stage_n but_z if_o thou_o strive_v so_o as_o to_o get_v the_o victory_n in_o the_o way_n i_o have_v instruct_v thou_o i_o will_v translate_v thou_o to_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n most_o natural_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v where_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o and_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o my_o father_n as_o i_o 29._o after_o i_o have_v overcome_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n into_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n and_o there_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o encumbrance_n the_o pleasure_n and_o enticement_n of_o this_o low_a world_n will_v i_o cause_v to_o sit_v down_o with_o i_o in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o monition_n be_v the_o more_o seasonable_a by_o how_o much_o more_o near_o the_o approach_n of_o that_o great_a day_n be_v for_o i_o shall_v come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o very_a next_o thunder_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o 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as_o if_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n immediate_o precede_v it_o be_v not_o political_a or_o prophetical_a enough_o but_o mere_o theological_a the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o therefore_o be_v against_o our_o profess_a rule_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n after_o this_o life_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n be_v mere_o a_o theogicall_a promise_n and_o of_o a_o thing_n more_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v see_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o earth_n yet_o this_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o general_a day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o that_o great_a and_o visible_a assize_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v appear_v in_o glorify_v body_n may_v well_o 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this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o such_o as_o the_o place_n of_o the_o epiphonema_n require_v and_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n no_o mean_a ratification_n of_o the_o true_a and_o literal_a sense_n of_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n touch_v the_o visible_a resurrection_n and_o glorification_n of_o our_o body_n and_o their_o ascension_n into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n against_o such_o as_o will_v whiffle_v away_o all_o these_o truth_n by_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o mere_a moral_a allegory_n thus_o consonant_a every_o way_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o epistle_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o apostolic_a truth_n chap._n x._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o main_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o way_n of_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n touch_v the_o say_a epistle_n and_o their_o circumstance_n 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high_a a_o preamble_n as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o begin_v so_o famous_a prophecy_n as_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o the_o open_a book_n but_o according_a to_o our_o hypothesis_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a viz._n that_o though_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v a_o literal_a sense_n yet_o they_o be_v also_o a_o parable_n or_o prophecy_n and_o of_o as_o high_a concern_v for_o both_o matter_n and_o extent_n of_o time_n they_o reach_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o open_a book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o great_a pomp_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o notice_n thereof_o second_o a_o man_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n dictate_v letter_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o the_o church_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o africa_n for_o certain_o the_o church_n have_v disspr_v 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imprimatur_fw-la sam._n parker_n errata_fw-la in_o the_o pref._n to_o the_o exposit._n pag._n 4._o l._n 2._o interim_n read_v in_o term_n in_o the_o exposit._n p._n 11._o l._n 1._o r._n the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n p._n 53._o l._n 21._o r._n in_o thyatira_n p._n 107._o l._n 26._o r._n event_n in_o the_o antidote_n p._n 11._o l._n ult_n for_o at_o r._n all_o p._n 27._o l._n 17._o r._n impossible_a or_o p._n 91._o l._n 24._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n together_o with_o a_o brief_a discourse_n of_o idolatry_n with_o application_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o henry_n more_o d._n d._n prov_n 12._o 19_o the_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v establish_v for_o ever_o london_n print_v by_o james_n flesher_n 1669._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a john_n lord_n robart_n baron_n of_o truro_n lord_n privy_a seal_n lord_n lieutenant_n of_o ireland_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n be_v most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n my_o lord_n what_o thing_n single_a be_v usual_o think_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v one_o choice_n of_o a_o patron_n to_o any_o public_a write_n whether_o it_o be_v private_a obligation_n from_o particular_a favour_n or_o the_o desire_n of_o leave_v to_o posterity_n a_o just_a and_o honourable_a testimony_n to_o the_o part_n and_o virtue_n of_o some_o excellent_a person_n or_o the_o design_n of_o obtain_v the_o patronage_n and_o countenance_n of_o such_o a_o person_n to_o what_o we_o adventure_v to_o make_v public_a as_o be_v able_a by_o his_o learning_n judgement_n and_o public_a repute_n to_o protect_v it_o from_o injury_n all_o these_o do_v so_o happy_o conspire_v in_o your_o lordship_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v think_v it_o a_o omission_n unpardonable_a if_o i_o have_v not_o take_v this_o opportunity_n of_o pay_v your_o lordship_n this_o due_a respect_n and_o of_o do_v that_o right_a to_o the_o truth_n 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beget_v in_o i_o a_o more_o special_a esteem_n of_o your_o lordship_n that_o in_o this_o instable_n and_o uncertain_a age_n you_o have_v with_o that_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n and_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n stick_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o discern_v the_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o popery_n which_o yet_o too_o many_o now-adays_a either_o because_o they_o be_v remove_v too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o all_o religion_n or_o else_o because_o their_o sight_n be_v extreme_o dim_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o discern_v but_o this_o be_v speak_v with_o a_o more_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o small_a volume_n i_o present_v your_o lordship_n withal_o but_o the_o first_o also_o have_v its_o special_a suitableness_n to_o the_o circumstance_n your_o lordship_n be_v place_v in_o for_o by_o how_o much_o more_o power_n any_o one_o be_v entrust_v with_o by_o any_o protestant_a prince_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v how_o sacred_a a_o province_n he_o undertake_v and_o how_o express_o that_o religion_n and_o profession_n be_v own_v in_o the_o holy_a prophecy_n christ_n have_v deliver_v to_o his_o church_n above_o and_o against_o the_o barbarous_a and_o idolatrous_a tyranny_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o thing_n be_v set_v out_o with_o that_o plainness_n evidence_n and_o easiness_n in_o this_o exposition_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n that_o i_o hope_v no_o impartial_a reader_n can_v fail_v of_o be_v make_v exceed_v sensible_a of_o the_o sacrednesse_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o interest_n by_o the_o perusal_n thereof_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v some_o notable_a hint_n in_o these_o oracle_n for_o the_o more_o happy_a and_o secure_a management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o reform_a christendom_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v that_o passage_n to_o the_o sardian_n church_n remember_v how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o etc._n etc._n the_o verse_n run_v out_o into_o a_o dreadful_a commination_n of_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n for_o his_o looseness_n and_o slipperinesse_n in_o those_o point_n of_o apostolic_a doctrine_n which_o the_o reformer_n have_v recover_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o among_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o voice_n of_o the_o angel_n apoc._n 18._o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o the_o least_o articulate_a whereby_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v open_o declare_v to_o be_v that_o babylong_o the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o fornication_n and_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o also_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o clergy_n to_o be_v that_o notorious_a antichrist_n this_o the_o sardian_n church_n have_v receive_v from_o their_o evangelicall_n predecessor_n and_o it_o have_v be_v their_o everlasting_a establishment_n never_o to_o have_v for_o get_v it_o never_o to_o have_v let_v it_o die_v or_o smother_v it_o but_o what_o mischief_n the_o halt_n betwixt_o two_o opinion_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v and_o the_o not_o take_v notice_n how_o sacred_a a_o thing_n the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o how_o rejectaneous_a that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o believe_v neither_o your_o lordship_n nor_o any_o one_o else_o that_o have_v his_o eye_n open_v either_o into_o history_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o if_o he_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a make_v the_o observation_n without_o regrett_n and_o sorrow_n but_o the_o prospect_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v be_v more_o please_a and_o comfortable_a which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n into_o which_o the_o sardian_n church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v reform_a christendom_n or_o the_o protestant_a church_n be_v to_o pass_v as_o be_v the_o next_o successive_a interval_n which_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v a_o note_n of_o main_a importance_n for_o all_o reform_a state_n and_o kingdom_n to_o steer_v their_o affair_n by_o namely_o to_o bend_v their_o course_n thitherward_o whither_o they_o be_v point_v to_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o holy_a oracle_n for_o they_o sail_v as_o it_o be_v with_o wind_n and_o tide_n who_o carriage_n of_o affair_n approach_v the_o near_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o divine_a fate_n which_o be_v lively_o portray_v all_o along_o in_o this_o stupendous_a book_n of_o prophecy_n write_v by_o s._n john_n the_o most_o please_a and_o enravish_v part_n whereof_o be_v that_o which_o be_v typify_v or_o prefigure_v by_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n the_o church_n of_o brotherly_a love_n which_o be_v the_o next_o scene_n divine_a providence_n have_v design_v to_o introduce_v and_o which_o all_o those_o do_v most_o gross_o oppose_v who_o for_o difference_n in_o matter_n not_o reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n think_v they_o have_v pretence_n enough_o with_o all_o unchristian_a keennesse_n and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n to_o reproach_n and_o inveigh_v one_o against_o another_o to_o nourish_v the_o high_a animosity_n and_o to_o watch_v all_o opportunity_n of_o persecute_v ruine_v and_o trample_v one_o another_o into_o the_o dirt._n as_o this_o be_v extreme_o unchristian_a in_o itself_o so_o be_v it_o also_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o that_o dispensation_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o introduce_v into_o his_o church_n as_o the_o chief_a blessing_n he_o have_v in_o store_n for_o she_o and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n to_o enter_v if_o the_o loud_v noise_n of_o hot_a and_o quarrelsome_a brawl_n about_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n as_o indeed_o all_o thing_n be_v exceed_o small_a
ought_v to_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o sardis_n be_v in_o asia_n minor_fw-la and_o this_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v once_o understand_v it_o will_v be_v of_o the_o like_a usefulness_n to_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n especial_o and_o also_o to_o the_o laodicean_n wherefore_o the_o objection_n be_v but_o small_a consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o epistolar_n way_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o the_o mystical_a for_o as_o in_o a_o entire_a vision_n where_o the_o beginning_n be_v touch_v something_o past_a or_o present_a all_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o prophetical_a though_o that_o part_n that_o respect_v thing_n past_a be_v but_o historical_a representation_n so_o in_o this_o entire_a epistolar_n vision_n though_o the_o first_o part_n be_v epistolar_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o historical_a representation_n exhibit_v time_n and_o person_n past_a as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a to_o be_v write_v to_o and_o that_o for_o uniformity_n sake_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n as_o what_o be_v pass_v in_o history_n under_o the_o form_n of_o prophetical_a vision_n as_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n which_o be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n though_o the_o representation_n be_v of_o what_o be_v partly_o past_a and_o partly_o present_a but_o what_o be_v to_o come_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o vision_n prophetical_a but_o now_o beside_o all_o this_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n there_o be_v then_o a_o church_n in_o ephesus_n when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o it_o and_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n it_o be_v applicable_a to_o any_o church_n that_o do_v ephesize_n in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o at_o any_o time_n the_o objection_n in_o my_o judgement_n have_v melt_v into_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o exception_n we_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o place_v the_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o ephesine_n succession_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n reign_n and_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o till_o then_o let_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o title_n of_o ephesus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o about_o three_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n after_o christ_n under_o the_o name_n of_o smyrna_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o albigenses_n and_o waldenses_n let_v she_o be_v the_o church_n dwell_v in_o pergamus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o whole_a nation_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n let_v the_o same_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o thyatira_n from_o that_o time_n protestantisme_n become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n till_o the_o last_o vial_n let_v this_o church_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n from_o that_o time_n till_o the_o four_o thunder_n let_v it_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o philadelphia_n 38._o from_o the_o four_o thunder_n till_o christ_n come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o cloud_n let_v the_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o laodicea_n these_o be_v the_o seven_o interval_n which_o how_o well_o they_o will_v fit_v with_o the_o title_n of_o these_o distinct_a successive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o vision_n i_o will_v anon_o endeavour_v to_o unfold_v chap._n ii_o a_o far_a preparation_n out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n whereby_o this_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v more_o clear_o assure_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o prophetical_a or_o mystical_a sense_n we_o will_v first_o make_v some_o far_a remark_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypso_n where_o we_o will_v make_v only_o this_o one_o modest_a supposition_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v down_o nothing_o immethodical_o nor_o in_o vain_a or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o vain_o immethodicall_a wherefore_o upon_o the_o very_a first_o verse_n which_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o 1._o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v some_o short_o and_o other_o some_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n as_o all_o interpreter_n agree_v i_o can_v but_o note_v this_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v but_o respicere_fw-la titulum_fw-la as_o most_o certain_o he_o will_v he_o will_v set_v down_o no_o entire_a vision_n as_o this_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v but_o they_o must_v in_o the_o main_n be_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o of_o thing_n present_v mere_o and_o not_o hide_v but_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o mention_v be_v to_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o something_o far_o must_v be_v mean_v by_o they_o then_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v not_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o title_n require_v but_o only_o of_o thing_n present_a or_o some_o promise_n or_o threaten_n that_o do_v not_o proper_o amount_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n no_o more_o than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n for_o 3._o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n this_o again_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o book_n be_v all_o of_o it_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o entire_a vision_n thereof_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n which_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o mere_a promise_n and_o threaten_n can_v make_v it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v those_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v adjoin_v and_o though_o the_o several_a state_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n may_v be_v applicable_a to_o several_a state_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o after-age_n in_o christendom_n l_o yet_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v in_o this_o literal_a sense_n by_o way_n of_o prediction_n but_o of_o example_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n of_o pious_a or_o impious_a action_n which_o repeated_o happen_v in_o all_o history_n whence_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o then_o thus_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n can_v be_v deem_v any_o prophecy_n and_o therefore_o be_v heterogeneous_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o title_n of_o the_o book_n 3._o but_o upon_o the_o so_o express_o call_v 4._o this_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n for_o john_n to_o salute_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n with_o this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v methinks_v it_o do_v even_o forcible_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o he_o so_o immediate_o fall_v upon_o be_v a_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o title_n immediate_o mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n beside_o that_o the_o description_n of_o the_o party_n in_o who_o name_n he_o salute_v they_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v do_v very_o natural_o insinuate_v that_o he_o be_v treat_v of_o what_o reach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o late_a age_n thereof_o which_o he_o insist_o more_o upon_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n behold_v he_o come_v 7._o with_o the_o cloud_n this_o reach_v the_o last_o period_n of_o laodicea_n when_o god_n will_v judge_v all_o people_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o also_o which_o pierce_v he_o and_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v because_o of_o he_o for_o the_o earth_n shall_v then_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o the_o work_v thereof_o even_o so_o amen_n this_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o the_o seven_o thunder_n in_o that_o dark_a hollow_a dungeon_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n let_v the_o son_n of_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n conceit_n what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n wherefore_o the_o mind_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v carry_v out_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a age_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o according_a as_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o 8._o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a that_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o reach_v from_o one_o end_n to_o another_o mighty_o and_o sweet_o order_v all_o thing_n this_o methinks_v strong_o insinuate_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o
have_v forget_v what_o he_o be_v about_o bring_v in_o a_o large_a vision_n consist_v of_o seven_o part_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o prophetical_a but_o only_o the_o reproof_n or_o praise_n the_o commination_n or_o promise_n to_o a_o few_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o steady_a order_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n especial_o in_o this_o book_n than_o which_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o accurate_o write_v 10._o and_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n 16._o seven_o star_n methinks_v it_o be_v extreme_o harsh_a to_o conceit_n that_o these_o seven_o star_n be_v mere_o the_o seven_o bishop_n of_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n of_o asia_n as_o if_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o support_v nor_o guide_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n but_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o his_o left_a such_o high_a representation_n can_v be_v appropriate_v to_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o but_o seven_o must_v signify_v all_o in_o both_o coexistence_n and_o in_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o sense_n worthy_a so_o sublime_a a_o book_n as_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o septenaries_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n they_o signify_v a_o entire_a succession_n of_o some_o seven_o thing_n or_o other_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o represent_v 11._o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n 20._o of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o same_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n though_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n these_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v easy_o applicable_a to_o those_o particular_a seven_o church_n of_o asia_n above_o specify_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o he_o not_o call_v they_o here_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o seven_o church_n in_o general_a it_o be_v a_o invitation_n to_o the_o search_v out_o some_o more_o large_a prophetical_a sense_n such_o as_o we_o drive_v at_o as_o also_o in_o that_o he_o say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n at_o large_a and_o not_o of_o asia_n nor_o name_v the_o church_n by_o name_n but_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o call_v they_o angel_n in_o stead_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n for_o he_o continue_v so_o in_o the_o prophetical_a style_n proper_a to_o this_o book_n that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v also_o a_o prophetical_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o a_o literal_a or_o rather_o that_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o be_v most_o chief_o of_o all_o intend_a 12._o all_o these_o intimation_n put_v togegether_o out_o of_o this_o first_o chapter_n towards_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v that_o force_n with_o i_o that_o though_o i_o can_v not_o myself_o produce_v such_o a_o continue_a mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n which_o will_v be_v all_o along_o easy_a and_o natural_a yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o reach_v it_o but_o if_o i_o have_v through_o the_o divine_a assistence_n light_n on_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v both_o continual_o coherent_a important_a and_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o prophetical_a style_n i_o hope_v this_o preparation_n will_v even_o extort_v the_o belief_n thereof_o from_o the_o reader_n but_o such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v now_o present_v to_o his_o view_n chap._n iii_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesine_n church_n 1._o it_o be_v intimate_v out_o of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n by_o name_n be_v a_o fair_a invitation_n to_o we_o to_o suspect_v a_o more_o large_a and_o release_v sense_n of_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o indeed_o this_o releasement_n be_v more_o free_a in_o the_o greek_a copy_n then_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n 20._o which_o thou_o see_v be_v seven_o church_n not_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n one_o may_v be_v prone_a to_o imagine_v to_o be_v none_o other_o than_o those_o situate_a in_o asia_n minor_fw-la but_o this_o division_n of_o the_o church_n into_o seven_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v rather_o distributio_fw-la ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la then_o è_fw-la subjectis_fw-la the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o its_o succession_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n be_v cast_v into_o seven_o intervall_n according_a to_o seven_o notorious_a qualification_n or_o condition_n thereof_o for_o so_o we_o say_v the_o primitive_a church_n the_o apostatise_v church_n the_o reform_a church_n etc._n etc._n denote_v not_o their_o place_n but_o rather_o their_o time_n and_o quality_n which_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o prophetic_a style_n if_o it_o be_v to_o express_v they_o will_v exhibit_v as_o so_o many_o church_n distinct_o situate_a 2._o but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v far_a to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a these_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n do_v also_o fair_o quit_v the_o mystical_a interpreter_n of_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o name_n it_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o i_o think_v worth_a the_o note_n tâ—â—â—_n all_o pretence_n of_o cavil_v may_v be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o may_v haply_o prove_v less_o satisfy_v with_o our_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o greek_a name_n from_o a_o hebrew_n allusion_n though_o their_o cavil_v to_o the_o more_o judicious_a i_o hope_v will_v seem_v altogether_o groundless_a 3._o nor_o last_o do_v the_o return_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n by_o name_n in_o these_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o determine_v the_o vision_n sole_o and_o adequate_o to_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n topical_o understand_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o church_n at_o least_o by_o a_o easy_a allusion_n have_v a_o appellative_a signification_n and_o manifest_o denote_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o exposition_n 4._o first_o therefore_o of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o christ_n salute_v after_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o 1._o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o by_o angel_n according_a to_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n all_o the_o agent_n under_o their_o presidency_n be_v represent_v or_o insinuate_v i_o have_v already_o note_v and_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_a and_o obvious_a in_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o none_o that_o be_v verse_v therein_o can_v any_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o wherefore_o christ_n his_o writing_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n be_v his_o writing_n to_o all_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o christian_n in_o this_o first_o apostolical_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o particular_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o this_o church_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n thereof_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o they_o under_o the_o character_n of_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o sense_n strip_v of_o this_o prophetical_a pomp_n be_v that_o i_o be_o he_o that_o support_v all_o my_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o all_o that_o labour_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o kingdom_n from_o this_o time_n for_o ever_o i_o be_o present_a with_o they_o and_o uphold_v they_o as_o he_o say_v at_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 20._o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o walk_v through_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o golden_a
church_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o what_o a_o plain_a and_o manifest_a account_n be_v there_o to_o he_o that_o compare_v the_o epistle_n in_o their_o prophetical_a sense_n with_o the_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n lie_v in_o that_o order_n that_o these_o church_n be_v range_v this_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n and_o worthy_a the_o spirit_n that_o write_v these_o epistle_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v range_v in_o this_o order_n because_o that_o a_o letter-carrier_n go_v from_o patmos_n his_o first_o journey_n will_v be_v to_o ephesus_n and_o then_o to_o smyrna_n and_o so_o in_o order_n till_o he_o come_v to_o laodicea_n whether_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o prophecy_n regard_v that_o in_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o letter_n though_o alcazar_n the_o jesuit_n be_v for_o it_o i_o can_v but_o suspend_v my_o judgement_n and_o that_o not_o without_o a_o smile_n but_o of_o this_o ataxy_n more_o particular_o anon_o 3._o four_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o just_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v write_v to_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o especial_o that_o in_o thyatira_n according_a to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o epiphanius_n be_v than_o not_o found_v but_o after_o the_o write_n of_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n for_o to_o say_v this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n affect_v the_o number_n seven_o and_o that_o because_o it_o run_v upon_o the_o number_n seven_o altogether_o in_o the_o ensue_a part_n of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v prophetical_a it_o therefore_o for_o conformity_n sake_n choose_v this_o number_n in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n though_o literal_o understand_v seem_v but_o a_o meager_a mean_a and_o trifle_a account_n a_o design_n unworthy_a the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o dictate_v this_o book_n but_o the_o use_v this_o number_n seven_o all_o over_o be_v rather_o a_o intimation_n that_o the_o book_n be_v prophetical_a all_o over_o and_o that_o these_o epistle_n be_v also_o a_o prophecy_n according_o as_o we_o have_v explain_v they_o and_o take_v they_o so_o the_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a viz._n the_o number_n seven_n be_v here_o choose_v out_o as_o symbolical_a it_o be_v the_o note_n of_o universality_n whence_o the_o pythagorean_n as_o i_o above_o note_v call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o seven_o and_o no_o more_o than_o seven_o church_n be_v write_v unto_o as_o stand_v for_o the_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o five_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o seven_o church_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n may_v have_v the_o same_o virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o these_o be_v commend_v and_o tax_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v write_v in_o the_o very_a notation_n of_o their_o name_n every_o name_n be_v significative_a of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o that_o successive_a interval_n of_o time_n that_o this_o or_o that_o church_n so_o name_v stand_v for_o and_o in_o such_o order_n as_o they_o be_v repeat_v six_o if_o one_o require_v a_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o sardis_n why_o the_o same_o description_n in_o both_o or_o why_o in_o either_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o peculiar_a reason_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n already_o declare_v it_o be_v obvious_a for_o the_o seven_o star_n signify_v all_o the_o pastor_n whether_o in_o present_a existence_n or_o succession_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o beginning-state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o very_o seasonable_a and_o methodical_a to_o represent_v the_o first_o founder_n sustainer_n and_o continuer_n thereof_o by_o this_o emblem_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o again_o be_v hint_v at_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v with_o evident_a proportion_n and_o analogy_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n there_o represent_v for_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n again_o or_o the_o emerge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n 4._o seven_o why_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v commend_v for_o their_o try_v false_a apostle_n why_o may_v not_o other_o church_n be_v attaque_v by_o they_o and_o also_o discover_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o solution_n of_o which_o problem_n be_v easy_a in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o epistle_n that_o place_n the_o ephesine_n interval_n within_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n of_o they_o eight_o if_o any_o one_o demand_n why_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v 11._o give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o again_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v by_o the_o second_o death_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v any_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o this_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n where_o there_o be_v kill_v for_o religion_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o martyr_n antipas_n ay_o but_o there_o be_v no_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n there_o in_o any_o peculiar_a sense_n but_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a crown_n be_v give_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n under_o the_o ten_o persecution_n to_o who_o also_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n belong_v which_o be_v here_o oblique_o glance_v at_o according_a to_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n that_o love_v to_o hint_n thing_n by_o ellipse_n in_o that_o promise_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v by_o 6._o the_o second_o death_n imply_v thereby_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n nine_o if_o any_o one_o will_v again_o object_v more_o particular_o against_o the_o ataxy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v range_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n nor_o congeneracy_n of_o their_o condition_n pretend_v that_o it_o have_v be_v far_o better_a to_o have_v join_v the_o two_o irreprehensible_a church_n together_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n at_o all_o and_o than_o ephesus_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n of_o eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o afterward_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n in_o which_o church_n alone_o there_o be_v if_o any_o one_o i_o say_v contend_v that_o this_o method_n have_v be_v more_o exact_a true_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o frame_v a_o handsome_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n especial_o if_o he_o urge_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o method_n as_o well_o as_o the_o god_n of_o order_n but_o in_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o answer_n be_v solid_a and_o exquisite_a and_o muchwhat_a the_o same_o that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o like_a difficulty_n more_o general_o propound_v before_o namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v name_v in_o that_o order_n the_o successive_a intervall_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o of_o which_o these_o asiatic_a church_n be_v but_o the_o symbol_n or_o hieroglyphic_n and_o therefore_o those_o two_o intervall_n of_o time_n which_o take_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n viz._n the_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o of_o thyatira_n must_v come_v after_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n because_o till_o the_o expiration_n of_o those_o two_o intervall_n idolatry_n have_v not_o again_o reentered_n the_o apostatise_v church_n and_o the_o three_o follow_a intervall_n of_o sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n be_v the_o intervall_n of_o the_o true_a church_n elapse_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o domineer_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o we_o hear_v no_o more_o in_o they_o of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n nor_o of_o any_o jezabel_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o the_o most_o glorious_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o appear_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v name_v according_a to_o her_o dignity_n but_o according_a to_o her_o succession_n in_o time_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o she_o be_v here_o range_v but_o of_o this_o more_o than_o enough_o because_o we_o have_v