of_o god_n in_o the_o good_a of_o other_o hereto_o i_o aim_v in_o this_o second_o edition_n of_o this_o book_n for_o my_o call_n to_o this_o work_n when_o my_o accuser_n stand_v forth_o the_o executor_n of_o the_o dead_a shall_v answer_v for_o my_o discharge_n and_o for_o my_o endeavour_n to_o do_v good_a the_o small_a gain_n of_o this_o revised_a work_n be_v true_o return_v to_o the_o right_a owner_n thereof_o if_o thou_o therefore_o return_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o good_a receive_v to_o thy_o soul_n in_o this_o behalf_n i_o have_v my_o desire_n here_o only_o rest_v the_o doubt_n how_o this_o second_o edition_n shall_v not_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o good_a estimation_n that_o publish_v the_o former_a i_o answer_v well_o enough_o for_o i_o hope_v he_o intend_v end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o this_o work_n now_o if_o any_o addition_n be_v bring_v hereunto_o his_o intent_n be_v further_v and_o wherein_o then_o can_v he_o be_v grieve_v if_o one_o man_n shall_v help_v poor_a orphan_n to_o some_o land_n or_o live_a he_o will_v not_o think_v himself_o wrong_v by_o another_o that_o shall_v enlarge_v their_o just_a claim_n or_o settle_v their_o possession_n in_o a_o better_a tenure_n so_o i_o trust_v it_o fare_v in_o this_o work_n where_o thou_o shall_v find_v upon_o thy_o diligent_a view_n in_o some_o doubtful_a 1._o thing_n the_o author_n meaning_n true_o clear_v his_o method_n rectify_v many_o repetition_n omit_v and_o the_o matter_n special_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n somewhat_o enlarge_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v dissonant_n to_o the_o author_n judgement_n in_o his_o live-work_n which_o i_o hope_v thou_o shall_v not_o perceive_v rather_o charge_v the_o fault_n on_o i_o through_o ignorance_n or_o misunderstanding_n than_o entertain_v in_o thy_o heart_n the_o least_o conceit_n of_o waver_a levity_n in_o so_o godly_a learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o divine_a who_o have_v so_o well_o deserve_v of_o thy_o love_n if_o thou_o love_v the_o truth_n thus_o crave_v thy_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o my_o help_a hand_n to_o do_v thou_o good_a i_o end_v with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n thou_o in_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o t.p._n â§_o a_o general_n analysis_n of_o the_o vision_n show_v to_o john_n the_o three_o first_o chapter_n consist_v of_o a_o preface_n contain_v the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n viz._n apocalypse_n or_o revelation_n describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3._o inscription_n of_o the_o vision_n wherein_o be_v johns_n dedication_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n verse_n 4._o salutation_n include_v the_o blessing_n wish_v for_o grace_n verse_n 4._o peace_n verse_n 4._o author_n of_o they_o viz._n 1._o the_o father_n verse_n 4._o 2._o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 4._o 3._o the_o son_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o his_o office_n prophetical_a vers._n 5._o priestly_n vers._n 5._o kingly_a vers._n 5._o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n in_o four_o work_n 1._o love_v us._n vers._n 5._o 2._o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n vers._n 5._o 3._o make_v we_o king_n &_o priest_n vers._n 6._o 4._o come_v to_o â—â—dgement_n vers._n 7._o do_v confirm_v the_o former_a description_n vers._n 8._o a_o vision_n contain_v circumstance_n four_o person_n to_o who_o john_n vers._n 9_o place_v where_o isle_n pathmâ—â—_n vers._n 9_o manner_n how_o in_o a_o trance_n vers._n 10._o time_n when_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n vers._n 10._o part_v the_o entrance_n into_o it_o contain_v the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n viz._n a_o voice_n set_v out_o by_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v vers._n 10._o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o vers._n 10._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o vers._n 11._o part_n of_o his_o preparation_n hear_v note_v in_o the_o mean_n vers._n 10._o turn_v himself_o vers._n 12._o matter_n viz._n a_o representation_n of_o christ_n in_o majesty_n set_v out_o by_o the_o place_n where_o john_n see_v he_o vers._n 13._o his_o form_n or_o figure_n in_o his_o attire_n vers._n 13._o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n vers._n 14.15_o the_o property_n thereof_o vers._n 16._o his_o action_n 1._o a_o confirmation_n of_o john_n be_v sore_o afraid_a vers._n 17_o 18._o 2._o a_o commandment_n to_o write_v vers._n 19_o 3._o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vision_n vers._n 20._o 4._o seven_o several_a commandment_n to_o write_v seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n chap._n 2._o &_o 3_o a_o godly_a and_o learned_a exposition_n of_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n revel_v 1.1_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o 〈…〉_z his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n where_o in_o be_v contain_v singular_a mater_fw-la fit_a for_o the_o time_n &_o age_n this_o question_n must_v be_v handle_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n for_o some_o have_v heretofore_o as_o also_o in_o our_o time_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o in_o question_n but_o we_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n to_o resolve_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n book_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v apostolical_a as_o any_o shall_v perceive_v which_o serious_o read_v the_o same_o second_o the_o stile_n of_o this_o book_n be_v apostolical_a that_o be_v plain_a simple_a and_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v prophetical_a three_o this_o book_n have_v be_v approve_v and_o receive_v for_o canonical_a by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o day_n of_o john_n and_o be_v never_o refuse_v of_o any_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o of_o some_o private_a man_n four_o the_o thing_n foretell_v in_o this_o book_n come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v foretell_v as_o among_o the_o rest_n in_o one_o for_o all_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o two_o beast_n whereof_o one_o come_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n the_o other_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n chap._n 13._o the_o one_o prefigure_v the_o roman_a empire_n the_o other_o the_o heretical_a apostatical_a church_n of_o rome_n both_o which_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n answerable_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o contrary_a reason_n bring_v to_o improve_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n 1._o reason_n john_n name_v himself_o sundry_a time_n in_o this_o book_n whereas_o in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n he_o do_v not_o once_o mention_v his_o own_o name_n though_o he_o have_v just_a occasion_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v by_o john_n but_o by_o some_o other_o and_o publish_v afterward_o in_o johns_n name_n answ._n the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o history_n and_o a_o prophecy_n the_o gospel_n of_o john_n be_v a_o history_n of_o christ_n now_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a reason_n why_o one_o man_n pen_v the_o history_n of_o another_o shall_v name_v himself_o but_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o prophecy_n in_o pen_v whereof_o it_o be_v more_o requisite_a the_o prophet_n shall_v put_v to_o his_o own_o name_n so_o do_v the_o former_a prophet_n jeremy_n mention_v his_o name_n in_o his_o book_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n so_o do_v isaiah_n and_o daniel_n almost_o in_o every_o chapter_n then_o see_v they_o do_v it_o so_o often_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o s._n john_n repeat_v his_o name_n five_o sundry_a time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n 2._o they_o object_n that_o his_o stile_n in_o this_o book_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o he_o use_v in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o gospel_n ans._n the_o difference_n of_o the_o stile_n arise_v from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o matter_n see_v there_o he_o write_v a_o history_n here_o he_o pen_v a_o prophecy_n again_o he_o write_v not_o his_o own_o word_n but_o those_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n by_o particular_a revelation_n 3._o they_o say_v this_o book_n have_v be_v reject_v in_o diverse_a age_n as_o not_o canonical_a ans._n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o refuse_v of_o any_o whole_a church_n but_o of_o some_o particular_a man_n now_o the_o disallow_n of_o any_o private_a man_n can_v make_v a_o whole_a book_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o then_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n of_o james_n and_o of_o john_n shall_v not_o be_v canonical_a which_o yet_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o
be_v call_v to_o the_o state_n of_o gâ—ace_n this_o he_o do_v not_o for_o as_o we_o see_v this_o book_n be_v give_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o this_o book_n be_v true_a of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o lord_n show_v his_o word_n say_v david_n not_o to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o jacob_n that_o be_v his_o people_n with_o who_o he_o make_v a_o covenant_n psal._n 147.19_o 20._o the_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o viz._n thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v whereby_o in_o general_a we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n of_o this_o book_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o thing_n present_a or_o past_a this_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o come_v they_o must_v be_v do_v second_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o short_o or_o quick_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v so_o speak_v the_o holy_a ghost_n elsewhere_o of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o come_v of_o offence_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v mat._n 18.7_o of_o heresy_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 11.19_o and_o of_o affliction_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o and_o they_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o timoâ—h_o 3.12_o from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v concern_v god_n church_n and_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n will_v not_o agree_v unto_o it_o for_o some_o will_v say_v if_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o then_o in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n man_n have_v no_o free_a will_n for_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n can_v stand_v together_o answ._n they_o may_v indeed_o constraint_n and_o man_n free_a will_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o man_n will_n and_o unchangeable_a necessity_n may_v well_o accord_v as_o i_o show_v thus_o in_o god_n there_o be_v most_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o will_n yet_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n of_o necessity_n as_o he_o will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a necessary_o for_o he_o can_v possible_o will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o yet_o he_o will_v the_o same_o most_o free_o so_o christ_n die_v necessary_o he_o can_v not_o but_o die_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o die_v most_o free_o for_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n of_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o he_o john_n 10.18_o it_o will_v be_v say_v again_o if_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o necessity_n than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o mean_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o for_o god_n will_v must_v be_v do_v do_v we_o what_o we_o will_n answ._n this_o be_v man_n corrupt_a reason_n these_o man_n must_v consider_v that_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v what_o thing_n must_v come_v to_o pass_v so_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v effect_v and_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o well_o the_o mean_n as_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v by_o this_o necessity_n rather_o be_v induce_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n than_o any_o way_n move_v to_o neglect_v the_o same_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v a_o double_a necessity_n one_o be_v absolute_a another_o in_o part_n i_o call_v that_o absolute_a necessity_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o possible_o as_o that_o god_n live_v and_o can_v die_v be_v omnipotent_a infinite_a etc._n etc._n necessity_n in_o part_n be_v when_o any_o thing_n do_v be_v necessary_a only_a because_o it_o depend_v on_o necessary_a cause_n as_o fire_n to_o burn_v be_v necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o nature_n by_o creation_n yet_o this_o necessity_n be_v not_o absolute_a for_o fire_n will_v not_o burn_v if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o change_v that_o order_n set_v in_o nature_n as_o he_o do_v when_o the_o three_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o hot_a fiery_a oven_n dan._n 3.27_o now_o whereas_o we_o say_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v necessary_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o necessity_n in_o part_n and_o not_o of_o absolute_a for_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v changeable_a and_o contingent_a and_o necessary_a only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n decree_n appoint_v they_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o regard_n whereof_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v take_v away_o freedom_n from_o man_n will_n it_o only_o incline_v the_o same_o to_o one_o part_n &_o so_o dispose_v that_o man_n shall_v free_o will_v that_o to_o be_v which_o god_n eternal_o have_v decree_v the_o second_o thing_n whereby_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v shortly_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o howsoever_o some_o thing_n foretell_v be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o which_o space_n of_o time_n may_v seem_v very_o long_o yet_o in_o two_o respect_n it_o be_v but_o short_a first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n to_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n 2._o pet._n 3.8_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n to_o who_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n seem_v but_o a_o short_a time_n when_o once_o they_o be_v expire_v though_o before_o they_o seem_v long_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v set_v down_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o terrify_v all_o carnal_a and_o careless_a man_n for_o this_o book_n foretell_v judgement_n plague_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n which_o mâ—st_v short_o come_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a our_o careful_a consideration_n in_o this_o secure_a age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o man_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v after_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n say_v spare_v thyself_o this_o shall_v not_o come_v unto_o thou_o but_o shall_v the_o lion_n roar_v and_o the_o beast_n not_o tremble_v yet_o the_o lord_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n but_o man_n will_v not_o repent_v well_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o whether_o we_o be_v young_a or_o old_a high_a or_o low_o that_o god_n judgement_n be_v short_o to_o come_v and_o let_v this_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o raise_v we_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o security_n that_o which_o peter_n say_v of_o false_a teacher_n be_v also_o true_a of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n unless_o they_o prevent_v the_o same_o by_o speedy_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n their_o judgement_n long_o ago_o be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o 2._o pet._n 2.3_o second_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n serve_v great_o to_o comfort_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o all_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v under_o any_o adversity_n or_o distress_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o in_o body_n or_o mind_n or_o both_o indeed_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o impatience_n and_o distrust_n by_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v here_o set_v down_o concern_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o foretell_v deliverance_n for_o god_n church_n and_o for_o every_o member_n thereof_o namely_o that_o they_o must_v short_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o a_o very_a little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o come_v for_o their_o deliverance_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v hebr._n 10._o vers_fw-la 37._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o revelation_n now_o follow_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o lord_n do_v convey_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o these_o word_n which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n where_o two_o point_n must_v be_v observe_v first_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o employment_n second_o the_o person_n employ_v therein_o as_o his_o instrument_n for_o the_o
cast_v off_o all_o dulness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o may_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o attentive_a hear_n so_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v bless_v unto_o we_o otherwise_o our_o hear_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n verse_n 11._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardai_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o description_n of_o this_o voice_n whereby_o johns_n heart_n be_v prepare_v touch_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n which_o be_v utter_v which_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v and_o send_v etc._n etc._n i._o touch_v the_o testimony_n the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n where_o the_o word_n be_v handle_v and_o the_o meaning_n show_v they_o do_v serve_v direct_o to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v here_o avouch_v to_o give_v unto_o john_n and_o unto_o the_o church_n full_a assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n now_o utter_v and_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n for_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n in_o this_o testimony_n note_v god_n special_a care_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o more_o special_o his_o care_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o from_o god_n this_o have_v be_v god_n care_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o peter_n receive_v a_o vision_n from_o god_n withal_o 19_o god_n spirit_n assure_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o be_v certain_a &_o sure_a and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n among_o man_n he_o do_v withal_o work_v strange_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n this_o special_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n do_v first_o confute_v the_o papist_n opinion_n touch_v scripture_n use_n they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o unto_o man_n till_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n thereunto_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o god_n ever_o have_v this_o care_n over_o his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v be_v his_o undoubted_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o ever_o be_v not_o only_o in_o it_o self_n bâ—t_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o come_v thereunto_o second_o hereby_o be_v confute_v many_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n therein_o be_v so_o diverse_a that_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n almost_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n in_o sundry_a matter_n hold_v sundry_a private_a opinion_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v religion_n therefore_o be_v uncertain_a god_n forbid_v for_o religion_n be_v certain_a unto_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o certify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o may_v man_n come_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n ii_o point_n the_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n this_o commandment_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o write_v the_o thing_n see_v in_o a_o book_n second_o to_o send_v the_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n here_o name_v and_o both_o these_o must_v john_n do_v be_v now_o disable_v by_o his_o exile_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n unto_o they_o personal_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o these_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o strengthen_v in_o these_o most_o grievous_a time_n of_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v become_v keeper_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o publish_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o in_o this_o commandment_n note_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worthy_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o have_v write_v these_o vision_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o blind_a papist_n which_o say_v the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n because_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v be_v turn_v every_o way_n as_o man_n will_n this_o also_o confute_v the_o anabaptist_n which_o so_o much_o magnify_v their_o revelation_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o word_n write_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o best_o he_o will_v have_v teach_v these_o church_n by_o revelation_n but_o they_o must_v learn_v by_o the_o word_n write_v second_o that_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n either_o public_o or_o private_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v this_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n hereby_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v read_v the_o same_o as_o they_o do_v other_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o sound_n and_o confirm_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o ordinary_o justify_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o read_v must_v have_v his_o due_a reverence_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v three_o here_o note_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o persecution_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o this_o banishment_n into_o such_o a_o desert_a place_n be_v unto_o john_n a_o grievous_a cross_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v there_o to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o honour_n he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o thing_n each_o one_o shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n it_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o seven_o church_n ephesus_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v name_v which_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n wherein_o be_v plant_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v in_o those_o part_n and_o for_o their_o excellency_n be_v they_o name_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n now_o follow_v the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o be_v hear_v fold_v up_o with_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n second_o be_v turn_v of_o himself_o to_o see_v the_o party_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o in_o these_o word_n verse_n 12._o then_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n which_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o when_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o
unto_o ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v the_o very_a occasion_n thereof_o for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o obey_v the_o same_o our_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o when_o we_o commit_v any_o sin_n we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v make_v a_o pen_n and_o reach_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n to_o blot_v our_o name_n out_o of_o that_o book_n and_o they_o that_o keep_v a_o course_n in_o sin_v do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o write_v therein_o second_o consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v certain_a it_o must_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o some_o aâ—â—â—rance_n of_o election_n that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v we_o have_v our_o name_n write_v in_o god_n book_n but_o here_o some_o bad_a person_n will_v say_v see_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v unchangeable_a i_o will_v live_v as_o i_o list_v for_o if_o my_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o it_o can_v never_o be_v add_v ans._n these_o man_n deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n shall_v live_v as_o these_o few_o do_v in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n in_o true_a faith_n and_o holy_a obedience_n for_o he_o that_o be_v ordain_v to_o glorification_n be_v ordain_v to_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o live_v always_o in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o these_o man_n must_v rather_o labour_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o get_v some_o sign_n of_o their_o election_n that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n the_o three_o benefit_n be_v this_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n that_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v he_o to_o be_v i_o one_o of_o my_o elect_a that_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n i_o will_v take_v he_o from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n and_o set_v he_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o advance_v he_o to_o glory_n pronounce_v upon_o he_o the_o bless_a voice_n of_o absolution_n come_v thou_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n mat._n 25.34_o the_o end_n why_o this_o benefit_n be_v thus_o propound_v be_v to_o draw_v this_o church_n to_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o if_o they_o will_v profess_v christ_n before_o man_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o his_o own_o at_o the_o last_o day_n use_n this_o same_o reason_n here_o propound_v must_v induce_v we_o to_o make_v a_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o world_n &_o all_o christ_n enemy_n which_o to_o do_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n and_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v stand_v out_o but_o yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n will_v confess_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v a_o notable_a motive_n and_o mean_n to_o enable_v he_o thereto_o if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o man_n among_o a_o great_a company_n and_o call_v he_o by_o his_o name_n speak_v kind_o unto_o he_o he_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o great_a honour_n unto_o he_o and_o for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v in_o the_o prince_n cause_n oh_o then_o what_o honour_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n jesus_n will_v in_o the_o last_o day_n vouchsafe_v to_o all_o those_o that_o in_o this_o life_n do_v sincere_o confess_v he_o and_o overcome_v he_o will_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v he_o and_o receive_v they_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o will_v not_o confess_v he_o here_o but_o disgrace_v he_o either_o by_o false_a doctrine_n or_o profaneness_n of_o life_n will_v christ_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n utter_o disgrace_n by_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v his_o and_o there_o pronounce_v upon_o they_o the_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n which_o if_o we_o will_v then_o escape_v and_o also_o procure_v unto_o we_o the_o joyful_a voice_n of_o absolution_n we_o must_v here_o labour_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n &_o also_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n but_o if_o we_o only_o profess_v he_o in_o judgement_n and_o not_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n sure_o christ_n will_v profess_v that_o he_o know_v we_o not_o and_o then_o give_v we_o our_o portion_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o commandment_n follow_v vers_fw-la 6._o let_v he_o &c_n &c_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v verse_n 7._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o philadelphia_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a which_o hâ—th_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v here_o begin_v the_o six_o particular_a epistle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o 14._o and_o before_o it_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n be_v prefix_v a_o special_a commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n the_o end_n of_o which_o commandment_n be_v to_o warrant_v the_o call_n of_o john_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o this_o verse_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v send_v namely_o in_o christ_n where_o as_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n he_o be_v excellent_o describe_v for_o the_o win_n of_o more_o credit_n unto_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o first_o by_o his_o property_n holiness_n and_o truth_n second_o by_o his_o kingly_a office_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v for_o his_o property_n first_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a quest._n how_o can_v christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v man_n consider_v he_o descend_v from_o adam_n who_o câ—â—ueyed_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n the_o common_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o indeed_o christ_n descend_v from_o adam_n as_o he_o be_v man_n but_o his_o substance_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n and_o thereby_o he_o be_v free_v from_o adam_n sin_n this_o answer_n be_v true_a but_o not_o sufficient_a for_o man_n beside_o the_o corruption_n original_a take_v from_o adam_n the_o guiltiness_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o adam_n commit_v now_o sanctification_n take_v away_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o therefore_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o all_o which_o come_v of_o adam_n by_o natural_a generation_n do_v receive_v by_o that_o order_n which_o god_n set_v in_o nature_n at_o the_o creation_n say_v increase_n &_o multiply_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o sin_n &_o guilt_n thereof_o but_o god_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o this_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n ordain_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o come_v of_o adam_n by_o natural_a generation_n but_o by_o a_o miraculous_a conception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o he_o take_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n with_o the_o infirmity_n thereof_o without_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n nature_n or_o the_o the_o guiltiness_n thereof_o and_o thus_o be_v christ_n free_a from_o sin_n as_o he_o be_v man_n further_o christ_n be_v holy_a two_o way_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o church_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v holy_a sundry_a way_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o godhead_n for_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v holiness_n itself_o second_o as_o he_o be_v man_n for_o his_o manhood_n be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o miraculous_a conception_n but_o it_o be_v also_o enrich_v and_o fill_v with_o holiness_n and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n for_o he_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o measure_n and_o again_o as_o he_o be_v man_n christ_n be_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o action_n for_o live_v on_o earth_n he_o do_v actual_o as_o our_o surety_n fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o us._n second_o christ_n be_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o church_n first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v in_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n
son_n so_o christ_n the_o messiah_n have_v 10.1_o twelve_o disciple_n but_o as_o joseph_n be_v belove_v above_o 37.3_o all_o those_o son_n so_o john_n be_v belove_v above_o 21._o all_o the_o disciple_n joseph_n be_v apparel_v better_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o john_n be_v inspire_v far_o better_a than_o the_o rest_n 41.38_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o joseph_n egypt_n have_v want_v her_o food_n temporal_a and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o john_n the_o church_n have_v want_v her_o food_n eternal_a 41.25_o the_o future_a state_n of_o egypt_n be_v reveal_v to_o joseph_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v reveal_v to_o john_n the_o one_o be_v 37.4_o exile_v because_o his_o father_n love_v he_o and_o the_o other_o exile_v because_o his_o master_n love_v he_o the_o place_n of_o his_o exile_n be_v into_o the_o 1.9_o island_n of_o pathmos_n be_v before_o by_o trajan_n put_v into_o a_o vessel_n of_o temperum_fw-la scald_a oil_n but_o that_o god_n who_o show_v his_o vision_n to_o 22.12_o abraham_n in_o the_o mount_n 28._o to_o jacob_n in_o the_o field_n 40._o to_o joseph_n in_o the_o stock_n 3._o to_o moses_n in_o midian_a 38.14_o to_o jeremie_n in_o the_o prison_n 2._o to_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n 10._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o tanner_n even_o he_o show_v his_o vision_n to_o john_n in_o his_o exile_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o person_n he_o can_v advance_v who_o he_o list_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o place_n he_o can_v reveal_v where_o he_o list_v for_o person_n he_o can_v prefer_v 4._o abel_n before_o cain_n 1._o jacob_n before_o esau_n 16._o david_n before_o eliab_n 1._o mathias_n before_o judas_n he_o can_v make_v 10_o moses_n a_o courtier_n 1.1_o job_n a_o potentate_n 7._o samuel_n a_o judge_n 2.1_o david_n a_o king_n 1.1_o solomon_n a_o sovereign_n 19.19_o elysha_n a_o ploughman_n 1.1_o amos_n a_o neat_a hear_v 1.1_o jeremie_n a_o priest_n 6_o daniel_n a_o prince_n 1.1_o isaiah_n of_o the_o blood_n royal_a 9_o matthew_n a_o publican_n 1â—_n peter_n a_o fisher_n regi_fw-la and_o paul_n a_o tentmaker_n to_o be_v penner_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o place_n as_o no_o time_n can_v prescribe_v against_o the_o king_n of_o a_o nation_n so_o no_o place_n can_v prescribe_v against_o this_o king_n of_o all_o nation_n 5._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o the_o spirit_n work_v where_o it_o list_v it_o please_v christ_n who_o be_v call_v in_o this_o revelation_n 15._o that_o faithful_a witness_n that_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a 8._o that_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n 18._o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o last_o 16._o he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n 14._o which_o have_v that_o sharp_a sword_n 15._o his_o eye_n like_o fire_n 2.1_o his_o foot_n like_o brass_n 3.1_o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o hand_n 7._o the_o key_n of_o david_n who_o be_v call_v here_o 14._o amen_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o daniel_n he_o that_o 22_o reveal_v secret_n it_o please_v this_o christ_n to_o reveal_v secret_n to_o john_n not_o by_o dream_n as_o to_o 28._o jacob_n or_o apparition_n as_o to_o 3._o moses_n or_o by_o voice_n as_o 3_o to_o adam_n but_o partly_o by_o vision_n and_o partly_o by_o voice_n as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o turn_v 9_o saul_n into_o paul_n this_o john_n be_v legatus_fw-la à _fw-la latere_fw-la that_o ambassador_n who_o lean_v on_o his_o lord_n breast_n he_o write_v christ_n history_n there_o he_o show_v his_o love_n to_o christ_n he_o write_v the_o church_n history_n revelation_n there_o christ_n show_v his_o love_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o which_o he_o do_v not_o reveal_v to_o his_o 7._o servant_n this_o prophet_n for_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n we_o may_v see_v how_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n and_o what_o condition_n it_o shall_v have_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v it_o be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o book_n revelation_n if_o we_o respect_v the_o general_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n after_o john_n have_v describe_v the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n which_o be_v god_n the_o father_n chap._n 4._o and_o christ_n his_o son_n chap._n 5._o he_o come_v to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v prediction_n chap._n 6._o obsignation_n chap._n 7._o indignation_n chap._n 8_o 9_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v obsignation_n of_o such_o as_o must_v be_v save_v and_o indignation_n on_o thing_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o for_o the_o more_o particular_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n have_v chap._n 10._o show_v his_o warrant_n to_o write_v he_o come_v to_o her_o action_n first_o in_o her_o prophet_n second_o in_o her_o body_n in_o her_o prophet_n their_o fight_n fall_a rising_z chap._n 11._o in_o her_o body_n compare_v she_o to_o a_o woman_n clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n chap._n 12._o and_o describe_v she_o by_o her_o combat_n conquest_n triumph_n her_o combat_n defensive_a chap._n 13._o and_o offensive_a in_o christ_n by_o word_n chap._n 14._o threaten_n chap._n 15._o and_o judgement_n chap._n 16._o her_o victory_n get_v against_o that_o rome_n whore_n chap._n 17._o and_o 18._o the_o empâ—re_n beast_n chap._n 19_o and_o the_o dâ—â—â—ll_n dragon_n chap._n 20._o and_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o she_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v under_o the_o type_n of_o jerusalem_n most_o comfortable_o set_v down_o chap._n 21.22_o the_o thing_n in_o this_o book_n be_v i_o grant_v very_o dark_a to_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v to_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n but_o as_o that_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v we_o can_v now_o tell_v what_o be_v foretell_v in_o it_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v easy_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o the_o posterity_n to_o come_v shall_v better_o understand_v this_o book_n than_o we_o do_v because_o it_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v neither_o be_v this_o book_n like_o the_o city_n of_o the_o 13._o anakims_n or_o the_o 3._o tree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o may_v not_o be_v reach_v to_o for_o 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n but_o to_o come_v to_o these_o three_o chapter_n write_v by_o john_n surname_v the_o divine_a and_o expound_v by_o one_o a_o most_o worthy_a divine_a the_o first_o chapter_n be_v a_o proem_n or_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n the_o two_o latter_a be_v epistle_n dedicate_a this_o book_n the_o dedication_n be_v make_v to_o 2.3_o seven_o several_a church_n and_o by_o name_n to_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v call_v angel_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n minister_n have_v many_o excellent_a title_n give_v they_o though_o now_o they_o be_v scarce_o grace_v with_o title_n they_o be_v call_v 20._o prophet_n â—_o seer_n 1.13_o remembrancer_n 58.1_o trumpet_n 3.1_o watchmen_z 3._o husbandman_n 12.14_o steward_n 9.4_o maiden_n 47._o fisher_n 23.24_o leader_n 5.1_o elder_n 9.50_o salt_n 12.2_o star_n 11.10_o angel_n and_o 14.2_o shepherd_n prophet_n to_o teach_v seer_n to_o foretell_v remembrancer_n to_o put_v in_o mind_n trumpet_n to_o sound_n watchmen_z to_o admonish_v husbandman_n to_o plough_v up_o steward_n to_o distribute_v maiden_n to_o keep_v pure_a the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n fisher_n to_o catch_v man_n leaders_z to_o go_v before_o elder_n to_o govern_v salt_n to_o season_n star_n to_o give_v light_n angel_n to_o declare_v and_o shepherd_n to_o feed_v to_o feed_v i_o say_v sound_o by_o doctrine_n liberal_o by_o charity_n and_o religious_o by_o life_n by_o doctrine_n for_o sacerdos_n sine_fw-la doctrina_fw-la est_fw-la navis_fw-la sine_fw-la velis_fw-la a_o priest_n without_o knowledge_n be_v a_o ship_n without_o sail_n by_o liberality_n for_o pauper_fw-la nihil_fw-la habet_fw-la homo_fw-la adeò_fw-la divinum_fw-la quam_fw-la benefacere_fw-la man_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o like_a god_n than_o in_o do_v good_a by_o life_n for_o cvius_fw-la vita_fw-la despicitur_fw-la eius_fw-la oratio_fw-la contemnitur_fw-la his_o word_n be_v not_o esteem_v who_o life_n be_v not_o approve_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v of_o origen_n quale_n habuit_fw-la verbum_fw-la talem_fw-la habuit_fw-la vitam_fw-la as_o his_o word_n be_v so_o be_v his_o work_n they_o must_v not_o be_v barren_a like_o mount_n 1.21_o gilboah_n but_o 1.24_o wean_v as_o samuel_n be_v before_o they_o be_v offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v be_v pure_a water_n if_o they_o will_v cleanse_v other_o and_o more_o than_o whetstone_n if_o they_o will_v sharpen_v other_o they_o must_v be_v in_o 19_o
first_o christ_n send_v and_o show_v this_o revelation_n this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o two_o special_a cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o pen_n and_o publish_v this_o book_n rash_o but_o by_o call_v and_o warrant_n from_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o must_v be_v our_o behaviour_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whatsoever_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v look_v we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o call_n and_o with_o out_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v there_o will_v be_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o care_n of_o just_a deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n second_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v to_o get_v more_o reverend_a acceptance_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o holy_a angel_n if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v write_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o withal_o send_v it_o by_o one_o of_o his_o guard_n we_o doubt_v the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o behold_v this_o book_n be_v the_o epistle_n and_o letter_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n what_o reverence_n therefore_o and_o acceptation_n ought_v this_o to_o find_v sure_o a_o thousand_o fold_n more_o with_o every_o one_o than_o the_o writing_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n whatsoever_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o christ_n employ_v about_o this_o revelation_n and_o they_o be_v two_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o saint_n john_n for_o the_o first_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n act._n 7.38_o gal._n 3.19_o and_o daniel_n receive_v the_o exposition_n of_o sundry_a dream_n and_o vision_n by_o a_o angel_n dan._n 8.19_o and_o 9.21_o and_o 10.14_o and_o the_o seven_o vision_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o book_n be_v show_v to_o john_n by_o a_o holy_a angel_n but_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n ground_n hereupon_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n because_o they_o be_v about_o we_o and_o bring_v unto_o we_o particular_a message_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o before_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o they_o we_o must_v have_v from_o god_n a_o particular_a commandment_n so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o else_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n afford_v no_o word_n of_o command_n or_o promise_v for_o any_o such_o action_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o second_o instrument_n here_o employ_v by_o christ_n be_v john_n this_o john_n be_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n and_o so_o kinsman_n unto_o christ_n a_o bless_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o three_o epistle_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o be_v that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v and_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o reverence_n to_o this_o book_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o a_o property_n call_v himself_o christ_n his_o servant_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n or_o action_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o god_n word_n vers_fw-la 2._o for_o the_o first_o note_z that_o john_n do_v not_o call_v himself_o that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v nor_o the_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v be_v ally_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n mother_n be_v sister_n to_o joseph_n christ_n suppose_v father_n and_o cousin_n german_a to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n john_n have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o â—earers_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v esteem_v more_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o he_o than_o any_o bond_n of_o outward_a alliance_n can_v possible_o make_v they_o math._n 12.50_o luk._n 11.28_o but_o he_o call_v himself_o christ_n servant_n have_v yield_v up_o himself_o to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o herein_o stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v service_n unto_o christ._n the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v never_o find_v such_o favour_n with_o god_n to_o have_v be_v christ_n mother_n if_o she_o have_v not_o withal_o become_v christ_n servant_n she_o bear_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o her_o womb_n by_o conception_n or_o else_o she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o he_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o outward_a dignity_n as_o blood_n royal_a noble_a parentage_n and_o such_o like_a will_v nothing_o further_a a_o man_n salvation_n he_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ_n must_v become_v his_o servant_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o do_v his_o will_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o paul_n say_v circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n â—_o 16_o 17._o again_o consider_v in_o what_o regard_n john_n be_v here_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n do_v but_o more_o special_o because_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v his_o particular_a call_n so_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n cap._n 1.1_o and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 9_o because_o he_o do_v service_n unto_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o show_v ourselves_o christ_n servant_n in_o our_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o office_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o profess_v service_n unto_o christ_n by_o hear_v his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n and_o keep_v his_o saboathe_n but_o unless_o therewithal_o we_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n our_o outward_a profession_n be_v flat_a hypocrisy_n this_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n buyer_n seller_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o unless_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o special_a calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n their_o public_a service_n in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n shall_v never_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a micha_n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o vers._n 2._o which_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o thâ—ngs_n that_o he_o see_v here_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v himself_o namely_o by_o this_o action_n or_o effect_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o partly_o by_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o by_o preach_v he_o bare_a witness_n and_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v diverse_a part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n add_v and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n say_v and_o do_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o he_o bare_a record_n say_v and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o here_o he_o allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o testimony_n we_o
pollute_v with_o sin_n that_o once_o wash_v be_v not_o enough_o but_o say_v he_o wash_v i_o again_o and_o again_o rinse_v bathe_v and_o swill_v i_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n till_o i_o be_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o my_o sin_n and_o this_o same_o affection_n shall_v be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o we_o shall_v labour_v that_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o vile_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o make_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n most_o ugly_a and_o filthy_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o that_o the_o stain_n hereof_o be_v so_o deep_o set_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v cleanse_v but_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o christ_n his_o own_o hand_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n blood_n yea_o that_o one_o wash_n will_v not_o serve_v but_o we_o must_v be_v rince_v and_o bathe_v therein_o for_o till_o such_o time_n as_o this_o consideration_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v loathe_v sin_n as_o we_o ought_v or_o come_v to_o this_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n that_o he_o have_v wash_v away_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o this_o humility_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o true_a grace_n and_o comfort_n now_o this_o work_n of_o christ_n in_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n do_v comprehend_v a_o double_a benefit_n first_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n whereby_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o be_v take_v away_o second_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n whereby_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v remove_v and_o abolish_v and_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o s._n john_n propound_v this_o benefit_n general_o without_o limitation_n say_v which_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o any_o believe_v true_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v pardon_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n without_o any_o restraint_n or_o limitation_n either_o of_o number_n or_o quality_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o never_o so_o great_a by_o his_o blood_n how_o can_v blood_n wash_v away_o filthiness_n nay_o it_o rather_o defile_v a_o man_n answ._n this_o wash_n stand_v not_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n blood_n but_o in_o the_o merit_n thereof_o for_o that_o substance_n of_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v be_v lose_v and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o papist_n say_v but_o the_o merit_n thereof_o remain_v still_o and_o christ_n blood_n deserve_v to_o purge_v away_o sin_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o man_n blood_n as_o of_o peter_n john_n etc._n etc._n because_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n not_o of_o the_o godhead_n but_o of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o union_n of_o the_o second_o person_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v 20.28_o god_n redeem_v his_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v christ_n god_n incarnate_a and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o be_v god_n be_v more_o meritorious_a than_o the_o blood_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o beside_o christ_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o public_a person_n in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o in_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o stead_n of_o all_o his_o elect_a so_o as_o when_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v their_o blood_n be_v shâ—â—_n because_o it_o be_v shed_v for_o they_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o other_o private_a man_n can_v answer_v for_o any_o beside_o themselves_o because_o it_o be_v shed_v only_o for_o themselves_o then_o damnable_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n can_v merit_v for_o other_o be_v apply_v unto_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n and_o suffer_v in_o their_o own_o person_n only_o they_o can_v profit_v any_o other_o thereby_o by_o blood_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o passion_n of_o christ_n a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a and_o with_o all_o his_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o in_o fulfil_v the_o law_n he_o suffer_v these_o two_o can_v be_v sever_v save_v only_o in_o thought_n and_o so_o this_o word_n contain_v the_o whole_a obedience_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o procure_v the_o remission_n and_o mortification_n of_o our_o sin_n here_o than_o we_o see_v two_o notable_a benefit_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n his_o love_n &_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n which_o s._n john_n set_v down_o to_o move_v the_o church_n with_o reverence_n &_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o delight_n in_o this_o book_n all_o of_o we_o will_v say_v we_o be_v sure_a god_n love_v we_o and_o have_v pardon_v our_o sin_n in_o christ_n why_o then_o do_v we_o not_o show_v our_o love_n again_o to_o he_o by_o hear_v and_o read_v his_o word_n set_v down_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o yield_v answerable_a obedience_n thereto_o why_o then_o do_v we_o not_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o serve_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n require_v rom._n 1â—_n 1_o by_o way_n of_o recompense_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n shed_v out_o unto_o we_o but_o alas_o that_o be_v more_o common_a which_o be_v most_o shameful_a to_o turn_v god_n grace_n into_o wantonness_n for_o when_o man_n say_v god_n love_v they_o and_o have_v wash_v away_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o when_o as_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v here_o record_v to_o be_v inâ—ucements_n of_o continual_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a word_n verse_n 6._o and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o god_n even_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o 〈◊〉_d amen_n in_o these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o work_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n and_o on_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o they_o four_o point_n first_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n second_o when_o they_o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o this_o life_n note_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o speech_n have_v maâ—â—_n wherein_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o use_v a_o word_n that_o signify_v the_o time_n past_a three_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o become_v king_n and_o priest_n they_o be_v not_o so_o bear_v but_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o such_o four_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v such_o to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n for_o the_o first_o the_o dignity_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n have_v two_o head_n first_o they_o be_v king_n second_o priest_n they_o be_v call_v king_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n for_o usual_o the_o condition_n of_o most_o believer_n on_o earth_n be_v base_a and_o contemptible_a but_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whereto_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o right_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o and_o by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n 31_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n it_o be_v your_o father_n will_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n and_o again_o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o a_o kingdom_n now_o the_o faithful_a be_v king_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n of_o all_o these_o enemy_n sin_n satan_n the_o world_n death_n hell_n and_o their_o own_o flesh_n second_o because_o in_o and_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o salvation_n for_o they_o receive_v of_o christ_n grace_n for_o grace_n and_o so_o answereable_o glory_n for_o glory_n and_o felicity_n for_o felicity_n three_o because_o they_o be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n except_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n whether_o thing_n present_a or_o to_o come_v even_o all_o be_v you_o 22._o and_o you_o christ_n quest._n but_o if_o christ_n be_v king_n and_o all_o his_o member_n king_n how_o do_v they_o differ_v answ._n in_o two_o point_n first_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o so_o a_o king_n by_o nature_n have_v the_o right_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o inheritance_n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n
future_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o will_v reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o thus_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a book_n distinguish_v i._o it_o contain_v thing_n touch_v the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o johns_n daâ—es_n ii_o it_o entreat_v of_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o future_a estate_n thereof_o from_o johns_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n use_n hence_o observe_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n for_o division_n be_v lawful_a else_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o here_o have_v use_v they_o and_o so_o by_o proportion_n be_v other_o argument_n of_o reason_v and_o therefore_o that_o art_n which_o give_v rule_n of_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o argument_n be_v lawful_a and_o good_a those_o man_n than_o be_v far_o deceive_v who_o account_v the_o art_n of_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n to_o be_v frivolous_a and_o unlawful_a and_o in_o so_o say_v they_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n vers._n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v in_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v this_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v the_o three_o action_n of_o christ_n namely_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vision_n in_o the_o principal_a part_n thereof_o which_o he_o expound_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o john_n in_o this_o business_n be_v to_o show_v himself_o a_o prophet_n of_o god_n by_o declare_v the_o present_a and_o future_a estate_n of_o god_n church_n now_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v to_o expound_v vision_n or_o dream_n reveal_v either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o daniel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n second_o that_o john_n may_v be_v encourage_v in_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n calling_n respect_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v these_o vision_n to_o concern_v the_o church_n this_o will_v stir_v up_o his_o diligence_n in_o observe_v and_o pen_v the_o thing_n reveal_v now_o christ_n expound_v not_o the_o whole_a vision_n but_o two_o principal_a thing_n therein_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o star_n to_o wit_n the_o seven_o angel_n or_o the_o seven_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n namely_o the_o seven_o church_n themselves_o the_o reason_n why_o both_o be_v so_o call_v we_o have_v show_v before_o with_o the_o use_n thereof_o here_o only_o i_o will_v observe_v these_o three_o point_n first_o why_o christ_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o his_o vision_n do_v not_o expound_v the_o whole_a but_o only_o two_o principal_a part_n thereof_o this_o he_o do_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o exercise_v about_o this_o vision_n for_o if_o he_o have_v expound_v every_o part_n himself_o than_o he_o have_v leave_v herein_o no_o matter_n to_o his_o church_n whereabout_o she_o may_v exercise_v her_o gift_n second_o to_o provoke_v god_n minister_n especial_o with_o other_o member_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o all_o diligence_n in_o study_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a than_o man_n will_v grow_v careless_a in_o read_v and_o search_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n three_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a desire_n to_o understand_v the_o same_o four_o to_o excite_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v with_o read_v the_o scripture_n understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o ii_o point_n note_v here_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v angel_n what_o these_o angel_n be_v appear_v in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v to_o wit_n the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n so_o mat._n 11.10_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v christ_n angel_n or_o messenger_n whereby_o we_o have_v good_a light_n for_o the_o expound_v of_o a_o place_n in_o paul_n 1._o cor._n 11.10_o say_n that_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n that_o be_v be_v cover_v because_o of_o the_o angel_n where_o by_o angel_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o precept_n may_v be_v this_o among_o the_o corinthian_n the_o cover_n of_o the_o head_n be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o a_o token_n of_o prelieminence_n and_o superiority_n but_o a_o sign_n of_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v the_o woman_n of_o corinth_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n to_o have_v their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o other_o assembly_n to_o signify_v their_o submission_n and_o reverence_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n use_n whereas_o minister_n be_v the_o lord_n angel_n and_o ambassador_n hence_o we_o gather_v that_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v carry_v himself_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n messenger_n have_v regard_n of_o two_o thing_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o message_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o delivery_n that_o they_o speak_v all_o which_o they_o be_v command_v and_o in_o such_o order_n as_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v have_v it_o speak_v or_o speak_v it_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v present_a and_o he_o that_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o these_o may_v just_o be_v challenge_v of_o unfaithfulness_n the_o minister_n therefore_o be_v christ_n messenger_n must_v deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n alone_o unto_o his_o people_n as_o also_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o christ_n approve_v and_o will_v himself_o observe_v if_o he_o be_v present_a now_o can_v we_o once_o imagine_v that_o christ_n will_v deliver_v his_o will_n partly_o in_o english_a partly_o in_o latin_a and_o other_o language_n or_o intermingle_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o sentence_n of_o father_n of_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o other_o writer_n those_o therefore_o that_o in_o this_o sort_n dispense_v christ_n gospel_n do_v hereby_o bewray_v unfaithfulness_n in_o their_o delivery_n indeed_o this_o be_v count_v the_o learned_a kind_n of_o preach_v but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o manner_n which_o christ_n approve_v and_o beside_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o teach_v may_v take_v place_n it_o will_v bring_v in_o as_o great_a barbarism_n in_o regard_n of_o true_a divinity_n as_o be_v among_o the_o schoolman_n when_o god_n word_n be_v whole_o turn_v unto_o needless_a disputation_n yea_o it_o will_v short_o banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o this_o land_n iii_o point_n note_v the_o phrase_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v he_o say_v not_o the_o seven_o star_n signify_v the_o seven_o angel_n but_o be_v the_o seven_o angel_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n give_v to_o the_o sign_n the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v wherein_o we_o have_v a_o good_a warrant_n for_o our_o exposition_n of_o that_o phrase_n in_o the_o sacrament_n this_o bread_n be_v my_o body_n this_o cup_n be_v my_o blood_n which_o the_o papist_n understand_v proper_o of_o the_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o real_a transmutation_n but_o as_o these_o seven_o star_n be_v say_v to_o be_v seven_o minister_n because_o they_o do_v signify_v the_o seven_o minister_n so_o be_v the_o bread_n call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o body_n and_o the_o cup_n his_o blood_n and_o as_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v the_o seven_o minister_n be_v indeed_o seven_o star_n because_o they_o be_v so_o call_v so_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hold_v the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v real_o christ_n body_n or_o the_o wine_n his_o blood_n because_o it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o action_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o vision_n the_o second_o chapter_n vers._n 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o next_o be_v contain_v the_o four_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n wherein_o he_o give_v seven_o particular_a commandment_n to_o john_n to_o write_v unto_o the_o