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
charity_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o godly_a professor_n be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n but_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o have_v receive_v this_o new_a name_n and_o new_a estate_n he_o know_v it_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o certain_o and_o infallible_o second_o if_o no_o man_n know_v this_o name_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o then_o can_v none_o beside_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n know_v from_o within_o the_o man_n his_o particular_a faith_n and_o adoption_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o charge_v the_o evil_a and_o hard_a censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n upon_o any_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n in_o so_o do_v we_o overshoot_v ourselves_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o god_n not_o to_o man_n save_v only_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o for_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o good_a within_o the_o man_n proper_o but_o by_o effect_n quest._n how_o far_o forth_o may_v a_o man_n judge_v of_o another_o man_n election_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o judgement_n judgement_n of_o certainty_n and_o judgement_n of_o charity_n judgement_n of_o certainty_n be_v when_o a_o man_n can_v set_v down_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v peremptory_a judgement_n belong_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o some_o man_n only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o estate_n of_o some_o man_n to_o david_n and_o to_o some_o prophet_n whereupon_o david_n sometime_o pray_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o give_v ordinary_o no_o not_o to_o god_n minister_n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o judge_v the_o best_a of_o another_o and_o herein_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o touch_v the_o unregenerate_a charity_n bind_v we_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o such_o as_o yet_o live_v profane_o but_o to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v in_o good_a time_n call_v they_o and_o touch_v the_o regenerate_a who_o have_v give_v good_a testimony_n of_o their_o vocation_n charity_n bind_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v without_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o may_v do_v without_o repugnance_n to_o this_o place_n for_o though_o we_o can_v from_o within_o the_o man_n know_v his_o estate_n yet_o by_o the_o fruit_n we_o may_v which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o judgement_n that_o charity_n can_v exercise_v three_o here_o we_o see_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v deceive_v who_o make_v visibilitie_n the_o mark_n of_o god_n church_n for_o god_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n which_o believe_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n election_n and_o adoption_n and_o man_n faith_n which_o none_o other_o can_v see_v but_o the_o party_n that_o have_v they_o the_o sign_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v but_o proper_o the_o church_n can_v be_v see_v it_o come_v to_o be_v visible_a by_o the_o fruit_n of_o election_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a work_n of_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n we_o therefore_o hold_v far_o better_o that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o that_o we_o see_v the_o church_n last_o if_o other_o know_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n child_n than_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o if_o the_o wicked_a miscall_v they_o 1._o john_n 3.2_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o god_n child_n therefore_o must_v not_o be_v daunt_v at_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o pray_v with_o christ_n father_n forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v luk._n 23.34_o verse_n 18._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v to_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n here_o follow_v the_o four_o particular_a commandment_n of_o christ_n unto_o john_n as_o also_o the_o four_o particular_a epistle_n the_o commandment_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n write_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o commandment_n i_o have_v speak_v before_o only_o remember_v the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o certify_v this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o john_n have_v a_o calling_n and_o commandment_n from_o god_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o they_o and_o further_o to_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o his_o calling_n to_o write_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n a_o proposition_n and_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n all_o which_o thing_n almost_o have_v be_v handle_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o former_a 1â—.15_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v borrow_v in_o the_o preface_n first_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n in_o christ_n name_n the_o cause_n thereof_o we_o have_v show_v before_o then_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o three_o argument_n first_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o to_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n three_o to_o have_v foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n for_o the_o first_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o by_o god_n we_o must_v not_o absolute_o understand_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v oppose_v either_o to_o the_o son_n or_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v usual_o call_v god_n not_o that_o he_o be_v god_n more_o than_o the_o son_n or_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n and_o because_o he_o be_v that_o person_n from_o who_o the_o godhead_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o here_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n which_o mystery_n we_o can_v full_o understand_v for_o the_o word_n have_v not_o reveal_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o out_o of_o the_o word_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o better_a conceive_v thereof_o remember_v these_o two_o rule_n i._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o godhead_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n for_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o beget_v neither_o be_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n beget_v ii_o rule_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o by_o creation_n as_o the_o angel_n and_o adam_n be_v nor_o by_o adoption_n as_o every_o believer_n be_v but_o by_o nature_n in_o that_o he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n for_o the_o father_n communicate_v from_o himself_o the_o whole_a godhead_n that_o be_v in_o himself_o unto_o his_o son_n christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n use_n to_o stir_v up_o reverence_n attention_n and_o care_n in_o this_o church_n in_o mark_v and_o obey_v the_o thing_n that_o follow_v in_o this_o particular_a epistle_n and_o in_o their_o example_n christ_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v or_o read_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o reverence_n because_o he_o that_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o pilate_n be_v about_o to_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o hear_v it_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o he_o tremble_v and_o be_v the_o more_o afraid_a joh._n 19_o verse_n 8._o shall_v a_o â—illie_a heathen_a man_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n tremble_v towards_o he_o when_o he_o hear_v his_o name_n and_o yet_o we_o that_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v nothing_o move_v with_o reverence_n towards_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n at_o his_o presence_n the_o hill_n melt_v and_o at_o his_o voice_n the_o rock_n cleave_v in_o sunder_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o heart_n shall_v not_o melt_v and_o cleave_v asunder_o with_o a_o reverend_a fear_n when_o he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v worse_a than_o these_o senseless_a creature_n second_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n which_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v literal_o the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n vers_fw-la 14._o where_o christ_n be_v describe_v not_o as_o he_o be_v in_o truth_n but_o
must_v give_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 1._o cor._n 15.24_o and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n give_v his_o revelation_n to_o his_o son_n first_o therefore_o christ_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o this_o revelation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v his_o own_o right_n and_o royalty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v now_o govern_v whereof_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n again_o this_o revelation_n be_v reveal_v unto_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n before_o it_o be_v ever_o know_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o manhood_n with_o the_o godhead_n in_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v christ_n his_o right_n and_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o own_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n for_o as_o the_o law_n in_o any_o kingdom_n belong_v to_o the_o prince_n thereof_o and_o be_v call_v his_o law_n alone_o and_o no_o man_n else_o so_o this_o book_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o christ_n govern_v his_o church_n be_v his_o royalty_n alone_o for_o god_n give_v it_o he_o and_o he_o have_v by_o his_o angel_n send_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o book_n must_v be_v understand_v proportional_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n christ_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o royalty_n and_o possession_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v follow_v necessary_o first_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v authority_n above_o this_o book_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n indeed_o monarch_n and_o prince_n have_v great_a authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o their_o dominion_n over_o all_o person_n and_o over_o all_o cause_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o church_n they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v homage_n unto_o christ_n there_o he_o have_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v his_o law_n whereto_o every_o one_o must_v subject_v himself_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v his_o royal_a ordinance_n over_o which_o none_o may_v dare_v to_o claim_v rule_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o shall_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o prerogative_n as_o they_o be_v to_o christ_n but_o god_n give_v they_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o he_o dispose_v thereof_o as_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o the_o pope_n in_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o word_n and_o to_o mangle_v the_o sacrament_n do_v herein_o step_n into_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n by_o seek_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o princely_a royalty_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o second_o that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o expound_v scripture_n belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o and_o to_o none_o other_o with_o he_o true_a it_o be_v that_o man_n have_v a_o ministry_n commit_v unto_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v expound_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o man_n have_v no_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o popish_a practice_n in_o give_v to_o the_o church_n absolute_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o without_o scripture_n be_v flat_a robbery_n against_o christ_n for_o therein_o they_o give_v unto_o man_n that_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ._n three_o herein_o we_o observe_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n for_o all_o of_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o like_a can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o write_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v they_o never_o so_o excellent_a herein_o the_o scripture_n surpass_v they_o all_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v more_o reverent_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n than_o of_o all_o the_o write_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n here_o then_o behold_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o more_o delight_v to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n than_o the_o glorious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n whereas_o the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o every_o way_n perfect_a proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n unto_o his_o belove_a son_n who_o have_v faithful_o disperse_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o show_v to_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v viz._n the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v arg._n ii_o the_o end_n of_o this_o revelation_n be_v to_o show_v that_o be_v to_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v exceed_o in_o debar_v lie_v people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a to_o god_n servant_n thing_n to_o come_v and_o who_o be_v god_n servant_n be_v the_o clergy_n only_o and_o not_o lay_v people_n also_o god_n forbid_v the_o lie_v man_n be_v christ_n his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o he_o shall_v learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v this_o book_n like_o one_o of_o his_o servant_n and_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a must_v be_v learn_v of_o the_o lie_v man_n then_o much_o more_o must_v he_o search_v into_o all_o other_o book_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o history_n of_o gospel_n epistle_n etc._n etc._n arg._n iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v viz._n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n this_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n indefinite_o but_o for_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v such_o alone_a as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o new_a obedience_n so_o he_o teach_v elsewhere_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n to_o give_v they_o understanding_n psalm_n 25.14_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o and_o god_n will_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v unto_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n because_o he_o know_v abraham_n will_v do_v his_o will_n and_o teach_v his_o family_n after_o he_o genes_n 18._o vers_fw-la 17.19_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o outward_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o labour_v principal_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n and_o to_o show_v the_o same_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v hereby_o shall_v we_o receive_v instruction_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o our_o understand_n shall_v more_o easy_o conceive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o they_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v know_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7.17_o here_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o most_o hearer_n after_o long_o teach_v profit_n little_a but_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v even_o their_o own_o impiety_n they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n second_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v true_a god_n for_o here_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n every_o true_a believer_n be_v his_o servant_n and_o he_o his_o lord_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v his_o angel_n as_o after_o we_o shall_v see_v which_o prerogative_n none_o can_v have_v but_o he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o very_o god_n three_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v those_o confute_v which_o hold_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v save_v and_o call_v all_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o if_o he_o call_v all_o effectual_o than_o he_o will_v offer_v the_o mean_n to_o all_o to_o wit_n his_o holy_a word_n that_o so_o they_o may_v
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
sin_n of_o impenitency_n forbid_v for_o the_o law_n condemn_v no_o more_o than_o it_o reveal_v but_o it_o never_o reveal_v repentance_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v or_o condemn_v the_o want_n thereof_o second_o for_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o may_v appear_v because_o hereby_o man_n heap_v sin_n upon_o sin_n and_o 5â—_n wrath_n unto_o themselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n some_o to_o aggravate_v the_o grievousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n say_v that_o impenitency_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o opinion_n be_v ancient_a but_o yet_o false_a and_o erroneous_a for_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o blasphemy_n mat._n 12.31_o but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o blasphemy_n again_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o this_o life_n but_o final_a impenitency_n be_v never_o before_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n use_n hence_o also_o the_o papist_n gather_v free_a will_n to_o good_a by_o nature_n she_o do_v not_o repent_v therefore_o she_o have_v freewill_n &_o power_n to_o repent_v if_o she_o will_v ans._n this_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a thus_o much_o may_v hence_o be_v gather_v that_o she_o have_v freewill_n not_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o sin_n for_o every_o man_n sin_v free_o but_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n to_o cease_v from_o sin_n or_o to_o repent_v without_o god_n special_a grace_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v will_n or_o do_v that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a before_o god_n again_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o be_v reprove_v in_o this_o wicked_a woman_n may_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o great_a number_n in_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o man_n a_o long_a time_n of_o repentance_n to_o some_o ten_o to_o some_o twenty_o year_n but_o they_o repent_v not_o as_o their_o life_n do_v plain_o testify_v for_o some_o live_v in_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n some_o in_o sabbath_n break_v some_o in_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n some_o in_o idleness_n some_o in_o covetousness_n and_o extortion_n give_v themselves_o whole_o and_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n never_o regard_v with_o reverence_n thâ—_n thing_n of_o god_n verse_n 22._o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o into_o great_a affliction_n except_o they_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o work_n christ_n have_v reprove_v this_o church_n and_o this_o woman_n for_o their_o several_a fault_n do_v here_o give_v special_a counsel_n and_o direction_n unto_o they_o both_o whereby_o they_o may_v avoid_v &_o escape_v the_o grievous_a judgement_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v this_o counsel_n of_o christ_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o jesabell_n and_o her_o company_n vers_n 22.23_o the_o second_o to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n verse_n 24_o 25._o the_o sum_n of_o christ_n counsel_n to_o jesabell_n be_v to_o repent_v which_o be_v not_o express_v but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o reason_n to_o move_v she_o to_o repentance_n be_v propound_v and_o it_o may_v be_v frame_v thus_o if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v punish_v thou_o with_o sundry_a judgement_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v so_o punish_v and_o therefore_o repent_v this_o reason_n have_v two_o part_n a_o threaten_a and_o a_o exception_n thereof_o the_o threaten_n in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o into_o great_a affliction_n and_o before_o this_o threaten_n christ_n prefix_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o and_o we_o that_o we_o ought_v serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o threaten_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o god_n word_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n when_o josias_n hear_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n read_v hiâ—_n heart_n 22.19_o melt_v which_o it_o can_v never_o have_v do_v unless_o it_o have_v first_o tremble_v at_o the_o judgement_n therein_o denounce_v and_o the_o prick_a that_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o jew_n â—7_n by_o peter_n first_o sermon_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o compunction_n wrought_v in_o they_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n the_o cause_n why_o sin_n be_v so_o rise_v in_o every_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n at_o this_o day_n be_v for_o that_o man_n set_v light_a by_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n if_o man_n will_v tremble_v when_o they_o hear_v of_o god_n judgement_n it_o will_v make_v they_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o doâ—_n but_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a therefore_o man_n fear_v he_o not_o isay._n 57.11_o this_o threaten_a have_v three_o several_a part_n according_a to_o the_o three_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n who_o it_o concern_v the_n i._n be_v against_o jesabell_n herself_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o all_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o like_a word_n of_o jonaâ—â—â—_n to_o ammon_n bid_n he_o 13.5_o lie_v down_o on_o his_o bed_n and_o make_v himself_o sick_a so_o that_o christ_n meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v strike_v she_o with_o some_o grievous_a sickness_n the_o place_n of_o the_o sick_a person_n be_v put_v for_o the_o sickness_n itself_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v jesabell_n take_v her_o pleasure_n in_o fornication_n and_o thereto_o abuse_v the_o bed_n i_o will_v therefore_o send_v on_o she_o some_o great_a sickness_n which_o shall_v cast_v she_o into_o her_o bed_n use_n here_o note_v god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o abuse_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o sin_n will_v the_o lord_n plague_n and_o punish_v they_o iâ—sabell_n abuse_v her_o bed_n with_o fornication_n &_o thither_o she_o must_v be_v cast_v with_o sickness_n diveâ—_n in_o his_o life_n time_n abuse_v his_o tongue_n and_o taste_v by_o gluttony_n and_o therefore_o 〈…〉_z now_o in_o in_o hell_n therein_o most_o of_o all_o plagâ—d_n and_o torment_v at_o hiâ—_n cry_v 24._o 〈◊〉_d drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n do_v import_v gamester_n take_v their_o pleasure_n in_o â—â—â—ding_n and_o dice_v which_o many_o time_n god_n turn_v to_o their_o woe_n for_o thereby_o they_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o extreme_a want_n and_o misery_n ahab_n shed_v naboths_n blood_n to_o get_v his_o vineyard_n and_o for_o that_o sin_n must_v 24._o his_o blood_n the_o blood_n of_o jezabell_n and_o his_o child_n he_o shed_v and_o now_o in_o these_o day_n the_o covetous_a for_o their_o gain_n do_v suck_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o that_o blood_n will_v have_v blood_n from_o they_o again_o the_o lord_n will_v spoil_v the_o soul_n of_o he_o that_o spoyleâ—_n the_o poor_a prou._n 22_o 2d_o this_o must_v make_v we_o to_o beware_v how_o we_o abuse_v any_o creature_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v we_o for_o any_o sin_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v cause_v that_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o woe_n and_o punishment_n unto_o we_o which_o we_o misuse_v unto_o our_o lust_n again_o note_v here_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o grievous_a sickness_n namely_o christ_n himself_o for_o he_o say_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n sickness_n come_v not_o by_o chance_n or_o fortune_n but_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o believe_v and_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o make_v better_a use_n of_o sickness_n than_o usual_o we_o do_v if_o man_n do_v believe_v this_o it_o will_v make_v the_o hard_a heart_n to_o repent_v in_o time_n of_o sickness_n for_o this_o they_o will_v say_v have_v god_n cast_v i_o down_o with_o sickness_n no_o doubt_v it_o be_v to_o humble_v i_o for_o some_o of_o my_o sin_n to_o make_v i_o know_v they_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o this_o use_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v make_v hereof_o â—_o when_o the_o prophet_n come_v to_o hezâ—â—ias_n and_o tell_v he_o he_o shall_v die_v he_o turn_v his_o face_n to_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v as_o for_o other_o thing_n so_o for_o his_o sin_n especial_o and_o jaacob_n be_v to_o die_v â—â—_o leaâ—ed_v on_o his_o â—â—affe_n and_o by_o faith_n worshippeâ—_n towards_o the_o bed_n head_n lift_v up_o his_o body_n to_o do_v reverence_n unto_o god_n thereby_o testify_v his_o humility_n faith_n and_o hope_n and_o the_o like_a aught_o we_o to_o do_v which_o if_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v find_v our_o sickness_n will_v become_v a_o blessing_n unto_o us._n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n threaten_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o her_o follower_n which_o
come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o promise_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o church_n concern_v their_o preservation_n in_o time_n of_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n for_o this_o epistle_n unto_o this_o church_n as_o also_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o john_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n after_o who_o succeed_v traâ—anus_n who_o when_o he_o be_v seat_v in_o his_o empire_n raise_v up_o grievous_a persecution_n against_o god_n church_n in_o all_o place_n of_o his_o dominion_n wherein_o he_o put_v to_o death_n innumerable_a thousand_o of_o christian_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o year_n of_o this_o persecution_n our_o saviour_n christ_n foretell_v this_o church_n call_v it_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o withal_o he_o promise_v to_o preserve_v this_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o bloody_a persecution_n add_v a_o reason_n thereof_o because_o they_o have_v constant_o and_o sincere_o profess_v his_o gospel_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o preservation_n note_v sundry_a point_n i._o the_o occasion_n thereof_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n ii_o the_o thing_n promise_v deliverance_n under_o traianus_n iii_o a_o prediction_n of_o this_o persecution_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n to_o try_v they_o i._o point_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n some_o expound_v to_o be_v christ_n commandment_n of_o patience_n but_o that_o exposition_n be_v too_o straight_o here_o it_o signify_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n first_o because_o it_o teach_v patience_n second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o patience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n know_v salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o also_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o belong_v to_o he_o that_o will_v make_v he_o patient_a in_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n three_o because_o it_o can_v be_v profess_v and_o hold_v unto_o death_n without_o patience_n but_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o good_a ground_n it_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n so_o must_v every_o one_o do_v that_o profess_v this_o gospel_n in_o this_o occasion_n of_o god_n promise_v observe_v that_o god_n grace_n well_o use_v be_v reward_v with_o increase_n those_o which_o have_v receive_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n at_o the_o first_o by_o become_v faithful_a therein_o have_v receive_v increase_n which_o serve_v to_o move_v we_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o talent_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v for_o hereby_o we_o shall_v receive_v increase_n when_o as_o those_o which_o have_v receive_v good_a gift_n from_o god_n as_o knowledge_n and_o such_o like_a because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o use_n thereof_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o same_o wherefore_o whosoever_o have_v begin_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o repent_v let_v the_o same_o party_n proceed_v to_o use_v those_o gift_n still_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v double_v and_o treble_a and_o great_o increase_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o again_o note_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o patience_n this_o show_v how_o good_a and_o meet_v it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o to_o learn_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n for_o every_o one_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n will_v wish_v for_o strength_n and_o patience_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o these_o day_n of_o peace_n will_v last_v again_o each_o man_n in_o his_o call_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o cross_n and_o misery_n for_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o our_o face_n must_v we_o eat_v our_o bread_n and_o who_o be_v free_a from_o pain_n and_o disease_n yea_o who_o can_v escape_v death_n itself_o now_o in_o all_o these_o and_o in_o all_o other_o trouble_n we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o time_n of_o health_n and_o ease_n let_v we_o hide_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o grace_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o patience_n which_o will_v make_v we_o content_v in_o all_o distress_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v why_o most_o man_n be_v so_o impatient_a in_o affliction_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v so_o little_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n second_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n hereby_o all_o person_n that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o gospel_n must_v learn_v to_o put_v on_o patience_n keep_v a_o moderation_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n will_n and_o affection_n for_o when_o we_o be_v impatienâ—_n any_o way_n we_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o salvation_n three_o this_o word_n of_o patience_n be_v call_v christ_n the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n because_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v add_v to_o beat_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o this_o church_n for_o when_o god_n do_v praise_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n their_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n but_o to_o prevent_v this_o evil_n in_o this_o church_n who_o he_o now_o praise_v he_o call_v it_o his_o patience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v this_o good_a thing_n be_v of_o themselves_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n must_v check_v the_o proud_a thought_n that_o rise_v in_o our_o heart_n namely_o to_o remember_v that_o no_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v be_v our_o own_o but_o christ_n what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v why_o then_o shall_v thou_o boast_v 1._o corinth_n 4.7_o ii_o point_n the_o thing_n promise_v be_v preservation_n and_o deliverance_n in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n under_o traianuâ—_n in_o which_o for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o year_n innumerable_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n here_o first_o observe_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v certain_a set_v hour_n and_o time_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o church_n as_o well_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o hypocrisy_n thus_o he_o lead_v the_o israelite_n 1.2_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o and_o he_o send_v 13.3_o false_a prophet_n among_o they_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o no._n and_o as_o god_n thus_o deal_v with_o his_o church_n so_o he_o bathe_v appoint_v particular_a time_n and_o hour_n wherein_o he_o will_v try_v particular_a person_n 2_o god_n bid_v abraham_n kill_v his_o son_n and_o that_o be_v his_o trial_n and_o 32.31_o hezekias_n be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v see_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o for_o every_o christian_a god_n have_v a_o set_a time_n of_o trial_n wherein_o he_o will_v either_o make_v manifest_a his_o grace_n or_o disclose_v their_o hypocrisy_n this_o point_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v for_o herein_o the_o lord_n deal_v like_o the_o worthy_a founder_n of_o great_a school_n use_n who_o have_v appoint_v certain_a set_v time_n of_o pose_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o scholar_n to_o see_v what_o every_a one_o proceed_v be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v according_o reward_v and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o one_o to_o have_v be_v long_o in_o a_o good_a school_n and_o to_o have_v make_v no_o proceed_n in_o learning_n so_o it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o that_o have_v live_v long_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o profit_v in_o grace_n this_o therefore_o must_v teach_v we_o these_o duty_n first_o to_o try_v our_o self_n and_o that_o staight_o concern_v our_o progress_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n himself_o will_v try_v we_o who_o eye_n we_o can_v never_o blind_v though_o we_o may_v deceive_v man_n he_o will_v lay_v open_a our_o heart_n and_o make_v know_v what_o be_v in_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n or_o false_a hypocrisy_n let_v we_o not_o cover_v ourselves_o with_o fig_n leave_v for_o god_n will_v strip_v we_o naked_a but_o rather_o let_v we_o search_v our_o self_n touch_v our_o sin_n and_o god_n grace_n and_o never_o rest_v content_v till_o we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o good_a gift_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v abide_v his_o trial_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v admonish_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o will_n