_o these_o asseveration_n john_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o hold_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o atheist_n that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a which_o thing_n we_o shall_v more_o serious_o observe_v because_o in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n there_o be_v breed_v this_o false_a persuasion_n that_o either_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v summon_v to_o judgement_n or_o else_o that_o christ_n come_n be_v far_o off_o like_v to_o the_o evil_a servant_n who_o say_v my_o master_n defer_v his_o come_n which_o evil_a servant_n by_o nature_n be_v every_o one_o of_o us._n three_o hereby_o john_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v one_o special_a note_n and_o mark_v of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n namely_o to_o desire_v and_o long_o after_o unfeigned_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n for_o as_o these_o word_n be_v a_o asseveration_n so_o withal_o they_o contain_v a_o most_o earnest_a desire_n even_o so_o amen_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o proclaim_n of_o his_o come_n lord_n grant_v it_o be_v so_o yea_o lord_n let_v it_o be_v so_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n paul_n describe_v all_o those_o who_o must_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n by_o this_o property_n that_o they_o love_v his_o appear_v 2._o tim._n 4.8_o as_o for_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v and_o so_o not_o reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n can_v love_v this_o appear_v nay_o they_o can_v wish_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o hell_n nor_o last_o judgement_n and_o by_o this_o one_o note_n we_o may_v well_o judge_v of_o our_o estate_n for_o if_o from_o our_o heart_n we_o desire_v and_o long_o for_o this_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n and_o wish_v he_o will_v come_v â—0_n quick_o than_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n and_o sign_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o if_o as_o yet_o we_o feel_v not_o this_o longing_n and_o hunger_a desire_n in_o we_o than_o we_o must_v suspect_v ourselves_o and_o labour_v every_o day_n to_o feel_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o say_v 6.10_o how_o long_a lord_n and_o with_o john_n even_o so_o amen_n verse_n 8._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o iâ—_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v even_o the_o almighty_a after_o saint_n john_n have_v describe_v christ_n at_o large_a in_o the_o former_a verse_n he_o bring_v he_o in_o speak_v of_o himself_o by_o a_o figure_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o this_o clause_n say_v the_o lord_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o these_o word_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v to_o confirm_v that_o which_o be_v before_o speak_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o proof_n and_o reason_n thereof_o after_o this_o manner_n to_o be_v conceive_v he_o which_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v a_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o blessing_n which_o serve_v for_o their_o good_a the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v omit_v the_o second_o part_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o eight_o verse_n but_o i_o be_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o sufficient_a etc._n etc._n in_o this_o eight_o verse_n be_v three_o point_n concern_v christ._n first_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n second_o he_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v three_o he_o be_v almighty_a for_o the_o first_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n saint_n john_n express_v by_o a_o comparison_n take_v from_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n and_o it_o stand_v thus_o as_o in_o the_o a_o b_o c_o of_o the_o grecian_n alpha_n be_v the_o first_o letter_n and_o therefore_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o the_o letter_n and_o omega_n be_v the_o last_o and_o therefore_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o letter_n so_o say_v christ_n be_o i_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o similitude_n be_v in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n that_o be_v i_o be_o as_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o second_o part_n in_o these_o word_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n from_o this_o and_o such_o like_a manner_n of_o speak_v the_o papist_n gather_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o strange_a language_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o their_o collection_n be_v frivolous_a for_o though_o the_o unlearned_a english_a man_n know_v not_o what_o alpha_n and_o omega_n be_v yet_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o book_n be_v write_v be_v grecian_n know_v general_o what_o be_v mean_v hereby_o again_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v here_o and_o there_o a_o strange_a word_n or_o phrase_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o follow_v that_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o prayer_n shall_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v i_o be_o the_o beginning_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o beginning_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o
of_o god_n so_o that_o here_o these_o few_o have_v a_o promise_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o want_n and_o to_o live_v with_o christ_n in_o all_o glory_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n this_o benefit_n have_v be_v in_o effect_n further_o urge_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n here_o only_o i_o will_v note_v one_o doctrine_n namely_o that_o they_o which_o live_v in_o the_o world_n among_o the_o wicked_a and_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o their_o sin_n shall_v not_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o punishment_n for_o the_o body_n of_o this_o church_n must_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v amongst_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n but_o the_o godly_a must_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a in_o glory_n 19_o lot_z be_v free_v from_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o sodomite_n because_o he_o partake_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o among_o the_o israelite_n 9.6_o those_o that_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v mark_v in_o the_o forehead_n that_o when_o judgement_n come_v upon_o the_o wicked_a they_o may_v be_v spare_v this_o point_n must_v be_v remember_v for_o by_o reason_n of_o long_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n among_o we_o many_o sin_n abound_v as_o ignorance_n atheism_n contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n with_o innumerable_a sin_n of_o the_o second_o table_n all_o which_o call_v for_o judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v be_v punish_v partly_o in_o this_o life_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v unless_o our_o people_n do_v repent_v those_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o come_v must_v now_o beware_v that_o they_o communicate_v not_o with_o the_o common_a sin_n that_o dâ—e_v abound_v and_o see_v that_o they_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n have_v their_o righteous_a and_o zealous_a heart_n grieve_v for_o the_o abomination_n among_o which_o they_o live_v after_o the_o promise_n be_v adjoin_v the_o reason_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v worthy_a hence_o the_o church_n of_o room_n do_v conclude_v that_o a_o man_n by_o his_o work_n may_v merit_v heaven_n because_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n a_o most_o blasphemous_a conclusion_n and_o a_o manifest_a abuse_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n god_n child_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a life_n everlasting_a but_o not_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n worthiness_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o their_o person_n when_o as_o they_o stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o when_o god_n will_v save_v any_o man_n he_o give_v christ_n unto_o that_o man_n true_o and_o real_o so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v christ_n be_v i_o and_o with_o christ_n god_n give_v his_o spirit_n which_o work_v in_o his_o heart_n true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o he_o do_v receive_v christ_n and_o so_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n belong_v unto_o that_o man_n reallye_o and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o he_o be_v worthy_a life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o be_v the_o worthiness_n which_o christ_n mean_v in_o this_o place_n and_o not_o any_o worthiness_n of_o their_o work_n so_o that_o this_o do_v help_v they_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v and_o justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n merit_n vers._n 5._o he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n vers._n 6._o 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 here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o promise_n and_o a_o commandment_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o the_o commandment_n in_o the_o six_o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v 2.7_o before_o second_o the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n glory_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v express_v three_o way_n first_o thus_o he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n so_o much_o be_v signify_v by_o white_a â—ayment_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v hence_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n conclude_v that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v good_a work_n respect_v a_o reward_n use_n answer_n in_o some_o sort_n it_o be_v true_a for_o so_o it_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n hebr._n 11.26_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n but_o yet_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n must_v not_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o our_o good_a work_n for_o chief_o we_o must_v thereby_o intend_v to_o testify_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o with_o that_o we_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o everlasting_a life_n the_o second_o thing_n promise_v and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o two_o question_n must_v be_v scan_v first_o what_o this_o book_n of_o life_n be_v second_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o first_o this_o book_n of_o life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n predestination_n or_o eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n whereby_o he_o have_v choose_v some_o man_n unto_o salvation_n upon_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o this_o be_v call_v a_o book_n because_o it_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o book_n for_o as_o the_o general_n in_o a_o camp_n have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o soldier_n that_o fight_v under_o he_o in_o a_o book_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n of_o a_o town_n have_v the_o name_n of_o every_o free_a man_n and_o denison_n inâ—owled_v so_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o the_o second_o question_n a_o man_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n two_o way_n either_o true_o before_o god_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n only_o those_o who_o name_n be_v true_o before_o god_n write_v in_o this_o book_n can_v be_v blot_v out_o for_o god_n counsel_n touch_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o every_o man_n be_v unchangeable_a this_o the_o golden_a chain_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o who_o he_o have_v predestinate_a 8.30_o they_o he_o have_v call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o he_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v other_o there_o be_v that_o have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o this_o book_n only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o be_v all_o man_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o so_o charity_n bind_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o these_o may_v have_v their_o name_n blot_v out_o in_o this_o sense_n do_v the_o scripture_n often_o speak_v as_o when_o the_o prophet_n wish_v 69.28_o that_o god_n will_v blot_v his_o enemy_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n meaning_n judas_n principal_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a his_o name_n be_v never_o write_v therein_o this_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o they_o who_o do_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o hence_o i_o gather_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a for_o the_o name_n of_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v be_v as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o be_v once_o write_v in_o they_o remain_v there_o for_o ever_o some_o do_v teach_v that_o all_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o will_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n of_o man_n for_o what_o shall_v thâ—â—e_v need_n any_o book_n of_o life_n if_o that_o be_v so_o second_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o this_o number_n can_v neither_o increase_v nor_o be_v diminish_v let_v man_n do_v whaâ—_n they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o us._n 1._o joh._n 2.19_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o have_v i_o keep_v and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v joh._n 17.12_o whereas_o a_o man_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n to_o wit_n use_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o be_v blot_v out_o hereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o look_v
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to_o 22.12_o abraham_n in_o the_o mount_n 28._o to_o jacob_n in_o the_o field_n 40._o to_o joseph_n in_o the_o stock_n 3._o to_o moses_n in_o midian_a 38.14_o to_o jeremie_n in_o the_o prison_n 2._o to_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n 10._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o tanner_n even_o he_o show_v his_o vision_n to_o john_n in_o his_o exile_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o person_n he_o can_v advance_v who_o he_o list_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o place_n he_o can_v reveal_v where_o he_o list_v for_o person_n he_o can_v prefer_v 4._o abel_n before_o cain_n 1._o jacob_n before_o esau_n 16._o david_n before_o eliab_n 1._o mathias_n before_o judas_n he_o can_v make_v 10_o moses_n a_o courtier_n 1.1_o job_n a_o potentate_n 7._o samuel_n a_o judge_n 2.1_o david_n a_o king_n 1.1_o solomon_n a_o sovereign_n 19.19_o elysha_n a_o ploughman_n 1.1_o amos_n a_o neat_a hear_v 1.1_o jeremie_n a_o priest_n 6_o daniel_n a_o prince_n 1.1_o isaiah_n of_o the_o blood_n royal_a 9_o 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she_o by_o her_o combat_n conquest_n triumph_n her_o combat_n defensive_a chap._n 13._o and_o offensive_a in_o christ_n by_o word_n chap._n 14._o threaten_n chap._n 15._o and_o judgement_n chap._n 16._o her_o victory_n get_v against_o that_o rome_n whore_n chap._n 17._o and_o 18._o the_o empâ—re_n beast_n chap._n 19_o and_o the_o dâ—â—â—ll_n dragon_n chap._n 20._o and_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o she_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v under_o the_o type_n of_o jerusalem_n most_o comfortable_o set_v down_o chap._n 21.22_o the_o thing_n in_o this_o book_n be_v i_o grant_v very_o dark_a to_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v to_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n but_o as_o that_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v we_o can_v now_o tell_v what_o be_v foretell_v in_o it_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v easy_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o the_o posterity_n to_o come_v shall_v better_o understand_v this_o book_n than_o we_o do_v because_o it_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v neither_o be_v this_o book_n like_o the_o city_n of_o the_o 13._o anakims_n or_o the_o 3._o tree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o may_v not_o be_v reach_v to_o for_o 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n but_o to_o come_v to_o these_o three_o chapter_n write_v by_o john_n surname_v the_o divine_a and_o expound_v by_o one_o a_o most_o worthy_a divine_a the_o first_o chapter_n be_v a_o proem_n or_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n the_o two_o latter_a be_v epistle_n dedicate_a this_o book_n the_o dedication_n be_v make_v to_o 2.3_o seven_o several_a church_n and_o by_o name_n to_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v call_v angel_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n minister_n have_v many_o excellent_a title_n give_v they_o though_o now_o they_o be_v scarce_o grace_v with_o title_n they_o be_v call_v 20._o prophet_n â—_o 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persuade_v that_o as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o body_n be_v once_o dismember_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v join_v again_o so_o if_o natural_a brethren_n be_v once_o unnatural_o disjoin_v no_o glue_n will_v conjoin_v they_o fast_o again_o it_o be_v infinite_a to_o show_v example_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o hatred_n etc._n and_o otheâ—s_n have_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o pain_n now_o that_o good_a god_n who_o have_v bring_v you_o from_o one_o root_n place_v you_o in_o one_o country_n advance_v you_o to_o like_a credit_n and_o give_v you_o one_o heart_n give_v you_o also_o one_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o right_o worshipful_a i_o be_o bold_a to_o speak_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o world_n know_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o lord_n know_v i_o desire_v not_o to_o flatter_v go_v on_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o continue_v in_o love_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o labour_n to_o honour_v he_o who_o thus_o honour_v you_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o mundi_fw-la show_n of_o this_o world_n but_o think_v religion_n the_o best_a nobility_n and_o that_o as_o 〈◊〉_d prudentius_n say_v generosa_fw-la christi_fw-la secta_fw-la nobilitat_fw-la viros_fw-la cui_fw-la quisquis_fw-la seruit_fw-la ille_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la nobilis_fw-la he_o noble_a be_v that_o come_v of_o christ_n his_o race_n who_o serve_v this_o lord_n he_o sure_o be_v not_o base_a and_o this_o make_v theodosius_n more_o to_o thank_v god_n eccles._n that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n than_o a_o king_n consider_v that_o he_o must_v lose_v the_o one_o he_o can_v not_o lose_v the_o other_o now_o as_o to_o one_o of_o you_o i_o be_o bind_v in_o parcicular_a and_o by_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n the_o despise_a ministry_n be_v not_o a_o little_a grace_v â—o_o for_o he_o i_o pray_v montagu_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o 20._o abraham_n to_o our_o abimelech_n a_o 12._o nathan_n to_o our_o david_n a_o 11._o jehoida_o to_o our_o joash_n 38._o a_o ebedmelech_n to_o jeremiah_n a_o 4.1_o elisha_n to_o the_o widow_n of_o this_o prophet_n decease_v a_o light_n in_o the_o court_n a_o trumpet_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o 5.2_o ahashuerosh_n may_v long_o hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n unto_o he_o that_o by_o his_o mean_n dicat_fw-la great_a man_n may_v not_o want_v such_o as_o will_v tell_v they_o the_o truth_n no_o son_n earthly_a alexander_n account_v a_o son_n of_o jupiter_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v more_o respect_v than_o a_o good_a 42._o pastor_n and_o that_o he_o may_v ever_o remember_v that_o say_n of_o wise_a solomon_n 22.11_o he_o that_o love_v pureness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o lip_n the_o king_n shall_v be_v his_o friend_n his_o cyrus_n will_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o verbis_fw-la bissinis_fw-la in_o silken_a word_n to_o his_o alexander_n he_o need_v not_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o sweet_a word_n or_o no_o word_n for_o if_o one_o antiochus_n may_v be_v surname_v holy_a and_o another_o good_a prince_n call_v the_o good_a king_n much_o more_o may_v he_o who_o religious_a knowledge_n surpass_v all_o the_o prince_n that_o have_v be_v of_o this_o nation_n and_o who_o humility_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o son_n to_o remember_v regium_fw-la that_o he_o differ_v not_o in_o stuff_n but_o in_o use_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n i_o be_o the_o bold_a for_o that_o one_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n no_o man_n know_v love_v converse_v with_o and_o respect_v this_o author_n more_o than_o he_o he_o resort_v to_o he_o in_o his_o health_n visit_v he_o in_o sickness_n and_o preach_v a_o learned_a sermon_n for_o he_o at_o his_o death_n concern_v this_o author_n as_o he_o say_v of_o carthage_n i_o have_v rather_o be_v silent_a then_o say_v little_a and_o his_o worthy_a labour_n do_v speak_v enough_o for_o he_o by_o name_n that_o his_o theologicum_fw-la posthume_n 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that_o no_o man_n write_n be_v read_v of_o all_o sort_n and_o in_o all_o country_n with_o great_a grace_n and_o profit_n than_o he_o he_o be_v peaceable_a in_o the_o church_n patient_a of_o wrong_n and_o free_a from_o ambition_n for_o as_o jerome_n say_v of_o nepotian_n aurum_fw-la calcans_fw-la schedule_n consectabatur_fw-la he_o regard_v not_o his_o purse_n but_o follow_v his_o book_n and_o as_o bernard_n say_v he_o live_v in_o terra_fw-la auri_fw-la sine_fw-la auro_fw-la in_o a_o kingdom_n of_o gold_n without_o gold_n a_o excellent_a gift_n he_o have_v to_o define_v proper_o divide_v exact_o dispute_v subtle_o answer_v direct_o speak_v pithy_o and_o write_v judicial_o and_o how_o he_o preach_v if_o these_o sermon_n do_v give_v a_o testimony_n what_o witness_n have_v they_o who_o often_o hear_v he_o themselves_o i_o have_v publish_v of_o his_o now_o two_o discourse_n and_o i_o only_o do_v it_o that_o these_o his_o labour_n may_v not_o perish_v i_o have_v no_o benefit_n by_o they_o but_o exceed_v great_a pain_n and_o since_o i_o understand_v that_o his_o other_o labour_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o friend_n to_o make_v benefit_n for_o his_o child_n i_o will_v ease_v myself_o of_o the_o like_a labour_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o future_a impression_n of_o this_o book_n the_o which_o how_o faithful_o i_o have_v publish_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o godly_a and_o indifferent_a reader_n and_o i_o hope_v no_o honest_a mind_a man_n will_v be_v hire_v to_o calumniate_v it_o thus_o as_o one_o desirous_a to_o be_v serviceable_a in_o my_o call_n profitable_a to_o the_o church_n not_o forgetful_a of_o my_o friend_n and_o to_o testify_v the_o happiness_n of_o your_o house_n which_o be_v in_o your_o father_n time_n and_o be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o aurelian_a the_o emperor_n refertapiâ—s_v &_o ecclesia_fw-la dei_fw-la replenish_v with_o the_o godly_a and_o a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o to_o leave_v a_o 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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 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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 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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
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
cast_v off_o all_o dulness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o may_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o attentive_a hear_n so_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v bless_v unto_o we_o otherwise_o our_o hear_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n verse_n 11._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardai_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o description_n of_o this_o voice_n whereby_o johns_n heart_n be_v prepare_v touch_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n which_o be_v utter_v which_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v and_o send_v etc._n etc._n i._o touch_v the_o testimony_n the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n where_o the_o word_n be_v handle_v and_o the_o meaning_n show_v they_o do_v serve_v direct_o to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v here_o avouch_v to_o give_v unto_o john_n and_o unto_o the_o church_n full_a assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n now_o utter_v and_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n for_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n in_o this_o testimony_n note_v god_n special_a care_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o more_o special_o his_o care_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o from_o god_n this_o have_v be_v god_n care_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o peter_n receive_v a_o vision_n from_o god_n withal_o 19_o god_n spirit_n assure_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o be_v certain_a &_o sure_a and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n among_o man_n he_o do_v withal_o work_v strange_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n this_o special_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n do_v first_o confute_v the_o papist_n opinion_n touch_v scripture_n use_n they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o unto_o man_n till_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n thereunto_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o god_n ever_o have_v this_o care_n over_o his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v be_v his_o undoubted_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o ever_o be_v not_o only_o in_o it_o self_n bâ—t_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o come_v thereunto_o second_o hereby_o be_v confute_v many_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n therein_o be_v so_o diverse_a that_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n almost_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n in_o sundry_a matter_n hold_v sundry_a private_a opinion_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v religion_n therefore_o be_v uncertain_a god_n forbid_v for_o religion_n be_v certain_a unto_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o certify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o may_v man_n come_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n ii_o point_n the_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n this_o commandment_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o write_v the_o thing_n see_v in_o a_o book_n second_o to_o send_v the_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n here_o name_v and_o both_o these_o must_v john_n do_v be_v now_o disable_v by_o his_o exile_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n unto_o they_o personal_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o these_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o strengthen_v in_o these_o most_o grievous_a time_n of_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v become_v keeper_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o publish_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o in_o this_o commandment_n note_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worthy_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o have_v write_v these_o vision_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o blind_a papist_n which_o say_v the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n because_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v be_v turn_v every_o way_n as_o man_n will_n this_o also_o confute_v the_o anabaptist_n which_o so_o much_o magnify_v their_o revelation_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o word_n write_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o best_o he_o will_v have_v teach_v these_o church_n by_o revelation_n but_o they_o must_v learn_v by_o the_o word_n write_v second_o that_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n either_o public_o or_o private_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v this_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n hereby_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v read_v the_o same_o as_o they_o do_v other_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o sound_n and_o confirm_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o ordinary_o justify_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o read_v must_v have_v his_o due_a reverence_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v three_o here_o note_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o persecution_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o this_o banishment_n into_o such_o a_o desert_a place_n be_v unto_o john_n a_o grievous_a cross_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v there_o to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o honour_n he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o thing_n each_o one_o shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n it_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o seven_o church_n ephesus_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v name_v which_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n wherein_o be_v plant_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v in_o those_o part_n and_o for_o their_o excellency_n be_v they_o name_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n now_o follow_v the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o be_v hear_v fold_v up_o with_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n second_o be_v turn_v of_o himself_o to_o see_v the_o party_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o in_o these_o word_n verse_n 12._o then_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n which_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o when_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o
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
future_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o will_v reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o thus_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a book_n distinguish_v i._o it_o contain_v thing_n touch_v the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o johns_n daâ—es_n ii_o it_o entreat_v of_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o future_a estate_n thereof_o from_o johns_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n use_n hence_o observe_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n for_o division_n be_v lawful_a else_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o here_o have_v use_v they_o and_o so_o by_o proportion_n be_v other_o argument_n of_o reason_v and_o therefore_o that_o art_n which_o give_v rule_n of_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o argument_n be_v lawful_a and_o good_a those_o man_n than_o be_v far_o deceive_v who_o account_v the_o art_n of_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n to_o be_v frivolous_a and_o unlawful_a and_o in_o so_o say_v they_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n vers._n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v in_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v this_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v the_o three_o action_n of_o christ_n namely_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vision_n in_o the_o principal_a part_n thereof_o which_o he_o expound_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o john_n in_o this_o business_n be_v to_o show_v himself_o a_o prophet_n of_o god_n by_o declare_v the_o present_a and_o future_a estate_n of_o god_n church_n now_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v to_o expound_v vision_n or_o dream_n reveal_v either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o daniel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n second_o that_o john_n may_v be_v encourage_v in_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n calling_n respect_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v these_o vision_n to_o concern_v the_o church_n this_o will_v stir_v up_o his_o diligence_n in_o observe_v and_o pen_v the_o thing_n reveal_v now_o christ_n expound_v not_o the_o whole_a vision_n but_o two_o principal_a thing_n therein_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o star_n to_o wit_n the_o seven_o angel_n or_o the_o seven_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n namely_o the_o seven_o church_n themselves_o the_o reason_n why_o both_o be_v so_o call_v we_o have_v show_v before_o with_o the_o use_n thereof_o here_o only_o i_o will_v observe_v these_o three_o point_n first_o why_o christ_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o his_o vision_n do_v not_o expound_v the_o whole_a but_o only_o two_o principal_a part_n thereof_o this_o he_o do_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o exercise_v about_o this_o vision_n for_o if_o he_o have_v expound_v every_o part_n himself_o than_o he_o have_v leave_v herein_o no_o matter_n to_o his_o church_n whereabout_o she_o may_v exercise_v her_o gift_n second_o to_o provoke_v god_n minister_n especial_o with_o other_o member_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o all_o diligence_n in_o study_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a than_o man_n will_v grow_v careless_a in_o read_v and_o search_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n three_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a desire_n to_o understand_v the_o same_o four_o to_o excite_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v with_o read_v the_o scripture_n understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o ii_o point_n note_v here_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v angel_n what_o these_o angel_n be_v appear_v in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v to_o wit_n the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n so_o mat._n 11.10_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v christ_n angel_n or_o messenger_n whereby_o we_o have_v good_a light_n for_o the_o expound_v of_o a_o place_n in_o paul_n 1._o cor._n 11.10_o say_n that_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n that_o be_v be_v cover_v because_o of_o the_o angel_n where_o by_o angel_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o precept_n may_v be_v this_o among_o the_o corinthian_n the_o cover_n of_o the_o head_n be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o a_o token_n of_o prelieminence_n and_o superiority_n but_o a_o sign_n of_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v the_o woman_n of_o corinth_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n to_o have_v their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o other_o assembly_n to_o signify_v their_o submission_n and_o reverence_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n use_n whereas_o minister_n be_v the_o lord_n angel_n and_o ambassador_n hence_o we_o gather_v that_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v carry_v himself_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n messenger_n have_v regard_n of_o two_o thing_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o message_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o delivery_n that_o they_o speak_v all_o which_o they_o be_v command_v and_o in_o such_o order_n as_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v have_v it_o speak_v or_o speak_v it_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v present_a and_o he_o that_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o these_o may_v just_o be_v challenge_v of_o unfaithfulness_n the_o minister_n therefore_o be_v christ_n messenger_n must_v deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n alone_o unto_o his_o people_n as_o also_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o christ_n approve_v and_o will_v himself_o observe_v if_o he_o be_v present_a now_o can_v we_o once_o imagine_v that_o christ_n will_v deliver_v his_o will_n partly_o in_o english_a partly_o in_o latin_a and_o other_o language_n or_o intermingle_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o sentence_n of_o father_n of_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o other_o writer_n those_o therefore_o that_o in_o this_o sort_n dispense_v christ_n gospel_n do_v hereby_o bewray_v unfaithfulness_n in_o their_o delivery_n indeed_o this_o be_v count_v the_o learned_a kind_n of_o preach_v but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o manner_n which_o christ_n approve_v and_o beside_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o teach_v may_v take_v place_n it_o will_v bring_v in_o as_o great_a barbarism_n in_o regard_n of_o true_a divinity_n as_o be_v among_o the_o schoolman_n when_o god_n word_n be_v whole_o turn_v unto_o needless_a disputation_n yea_o it_o will_v short_o banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o this_o land_n iii_o point_n note_v the_o phrase_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v he_o say_v not_o the_o seven_o star_n signify_v the_o seven_o angel_n but_o be_v the_o seven_o angel_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n give_v to_o the_o sign_n the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v wherein_o we_o have_v a_o good_a warrant_n for_o our_o exposition_n of_o that_o phrase_n in_o the_o sacrament_n this_o bread_n be_v my_o body_n this_o cup_n be_v my_o blood_n which_o the_o papist_n understand_v proper_o of_o the_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o real_a transmutation_n but_o as_o these_o seven_o star_n be_v say_v to_o be_v seven_o minister_n because_o they_o do_v signify_v the_o seven_o minister_n so_o be_v the_o bread_n call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o body_n and_o the_o cup_n his_o blood_n and_o as_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v the_o seven_o minister_n be_v indeed_o seven_o star_n because_o they_o be_v so_o call_v so_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hold_v the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v real_o christ_n body_n or_o the_o wine_n his_o blood_n because_o it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o action_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o vision_n the_o second_o chapter_n vers._n 1._o 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 his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o next_o be_v contain_v the_o four_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n wherein_o he_o give_v seven_o particular_a commandment_n to_o john_n to_o write_v unto_o the_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 these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o promise_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o church_n concern_v their_o preservation_n in_o time_n of_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n for_o this_o epistle_n unto_o this_o church_n as_o also_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o john_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n after_o who_o succeed_v traâ—anus_n who_o when_o he_o be_v seat_v in_o his_o empire_n raise_v up_o grievous_a persecution_n against_o god_n church_n in_o all_o place_n of_o his_o dominion_n wherein_o he_o put_v to_o death_n innumerable_a thousand_o of_o christian_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o year_n of_o this_o persecution_n our_o saviour_n christ_n foretell_v this_o church_n call_v it_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o withal_o he_o promise_v to_o preserve_v this_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o bloody_a persecution_n add_v a_o reason_n thereof_o because_o they_o have_v constant_o and_o sincere_o profess_v his_o gospel_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o preservation_n note_v sundry_a point_n i._o the_o occasion_n thereof_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n ii_o the_o thing_n promise_v deliverance_n under_o traianus_n iii_o a_o prediction_n of_o this_o persecution_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n to_o try_v they_o i._o point_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n some_o expound_v to_o be_v christ_n commandment_n of_o patience_n but_o that_o exposition_n be_v too_o straight_o here_o it_o signify_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n first_o because_o it_o teach_v patience_n second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o patience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n know_v salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o also_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o belong_v to_o he_o that_o will_v make_v he_o patient_a in_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n three_o because_o it_o can_v be_v profess_v and_o hold_v unto_o death_n without_o patience_n but_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o good_a ground_n it_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n so_o must_v every_o one_o do_v that_o profess_v this_o gospel_n in_o this_o occasion_n of_o god_n promise_v observe_v that_o god_n grace_n well_o use_v be_v reward_v with_o increase_n those_o which_o have_v receive_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n at_o the_o first_o by_o become_v faithful_a therein_o have_v receive_v increase_n which_o serve_v to_o move_v we_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o talent_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v for_o hereby_o we_o shall_v receive_v increase_n when_o as_o those_o which_o have_v receive_v good_a gift_n from_o god_n as_o knowledge_n and_o such_o like_a because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o use_n thereof_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o same_o wherefore_o whosoever_o have_v begin_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o repent_v let_v the_o same_o party_n proceed_v to_o use_v those_o gift_n still_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v double_v and_o treble_a and_o great_o increase_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o again_o note_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o patience_n this_o show_v how_o good_a and_o meet_v it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o to_o learn_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n for_o every_o one_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n will_v wish_v for_o strength_n and_o patience_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o these_o day_n of_o peace_n will_v last_v again_o each_o man_n in_o his_o call_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o cross_n and_o misery_n for_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o our_o face_n must_v we_o eat_v our_o bread_n and_o who_o be_v free_a from_o pain_n and_o disease_n yea_o who_o can_v escape_v death_n itself_o now_o in_o all_o these_o and_o in_o all_o other_o trouble_n we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o time_n of_o health_n and_o ease_n let_v we_o hide_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o grace_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o patience_n which_o will_v make_v we_o content_v in_o all_o distress_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v why_o most_o man_n be_v so_o impatient_a in_o affliction_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v so_o little_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n second_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n hereby_o all_o person_n that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o gospel_n must_v learn_v to_o put_v on_o patience_n keep_v a_o moderation_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n will_n and_o affection_n for_o when_o we_o be_v impatienâ—_n any_o way_n we_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o salvation_n three_o this_o word_n of_o patience_n be_v call_v christ_n the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n because_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v add_v to_o beat_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o this_o church_n for_o when_o god_n do_v praise_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n their_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n but_o to_o prevent_v this_o evil_n in_o this_o church_n who_o he_o now_o praise_v he_o call_v it_o his_o patience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v this_o good_a thing_n be_v of_o themselves_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n must_v check_v the_o proud_a thought_n that_o rise_v in_o our_o heart_n namely_o to_o remember_v that_o no_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v be_v our_o own_o but_o christ_n what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v why_o then_o shall_v thou_o boast_v 1._o corinth_n 4.7_o ii_o point_n the_o thing_n promise_v be_v preservation_n and_o deliverance_n in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n under_o traianuâ—_n in_o which_o for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o year_n innumerable_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n here_o first_o observe_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v certain_a set_v hour_n and_o time_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o church_n as_o well_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o hypocrisy_n thus_o he_o lead_v the_o israelite_n 1.2_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o and_o he_o send_v 13.3_o false_a prophet_n among_o they_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o no._n and_o as_o god_n thus_o deal_v with_o his_o church_n so_o he_o bathe_v appoint_v particular_a time_n and_o hour_n wherein_o he_o will_v try_v particular_a person_n 2_o god_n bid_v abraham_n kill_v his_o son_n and_o that_o be_v his_o trial_n and_o 32.31_o hezekias_n be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v see_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o for_o every_o christian_a god_n have_v a_o set_a time_n of_o trial_n wherein_o he_o will_v either_o make_v manifest_a his_o grace_n or_o disclose_v their_o hypocrisy_n this_o point_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v for_o herein_o the_o lord_n deal_v like_o the_o worthy_a founder_n of_o great_a school_n use_n who_o have_v appoint_v certain_a set_v time_n of_o pose_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o scholar_n to_o see_v what_o every_a one_o proceed_v be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v according_o reward_v and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o one_o to_o have_v be_v long_o in_o a_o good_a school_n and_o to_o have_v make_v no_o proceed_n in_o learning_n so_o it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o that_o have_v live_v long_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o profit_v in_o grace_n this_o therefore_o must_v teach_v we_o these_o duty_n first_o to_o try_v our_o self_n and_o that_o staight_o concern_v our_o progress_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n himself_o will_v try_v we_o who_o eye_n we_o can_v never_o blind_v though_o we_o may_v deceive_v man_n he_o will_v lay_v open_a our_o heart_n and_o make_v know_v what_o be_v in_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n or_o false_a hypocrisy_n let_v we_o not_o cover_v ourselves_o with_o fig_n leave_v for_o god_n will_v strip_v we_o naked_a but_o rather_o let_v we_o search_v our_o self_n touch_v our_o sin_n and_o god_n grace_n and_o never_o rest_v content_v till_o we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o good_a gift_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v abide_v his_o trial_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v admonish_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o will_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
write_v which_o word_n import_v that_o by_o diligent_a observation_n we_o shall_v lay_v they_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v a_o weighty_a duty_n and_o serious_o commend_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n bind_v up_o the_o testimony_n seal_v up_o the_o law_n among_o my_o disciple_n isay._n 8.16_o and_o marie_n be_v therefore_o commend_v because_o she_o keep_v in_o her_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o jesus_n luke_n 2.19_o â—1_n it_o be_v david_n practice_n i_o have_v â—id_v thy_o say_n in_o my_o heart_n psal._n 119._o â—â—_o and_o hereto_o tend_v christ_n encouragement_n pronounce_v they_o rather_o bless_v which_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o keep_v it_o than_o those_o which_o bare_a christ_n and_o give_v he_o suck_v luk._n 1â—_n 27.28_o and_o james_n call_v it_o the_o ingraff_v word_n james_n 1.21_o because_o it_o shall_v abide_v in_o our_o heart_n like_o a_o syence_n in_o a_o stock_n and_o never_o be_v remove_v but_o there_o grow_v and_o fructify_v unto_o life_n eternal_a now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a profit_v after_o much_o hear_n and_o read_v i_o will_v therefore_o show_v how_o by_o god_n grace_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n first_o a_o man_n must_v learn_v the_o ground_n or_o element_n of_o religion_n common_o call_v the_o catechism_n for_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o knowledge_n without_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o comfort_n nor_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o hebrew_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v not_o well_o learned_a the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o word_n hebr._n 5.11.12_o this_o all_o ignorant_a person_n shall_v well_o observe_v special_o the_o age_a that_o they_o may_v find_v in_o themselves_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o dulness_n even_o want_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o catechism_n they_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o it_o now_o they_o be_v old_a but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o must_v lay_v in_o themselves_o this_o good_a beginning_n and_o learn_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n second_o we_o must_v not_o rush_v upon_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n but_o before_o we_o either_o come_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v with_o reverence_n prepare_v ourselves_o thereto_o most_o man_n at_o this_o day_n use_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v before_o they_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o god_n ordain_v both_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o true_a happiness_n they_o differ_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o visible_a and_o the_o scripture_n the_o audible_a word_n of_o god_n at_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n the_o people_n that_o must_v â—eare_z it_o be_v sanctify_v three_o day_n before_o exod._n 19_o and_o when_o they_o do_v offer_v sacrifice_n or_o eat_v the_o passeover_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n must_v be_v sanctify_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n must_v we_o perform_v before_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o preparation_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v put_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n all_o by_o thought_n all_o delight_n and_o care_n of_o worldly_a affair_n and_o set_v our_o heart_n as_o ezra_n do_v to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n ezra_n 7.10_o second_o we_o must_v make_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v his_o will_n soften_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v our_o ear_n attentive_a as_o lâ—diaes_n be_v and_o also_o give_v we_o grace_n to_o embrace_v his_o word_n and_o keep_v it_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n without_o who_o inward_a teach_n we_o can_v never_o learn_v unto_o salvation_n three_o when_o we_o be_v about_o the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o god_n word_n the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v thus_o dispose_v i._o it_o must_v be_v a_o humble_a heart_n for_o the_o lord_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a jam._n 4.6_o they_o that_o be_v meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n psal._n 25.9_o a_o proud_a heart_n be_v so_o stuff_v with_o self_n love_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lodge_v in_o but_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v lowly_a in_o itself_o through_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o heart_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o grace_n will_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n isaiah_n 57.15_o ii_o it_o must_v be_v a_o honest_a heart_n such_o as_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o purpose_n to_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o but_o though_o it_o feel_v corruption_n in_o itself_o be_v resolve_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o that_o continual_o such_o a_o heart_n have_v the_o good_a hearer_n resemble_v by_o the_o good_a ground_n luke_n 8.15_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v a_o wicked_a heart_n which_o resolve_v to_o cherish_v though_o it_o be_v but_o any_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o iii_o it_o must_v be_v a_o believe_a heart_n the_o old_a jew_n hear_v the_o word_n but_o it_o profit_v they_o not_o because_o they_o mingle_v it_o not_o with_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d their_o heart_n hebrew_n 4.2_o where_o he_o compare_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o vessel_n in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v both_o the_o word_n and_o faith_n these_o two_o must_v be_v mingle_v together_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n therefore_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o resolve_v our_o heart_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o incredulity_n whereby_o man_n except_v against_o the_o word_n as_o not_o pertain_v unto_o they_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o forgetfulness_n the_o old_a world_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o flood_n because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v matth._n 24.39_o iv._o it_o must_v be_v a_o hear_n heart_n such_o as_o be_v pliable_a to_o the_o word_n sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n say_v david_n thou_o will_v not_o but_o my_o ear_n have_v thou_o prepare_v psal._n 40.6_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v beside_o those_o bodily_a care_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o by_o creation_n thou_o have_v bore_v new_a care_n in_o my_o heart_n so_o as_o i_o can_v by_o thy_o grace_n attend_v and_o listen_v to_o thy_o word_n and_o when_o god_n say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n this_o hear_v heart_n will_v answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n psal._n 27._o vers_fw-la 8.9_o four_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n we_o must_v become_v doer_n of_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o vocation_n we_o see_v every_o man_n more_o skilful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o trade_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o daily_a exercise_n therein_o even_o so_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o god_n word_n will_v make_v we_o expert_a in_o it_o and_o cause_v we_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o perfect_a memory_n and_o these_o be_v the_o right_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n and_o reader_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o this_o benediction_n pronounce_v upon_o they_o that_o hear_v read_v &_o keep_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n serve_v to_o induce_v every_o child_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o special_o these_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o therefore_o do_v god_n reveal_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v remember_v when_o the_o angel_n have_v tell_v daniel_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o his_o time_n to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n he_o bid_v he_o shut_v up_o the_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o book_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o time_n dan._n 12.4_o meaning_n that_o he_o for_o his_o own_o comfort_n shall_v hide_v they_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o you_o see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n let_v he_o that_o read_v consider_v it_o matth._n 24.15_o behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o mean_v thing_n to_o come_v verse_n 25._o show_v that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o child_n to_o mark_v and_o remember_v those_o weighty_a thing_n that_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o state_n
pollute_v with_o sin_n that_o once_o wash_v be_v not_o enough_o but_o say_v he_o wash_v i_o again_o and_o again_o rinse_v bathe_v and_o swill_v i_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n till_o i_o be_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o my_o sin_n and_o this_o same_o affection_n shall_v be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o we_o shall_v labour_v that_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o vile_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o make_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n most_o ugly_a and_o filthy_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o that_o the_o stain_n hereof_o be_v so_o deep_o set_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v cleanse_v but_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o christ_n his_o own_o hand_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n blood_n yea_o that_o one_o wash_n will_v not_o serve_v but_o we_o must_v be_v rince_v and_o bathe_v therein_o for_o till_o such_o time_n as_o this_o consideration_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v loathe_v sin_n as_o we_o ought_v or_o come_v to_o this_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n that_o he_o have_v wash_v away_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o this_o humility_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o true_a grace_n and_o comfort_n now_o this_o work_n of_o christ_n in_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n do_v comprehend_v a_o double_a benefit_n first_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n whereby_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o be_v take_v away_o second_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n whereby_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v remove_v and_o abolish_v and_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o s._n john_n propound_v this_o benefit_n general_o without_o limitation_n say_v which_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o any_o believe_v true_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v pardon_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n without_o any_o restraint_n or_o limitation_n either_o of_o number_n or_o quality_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o never_o so_o great_a by_o his_o blood_n how_o can_v blood_n wash_v away_o filthiness_n nay_o it_o rather_o defile_v a_o man_n answ._n this_o wash_n stand_v not_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n blood_n but_o in_o the_o merit_n thereof_o for_o that_o substance_n of_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v be_v lose_v and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o papist_n say_v but_o the_o merit_n thereof_o remain_v still_o and_o christ_n blood_n deserve_v to_o purge_v away_o sin_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o man_n blood_n as_o of_o peter_n john_n etc._n etc._n because_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n not_o of_o the_o godhead_n but_o of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o union_n of_o the_o second_o person_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v 20.28_o god_n redeem_v his_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v christ_n god_n incarnate_a and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o be_v god_n be_v more_o meritorious_a than_o the_o blood_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o beside_o christ_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o public_a person_n in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o in_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o stead_n of_o all_o his_o elect_a so_o as_o when_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v their_o blood_n be_v shâ—â—_n because_o it_o be_v shed_v for_o they_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o other_o private_a man_n can_v answer_v for_o any_o beside_o themselves_o because_o it_o be_v shed_v only_o for_o themselves_o then_o damnable_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n can_v merit_v for_o other_o be_v apply_v unto_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n and_o suffer_v in_o their_o own_o person_n only_o they_o can_v profit_v any_o other_o thereby_o by_o blood_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o passion_n of_o christ_n a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a and_o with_o all_o his_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o in_o fulfil_v the_o law_n he_o suffer_v these_o two_o can_v be_v sever_v save_v only_o in_o thought_n and_o so_o this_o word_n contain_v the_o whole_a obedience_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o procure_v the_o remission_n and_o mortification_n of_o our_o sin_n here_o than_o we_o see_v two_o notable_a benefit_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n his_o love_n &_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n which_o s._n john_n set_v down_o to_o move_v the_o church_n with_o reverence_n &_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o delight_n in_o this_o book_n all_o of_o we_o will_v say_v we_o be_v sure_a god_n love_v we_o and_o have_v pardon_v our_o sin_n in_o christ_n why_o then_o do_v we_o not_o show_v our_o love_n again_o to_o he_o by_o hear_v and_o read_v his_o word_n set_v down_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o yield_v answerable_a obedience_n thereto_o why_o then_o do_v we_o not_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o serve_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n require_v rom._n 1â—_n 1_o by_o way_n of_o recompense_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n shed_v out_o unto_o we_o but_o alas_o that_o be_v more_o common_a which_o be_v most_o shameful_a to_o turn_v god_n grace_n into_o wantonness_n for_o when_o man_n say_v god_n love_v they_o and_o have_v wash_v away_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o when_o as_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v here_o record_v to_o be_v inâ—ucements_n of_o continual_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a word_n verse_n 6._o and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o god_n even_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o 〈◊〉_d amen_n in_o these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o work_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n and_o on_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o they_o four_o point_n first_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n second_o when_o they_o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o this_o life_n note_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o speech_n have_v maâ—â—_n wherein_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o use_v a_o word_n that_o signify_v the_o time_n past_a three_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o become_v king_n and_o priest_n they_o be_v not_o so_o bear_v but_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o such_o four_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v such_o to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n for_o the_o first_o the_o dignity_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n have_v two_o head_n first_o they_o be_v king_n second_o priest_n they_o be_v call_v king_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n for_o usual_o the_o condition_n of_o most_o believer_n on_o earth_n be_v base_a and_o contemptible_a but_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whereto_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o right_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o and_o by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n 31_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n it_o be_v your_o father_n will_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n and_o again_o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o a_o kingdom_n now_o the_o faithful_a be_v king_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n of_o all_o these_o enemy_n sin_n satan_n the_o world_n death_n hell_n and_o their_o own_o flesh_n second_o because_o in_o and_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o salvation_n for_o they_o receive_v of_o christ_n grace_n for_o grace_n and_o so_o answereable_o glory_n for_o glory_n and_o felicity_n for_o felicity_n three_o because_o they_o be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n except_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n whether_o thing_n present_a or_o to_o come_v even_o all_o be_v you_o 22._o and_o you_o christ_n quest._n but_o if_o christ_n be_v king_n and_o all_o his_o member_n king_n how_o do_v they_o differ_v answ._n in_o two_o point_n first_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o so_o a_o king_n by_o nature_n have_v the_o right_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o inheritance_n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n
their_o common_a house_n which_o be_v untrue_a for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o such_o diversity_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n service_n and_o presence_n the_o dwell_a house_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n indeed_o church_n must_v be_v maintain_v because_o in_o they_o the_o people_n may_v more_o orderly_o and_o convenient_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v god_n public_o in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n for_o which_o time_n all_o due_a reverence_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o other_o place_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o place_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o what_o mean_v saint_n john_n come_v thither_o second_o to_o what_o end_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n the_o mean_n be_v banishment_n by_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o he_o come_v and_o abode_n in_o patmos_n be_v banish_v thither_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n in_o this_o his_o banishment_n consider_v many_o excellent_a thing_n first_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n endue_v with_o rare_a gift_n a_o singular_a maintainer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o famous_a founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o chief_a pillar_n thereof_o in_o those_o day_n when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n most_o hate_v of_o the_o cruel_a persecutor_n domitian_n and_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o yet_o observe_v that_o whereas_o many_o other_o true_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o the_o sword_n s._n john_n be_v not_o but_o escape_v by_o banishment_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v god_n special_a providence_n by_o which_o he_o reserve_v he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v this_o revelation_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n for_o the_o perpetual_a good_a of_o all_o his_o child_n and_o so_o though_o domitian_n be_v a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o want_v no_o malice_n towards_o john_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o kill_v he_o god_n overrule_v he_o that_o he_o do_v but_o banish_v he_o and_o that_o into_o such_o a_o island_n wherein_o he_o may_v quiet_o receive_v these_o vision_n and_o pen_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n that_o he_o do_v bridle_n and_o over-rule_v the_o cruel_a mind_n and_o may_v of_o bloody_a persecutor_n that_o they_o can_v for_o their_o heart_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n though_o they_o intend_v the_o contrary_n for_o domitian_n intend_v only_o the_o hurt_n of_o john_n yet_o see_v by_o his_o banishment_n into_o that_o isle_n he_o have_v fit_a place_n to_o receive_v these_o vision_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o the_o people_n band_v themselves_o together_o to_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n and_o the_o devil_n he_o labour_v to_o stir_v they_o on_o to_o practice_v their_o intend_a malice_n yet_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n who_o bring_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n direct_v and_o order_v this_o their_o malice_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n so_o josephs_n brethren_n intend_v no_o such_o deliverance_n as_o god_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o sell_v their_o brother_n this_o consideration_n shall_v comfort_v all_o god_n child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o outward_a distress_n even_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n overrule_a hand_n second_o in_o that_o john_n go_v into_o banishment_n when_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v by_o tyrant_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o must_v not_o make_v resistance_n or_o offer_v violence_n but_o suffer_v all_o injury_n with_o patience_n christianorum_fw-la for_o as_o one_o say_v true_o the_o christian_n weapon_n in_o persecution_n be_v only_a prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o saint_n john_n often_o in_o this_o book_n add_v this_o conclusion_n after_o the_o foretell_v of_o persecution_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o saint_n show_v that_o patience_n must_v be_v the_o complete_a armour_n against_o all_o our_o bloody_a enemy_n three_o here_o also_o observe_v that_o john_n come_v into_o this_o island_n not_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n as_o choose_v a_o solitary_a life_n to_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a state_n of_o perfection_n but_o by_o violence_n and_o constraint_n for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v into_o it_o voluntary_o be_v little_a or_o not_o inhabit_v he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o apostleship_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n this_o then_o confute_v the_o monkish_a life_n which_o be_v no_o life_n of_o holy_a perfection_n as_o papist_n call_v it_o but_o of_o glorious_a superstition_n and_o slat_n impiety_n before_o god_n for_o hereby_o they_o forsake_v their_o calling_n and_o utter_o disable_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n four_o whereas_o john_n be_v banish_v receive_v his_o vision_n in_o a_o barren_a and_o base_a desolate_a place_n we_o see_v that_o those_o which_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n even_o then_o when_o man_n seek_v most_o to_o disgrace_v they_o for_o what_o great_a disgrace_n can_v they_o have_v put_v upon_o john_n than_o to_o banish_v he_o into_o so_o base_a a_o island_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n even_o there_o do_v the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o much_o in_o reveal_v unto_o he_o these_o vision_n so_o when_o joseph_n be_v sell_v of_o his_o brethren_n and_o most_o dishonour_v of_o they_o then_o do_v god_n exhalt_v he_o most_o of_o all_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n who_o god_n do_v most_o advance_v when_o his_o enemy_n seek_v his_o great_a ruin_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n child_n they_o which_o honour_n god_n will_v he_o honour_v ii_o point_n the_o cause_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o this_o isle_n be_v express_o set_v down_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n he_o be_v banish_v by_o which_o we_o may_v note_v that_o all_o natural_a man_n as_o domitian_n and_o his_o court_n and_o all_o the_o gentile_n without_o god_n special_a calling_n do_v bear_v a_o deadly_a hatred_n towards_o god_n word_n for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n a_o famous_a man_n for_o gift_n a_o singular_a preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v hate_v nay_o banish_a not_o for_o his_o own_o cause_n but_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o hatred_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n by_o their_o bloody_a persecution_n against_o the_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o word_n and_o yet_o though_o man_n hate_v it_o natural_o the_o same_o word_n win_v they_o and_o take_v place_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o love_v it_o so_o as_o successive_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o world_n which_o show_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o the_o word_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v indeed_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n for_o man_n word_n be_v hate_v can_v win_v unto_o it_o he_o which_o hate_v it_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v by_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o hate_v it_o by_o nature_n which_o it_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v in_o it_o some_o divine_a power_n again_o see_v john_n be_v banish_v for_o god_n word_n all_o minister_n be_v to_o cast_v their_o account_n and_o make_v this_o reckon_n that_o they_o may_v and_o must_v suffer_v trouble_n &_o persecution_n yea_o sometime_o banishment_n itself_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a for_o that_o which_o befall_v the_o principal_a founder_n and_o chief_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v avoid_v of_o they_o which_o be_v ordinary_a minister_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a christ_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o tell_v they_o 6.26_o that_o they_o be_v even_o accurse_v when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o they_o let_v none_o therefore_o think_v it_o strange_a at_o this_o day_n if_o for_o well_o do_v they_o hear_v and_o receive_v evil_a nay_o let_v they_o fear_v the_o curse_n when_o all_o man_n praise_v they_o and_o for_o the_o witness_v of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o john_n do_v note_n more_o special_o the_o
this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n to_o bless_v â—_o themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v yet_o still_o to_o say_v and_o think_v god_n will_v bless_v they_o take_v a_o heretickâ—_n who_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o his_o error_n and_o he_o will_v say_v he_o teach_v that_o which_o in_o conscience_n he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n for_o which_o he_o will_v shed_v his_o blood_n and_o whereto_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n yield_v so_o take_v a_o profess_a witch_n man_n or_o woman_n they_o will_v say_v all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o good_a angel_n and_o by_o some_o special_a gift_n give_v unto_o they_o above_o other_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n from_o whence_o indeed_o come_v all_o they_o can_v do_v and_o so_o the_o carnal_a protestant_n of_o our_o time_n they_o look_v for_o god_n blessing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n after_o death_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n in_o sin_n &_o profaneness_n thus_o they_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o make_v christ_n a_o packhorse_n for_o their_o iniquity_n but_o in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o jew_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o lay_v down_o all_o presumptuous_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o goodness_n and_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o god_n favour_n without_o his_o true_a grace_n and_o rather_o look_v unto_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o that_o god_n may_v lift_v we_o up_o ii_o point_n christ_n judgement_n of_o they_o be_v this_o they_o be_v not_o jew_n but_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o seem_v to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o jewish_a manner_n but_o do_v indeed_o worship_v the_o devil_n herein_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v i._n how_o this_o can_v be_v true_a of_o any_o company_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n answ._n election_n be_v twofold_a special_a and_o general_a god_n special_a election_n be_v when_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsâ—ll_v he_o choose_v a_o man_n to_o life_n eternal_a and_o â—his_n befall_v not_o all_o the_o jew_n but_o some_o only_o god_n general_a election_n be_v â—hen_o he_o â—ouchsafeth_v any_o people_n to_o become_v his_o visible_a church_n to_o have_v and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o outward_a signeâ—_n and_o 〈…〉_z his_o covenant_n &_o thus_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n elect_v and_o therefore_o be_v circumcise_v and_o receive_v the_o passover_o from_o this_o general_a election_n a_o church_n and_o people_n may_v fall_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v 9_o and_o so_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n be_v indeed_o never_o within_o the_o particular_a call_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v fall_v away_o for_o god_n election_n remain_v sâ—â—e_z 2._o tim._n 2.19_o his_o calling_n be_v without_o repentance_n rom._n 11._o â—9_n ii_o point_n at_o what_o time_n do_v the_o jew_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n not_o at_o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n though_o that_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n for_o though_o some_o therein_o sin_v of_o malice_n yet_o many_o do_v it_o of_o ignorance_n this_o peter_n confess_v acts._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o sermon_n after_o christ_n ascension_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o 〈…〉_z that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o act_n â—_o â—â—_o but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o long_a time_n preach_v christ_n unto_o they_o &_o convince_v their_o conscience_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o remain_v obstinate_a reject_v and_o persecute_v both_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n then_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o gâ—â—â—ils_n â—_o whereby_o we_o see_v when_o a_o church_n of_o god_n become_v no_o church_n namely_o not_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o hold_v a_o heresy_n for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n hold_v justification_n by_o work_n yet_o thereupon_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o when_o they_o embrace_v a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v convict_v of_o it_o not_o by_o private_a man_n but_o by_o apostolical_a authority_n or_o by_o public_a judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o papist_n of_o the_o libertine_n and_o anabaptist_n family_n of_o love_n and_o such_o like_a namely_o that_o they_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n for_o they_o hold_v heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n which_o the_o church_n long_o ago_o condemn_v by_o apostolical_a and_o judicial_a authority_n again_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n many_o there_o be_v that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o church_n among_o we_o because_o some_o private_a man_n have_v reprove_v the_o same_o for_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o reform_v but_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a and_o foolish_a reason_n for_o first_o the_o error_n must_v be_v against_o the_o foundation_n and_o yet_o that_o make_v not_o a_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v obstinate_o maintain_v after_o sufficient_a reproof_n and_o judicial_a conviction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v affirm_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n iii_o point_n how_o become_v the_o jew_n a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n through_o their_o unbelief_n as_o be_v plain_o prove_v roman_a 11.20_o object_n but_o they_o hold_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o defend_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o which_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o they_o answ._n indeed_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o raze_v out_o and_o deny_v and_o so_o though_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n yet_o worship_v god_n out_o of_o christ_n they_o worship_v a_o idol_n and_o not_o that_o god_n which_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n for_o out_o of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o hold_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereupon_o some_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o indeed_o they_o hold_v they_o not_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v but_o a_o feign_a christ_n for_o they_o take_v from_o he_o both_o his_o nature_n especial_o his_o humanity_n and_o his_o office_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o separat_fw-la from_o they_o this_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v once_o a_o most_o famous_a people_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n must_v be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n continual_o for_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v reject_v they_o stand_v high_a in_o god_n favour_n but_o now_o for_o their_o unbelief_n they_o be_v cast_v off_o from_o god_n and_o be_v become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o must_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o to_o fear_n ro._n 11.20_o for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n they_o that_o be_v his_o first_o choose_v people_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v we_o that_o be_v but_o wild_a olive_n graff_v into_o the_o true_a vine_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o unbelief_n and_o labour_n for_o true_a faith_n which_o we_o must_v testify_v by_o obedience_n in_o our_o life_n &_o conversation_n verse_n 10._o fear_v none_o of_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v behold_v it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v cast_v 〈◊〉_d of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v trieâ—_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o thâ—_n proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n that_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n which_o i_o call_v counsel_n because_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v such_o kind_n of_o instruction_n
charity_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o godly_a professor_n be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n but_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o have_v receive_v this_o new_a name_n and_o new_a estate_n he_o know_v it_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o certain_o and_o infallible_o second_o if_o no_o man_n know_v this_o name_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o then_o can_v none_o beside_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n know_v from_o within_o the_o man_n his_o particular_a faith_n and_o adoption_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o charge_v the_o evil_a and_o hard_a censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n upon_o any_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n in_o so_o do_v we_o overshoot_v ourselves_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o god_n not_o to_o man_n save_v only_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o for_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o good_a within_o the_o man_n proper_o but_o by_o effect_n quest._n how_o far_o forth_o may_v a_o man_n judge_v of_o another_o man_n election_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o judgement_n judgement_n of_o certainty_n and_o judgement_n of_o charity_n judgement_n of_o certainty_n be_v when_o a_o man_n can_v set_v down_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v peremptory_a judgement_n belong_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o some_o man_n only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o estate_n of_o some_o man_n to_o david_n and_o to_o some_o prophet_n whereupon_o david_n sometime_o pray_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o give_v ordinary_o no_o not_o to_o god_n minister_n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o judge_v the_o best_a of_o another_o and_o herein_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o touch_v the_o unregenerate_a charity_n bind_v we_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o such_o as_o yet_o live_v profane_o but_o to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v in_o good_a time_n call_v they_o and_o touch_v the_o regenerate_a who_o have_v give_v good_a testimony_n of_o their_o vocation_n charity_n bind_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v without_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o may_v do_v without_o repugnance_n to_o this_o place_n for_o though_o we_o can_v from_o within_o the_o man_n know_v his_o estate_n yet_o by_o the_o fruit_n we_o may_v which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o judgement_n that_o charity_n can_v exercise_v three_o here_o we_o see_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v deceive_v who_o make_v visibilitie_n the_o mark_n of_o god_n church_n for_o god_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n which_o believe_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n election_n and_o adoption_n and_o man_n faith_n which_o none_o other_o can_v see_v but_o the_o party_n that_o have_v they_o the_o sign_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v but_o proper_o the_o church_n can_v be_v see_v it_o come_v to_o be_v visible_a by_o the_o fruit_n of_o election_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a work_n of_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n we_o therefore_o hold_v far_o better_o that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o that_o we_o see_v the_o church_n last_o if_o other_o know_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n child_n than_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o if_o the_o wicked_a miscall_v they_o 1._o john_n 3.2_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o god_n child_n therefore_o must_v not_o be_v daunt_v at_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o pray_v with_o christ_n father_n forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v luk._n 23.34_o verse_n 18._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v to_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n here_o follow_v the_o four_o particular_a commandment_n of_o christ_n unto_o john_n as_o also_o the_o four_o particular_a epistle_n the_o commandment_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n write_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o commandment_n i_o have_v speak_v before_o only_o remember_v the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o certify_v this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o john_n have_v a_o calling_n and_o commandment_n from_o god_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o they_o and_o further_o to_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o his_o calling_n to_o write_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n a_o proposition_n and_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n all_o which_o thing_n almost_o have_v be_v handle_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o former_a 1â—.15_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v borrow_v in_o the_o preface_n first_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n in_o christ_n name_n the_o cause_n thereof_o we_o have_v show_v before_o then_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o three_o argument_n first_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o to_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n three_o to_o have_v foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n for_o the_o first_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o by_o god_n we_o must_v not_o absolute_o understand_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v oppose_v either_o to_o the_o son_n or_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v usual_o call_v god_n not_o that_o he_o be_v god_n more_o than_o the_o son_n or_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n and_o because_o he_o be_v that_o person_n from_o who_o the_o godhead_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o here_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n which_o mystery_n we_o can_v full_o understand_v for_o the_o word_n have_v not_o reveal_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o out_o of_o the_o word_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o better_a conceive_v thereof_o remember_v these_o two_o rule_n i._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o godhead_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n for_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o beget_v neither_o be_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n beget_v ii_o rule_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o by_o creation_n as_o the_o angel_n and_o adam_n be_v nor_o by_o adoption_n as_o every_o believer_n be_v but_o by_o nature_n in_o that_o he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n for_o the_o father_n communicate_v from_o himself_o the_o whole_a godhead_n that_o be_v in_o himself_o unto_o his_o son_n christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n use_n to_o stir_v up_o reverence_n attention_n and_o care_n in_o this_o church_n in_o mark_v and_o obey_v the_o thing_n that_o follow_v in_o this_o particular_a epistle_n and_o in_o their_o example_n christ_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v or_o read_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o reverence_n because_o he_o that_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o pilate_n be_v about_o to_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o hear_v it_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o he_o tremble_v and_o be_v the_o more_o afraid_a joh._n 19_o verse_n 8._o shall_v a_o â—illie_a heathen_a man_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n tremble_v towards_o he_o when_o he_o hear_v his_o name_n and_o yet_o we_o that_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v nothing_o move_v with_o reverence_n towards_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n at_o his_o presence_n the_o hill_n melt_v and_o at_o his_o voice_n the_o rock_n cleave_v in_o sunder_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o heart_n shall_v not_o melt_v and_o cleave_v asunder_o with_o a_o reverend_a fear_n when_o he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v worse_a than_o these_o senseless_a creature_n second_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n which_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v literal_o the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n vers_fw-la 14._o where_o christ_n be_v describe_v not_o as_o he_o be_v in_o truth_n but_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
david_n himself_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_o dyscipher_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 23.5.6_o &_o hosea_n 3.5_o where_o christ_n be_v plain_o call_v david_n by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o that_o be_v his_o type_n sign_n &_o figure_n quest._n why_o be_v not_o as_o well_o the_o kingdom_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o pharaoh_n type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o david_n answ._n because_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n and_o piety_n but_o they_o be_v kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n kingdom_n because_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o be_v figure_v by_o the_o piety_n in_o david_n kingdom_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o speak_v be_v justifiable_a by_o god_n word_n so_o mat._n 2.23_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n which_o place_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v proper_o of_o samson_n 13._o who_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a figure_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v most_o notable_o represent_v he_o in_o his_o death_n wherein_o he_o kill_v more_o than_o in_o his_o life_n now_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n not_o because_o he_o observe_v their_o rite_n and_o order_n for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o he_o drink_v wine_n so_o do_v not_o the_o nazarite_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o order_n for_o in_o he_o be_v full_o accomplish_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o that_o order_n for_o he_o be_v perfect_o sever_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o pollution_n and_o so_o here_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n because_o he_o have_v the_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o david_n kingdom_n which_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v here_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n which_o can_v be_v open_v and_o shut_v by_o none_o but_o christ_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o none_o have_v power_n above_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o his_o power_n therein_o be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a so_o that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o christ_n jesus_n sit_v in_o heaven_n have_v sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v it_o have_v three_o part_n i._o to_o prescribe_v ii_o to_o judge_n iii_o to_o save_v or_o destroy_v in_o prescribe_v christ_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n as_o first_o in_o prescribe_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v and_o that_o on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n this_o power_n he_o put_v in_o execution_n when_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n he_o prescribe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o believe_v and_o none_o but_o he_o can_v make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o second_o for_o regiment_n he_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o prescribe_v how_o he_o will_v have_v his_o church_n govern_v and_o by_o who_o and_o therefore_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v to_o make_v the_o tabernacle_n 8.5_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o he_o so_o david_n give_v to_o solomon_n pattern_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n touch_v the_o build_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1._o chron._n 28.12_o three_o he_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n for_o as_o the_o ordain_v of_o a_o sabbath_n belong_v to_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o change_v thereof_o he_o that_o prescribe_v worship_n must_v prescribe_v the_o ordinary_a set_a time_n thereunto_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o opinion_n of_o man_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n may_v make_v two_o or_o more_o sabbath_n day_n in_o a_o week_n if_o they_o wil._n four_o in_o prescribe_v the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o 23_o paul_n say_v what_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o deliver_v i_o unto_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o he_o that_o give_v grace_n must_v also_o appoint_v the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v power_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o sovereign_a power_n to_o determine_v on_o his_o own_o will_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o or_o submission_n to_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o in_o determine_v christ_n have_v two_o privilege_n first_o to_o expound_v scripture_n the_o absolute_a power_n of_o expound_v the_o law_n belong_v to_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o his_o exposition_n be_v authentical_a second_o to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o hold_n that_o the_o principal_a judge_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o decyde_v controversy_n be_v the_o church_n the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v to_o save_v and_o destroy_v this_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v say_v 1.18_o to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n whereby_o be_v signify_v first_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n for_o that_o he_o procure_v at_o his_o father_n hand_n second_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o condemn_v for_o when_o man_n believe_v not_o his_o word_n he_o have_v power_n to_o hold_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o can_v cast_v they_o into_o hell_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o threefold_a power_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n this_o because_o he_o be_v sovereign_a lord_n over_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v that_o this_o key_n of_o david_n have_v more_o in_o it_o then_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o power_n to_o make_v and_o depose_v king_n that_o be_v in_o his_o church_n this_o they_o teach_v that_o they_o may_v prove_v the_o pope_n to_o have_v title_n in_o ordain_v and_o depose_n of_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o key_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o for_o though_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v above_o all_o king_n yet_o in_o that_o regard_n he_o neither_o make_v nor_o depose_v any_o king_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v plain_o 3â—_n my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n this_o cause_v he_o to_o refuse_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o earthly_a judge_n or_o prince_n to_o 14_o divide_v a_o inheritance_n between_o two_o brethren_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o 8.11_o refuse_v to_o give_v sentence_n of_o the_o adulterous_a woman_n and_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o make_v or_o depose_v earthly_a king_n so_o the_o wise_a mail_n speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o wisdom_n 8.15_o by_o i_o king_n reign_v for_o the_o further_a clear_n of_o this_o we_o must_v handle_v another_o point_n which_o be_v derive_v hence_o keyeâ—_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v a_o power_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v mention_v mat._n 16.19_o when_o christ_n say_v unto_o peter_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o ministry_n grant_v to_o god_n church_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o i_o call_v it_o a_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o service_n because_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n do_v in_o christ_n name_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n unto_o their_o lord_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o worthy_a member_n and_o officer_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n that_o this_o be_v a_o service_n i_o show_v more_o plain_o thus_o when_o adam_n fall_v in_o his_o sin_n all_o mankind_n fall_v with_o he_o and_o thereby_o be_v all_o bar_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o since_o that_o fall_n christ_n become_v man_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o man_n sin_n and_o this_o