the_o conquer_a saint_n 181_o 182_o in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o to_o remove_v false_a teacher_n 196_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o presbytery_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n together_o 198_o how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o innocent_a infant_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o have_v never_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a 204_o how_o come_v infant_n die_v infant_n to_o be_v save_v that_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o whether_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o salvation_n 205_o etc._n etc._n whether_o we_o may_v merit_v by_o our_o work_n 208_o &_o 237._o how_o be_v the_o saint_n copartner_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o imperial_a reign_n and_o kingdom_n 212_o be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o saint_n to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o sin_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 223_o whether_o true_a saint_n may_v final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n 223_o 241._o whether_o perfection_n may_v be_v have_v in_o this_o life_n 225_o whether_o christ_n create_v war_n and_o send_v the_o sword_n into_o the_o world_n 233_o whether_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o their_o iniquity_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 241_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o any_o name_n or_o person_n out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n 242_o whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n 250_o 251_o whether_o magistrate_n may_v not_o suppress_v error_n be_v well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n 851_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o make_v law_n for_o he_o to_o rule_v next_o and_o immediate_o under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n 252_o when_o shall_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v glorious_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n 261_o whether_o saint_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o yet_o suffer_v in_o it_o 262_o whether_o the_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v here_o on_o earth_n or_o in_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n 276_o 313_o whether_o the_o imperial_a reign_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o general_a resurrection_n or_o before_o 277_o whether_o christian_n may_v not_o be_v overhot_a and_o zealous_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o whether_o a_o moderate_a temper_n will_v not_o be_v more_o advantageous_a therein_o then_o a_o over-furious_a one_o 285_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o buy_v of_o christ_n his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o contract_n or_o not_o 295_o how_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o love_v those_o who_o he_o bitter_o chastise_v 302_o whether_o do_v christ_n always_o use_v a_o spiritual_a force_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o his_o back_o slidden_a people_n 304_o whether_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o father_n be_v all_o one_o 310_o whether_o the_o saint_n as_o saint_n may_v just_o expect_v by_o virtue_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n under_o christ_n on_o earth_n at_o this_o present_a time_n 335_o whether_o the_o saint_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n may_v oppose_v the_o supreme_a magistracy_n they_o live_v under_o 335_o 337_o whether_o heathenish_a or_o antichristian_a magistrate_n may_v be_v oppose_v 338_o 339_o whether_o the_o saint_n imperial_a reign_n be_v far_o off_o or_o near_o at_o hâ—nd_n 341_o 342_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o saint_n to_o put_v to_o a_o help_a hand_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n that_o uphold_a babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n thereof_o 346_o 347_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o praecognita_fw-la the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a chap._n i._n ver_fw-la i._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n this_o book_n have_v for_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o here_o in_o the_o entrance_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insert_v some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o preliminary_a discourse_n and_o question_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v discuss_v before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o body_n of_o this_o book_n quest_n 1._o whether_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n 2._o whether_o john_n who_o in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n be_v name_v john_n the_o divine_a the_o author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o compendious_a view_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n 1._o concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v say_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o unto_o it_o well_o know_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o move_v foundation_n stone_n or_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n receive_v reverent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o age_n to_o age_n as_o the_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o adversary_n of_o old_a take_v advantage_n by_o this_o artifice_n to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o cast_v prejudice_n on_o many_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o weaken_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o saint_n main_o cherish_v and_o support_v by_o the_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o first_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n hence_o rose_n in_o that_o it_o favour_v the_o pretend_a heresy_n of_o the_o chyliast_n or_o millenaries_n and_o their_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o father_n it_o rather_o on_o cerinthus_n the_o heretic_n than_o the_o apostle_n john_n thereby_o if_o possible_o they_o may_v not_o only_o enervate_v its_o testimony_n but_o quite_o shut_v it_o out_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v never_o do_v the_o chylia_v any_o service_n more_o upon_o this_o ground_n hyrome_n be_v the_o first_o that_o do_v most_o public_o call_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 400._o and_o that_o in_o pure_a opposition_n unto_o the_o millenaries_n the_o follower_n of_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n ireneus_fw-la lactantius_n and_o other_o of_o good_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o judgement_n second_o it_o become_v suspect_v as_o erasmus_n witness_v who_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o concern_v other_o divine_a book_n also_o be_v very_o unstable_a in_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a primitive_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o revelation_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o hierome_n himself_o also_o testify_v but_o on_o what_o slender_a ground_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o shall_v present_o consider_v and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o ancient_a greek_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o other_o of_o the_o same_o age_n and_o of_o the_o far_o able_a part_n judgement_n and_o integrity_n number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v the_o public_a stamp_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o it_o there_o be_v one_o caius_n or_o gaius_n as_o eusebius_n witness_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o history_n who_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v of_o one_o cerinthus_n a_o heretic_n who_o hold_v among_o many_o other_o error_n that_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a wherein_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v again_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n for_o the_o term_n of_o a_o complete_a millenary_a of_o year_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n take_v up_o this_o report_n from_o this_o caius_n a_o obscure_a person_n and_o as_o be_v think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o heretical_a alogi_fw-la who_o deny_v as_o epiphanius_n testify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o false_a report_n of_o this_o caius_n dionysius_n doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n but_o hierome_n take_v up_o the_o same_o slender_a ground_n from_o dionysius_n and_o do_v object_v it_o strong_o but_o i_o answer_v it_o seem_v hierome_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o slender_a testimony_n to_o the_o invalidating_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n because_o this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a fortress_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o chiliast_n yet_o however_o though_o hierome_n
utter_a overthrow_n chap._n 31._o v._n 3._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v also_o somewhat_o against_o reason_n that_o saul_n shall_v be_v all_o the_o precedent_a night_n at_o endor_n and_o on_o his_o way_n come_v and_o go_v and_o that_o under_o great_a dejection_n trouble_n and_o consternation_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o hard_a fate_n foretell_v he_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o shall_v the_o immediate_a morrow_n join_v battle_n with_o the_o philistine_n be_v in_o my_o apprehension_n a_o very_a unlikely_a conceit_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v and_o conclude_v with_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n o_o teach_v we_o o_o lord_n to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n that_o both_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n may_v have_v their_o due_n verse_n 11._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o what_o thou_o 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 unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardis_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n after_o john_n be_v set_v by_o a_o spiritual_a rapture_n in_o a_o fit_a frame_n and_o posture_n to_o receive_v those_o divine_a and_o excellent_a revelation_n he_o in_o this_o verse_n make_v a_o entrance_n into_o his_o first_o vision_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o great_a and_o mighty_a voice_n that_o he_o hear_v as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v christ_n as_o be_v manifest_v in_o verse_n 8._o compare_v to_o the_o 9_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o last_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v the_o giver_n out_o and_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n unto_o john_n and_o give_v he_o this_o vision_n concern_v the_o seven_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n unto_o they_o and_o what_o he_o see_v and_o shall_v be_v represent_v unto_o he_o in_o those_o vision_n he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o down_o and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n which_o then_o be_v in_o asia_n minor_fw-la at_o ephesus_n smyrna_n &_o e._n hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v deal_v very_o faithful_o with_o their_o church_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n they_o must_v come_v with_o real_a vision_n of_o god_n not_o feign_v once_o paul_n do_v profess_v unto_o those_o he_o write_v that_o he_o keep_v nothing_o back_o for_o their_o good_a but_o discover_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v god_n motion_n and_o direction_n when_o he_o move_v they_o must_v move_v when_o he_o stand_v still_o so_o must_v they_o if_o god_n command_v they_o to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o peace_n and_o consolation_n they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o god_n proceed_v in_o anger_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o a_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n the_o minister_n ought_v not_o like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jeremiah_n preach_v peace_n peace_n and_o sew_v pillow_n under_o their_o elbow_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o security_n and_o so_o make_v they_o ripe_a for_o destruction_n neither_o be_v they_o only_o in_o a_o perfunctory_a way_n to_o preach_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o church_n but_o they_o must_v follow_v john_n example_n here_o whatsoever_o vision_n or_o burden_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v for_o the_o more_o certainty_n and_o better_a observation_n thereof_o write_v it_o down_o and_o send_v it_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o their_o church_n keep_v this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n keep_v in_o commit_v their_o doctrine_n unto_o writing_n a_o sure_a way_n of_o preserve_v it_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o verse_n 12._o and_o i_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n verse_n 13._o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n and_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n john_n have_v hear_v this_o great_a and_o terrible_a voice_n he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o either_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v metonimocal_o where_o see_v be_v put_v for_o understanding_n that_o be_v he_o turn_v right_o and_o distinct_o to_o understand_v the_o voice_n he_o hear_v or_o else_o to_o be_v take_v per_fw-la synecdochen_n part_n for_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o be_v the_o person_n that_o utter_v the_o voice_n from_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o god_n faithful_a one_o be_v very_a intent_n to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will._n they_o be_v not_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v their_o master_n will_n dark_o and_o in_o part_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o know_v it_o full_o that_o they_o may_v full_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fruitless_a hear_n to_o hear_v the_o voice_n only_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o be_v intent_n upon_o the_o intendment_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o life_n unto_o all_o that_o believe_v yet_o without_o this_o be_v but_o as_o a_o mere_a voice_n and_o a_o dead_a letter_n those_o with_o paul_n act_v 9_o when_o he_o be_v strike_v down_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o damascus_n hear_v the_o voice_n but_o see_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v unto_o he_o so_o many_o in_o our_o day_n do_v hear_v the_o same_o voice_n of_o god_n that_o strike_v through_o other_o soul_n unto_o conversion_n while_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o the_o voice_n either_o to_o their_o comfort_n or_o conversion_n no_o soon_o be_v john_n turn_v to_o comprehend_v more_o distinct_o this_o voice_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o but_o present_o he_o have_v a_o vision_n present_v he_o of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o they_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v interpreter_n but_o by_o the_o way_n this_o note_n arise_v observe_v that_o god_n reserve_v his_o choice_a discovery_n for_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o inquire_a soul_n john_n when_o he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n and_o be_v turn_v he_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n etc._n etc._n when_o soul_n turn_v to_o god_n and_o inquire_v careful_o after_o his_o will_n god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o treasurer_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o intendment_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o revolution_n and_o providential_a percussion_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o statist_n of_o the_o world_n will_v know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n their_o best_a counsellor_n will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o diligent_a observer_n not_o of_o star_n fly_v of_o bird_n the_o bowel_n of_o beast_n and_o such_o ethnic_a foppery_n but_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n observe_v 2._o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v most_o certain_a john_n say_v not_o he_o hear_v only_o a_o voice_n but_o he_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o sight_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a most_o evidential_a of_o all_o the_o sense_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o and_o indeed_o this_o whole_a book_n be_v a_o book_n of_o vision_n present_v unto_o john_n and_o which_o he_o see_v in_o patmos_n now_o in_o all_o vision_n there_o be_v some_o representation_n make_v either_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n external_o or_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n internal_o second_o in_o every_o vision_n there_o be_v something_o that_o be_v future_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v pprophecy_n or_o prediction_n isa_n 1.1_o three_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v have_v a_o strong_a irradiation_n of_o spirit_n and_o mighty_a light_n overpower_v he_o to_o make_v he_o obedient_a unto_o that_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o so_o be_v put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v in_o great_a evidence_n when_o the_o party_n be_v awake_a dream_n be_v but_o obscure_a vision_n when_o man_n be_v asleep_a and_o therefore_o vision_n be_v the_o more_o evident_a and_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o
to_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o member_n thereof_o and_o be_v so_o just_o repute_v by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o denominate_v they_o saint_n call_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n now_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v out_o name_n name_n be_v put_v for_o person_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o only_o signify_v that_o god_n will_v manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v it_o know_v both_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o never_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o the_o state_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n nor_o never_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n under_o this_o negative_a promise_n unto_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v contain_v a_o strong_a affirmation_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o 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for_o be_v once_o enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n election_n and_o among_o the_o catalogue_n of_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n invisible_a they_o can_v never_o be_v raze_v out_o for_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n continue_v sure_a rom._n 9.11_o and_o have_v a_o twofold_a seal_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o first_o god_n knowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o second_o his_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n which_o seal_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v blot_v out_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o enroll_v or_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o must_v be_v their_o sin_n and_o pollution_n that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n choose_a one_o can_v move_v the_o lord_n to_o raze_v we_o out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n for_o than_o the_o foresight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n will_v much_o more_o have_v hinder_v he_o from_o choose_v and_o enrol_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o 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may_v be_v blot_v out_o according_a to_o that_o of_o exod._n 32.33_o whosoever_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o say_v god_n he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n and_o as_o david_n pray_v psal_n 69.28_o let_v they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a answ_n first_o this_o threaten_a be_v not_o against_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n who_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o those_o that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o and_o be_v only_a seem_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n member_n in_o show_n and_o not_o in_o truth_n branch_n in_o the_o vine_n by_o profession_n but_o not_o in_o practice_n and_o life_n of_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n but_o not_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n estimation_n second_o whereas_o god_n say_v he_o will_v blot_v 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ever_o enroll_v in_o either_o far_o than_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o appearance_n only_o and_o last_o whereas_o david_n pray_v that_o the_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a be_v no_o more_o but_o as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v do_v not_o o_o lord_n write_v they_o down_o or_o reckon_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o thy_o faithful_a one_o or_o if_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o thy_o church_n and_o people_n and_o to_o be_v account_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n and_o external_a walk_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o discover_v such_o and_o display_v they_o that_o it_o may_v manifest_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v account_v among_o the_o righteous_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o child_n that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o regard_n that_o god_n decree_n of_o election_n be_v unsearchable_a to_o man_n those_o be_v say_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n who_o be_v outward_o call_v and_o add_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v themselves_o member_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o outward_a but_o not_o the_o infallible_a sign_n of_o god_n election_n because_o they_o be_v common_a both_o to_o hypocrite_n and_o sound_a believer_n and_o so_o likewise_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v person_n out_o of_o this_o book_n who_o sin_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v and_o so_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o
gullelmus_fw-la hicks_n gen._n atatâ—s_n 〈◊〉_d 1658._o though_o thou_o no_o prophet_n art_n nor_o prophet_n son_n without_o their_o spirit_n this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v though_o brightman_n napeir_n mede_n be_v go_v to_o rest_n their_o spirit_n yet_o live_v redouble_v in_o thy_o breast_n you_o that_o have_v cast_v the_o apocalypse_v to_o ground_n because_o so_o dark_a mysterious_a and_o profound_a why_o take_v it_o up_o again_o and_o use_v this_o glass_n it_o will_v then_o no_o long_o for_o a_o mystriè_fw-fr pass_n d_o loggan_n del_fw-it et_fw-la sculp_v ἀποκάλυψις_n ἀποκάλυψεως_n or_o the_o revelation_n reveal_v be_v a_o practical_a exposition_n on_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n whereunto_o be_v annex_v a_o small_a essay_n entitle_v quinto-monarchiae_a cum_fw-la quarto_fw-la á½Î¼Î¿Î»Î¿Î³Î¯Î±_n or_o a_o friendly_a compliance_n between_o christ_n monarchy_n and_o the_o magistrate_n by_o william_n hicks_n gent._n sometime_o of_o wadham_n college_n in_o oxon_n now_o live_v near_o the_o mount_n in_o cornwall_n dan._n 2.28_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n that_o reveal_v secret_n and_o make_v know_v uâ—…_n the_o king_n what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o propheâ—…_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v herein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n a_o deo_fw-la principium_fw-la dabit_fw-la deus_fw-la his_fw-la quoque_fw-la finem_fw-la london_n print_v by_o j._n macock_n for_o daniel_n white_a and_o sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n 1659._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a sr_n richard_n chyverton_n late_a lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o honourable_a city_n of_o london_n sir_n i_o take_v the_o boldness_n to_o present_v unto_o you_o this_o essay_n on_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n and_o i_o hope_v for_o this_o my_o address_n and_o for_o prefix_v your_o most_o worthy_a name_n to_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v either_o unseasonable_a or_o presumptuous_a consider_v not_o only_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o devotion_n i_o bear_v to_o your_o most_o worthy_a name_n and_o person_n but_o be_v also_o bind_v in_o gratitude_n to_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o most_o generous_a and_o noble_a family_n of_o the_o chyvertons_n of_o kerris_n your_o worthy_a kinsman_n to_o who_o i_o be_v oblige_v by_o so_o many_o real_a benefit_n and_o near_a relation_n that_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o manifest_v a_o better_a retaliation_n then_o by_o a_o revival_n of_o their_o most_o worthy_a memory_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o your_o worship_n protection_n who_o be_v the_o only_o survive_v branch_n of_o that_o ancient_n and_o true_o generous_a family_n of_o the_o chyvertons_n of_o our_o county_n of_o cornwall_n but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o assure_v you_o be_v not_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o end_n and_o aim_v that_o most_o man_n lay_v before_o themselves_o in_o such_o dedication_n that_o it_o be_v least_o in_o my_o intention_n to_o affix_v hereunto_o your_o honourable_a name_n thereby_o to_o add_v a_o countenance_n to_o any_o private_a opinion_n of_o i_o much_o less_o be_v it_o in_o my_o eye_n to_o raise_v a_o esteem_n upon_o my_o weak_a endeavour_n by_o insinuate_v the_o least_o compliance_n in_o your_o worship_n judgement_n in_o many_o thing_n i_o have_v write_v herein_o let_v they_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n therein_o manifest_v i_o quite_o disclaim_v any_o such_o pretence_n in_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o my_o plea_n for_o this_o my_o application_n unto_o your_o worthy_a self_n but_o if_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v herein_o find_v i_o trust_v it_o will_v be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o yourself_o nor_o to_o the_o great_a among_o man_n that_o such_o walk_n under_o the_o countenance_n of_o your_o authority_n and_o great_a name_n but_o what_o herein_o shall_v just_o appear_v heterodox_n and_o dissentaneon_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n let_v it_o not_o have_v the_o least_o approbation_n or_o countenance_n from_o man_n but_o let_v it_o rather_o be_v as_o a_o abortive_a birth_n and_o die_v for_o ever_o never_o to_o have_v a_o resurrection_n more_o thus_o have_v wipe_v off_o the_o sinister_a interpretation_n for_o this_o application_n in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v please_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o be_v here_o tender_v when_o the_o urgency_n of_o your_o great_a and_o important_a affair_n will_v permit_v it_o be_v a_o interpretation_n on_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o john_n divine_a prophecy_n wherein_o god_n various_a deal_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n as_o also_o with_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n under_o who_o power_n they_o come_v under_o be_v under_o most_o lively_a prophetical_a representation_n and_o hyerogliphique_a figure_n discover_v and_o make_v know_v even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o that_o prophecy_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o you_o know_v it_o be_v a_o common_a custom_n among_o most_o man_n to_o get_v a_o prognostication_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o old_a year_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o event_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o ensue_a year_n lo_o now_o about_o the_o end_n of_o this_o year_n i_o present_v you_o with_o this_o first_o part_n of_o this_o divine_a ephemerides_n compose_v by_o the_o skilful_a astronomer_n that_o ever_o be_v there_o be_v now_o no_o need_n of_o uphold_v that_o wretched_a practice_n of_o run_v to_o the_o wizard_n or_o stargazer_n to_o know_v the_o event_n and_o success_n of_o church_n state_n and_o kingdom_n we_o have_v here_o a_o full_a discovery_n from_o himself_o who_o create_v the_o star_n and_o know_v their_o course_n and_o call_v they_o all_o by_o their_o name_n who_o lose_v the_o band_n of_o orion_n and_o bind_v up_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pleyade_n man_n may_v conjecture_v and_o their_o conjecture_n fail_v they_o talk_v of_o the_o heaven_n but_o never_o be_v there_o for_o a_o full_a discovery_n but_o here_o then_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o he_o that_o create_v the_o sea_n tell_v and_o foretell_v sign_n and_o wonder_n not_o for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o month_n or_o a_o year_n but_o for_o many_o year_n even_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o the_o event_n of_o our_o present_a old_a year_n but_o the_o accident_n also_o of_o the_o new_a year_n that_o be_v of_o the_o other_o life_n the_o mathematician_n of_o this_o world_n never_o dream_v of_o that_o great_a day_n wherein_o a_o thousand_o year_n shall_v make_v up_o but_o one_o great_a and_o glorious_a day_n only_o this_o book_n the_o saint_n great_a almanac_n report_v this_o and_o therefore_o i_o believe_v it_o aristotle_n can_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v end_v because_o he_o never_o understand_v how_o it_o do_v begin_v but_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o aristotle_n be_v here_o christ_n have_v teach_v of_o the_o end_n and_o give_v note_n and_o sign_n to_o discern_v this_o end_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o will_v perceive_v and_o find_v how_o singular_a useful_a the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o prophecy_n will_v be_v to_o all_o person_n but_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o have_v their_o hand_n much_o employ_v in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o angel_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n how_o comfortable_a then_o will_v the_o contemplation_n be_v that_o they_o in_o their_o several_a generation_n have_v employ_v their_o interest_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n against_o antichrisâ—_n and_o its_o adherent_n those_o christian_a worâ—thies_n that_o have_v already_o long_o since_o fall_v asleep_o with_o those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o christ_n second_o come_v that_o have_v engage_v on_o this_o account_n wiâ—_n be_v sure_a then_o to_o have_v a_o euge_fw-la bene_fw-la serve_v to_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o they_o that_o have_v rule_v here_o for_o christ_n shall_v then_o rule_v and_o reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o but_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o that_o i_o judge_v all_o be_v antichrist_n that_o many_o in_o these_o day_n call_v antichrist_n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o true_a real_a antichrist_n a_o opposite_a state_n to_o christ_n and_o truth_n under_o the_o visor_n of_o christ_n and_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o religion_n that_o make_v up_o antichrist_n indeed_o oâ—_n late_o i_o find_v it_o a_o state-knack_n of_o several_a party_n and_o faction_n to_o brand_v their_o adversary_n with_o those_o odious_a style_n of_o antichrist_n heretic_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v
people_n to_o be_v forewarn_v of_o this_o time_n &_o fore_o see_v it_o though_o long_a before_o it_o come_v to_o bear_v up_o their_o spirit_n in_o there_o great_a affliction_n and_o distress_n abraham_n see_v christ_n day_n and_o bless_a god_n though_o see_v it_o afar_o of_o by_o faith_n this_o god_n have_v more_o especial_o do_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o discovery_n unto_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o hierogliphique_a figure_n of_o all_o the_o empire_n state_n and_o kingdom_n both_o ethnic_a and_o antichristian_a with_o their_o several_a usurpation_n and_o oppression_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v happen_v from_o john_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o issue_n thereof_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o other_o before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o but_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o will_v be_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o hide_a mystery_n and_o seal_v and_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v espouse_v their_o study_n to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n have_v come_v of_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o over_o bold_a undertake_n 1._o i_o answer_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n be_v indeed_o full_a of_o mystery_n which_o will_v so_o remain_v until_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o do_v discover_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v they_o manifest_v but_o when_o we_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o event_n do_v see_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o effect_n of_o each_o prophecy_n and_o what_o by_o this_o and_o that_o thing_n have_v be_v mean_v it_o be_v now_o no_o long_o a_o mystery_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v now_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n rev._n 17.6_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v clear_a up_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o be_v the_o city_n with_o seven_o head_n reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o few_o or_o none_o do_v hesitate_n but_o do_v acknowledge_v yea_o even_o the_o learn_v of_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o as_o bellar._n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr pontif._n rom._n chap._n 2._o blasius_n viegas_n in_o chap._n 17.18_o apoc._n 5._o sect._n 3_o ribera_n in_o apoc._n châ—p_n 14._o page_n 144._o etc._n etc._n that_o by_o this_o great_a city_n here_o be_v mean_v rome_n likewise_o all_o interpreter_n of_o the_o reformation_n do_v harmonious_o accord_v that_o by_o the_o beast_n of_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n rev._n 13_o 1._o must_v be_v mean_v the_o romish_a empire_n divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o two_o horn_n like_o a_o lamb_n rev._n 13.11_o yet_o speak_v like_o a_o dragon_n to_o be_v the_o popish_a antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o if_o event_n have_v plain_o evidence_v these_o without_o contradiction_n so_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v as_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v why_o then_o shall_v if_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v unlock_v and_o make_v obvious_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a since_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o in_o the_o 17._o chapter_n have_v lay_v the_o first_o ground_n work_n from_o whence_o as_o from_o a_o sure_a foundation_n we_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a revelation_n by_o collate_v history_n time_n and_o passage_n one_o with_o another_o and_o lay_v they_o to_o their_o several_a character_n and_o period_n which_o the_o spirit_n have_v affix_v to_o every_o remarkable_a revolution_n passage_n and_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n as_o a_o sure_a token_n and_o touchstone_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o make_v they_o manifest_v so_o that_o now_o the_o revelation_n be_v no_o long_o a_o mystery_n but_o a_o book_n of_o history_n of_o memorable_a act_n and_o passage_n wherein_o be_v fore_o tell_v the_o several_a change_n that_o shall_v befall_v to_o the_o secular_a state_n or_o roman_a empire_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o empire_n until_o it_o shall_v as_o that_o stone_n prophesy_v of_o in_o dan._n 2._o smite_v the_o image_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o become_v itself_o a_o great_a mountain_n and_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o all_o mountain_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o history_n and_o change_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n with_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v discover_v clear_o how_o far_o the_o accomplishment_n reach_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v ere_o long_o so_o that_o the_o thing_n represent_v in_o this_o book_n be_v no_o more_o mystery_n and_o hide_a thing_n but_o as_o clear_v and_o accomplish_a act_n unto_o we_o 2._o the_o very_a title_n and_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o verse_n of_o this_o book_n deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o hide_a mystery_n no_o far_o then_o before_o the_o event_n do_v discover_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apocalypse_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n which_o short_o must_v be_v do_v which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o book_n shut_v and_o seal_v for_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n vers_fw-la 8._o the_o lamb_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o seal_a book_n and_o so_o discovery_n be_v make_v unto_o john_n and_o by_o he_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o little_a book_n mention_v in_o chap._n 10._o which_o more_o especial_o contain_v the_o fate_n or_o destiny_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o open_a book_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 22.10_o plain_o prohibit_v to_o seal_v the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n therefore_o this_o hence_o clear_o follow_v to_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o our_o supine_n and_o overly_o look_v on_o this_o book_n we_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o seal_v and_o hide_a though_o the_o son_n of_o god_n testify_v the_o contrary_a then_o to_o bestow_v our_o industry_n with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o truth_n be_v like_o treasure_n get_v by_o the_o forest_n labour_v be_v most_o sweet_a and_o precious_a but_o with_o all_o such_o slowbelly_n that_o think_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n i_o leave_v with_o they_o these_o consideration_n be_v it_o the_o book_n or_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v as_o i_o hereafter_o shall_v clear_o evince_v then_o study_v it_o some_o good_a will_v come_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o it_o no_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n or_o write_v in_o vain_a it_o will_v stand_v in_o great_a stead_n yea_o in_o the_o alpha_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o omega_n thereof_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o blessing_n store_v up_o for_o they_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 3._o and_o chap._n 22._o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o shall_v there_o a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o these_o that_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v most_o faithful_a to_o perform_v yea_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_a fire_n revel_v 2.18_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a chap_n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n chap._n 3.14_o and_o so_o close_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 6._o that_o these_o say_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v first_o pass_v away_o before_o one_o jota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unaccomplish_v i_o say_v shall_v there_o a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v upon_o so_o faithful_a ground_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o look_v after_o it_o i_o shall_v judge_v blessedness_n worth_a the_o look_n after_o see_v that_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v most_o ready_a willing_a and_o able_a to_o perform_v but_o if_o it_o demand_v what_o be_v the_o advantage_n what_o be_v this_o blessing_n that_o may_v accrue_v in_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o answer_v
shall_v be_v for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n 13.14_o have_v show_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o the_o saint_n for_o 42._o month_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o witness_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n to_o be_v 1260._o day_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v he_o see_v that_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o saint_n mourning_n be_v in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n limit_v and_o prefix_v and_o that_o which_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v testify_v with_o a_o great_a oath_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o several_a period_n and_o appoint_a season_n again_o against_o the_o definite_a demonstration_n of_o the_o last_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n two_o scripture_n offer_v themselves_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o mark_n 13.32_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o his_o second_o come_v but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n the_o other_o be_v that_o of_o the_o act._n 1.7_o wherein_o christ_n answer_v his_o disciple_n question_v will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n so_o the_o objection_n lie_v thus_o if_o no_o man_n no_o not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n know_v the_o last_o day_n but_o that_o time_n and_o season_n be_v leave_v alone_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o father_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o of_o the_o last_o day_n itself_o and_o end_n of_o all_o make_v out_o unto_o john_n in_o this_o revelation_n by_o christ_n himself_o i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o nature_n distinct_a and_o unconfounded_a to_o make_v up_o one_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o the_o property_n of_o each_o nature_n do_v remain_v entire_a unto_o each_o he_o be_v true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v no_o derogation_n at_o all_o unto_o he_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v not_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o so_o of_o the_o last_o day_n but_o to_o affirm_v it_o as_o he_o be_v god_n be_v one_o in_o counsel_n nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v it_o for_o shall_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o handiwork_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o injunction_n or_o command_n of_o his_o father_n on_o he_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o on_o earth_n to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n be_v that_o scripture_n mark_n 10.40_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n to_o sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n or_o his_o left_a be_v not_o he_o to_o give_v yet_o in_o revel_n 3.21_o he_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o he_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n this_o scripture_n give_v a_o fair_a light_n to_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o former_a for_o while_o he_o be_v here_o beneath_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o father_n to_o discover_v time_n and_o season_n nor_o to_o give_v throne_n power_n and_o kingdom_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o saint_n until_o after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o father_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o give_v into_o his_o hand_n by_o right_a of_o purchase_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v clear_o intimate_v in_o the_o revel_n 5.9_o etc._n etc._n when_o none_o be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n than_o the_o 24._o elder_n before_o the_o throne_n sing_v a_o new_a song_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_v thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o thy_o blood_n of_o every_o kindred_n tongue_n people_n and_o nation_n the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n be_v as_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o his_o second_o come_v neither_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o suffer_v nor_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o father_n for_o christ_n unto_o that_o day_n 3._o that_o place_n of_o the_o act_n 1.7_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o disciple_n to_o know_v then_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o meet_a time_n which_o god_n think_v good_a at_o that_o time_n not_o to_o make_v know_v to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n he_o do_v not_o answer_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o de_fw-la tempore_fw-la tempestivo_fw-la of_o the_o opportune_a and_o fit_a time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n do_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o will_v not_o reveal_v unto_o his_o people_n 4._o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o essay_n i_o do_v consider_v the_o time_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o period_n of_o antichrist_n and_o other_o the_o great_a event_n syncronize_a with_o the_o same_o in_o a_o indefinite_a and_o more_o general_a way_n not_o in_o a_o exact_a definite_a precise_a day_n and_o hour_n here_o i_o only_o consider_v the_o year_n in_o a_o more_o general_a way_n which_o now_o the_o father_n have_v not_o reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o other_o book_n of_o god_n last_o account_v it_o as_o labour_v lose_v to_o answer_v the_o vain_a interpretation_n and_o gloss_n of_o the_o allegorise_a and_o chemical_a scripturist_n to_o wit_v the_o familistical_a notionist_n who_o can_v extract_v quidlibet_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la and_o so_o make_v the_o revelation_n indeed_o a_o mystery_n and_o book_n seal_v to_o the_o wise_a christian_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o meddle_v with_o they_o when_o as_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o mystical_a â—_z of_o their_o own_o confuse_a brain_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n for_o indeed_o if_o this_o book_n be_v not_o open_v according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n with_o their_o peculiar_a character_n right_o apply_v to_o their_o several_a time_n and_o season_n we_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o tolerable_a sense_n or_o exposition_n to_o set_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v well_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o do_v clear_o discover_v and_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o 17._o chap._n the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o be_v a_o government_n or_o empire_n that_o shall_v arise_v under_o ten_o king_n and_o that_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a and_o the_o woman_n sit_v upon_o many_o water_n to_o be_v that_o great_a city_n situate_v upon_o seven_o hill_n and_o which_o do_v reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v holpen_v we_o with_o this_o key_n to_o unshut_a in_o part_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o fall_v on_o the_o same_o method_n in_o open_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o figure_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v we_o some_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o itself_o as_o sure_a footstep_n to_o tread_v in_o from_o which_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v as_o from_o a_o watchtower_n take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o so_o a_o scanding_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n otherwise_o in_o itself_o inaccessible_a and_o that_o thy_o servant_n o_o christ_n who_o
evident_a that_o he_o appoint_v pastor_n and_o elder_n and_o other_o officer_n over_o those_o church_n by_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o paul_n and_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v in_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o this_o be_v somewhat_o clear_a in_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n those_o several_a preadmonishment_n which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v and_o to_o deliver_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o child_n beget_v of_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 84._o wherein_o fall_v the_o second_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n john_n be_v force_v and_o banish_v from_o his_o church_n at_o ephesus_n to_o pathmos_n a_o mediterranean_a island_n and_o one_o of_o those_o call_v cyclades_n wherein_o he_o himself_o testify_v cap._n 1._o 9_o that_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o banishment_n last_o i_o conceive_v the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a to_o be_v a_o superadded_a title_n and_o not_o john_n own_a and_o yet_o of_o great_a antiquity_n give_v it_o by_o some_o primitive_a well-meaning_a christian_n my_o reason_n for_o this_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o john_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o writing_n the_o revelation_n it_o be_v write_v some_o year_n before_o his_o gospel_n but_o his_o gospel_n be_v write_v after_o his_o return_n from_o banishment_n as_o eusebius_n prideaux_n history_n pag_n 27._o and_o other_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n testify_v and_o for_o write_v so_o divine_o of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n in_o his_o gospel_n as_o be_v declare_v he_o just_o acquire_v the_o title_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o not_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v write_v before_o it_o another_o reason_n that_o justify_v this_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o first_o verse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n look_v as_o john_n own_o title_n write_v by_o himself_o to_o wit_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n wherein_o he_o only_o modest_o nominate_v himself_o by_o the_o title_n of_o christ_n servant_n john_n and_o without_o any_o other_o eminent_a superadded_a title_n as_o john_n the_o divine_a which_o have_v sway_v my_o reason_n that_o that_o first_o title_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o for_o honour_n sake_n and_o not_o take_v up_o by_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o also_o with_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v consider_v to_o wit_n the_o scope_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o i_o shall_v handle_v but_o compendious_o and_o more_o general_a that_o i_o may_v not_o preoccupy_v my_o subsequent_a discourse_n this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n wherein_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o notable_a event_n and_o alteration_n as_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o her_o enemy_n from_o her_o first_o rise_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o set_v out_o and_o describe_v in_o hyerogliphique_a and_o prophetical_a vision_n which_o christ_n have_v signify_v unto_o his_o servant_n john_n and_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o two_o general_a part_n 1._o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n minor_a which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n 2._o a_o general_a discourse_n of_o all_o the_o alteration_n which_o general_o do_v concern_v or_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o john_n time_n to_o the_o latter_a day_n which_o be_v comprise_v from_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n 1._o in_o the_o epistle_n there_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n as_o in_o the_o preface_n thereof_o first_o the_o immediate_a author_n from_o who_o this_o admonition_n come_v and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n cap_n 1._o 1._o and_o 11._o second_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o deliver_v and_o that_o be_v john_n vers_fw-la 9_o three_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o be_v particular_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n to_o sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n cap._n 1._o v._n 11._o and_o cap._n 2._o &_o 3._o throughout_o four_o in_o this_o monitory_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o fault_n and_o error_n they_o be_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v of_o five_o the_o threat_n lay_v out_o against_o they_o for_o non-amendment_n six_o and_o last_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o well-doing_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n with_o a_o exhortation_n unto_o perseverance_n therein_o â—_o in_o the_o second_o general_a part_n or_o discourse_n concern_v the_o great_a alteration_n that_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o adversary_n these_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n 1._o a_o historical_a relation_n under_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o seal_a book_n or_o seal_v prophecy_n in_o the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o and_o 8_o chapter_n which_o principal_o concern_v the_o various_a success_n combustion_n confusion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o heathenish_a roman_a empire_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o high_a confusion_n yet_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o providential_a preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o it_o hot_a persecution_n and_o though_o mighty_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n yet_o preserve_v fence_a and_o seal_v by_o god_n 2._o in_o part_n of_o the_o eight_o and_o in_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n under_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n there_o be_v a_o alarm_n sound_v forth_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o then_o degenerate_v roman_a christian_n empire_n by_o a_o sevenfold_a order_n of_o plague_n the_o four_o first_o be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o the_o three_o last_o be_v entitle_v the_o three_o wo-trumpet_n 3._o you_o may_v observe_v as_o it_o be_v a_o digression_n in_o the_o pprophecy_n after_o the_o plague_n of_o the_o sixth_o be_v the_o second_o wo-trumpet_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n and_o the_o description_n of_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o wo-trumpet_n set_v off_o to_o another_o place_n where_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n find_v it_o more_o convenient_o to_o refer_v it_o and_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o little_a book_n which_o be_v as_o a_o preface_n and_o entrance_n unto_o the_o pprophecy_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o event_n and_o destiny_n that_o shall_v befall_v to_o christ_n church_n until_o the_o end_n 4._o in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n you_o may_v observe_v how_o therein_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a visible_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o state_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n unto_o the_o late_a day_n and_o you_o may_v far_o observe_v that_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o open_a book_n which_o principal_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o eleven_o chapter_n do_v most_o necessary_o concur_v and_o connex_v with_o all_o other_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o revelation_n concern_v the_o secular_a power_n under_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n for_o both_o do_v concur_v together_o though_o under_o several_a character_n and_o vision_n 5._o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o retrogranation_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a ample_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o persecute_a and_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n concur_v with_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o six_o seal_n under_o the_o idolatrous_a heathenish_a roman_a empire_n until_o she_o have_v bring_v forth_o her_o man-child_n and_o the_o dragon_n cast_v down_o and_o destroy_v yet_o she_o be_v not_o so_o free_v from_o her_o afflict_a state_n but_o she_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o the_o dragon_n send_v his_o flood_n after_o she_o of_o persecution_n beside_o error_n and_o heresy_n to_o overwhelm_v she_o if_o he_o can_v 6._o you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n the_o dragon_n be_v dethrone_v how_o he_o substitute_n in_o his_o room_n the_o ten_o horn_a beast_n the_o secular_a roman_a empire_n divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n which_o persecute_v the_o woman_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o of_o the_o former_a heathenish_a empire_n against_o she_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v
only_o indeed_o be_v temporary_a and_o necessary_a alone_o for_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v defunct_a because_o some_o of_o their_o first_o primitive_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v cease_v also_o but_o second_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o what_o be_v necessary_o essential_a to_o denominate_v a_o apostle_n do_v not_o consist_v sole_o in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n or_o of_o power_n of_o miracle_n for_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v partaker_n in_o those_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o equal_o with_o themselves_o and_o yet_o no_o apostle_n and_o paul_n that_o want_v much_o of_o the_o accommodation_n of_o witness_v unto_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n though_o supply_v by_o a_o miraculous_a sight_n from_o heaven_n none_o can_v deny_v but_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n and_o light_n unto_o the_o gentile_n last_o in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o assert_v the_o true_a essential_o of_o a_o apostle_n do_v consist_v in_o his_o call_n and_o commission_n to_o that_o work_n and_o function_n christ_n call_v the_o first_o twelve_o matth._n 10.1.5_o which_o be_v only_o denominate_v disciple_n and_o from_o their_o mission_n unto_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v then_o first_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n and_o so_o have_v take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o office_n as_o man_n send_v it_o soon_o become_v their_o proper_a appellation_n now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o right_a mission_n and_o commission_n that_o give_v a_o be_v and_o essential_o unto_o a_o apostle_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o first_o author_n that_o commissionated_a unto_o this_o office_n in_o that_o of_o matth._n 10._o his_o commission_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o of_o narrow_a jurisdiction_n but_o in_o matth._n 28.19_o it_o be_v much_o enlarge_v for_o in_o the_o first_o they_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o disciple_n all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n now_o as_o they_o be_v send_v on_o this_o great_a embassy_n for_o christ_n and_o by_o christ_n so_o they_o send_v other_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o same_o work_n mathias_n be_v the_o first_o we_o read_v of_o act_v 1._o that_o they_o choose_v into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n after_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_n 13.2_o 3._o be_v choose_v and_o separate_v unto_o this_o work_n and_o send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o may_v be_v true_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o again_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a province_n go_v about_o gather_v and_o constitute_v church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o those_o political_a church_n make_v up_o of_o officer_n and_o elder_n and_o member_n be_v the_o true_a delegate_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o they_o again_o from_o this_o delegated_a power_n commissionate_v other_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o disciple_v the_o gentile_n and_o unconvert_v nation_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o then_o practice_v unless_o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o all_o nation_n convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o day_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o history_n be_v afterward_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o become_v famous_a church_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n but_o of_o one_o generation_n and_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o that_o work_n be_v to_o make_v they_o eviternal_a though_o their_o doctrine_n continue_v yet_o their_o person_n be_v translate_v and_o go_v to_o their_o father_n and_o this_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o work_v of_o conversion_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n till_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v call_v in_o and_o we_o all_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v do_v by_o apostolical_a man_n and_o officer_n for_o i_o will_v have_v the_o ingenious_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n pastor_n teacher_n help_n and_o government_n be_v but_o relative_a function_n and_o have_v their_o be_v only_o dependent_a and_o limit_v to_o their_o relation_n and_o church_n they_o be_v neither_o elder_n pastor_n nor_o governent_n without_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o officer_n universal_o commissionated_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconverted_a gentile_n and_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v apostle_n of_o christ_n authorize_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o service_n joseph_n of_o arimethea_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v be_v our_o english_a apostle_n which_o be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o our_o nation_n conversion_n dionysius_n areopagita_n be_v the_o apostle_n unto_o france_n james_n unto_o spain_n anthony_n unto_o italy_n thomas_n unto_o italy_n and_o so_o other_o unto_o other_o nation_n and_o when_o christianity_n be_v almost_o lose_v and_o obliterated_a here_o in_o england_n by_o the_o incursion_n of_o barbarous_a nation_n gregory_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o yet_o antichistianize_v some_o century_n of_o year_n after_o send_v here_o austin_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o their_o almost_o lose_a faith_n and_o christian_n profession_n so_o likewise_o when_o our_o church_n send_v man_n to_o convert_v the_o gentile_a nation_n of_o america_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o private_a disciple_n they_o can_v go_v for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v as_o officer_n to_o wit_n as_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n or_o governent_n they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v relation_n only_o to_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o they_o must_v go_v as_o apostle_n which_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a work_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o the_o apostolical_a office_n must_v continue_v as_o necessary_a to_o do_v the_o full_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n why_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o necssity_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o add_v because_o of_o unbelief_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n second_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a what_o great_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v that_o such_o gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n though_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o ordinary_a as_o in_o the_o first_o church_n i_o have_v read_v of_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o cyprian_a about_o the_o second_o century_n who_o provoke_v their_o adversary_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n by_o miracle_n by_o bring_v person_n possess_v with_o devil_n into_o their_o assembly_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v effect_v and_o make_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v m._n baxter_n give_v we_o a_o far_a account_n out_o of_o athanasiâ—_n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o miracle_n in_o their_o day_n and_o attest_v to_o by_o so_o many_o and_o honest_a witness_n that_o they_o be_v credible_a to_o reason_n page_n 63._o upon_o that_o question_n in_o his_o book_n of_o infidelity_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n page_z 15._o speak_v of_o cast_v out_o devil_n of_o which_o sort_n say_v he_o some_o think_v that_o real_o they_o do_v so_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o we_o may_v do_v now_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n sometime_o to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o the_o prayer_n and_o appeal_n of_o god_n people_n have_v strange_o and_o miraculous_o perfect_v and_o produce_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n of_o late_a and_o within_o our_o memory_n in_o divers_a example_n which_o be_v now_o too_o long_o to_o rehearse_v some_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o miraculous_o recover_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n other_o dispossess_v of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v palpable_o vex_v and_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o only_a by_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n of_o somg_v odd_o person_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v one_o instance_n i_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o a_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o public_a
wheresoever_o idolatry_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o church_n looseness_n and_o lasciviousness_n present_o follow_v error_n be_v fruitful_a and_o one_o bring_v forth_o another_o assoon_o as_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n maintain_v the_o eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o be_v the_o service_n of_o devil_n present_o they_o join_v hand_n with_o the_o obscene_a sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n when_o the_o israelite_n join_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o baal_n peor_n numb_a 25._o they_o become_v shameless_a and_o present_o fall_v on_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n in_o ezek._n 8.14_o we_o shall_v read_v that_o there_o be_v jewish_a woman_n weep_v for_o tammuz_o that_o be_v as_o some_o read_v it_o adonis_n or_o a_o idol_n or_o image_n of_o adonis_n who_o be_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o venus_n and_o slay_v by_o a_o boar_n in_o who_o memory_n there_o be_v celebrate_v yearly_a solemnity_n in_o which_o be_v the_o weep_n of_o woman_n or_o as_o junius_n have_v it_o it_o be_v osiris_n a_o idol_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o phoenician_n in_o who_o rite_n they_o forget_v all_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n to_o the_o idol_n so_o corrupt_a be_v false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n that_o it_o and_o filthiness_n do_v usual_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o in_o most_o partâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—he_n jurisdiction_n of_o rome_n but_o especial_o italy_n and_o spain_n â—ein_o the_o great_a and_o most_o notorious_a idolatry_n be_v commit_v and_o countenance_v there_o be_v the_o great_a obscenity_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n yea_o and_o that_o common_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o be_v unnatural_a and_o sodomitish_a and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v name_v among_o christian_n so_o it_o be_v so_o here_o once_o within_o our_o memory_n with_o we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v taste_v the_o same_o grape_n of_o rome_n lust_n be_v soon_o promote_v both_o in_o court_n and_o country_n quest_n but_o if_o you_o here_o demand_v wherein_o lie_v the_o mischievousness_n and_o grievousness_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n i_o answer_v 1._o all_o idolater_n they_o forsake_v the_o true_a god_n 2._o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o form_n of_o creep_a thing_n 3._o they_o thrust_v out_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o their_o holy_a place_n and_o at_o last_o god_n himself_o 4._o they_o slight_a god_n and_o his_o help_n in_o extremity_n and_o call_v to_o their_o idol_n that_o see_v not_o hear_v not_o nor_o understand_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v to_o s._n anthony_n s._n francis_n etc._n etc._n 5._o they_o become_v prodigal_a towards_o their_o idol_n as_o the_o adulterer_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o for_o his_o harlot_n so_o they_o nothing_o too_o much_o for_o their_o idolatrize_a worship_n witness_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n 6._o they_o become_v unclean_a and_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n god_n hate_v 7._o they_o become_v fool_n infatuate_v and_o deliver_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n whilst_o they_o disclaim_v the_o great_a infinite_a glorious_a holy_a and_o alwise_a god_n and_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o adore_v batts_n ox_n mole_n owl_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o little_a piece_n of_o dead_a wood_n metal_n and_o the_o like_a carve_v and_o frame_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n and_o this_o be_v the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o idolater_n who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o strange_a delusion_n and_o believe_v a_o lie_n observe_v 7._o the_o last_o note_n from_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o difficult_a undertake_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v off_o or_o wean_v either_o new_a plant_v church_n or_o new_o reform_v one_o from_o their_o old_a false_a worship_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o the_o new_a plant_v church_n as_o of_o pergamus_n corinth_n and_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_n think_v that_o they_o may_v still_o participate_v of_o their_o former_a sacrifice_n of_o devil_n and_o their_o idolathite_n and_o of_o christ_n table_n also_o but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v very_o bitter_a against_o such_o in_o 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o and_o the_o spirit_n here_o also_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o and_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o the_o pergamitish_a church_n for_o entertainment_n of_o such_o doctrine_n what_o ado_n have_v paul_n also_o to_o take_v off_o the_o believe_a jew_n from_o their_o circumcision_n and_o moysaicall_a rite_n they_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o pedagogy_n of_o moses_n join_v to_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o so_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v no_o less_o than_o a_o full_a council_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v this_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n act_n 15._o and_o what_o a_o difficult_a business_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o reformation_n to_o reform_v up_o full_o all_o the_o world_n know_v what_o uproar_n commotion_n and_o civil_a war_n there_o be_v in_o k._n edward_n the_o sixth_n day_n when_o the_o mass-book_n be_v but_o turn_v into_o english_a as_o some_o of_o k._n edward_n counsellor_n advise_v our_o cornish_a rebel_n who_o be_v then_o in_o arm_n for_o their_o old_a mumpsimus_n and_o popish_a worship_n and_o sure_o luther_n nor_o zuinglius_fw-la nor_o calvin_n can_v go_v on_o with_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o germany_n france_n or_o other_o place_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o unpreparedness_n and_o unsuitable_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o who_o they_o begin_v the_o reformation_n be_v so_o long_a time_n settle_v and_o fix_v upon_o their_o old_a lees_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n for_o they_o to_o go_v far_o through_o with_o it_o than_o be_v fit_a and_o competent_a for_o that_o generation_n who_o always_o reserve_v some_o relic_n remain_v and_o smack_v of_o popery_n though_o the_o main_a work_n be_v beat_v down_o and_o therefore_o some_o heady_a people_n of_o those_o time_n that_o will_v not_o condescend_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o have_v providential_a carriage_n towards_o the_o weak_a and_o dark_a sort_n of_o people_n will_v reform_v thing_n even_o to_o the_o height_n and_o full_a pitch_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n but_o the_o people_n of_o they_o age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o it_o cause_v much_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o through_o intemperate_a zeal_n much_o hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o the_o begin_v reformation_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n but_o since_o in_o many_o place_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o reform_a this_o reformation_n have_v make_v a_o further_a progress_n by_o some_o step_n yet_o still_o among_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a not_o only_o in_o this_o nation_n but_o elsewhere_o there_o be_v some_o remain_v of_o the_o old_a false_a worship_n and_o practice_n and_o a_o lust_a after_o they_o so_o strong_a a_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o our_o predecessor_n practice_n be_v they_o never_o so_o corrupt_a yet_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o that_o reformation_n we_o enjoy_v and_o liberty_n to_o profess_v and_o practice_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o most_o undefiled_a and_o pure_a pattern_n that_o we_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o desire_v more_o on_o our_o own_o part_n or_o what_o great_a blessing_n can_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o be_v protect_v secure_v and_o countenance_v in_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n will_v not_o reform_v in_o such_o a_o day_n when_o public_a edict_n be_v go_v forth_o from_o cyrus_n to_o set_v israel_n free_a i_o wonder_v when_o they_o will_v fall_v upon_o it_o do_v they_o expect_v the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v and_o compel_v all_o unto_o the_o work_n alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o generation_n that_o all_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n in_o a_o whole_a nation_n or_o kingdom_n no_o never_o will_v there_o be_v such_o a_o golden_a age_n until_o christ_n himself_o shall_v come_v with_o the_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o purge_v his_o garner_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o be_v not_o the_o church_n a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n if_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v the_o church_n where_o be_v the_o thorn_n be_v they_o the_o other_o neighbour_n nation_n about_o alas_o they_o be_v lily_n too_o church_n on_o that_o account_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v they_o the_o gentle_a nation_n as_o turk_n persian_n antichristian_o and_o popish_a nation_n as_o italian_n spanish_a french_a &_o c_o alas_o they_o be_v no_o thorn_n to_o you_o the_o reform_a nation_n be_v in_o equal_a balance_n
thunder_n and_o how_o zealous_a and_o hot_a be_v the_o papist_n this_o day_n for_o their_o scarlet_a strumpet_n and_o her_o fornication_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v love_v and_o therefore_o no_o true_a zeal_n but_o spurious_a and_o impious_a the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o a_o man_n intention_n be_v never_o good_a be_v they_o never_o so_o high_o pretend_v thereunto_o but_o when_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o good_a warrant_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o refer_v to_o right_a end_n namely_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n now_o to_o return_v to_o answer_v the_o doubt_n propose_v have_v clear_v what_o true_a zeal_n be_v with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a when_o a_o right_a object_n and_o right_a end_n be_v propose_v paul_n in_o rom._n 12.11_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v fervent_a in_o the_o spirit_n hot_a boil_a hot_a in_o spiritual_a affair_n what_o think_v you_o of_o paul_n when_o he_o oppose_v peter_n to_o his_o face_n in_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n and_o will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o his_o dissimulation_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n so_o zealous_a be_v he_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n god_n be_v so_o zealous_a of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o smite_v uzzah_n 2_o sam._n 6_o 7._o for_o put_v only_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o ark_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n to_o save_v it_o from_o fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v commend_v his_o zeal_n and_o spare_v his_o ignorance_n herein_o but_o be_v not_o according_a unto_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o suffer_v for_o it_o no_o good_a intention_n and_o meaning_n will_v make_v that_o action_n or_o duty_n good_a or_o lawful_a be_v it_o ever_o so_o specious_o religious_a and_o gracious_a that_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o best_a duty_n for_o want_n of_o this_o scantling_n be_v turn_v into_o sin_n and_o as_o god_n be_v zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n so_o he_o make_v his_o minister_n like_o himself_o heb._n 1.7_o he_o make_v his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n i_o will_v have_v all_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a moderate_a state-christians_a to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o can_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ordinary_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n through_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o of_o a_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a laodicean_n temper_v christ_n himself_o be_v think_v by_o the_o people_n to_o be_v one_o too_o hot_a that_o his_o zeal_n be_v beyond_o his_o judgement_n mark_v 3.21_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o be_v beside_o himself_o paul_n be_v also_o account_v mad_a not_o only_o by_o festus_n for_o his_o zeal_n towards_o god_n act_v 26.24_o but_o also_o by_o the_o christian_n corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 5_o 13._o so_o michael_n scoff_v at_o david_n as_o one_o of_o the_o fool_n for_o his_o zeal_n yet_o though_o they_o and_o other_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v vilify_v and_o reproach_v by_o the_o ignorant_a world_n yet_o their_o zeal_n have_v lay_v that_o corner_n stone_n and_o foundation_n of_o salvation_n that_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o what_o think_v you_o will_v the_o scarlet_a whore_n that_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n be_v dethrone_v or_o antichrist_n be_v discover_v and_o overthrow_v by_o a_o moderate_a lukewarm_a laodicean_n state_n religion_n and_o temper_v sure_o the_o first_o beginner_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v of_o another_o spirit_n than_o we_o in_o these_o day_n be_v of_o or_o else_o it_o will_v have_v make_v but_o a_o slow_a procedure_v for_o want_n of_o this_o true_a zeal_n our_o reformation_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la but_o i_o will_v still_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o zeal_n mix_v with_o the_o former_a ingredient_n and_o with_o sound_a knowledge_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o guide_n to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v it_o aright_o both_o in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v love_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o end_n of_o their_o love_n or_o else_o zeal_n not_o right_o regulate_v may_v be_v dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o offend_v and_o fail_v in_o their_o zeal_n first_o those_o that_o be_v stark_o cold_a and_o have_v no_o zeal_n at_o all_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o his_o worship_n as_o the_o profane_a worldling_n be_v second_o those_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a christian_n that_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a as_o those_o laodicean_n be_v and_o as_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a halt_v between_o god_n and_o baal_n 1_o king_n 18.21_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o who_o zeal_n be_v blind_a void_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n who_o cover_v their_o own_o carnal_a affection_n with_o the_o cloak_n of_o glorify_v of_o god_n rush_v on_o inconsiderate_o into_o many_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a action_n some_o on_o this_o pretence_n endeavour_v again_o in_o these_o our_o day_n to_o set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o his_o throne_n among_o we_o other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o want_v of_o this_o sound_a knowledge_n join_v to_o their_o zeal_n under_o pretence_n of_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n and_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n they_o endeavour_v to_o undermine_v and_o pull_v down_o all_o magistracy_n ministry_n scripture_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o christ_n church_n whatsoever_o whereof_o this_o age_n of_o we_o afford_v as_o many_o lamentable_a example_n as_o any_o former_a whatsoever_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o add_v wisdom_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n unto_o his_o zeal_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o controvert_v opinion_n of_o religion_n that_o lie_v deep_a and_o dark_a whether_o they_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o moderation_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v most_o commendable_a and_o let_v every_o one_o walk_v as_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o controvert_v point_n and_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o we_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o christ_n the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v appear_v to_o open_v all_o the_o seal_a book_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v again_o and_o so_o that_o scripture_n in_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o apply_v be_v not_o righteous_a over_o much_o that_o be_v be_v not_o over_o zealous_a hot_a or_o fervent_a for_o they_o but_o for_o plain_a obvious_a and_o perspicuous_a command_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o christ_n precept_n and_o command_n or_o antichrist_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o embrace_v our_o zeal_n and_o intention_n here_o can_v be_v too_o hot_a we_o can_v possible_o here_o admit_v of_o a_o syncratism_n or_o a_o mean_a as_o worldly_a wise_a cassander_n will_v endeavour_v between_o papist_n and_o protestant_n either_o god_n must_v be_v god_n or_o baal_n must_v be_v god_n either_o christ_n must_v have_v the_o throne_n or_o else_o antichrist_n must_v reign_v they_o can_v possible_o inhabit_v in_o one_o temple_n god_n and_o dagon_n will_v not_o correspond_v no_o degree_n of_o zeal_n herein_o will_v suffice_v but_o what_o be_v the_o high_a and_o aim_v at_o perfection_n the_o defect_n whereof_o either_o that_o of_o coldness_n which_o be_v more_o remote_a or_o that_o of_o lukewarmness_n which_o be_v near_o be_v equal_o faulty_a in_o this_o particular_a either_o let_v we_o be_v altogether_o romish_n or_o altogether_o reform_v either_o full_o zealous_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n or_o else_o cold_a thereunto_o for_o no_o mean_a will_v serve_v turn_n therefore_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v to_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a that_o be_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o rather_o thou_o be_v any_o thing_n then_o what_o thou_o be_v i_o will_v as_o rather_o thou_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n as_o of_o this_o mongrel_n uncertain_a hotchpotch_n religion_n that_o thou_o be_v of_o from_o these_o word_n note_v observe_v that_o a_o lukewarm_a religion_n be_v equal_o if_o not_o more_o displease_v unto_o god_n than_o irreligion_n or_o profaneness_n itself_o christ_n here_o prefer_v coldness_n the_o most_o remote_a degree_n in_o religion_n before_o a_o near_a lukewarmness_n christ_n wish_v laodicea_n either_o to_o be_v hot_a zealous_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o else_o cold_a that_o be_v dead_a strange_a and_o alienate_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a as_o she_o be_v it_o be_v as_o good_a and_o there_o
and_o some_o other_o of_o suspect_a credit_n and_o of_o obscure_a note_n as_o dorotheus_n dionysius_n eusebius_n caius_n do_v oppugn_v it_o yet_o epiphanius_n be_v so_o passionate_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v they_o among_o heretic_n that_o do_v reject_v it_o and_o justin_n martyr_n and_o ireneus_fw-la of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o of_o singular_a piety_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v this_o book_n as_o canonical_a but_o write_v commentary_n on_o it_o 2._o whatsoever_o that_o caius_n be_v that_o father_n the_o apocalypse_v on_o cerinthus_n on_o who_o report_n all_o his_o follower_n be_v mislead_v yet_o the_o relation_n itself_o hold_v not_o any_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n for_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o write_v very_o large_o of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o his_o successor_n yet_o never_o mention_n that_o he_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o chiliasme_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o caius_n concern_v he_o and_o he_o apocalypse_v be_v apocryphal_a and_o a_o mere_a figment_n on_o purpose_n devise_v by_o the_o adversary_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o d._n homes_n lib._n 3._o chap._n 3._o sect_n 3._o further_o if_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v besprinkle_v it_o with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o error_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n deny_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o affirm_v his_o generation_n to_o be_v only_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o m._n baxter_n book_n of_o infidelity_n treat_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n carpocrates_n and_o their_o follower_n page_z 129._o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a strong_o confirm_v in_o many_o place_n thereof_o as_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n thereon_o will_v manifest_v and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o cerinthus_n hold_v and_o expect_v a_o riotous_a and_o luxuriant_a millenary_a which_o be_v now_o disprove_v yet_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n thereof_o but_o of_o a_o millenary_a of_o rest_n and_o joy_n in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n then_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v on_o earth_n heretofore_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o earthly_a sensual_a reign_n and_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n saint_n may_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o spiritualised_a and_o heavenly_a one_o which_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o suspect_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o apocalypse_v second_o hierome_n the_o great_a antagonist_n of_o this_o book_n write_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n speak_v very_o sharp_o against_o this_o book_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n thereof_o as_o not_o become_v the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v only_o a_o common_a history_n of_o thing_n shadow_v under_o dark_a figure_n and_o hard_a kind_n of_o speech_n i_o answer_v rather_o it_o become_v and_o savour_v the_o excellency_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o lesser_a asia_n carry_v in_o it_o all_o along_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o very_a step_n sentence_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n be_v full_a of_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o his_o continual_a intercession_n and_o providential_a act_n of_o gubernation_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o expression_n thereof_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o that_o be_v not_o strange_a in_o prophetical_a writing_n as_o in_o daniel_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o set_v we_o on_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o overslip_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o their_o appoint_a time_n of_o discovery_n that_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o three_o dionysius_n aforesaid_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n reason_n very_o slight_o against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o cast_v up_o so_o oft_o his_o own_o name_n since_o in_o his_o gospel_n he_o never_o name_v himself_o but_o only_o point_v it_o out_o by_o some_o modest_a mark_n as_o these_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n in_o his_o vision_n and_o conference_n with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o do_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o word_n i_o john_n this_o reason_n move_v dionysius_n to_o think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v rather_o set_v out_o by_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n then_o by_o himself_o i_o answer_v this_o opposition_n be_v but_o weak_a for_o he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n or_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v mix_v of_o both_o he_o need_v not_o often_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o depend_v on_o its_o present_a verity_n and_o other_o apparent_a circumstance_n witness_v unto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o miracle_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o writer_n of_o prophecy_n for_o that_o receive_v authority_n by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o in_o every_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v we_o must_v inquire_v first_o who_o reveal_v it_o and_o then_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o to_o have_v divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o who_o will_v give_v credence_n or_o faith_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n or_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o see_v they_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n how_o oft_o do_v he_o repeat_v these_o word_n isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n and_o in_o daniel_n prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o name_n more_o than_o threescore_o time_n repeat_v yea_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o daniel_n about_o nine_o time_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o paul_n when_o his_o apostleship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o some_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o ministry_n how_o often_o shall_v you_o read_v i_o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v strange_a when_o john_n mention_n not_o his_o name_n above_o five_o time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o with_o that_o modesty_n that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n have_v wipe_v off_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v cast_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n on_o these_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v some_o testimony_n for_o that_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o will_n receive_v this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n but_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o from_o without_o or_o second_o within_o the_o say_a book_n those_o from_o without_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n except_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o contest_v among_o some_o violent_a person_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o the_o canon_n the_o counsel_n of_o laodicea_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o council_n of_o toletan_n 5._o cap._n 16._o decree_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n second_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n cyril_n epiphanius_n lactantius_n ireneus_fw-la augustine_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o this_o book_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n in_o their_o writing_n i_o shall_v
add_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1651._o who_o do_v number_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n very_o radiant_a and_o pregnant_a within_o the_o say_a book_n to_o prove_v it_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n first_o in_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o so_o high_o illuminate_v a_o person_n as_o john_n the_o apostle_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v evince_v and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o last_o public_a legacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o special_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v god_n will_v never_o suffer_v such_o a_o palpable_a deceit_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o long_o without_o control_n and_o under_o his_o own_o name_n so_o often_o reiterated_a in_o those_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n direction_n approbation_n and_o providential_a preservation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o this_o book_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o do_v full_o harmonise_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o indubitable_a receive_v book_n of_o god_n that_o treat_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n three_o and_o last_o see_v those_o thing_n be_v evident_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v predict_v and_o foretell_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o dethron_n of_o the_o dragon_n the_o rise_n continuance_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o whore_n ride_v upon_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n with_o divers_a other_o event_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o former_a some_o whereof_z be_v long_o since_o evident_o accomplish_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o determine_a time_n and_o period_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o prophecy_n come_v from_o god_n when_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v consult_v deut._n 18.21_o 22_o verse_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n about_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n have_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o whether_o this_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n first_o they_o that_o oppose_v the_o first_o do_v offer_n as_o their_o reason_n the_o unlikelyness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n that_o there_o be_v between_o this_o book_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n and_o his_o epistle_n which_o two_o latter_a agree_v in_o style_n and_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n be_v very_a dissonant_n from_o they_o both_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n in_o the_o first_o two_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n though_o he_o write_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o substantial_a truth_n contain_v therein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a tie_v up_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o the_o epistle_n but_o be_v leave_v at_o large_a by_o the_o spirit_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o expression_n which_o he_o write_v according_a to_o his_o own_o genius_n and_o temper_n be_v high_a and_o sublimate_n but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o must_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v and_o be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o beside_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o prophecy_n keep_v somewhat_o the_o like_a and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o expression_n character_n and_o method_n as_o it_o do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n daniel_n isaiah_n and_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v joint_o run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n in_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v and_o other_o of_o john_n writing_n second_o they_o that_o oppose_v give_v as_o another_o reason_n but_o unadvised_o that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n the_o revelation_n be_v entitle_v not_o unto_o john_n evangelist_n or_o john_n the_o apostle_n but_o unto_o john_n the_o divine_a this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n for_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o john_n be_v by_o excellency_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n call_v by_o this_o name_n of_o the_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o write_v and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o heretic_n that_o oppose_v it_o in_o his_o time_n as_o the_o ebonite_n simon_n magus_n carpocrates_n cerinthus_n and_o their_o follower_n yet_o withal_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o this_o word_n the_o divine_a in_o our_o language_n be_v too_o narrow_a a_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o this_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v of_o more_o copious_a and_o extensive_a signification_n which_o make_v much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o evangelist_n that_o write_v this_o book_n for_o the_o foresay_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n and_o maintainer_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v this_o denomination_n either_o from_o his_o work_n and_o so_o be_v entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a or_o last_o he_o acquire_v that_o peculiar_a title_n to_o himself_o from_o the_o high_a divine_a inspiration_n and_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n he_o have_v from_o god_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o those_o his_o vision_n and_o so_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o eminent_o conversant_a with_o god_n he_o may_v just_o acquire_v unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o john_n the_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o former_a be_v the_o more_o genuine_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o title_n in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v that_o this_o john_n who_o be_v the_o subordinate_a author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o be_v write_v cap._n 1._o 9_o when_o john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n under_o banishment_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n which_o do_v agree_v with_o all_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a father_n who_o all_o testify_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v there_o banish_v and_o second_o as_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n as_o aretas_n witness_v basil_n gregory_n cyril_n epiphanius_n ireneus_fw-la hippolyta_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n counsel_n plain_o avouch_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n this_o john_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n major_n or_o the_o great_a and_o the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o three_o great_a witness_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o most_o retire_a and_o eminent_a action_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n who_o after_o christ_n have_v accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v ascend_v he_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o as_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n testify_v have_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n receive_v power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o province_n fall_v in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n where_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o preach_v convert_v and_o found_v those_o several_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n philadelphia_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n but_o also_o it_o seem_v
though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o call_v himself_o and_o glory_n in_o the_o privilege_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phil._n 3.5_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n race_n and_o lineage_n and_o one_o mighty_a in_o the_o law_n bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o how_o often_o do_v paul_n inculcate_v in_o his_o epistle_n paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 1.1_o phil._n 1.1_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 1.1_o etc._n etc._n david_n a_o king_n shall_v rather_o glory_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o god_n and_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o his_o house_n then_o to_o live_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n observe_v 3._o if_o the_o high_a in_o repute_n and_o office_n in_o christ_n church_n be_v but_o servant_n than_o not_o lord_n the_o grave_a apostle_n paul_n james_n john_n be_v but_o servant_n and_o will_v be_v account_v but_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o not_o as_o lord_n and_o master_n over_o the_o church_n faith_n 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o great_a dictator_n and_o imposer_n of_o tie_v and_o rule_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n matth._n 23.13_o the_o great_a apostle_n bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_a deserve_v but_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o servant_n minister_n or_o steward_n in_o the_o church_n not_o of_o a_o lord_n and_o master_n their_o work_n be_v a_o work_n of_o service_n to_o persuade_v entreat_v convince_v by_o reason_n not_o to_o impose_v dictate_v and_o compel_v in_o short_a they_o can_v impose_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v do_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o that_o neither_o in_o their_o own_o name_n or_o for_o their_o own_o end_n for_o they_o be_v servant_n not_o at_o their_o own_o dispose_n but_o at_o the_o call_n beck_n and_o direction_n of_o another_o even_o of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n there_o be_v also_o somewhat_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o that_o when_o christ_n precise_o set_v down_o and_o take_v notice_n by_o name_n to_o who_o he_o give_v this_o prophecy_n his_o servant_n john_n whence_o note_n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophecy_n depend_v much_o for_o credit_n on_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o relator_n john_n be_v christ_n belove_a disciple_n most_o high_o illuminate_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n of_o god_n john_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o last_o that_o have_v prophetical_a vision_n to_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o anathema_n go_v forth_o against_o all_o person_n that_o shall_v add_v or_o diminish_v from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o 18_o and_o 19_o verse_n of_o chap._n 22._o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o discovery_n of_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n than_o what_o be_v in_o this_o present_a book_n to_o be_v expect_v until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o verse_n the_o better_a to_o gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o unto_o the_o subordinate_a instrument_n and_o author_n thereof_o describe_v his_o excellency_n office_n gift_n and_o quality_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 2._o who_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 all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v you_o have_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o witness_v a_o record_n or_o bear_v a_o sure_a testimony_n and_o that_o of_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o of_o jesus_n christ_n three_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v wherein_o two_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o view_n whether_o this_o record_n be_v to_o be_v take_v single_o as_o john_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o bare_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o word_n as_o one_o with_o god_n and_o that_o word_n be_v god_n john_n 1.1_o and_o this_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o bare_a record_n of_o all_o the_o act_n and_o miracle_n which_o he_o see_v this_o divine_a person_n do_v and_o perform_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n here_o beneath_o or_o second_o whether_o this_o record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n which_o jesus_n christ_n do_v testify_v unto_o and_o be_v make_v apparent_a by_o vision_n unto_o john_n indeed_o i_o shall_v willing_o admit_v of_o both_o sense_n and_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o verse_n aim_v at_o both_o for_o add_v the_o better_a authority_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o though_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n be_v not_o write_v when_o this_o revelation_n be_v give_v yet_o by_o his_o constant_a preach_n he_o may_v well_o be_v see_v to_o bear_v record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v 1._o from_o the_o first_o sense_n note_v that_o they_o that_o be_v the_o faithful_a publisher_n or_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n get_v best_a credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o all_o other_o their_o relation_n 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v vision_n or_o prophecy_n from_o god_n that_o bear_v the_o faithful_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n john_n be_v now_o a_o prisoner_n and_o under_o banishment_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n when_o he_o receive_v those_o revelation_n paul_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n have_v even_o here_o a_o irradiation_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n when_o he_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o three_o heaven_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a ezekiel_n daniel_n jeremiah_n etc._n etc._n receive_v those_o vision_n of_o god_n high_a and_o excellent_a one_o because_o they_o be_v faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o publisher_n of_o it_o unto_o other_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v most_o conversant_a with_o god_n and_o exercise_v in_o his_o word_n be_v fit_a instrument_n to_o receive_v and_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o omne_fw-la simile_n gaudet_fw-la simili_fw-la every_o like_a desire_n communication_n with_o its_o like_a verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n 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 you_o have_v again_o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n make_v to_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n verse_n 7â—_n from_o which_o promise_n here_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o book_n and_o in_o the_o end_n thereof_o reiterated_a and_o make_v good_a to_o such_o as_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n you_o may_v observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v not_o altogether_o inaccessible_a but_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o diligent_o inquire_v thereinto_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n if_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o feasible_a how_o vain_a will_v it_o be_v to_o promise_v blessedness_n to_o the_o diligent_a observer_n thereof_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o supposition_n beside_o the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o keep_v and_o therefore_o most_o absurd_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o hide_a as_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scope_n and_o substantial_a part_n thereof_o from_o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n note_v observe_v 2._o that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n contain_v most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a thing_n to_o be_v understand_v keep_v and_o observe_v how_o singular_a useful_a it_o be_v to_o foresee_v the_o come_n either_o of_o the_o day_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_v or_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n and_o affliction_n that_o our_o spirit_n may_v be_v bear_v up_o and_o our_o heart_n comfort_v under_o all_o condition_n in_o the_o certain_a hope_n and_o expectance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o murmur_v in_o the_o other_o but_o acquiesce_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o patience_n until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v past_a and_o
over_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o discovery_n to_o wit_n the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o security_n in_o that_o condition_n together_o with_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n its_o reign_n pollution_n and_o a_o discovery_n thereof_o and_o at_o last_o its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o abolition_n and_o the_o consequent_a thereof_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o church_n to_o glory_n judicious_a christian_n shall_v account_v this_o knowledge_n excellent_a it_o will_v much_o help_v to_o keep_v their_o spirit_n in_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n this_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o time_n of_o patience_n and_o tribulation_n not_o of_o triumph_v and_o reign_v while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v absent_a the_o spouse_n be_v under_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n not_o of_o mirth_n and_o rejoice_v the_o scarlet_a whore_n or_o harlot_n church_n sit_v yet_o as_o a_o queen_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a spouse_n sit_v mourning_n yet_o still_o expect_v the_o daystar_n to_o arise_v for_o her_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n see_v more_o concern_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o work_n observe_v 3._o the_o content_n and_o intendment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n read_v and_o hear_v will_v not_o serve_v turn_n there_o must_v be_v a_o keep_n that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v read_v to_o advantage_v the_o thing_n in_o this_o prophecy_n must_v read_v observant_o hear_v attentive_o and_o at_o last_o treasure_n up_o in_o his_o heart_n what_o he_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o so_o have_v careful_o observe_v the_o content_n of_o each_o prophecy_n with_o a_o right_a application_n thereof_o he_o become_v most_o bless_v and_o happy_a from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n observe_v 4._o that_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o the_o choice_a truth_n be_v hard_a come_v by_o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n quod_fw-la difficilimum_fw-la pulcherrimum_n truth_n as_o treasure_n that_o lie_v deep_a be_v sweet_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o knot_n there_o be_v in_o the_o choice_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n justification_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o inform_v we_o several_a lesson_n 1._o to_o set_v a_o reverence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v choice_a one_o not_o easy_o come_v by_o 2._o it_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o our_o swell_a conceit_n as_o if_o we_o know_v all_o mystery_n and_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v creature_n not_o omniscient_a and_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o many_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n though_o we_o know_v they_o not_o 3._o it_o quicken_v we_o to_o duty_n and_o whet_v our_o endeavour_n to_o the_o attainment_n thereof_o strive_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o strait_a gate_n choice_a truth_n as_o heaven_n must_v be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v they_o by_o force_n 4._o god_n have_v hide_v some_o excellent_a truth_n under_o the_o rock_n and_o lay_v they_o deep_a that_o the_o great_a ability_n and_o grace_n he_o give_v may_v be_v exercise_v therein_o in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v meat_n for_o babe_n and_o also_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n both_o have_v enough_o that_o neither_o may_v complain_v for_o want_n 5._o last_o it_o drive_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o david_n open_v thou_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o same_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n v._o 10._o which_o intimate_v that_o all_o aught_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o content_n of_o this_o prophecy_n because_o the_o time_n be_v then_o at_o hand_n and_o draw_v nigh_o wherein_o all_o the_o prediction_n thereof_o must_v be_v accomplish_v and_o wherein_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v forthwith_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o order_n until_o all_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o these_o prophecy_n by_o christ_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v hence_o observe_v that_o those_o prophecy_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o run_v out_o present_o upon_o john_n time_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n since_o until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n treat_v on_o the_o particular_n verse_n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n john_n have_v discover_v the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o first_o two_o verse_n by_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o the_o instrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v send_v and_o receive_v and_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o a_o sure_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o he_o go_v on_o with_o a_o salute_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n by_o way_n of_o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n wherein_o partly_o he_o commend_v and_o encourage_v they_o partly_o he_o check_v they_o which_o will_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o discourse_n before_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n themselves_o from_o whence_o observe_v that_o christ_n minister_n or_o prophet_n though_o they_o have_v a_o burden_n or_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n to_o denounce_v against_o a_o people_n or_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o their_o mouth_n with_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o they_o the_o work_n of_o judgement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o abhorrency_n unto_o god_n why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v and_o heal_v you_o but_o you_o will_v not_o it_o be_v god_n method_n a_o long_a time_n to_o exercise_v his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n before_o his_o wrath_n be_v execute_v he_o will_v try_v all_o mean_n in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o mercy_n by_o providence_n by_o deliverance_n to_o win_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o he_o will_v as_o a_o good_a husbandman_n many_o year_n enclose_v dig_v dress_v and_o prune_v his_o vineyard_n in_o expectance_n of_o fruitfulness_n before_o he_o will_v hew_v they_o down_o and_o cast_v they_o in_o the_o fire_n he_o will_v abide_v long_o with_o his_o backslide_a child_n forty_o year_n long_o be_v he_o grieve_v by_o his_o gainsay_n people_n israel_n yea_o he_o will_v come_v down_o and_o see_v as_o if_o former_o he_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o sin_n hope_v of_o their_o amendment_n by_o such_o forbearance_n whether_o their_o transgression_n be_v so_o or_o not_o ezek._n 33.11_o god_n take_v a_o solemn_a oath_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a turn_v turn_v etc._n etc._n when_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v by_o unrepentant_a sinner_n enforce_v to_o withdraw_v his_o presence_n and_o execute_v his_o judgement_n o_o how_o trouble_a be_v he_o at_o it_o he_o do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v step_z by_z step_z ezek_n 10.4_o when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o glory_n from_o the_o temple_n first_o it_o move_v to_o the_o threshold_n then_o towards_o heaven_n v._o 19_o then_o to_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o mountain_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o city_n cap._n 11._o 23._o and_o so_o at_o last_o go_v whole_o from_o they_o this_o set_v a_o reproof_n upon_o such_o that_o come_v like_o boanarge_n son_n of_o thunder_n with_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n before_o they_o have_v make_v experiment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o peace_n and_o grace_n that_o of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v unto_o they_o they_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o observe_v 2._o that_o all_o christ_n faithful_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o soul_n by_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o god_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o all_o their_o hearer_n it_o be_v john_n wish_n here_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n paul_n always_o in_o every_o epistle_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v they_o rom._n 1.7_o it_o manifest_v our_o charity_n and_o our_o duty_n in_o pray_v for_o all_o