subsist_v these_o word_n prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v they_o be_v to_o certify_v he_o that_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o to_o show_v he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o bring_v his_o own_o testimony_n namely_o i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v unto_o thou_o be_v from_o god_n even_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 1._o which_o be_o god_n equal_a to_o my_o father_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o christ_n note_v a_o singular_a care_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n but_o withal_o to_o certify_v his_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o here_o he_o tell_v john_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n to_o certify_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o he_o reveal_v not_o only_o his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o act._n 10._o peter_n have_v a_o vision_n and_o withal_o the_o lord_n assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o vision_n and_o when_o christ_n preach_v his_o father_n will_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n which_o be_v as_o sâ—ales_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o 2._o that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o will_n this_o first_o confute_v the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a till_o we_o hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v uncertain_a to_o we_o though_o certain_a in_o itself_o to_o be_v certain_a to_o us._n but_o we_o must_v here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o child_n but_o withal_o use_v mean_n to_o certify_v man_n heart_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sure_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o even_o to_o man_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o speak_v word_n of_o the_o same_o â—_o this_o confute_v all_o carnal_a man_n there_o be_v many_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v as_o they_o think_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n see_v man_n opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o diverse_a that_o one_o can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o we_o differ_v in_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o diverse_a opinion_n yet_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n they_o differ_v not_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v differ_v in_o opinion_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o religion_n but_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v stand_v sure_a and_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o lord_n can_v make_v man_n out_o of_o it_o to_o learn_v his_o will_n and_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o religion_n now_o follow_v the_o commandment_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n etc._n etc._n this_o have_v two_o part_n first_o s._n john_n must_v write_v the_o thing_n he_o receive_v second_o he_o must_v send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n now_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o book_n and_o he_o must_v set_v down_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o god_n to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n because_o he_o be_v now_o in_o banishment_n and_o can_v not_o come_v to_o they_o and_o be_v present_a with_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o therefore_o he_o must_v write_v these_o in_o a_o book_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v holpen_v by_o they_o second_o he_o must_v not_o only_o write_v they_o in_o a_o book_n but_o send_v they_o to_o these_o seven_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o cruel_a time_n of_o their_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v these_o book_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o truth_n first_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o word_n second_o because_o she_o keep_v the_o same_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o also_o give_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o then_o that_o these_o church_n may_v keep_v publish_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o must_v send_v they_o write_v to_o they_o hence_o we_o learn_v use_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v a_o excellent_a help_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o send_v this_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n this_o confute_v first_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o write_a word_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a &_o inky_a letter_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n to_o be_v turn_v any_o way_n second_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o look_v for_o revelation_n contemn_v the_o write_a word_n but_o see_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n we_o may_v learn_v 2._o that_o the_o read_n of_o this_o book_n as_o of_o other_o scripture_n be_v god_n ordinance_n whether_o it_o be_v public_a or_o private_a and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o use_v as_o god_n ordinance_n with_o reverence_n and_o good_a conscience_n indeed_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o begin_v faith_n and_o to_o work_v repentance_n but_o the_o read_n of_o they_o public_o and_o private_o have_v his_o proper_a use_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n yea_o to_o increase_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o us._n write_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o that_o a_o man_n in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n may_v be_v the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n s._n john_n a_o famous_a apostle_n and_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o banishment_n and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n from_o all_o company_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o give_v to_o none_o but_o they_o which_o be_v his_o servant_n then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v and_o continue_v in_o banishment_n yet_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n we_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o he_o be_v sure_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o john_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o these_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o most_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n in_o which_o be_v plant_v seven_o most_o excellent_a church_n of_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n here_o be_v name_v one_o by_o one_o then_o i_o turn_v back_o 12._o here_o be_v his_o preparation_n or_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n when_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o i_o be_v loud_a and_o great_a i_o turn_v to_o see_v he_o which_o deliver_v it_o to_o i_o in_o the_o preparation_n we_o must_v consider_v first_o the_o mean_n to_o move_v john_n to_o attention_n namely_o a_o voice_n second_o the_o end_n to_o make_v he_o attentive_a and_o to_o enjoin_v he_o his_o duty_n namely_o to_o write_v and_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o preparation_n which_o be_v that_o he_o turn_v back_o when_o he_o hear_v this_o loud_a and_o great_a voice_n to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v which_o give_v the_o voice_n by_o this_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n we_o may_v learn_v our_o duty_n for_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o man_n which_o give_v the_o voice_n so_o must_v we_o deal_v with_o god_n s._n john_n hear_v a_o voice_n and_o then_o he_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v so_o must_v we_o do_v with_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n ready_a to_o turn_v from_o god_n and_o run_v from_o he_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v by_o our_o sin_n now_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o we_o be_v run_v on_o in_o another_o way_n we_o must_v turn_v to_o he_o turn_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o way_n confess_v our_o sin_n to_o he_o that_o so_o
he_o which_o receive_v it_o for_o no_o man_n can_v know_v or_o discern_v it_o then_o man_n must_v not_o think_v strange_a though_o be_v be_v not_o call_v by_o this_o new_a name_n the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o 1._o john_n 3._o 1._o now_o in_o that_o he_o which_o have_v this_o new_a name_n use_v know_v it_o and_o see_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o fellow-heire_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v call_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o that_o none_o know_v it_o but_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v it_o this_o confute_v the_o papist_n who_o say_v they_o know_v it_o but_o not_o certain_o but_o in_o hope_n and_o by_o conjecture_n and_o probability_n but_o we_o see_v he_o know_v it_o certain_o infallible_o without_o doubt_n for_o he_o know_v it_o better_o than_o any_o other_o other_o man_n know_v it_o by_o conjecture_n but_o he_o know_v it_o certain_o no_o man_n know_v this_o new_a name_n so_o certain_o &_o infallible_o and_o from_o within_o as_o he_o which_o receive_v the_o same_o for_o no_o man_n can_v determine_v of_o the_o faith_n adoption_n or_o call_n of_o any_o but_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n to_o search_v the_o heart_n this_o must_v stay_v our_o censure_n and_o judgement_n to_o judge_v man_n to_o be_v hypocrite_n to_o condemn_v either_o the_o better_o or_o bad_a sort_n of_o man_n for_o we_o know_v not_o a_o man_n heart_n his_o faith_n be_v but_o know_v to_o god_n and_o himself_o object_n how_o far_o may_v we_o judge_v of_o another_o state_n of_o salvation_n answ._n we_o judge_v of_o another_o man_n estate_n either_o certain_o or_o not_o certain_o as_o when_o one_o judge_v and_o set_v down_o certain_o and_o resolute_o that_o such_o man_n be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n without_o all_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n no_o man_n can_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n but_o god_n and_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o reveal_v the_o same_o to_o some_o of_o his_o child_n as_o to_o david_n he_o reveal_v the_o damnation_n and_o rejection_n of_o some_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o pray_v for_o their_o destruction_n now_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n when_o we_o judge_v of_o another_o as_o charity_n move_v we_o now_o charity_n make_v a_o man_n judge_v the_o best_a this_o charity_n have_v two_o part_n first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v second_o it_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n salvation_n undoubted_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o certain_o we_o must_v not_o despair_v though_o we_o see_v man_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o we_o must_v judge_v certain_o of_o man_n salvation_n and_o without_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v call_v effectual_o in_o that_o they_o testify_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o obedience_n not_o that_o we_o can_v set_v down_o certain_o but_o we_o must_v in_o charity_n judge_v so_o of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v charity_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n when_o we_o judge_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n here_o again_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v deceive_v make_v the_o church_n to_o have_v this_o note_n and_o property_n to_o be_v visible_a but_o not_o visibilitie_n but_o election_n adoption_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o principal_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n now_o these_o can_v be_v see_v only_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o may_v and_o to_o the_o angel_n here_o begin_v the_o four_o particular_a epistle_n the_o end_n &_o scope_n of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o thyatyra_n that_o john_n have_v a_o special_a commandment_n and_o call_n from_o god_n first_o to_o write_v this_o epistle_n second_o to_o certify_v all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v a_o commandment_n and_o call_n from_o god_n to_o write_v not_o only_o this_o epistle_n but_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n this_o be_v seven_o time_n repeat_v to_o the_o angel_n etc._n etc._n the_o epistle_n begin_v here_o these_o thing_n write_v etc._n etc._n and_o continue_v almost_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o it_o note_v three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n in_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n all_o which_o be_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n verse_n 5._o 14._o 15._o these_o thing_n say_v in_o the_o preface_n note_n first_o in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v write_v namely_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n the_o cause_n why_o his_o name_n be_v in_o the_o preface_n be_v set_v down_o before_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o three_o argument_n first_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o his_o eye_n be_v like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n three_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o god_n he_o mean_v not_o the_o godhead_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o or_o common_a to_o all_o the_o three_o person_n but_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o father_n who_o when_o he_o be_v confer_v with_o any_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v call_v god_n not_o that_o he_o be_v more_o god_n than_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o equal_a but_o for_o order_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o person_n &_o from_o he_o the_o godhead_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n how_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o may_v know_v by_o these_o two_o rule_n first_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 or_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n before_o all_o world_n for_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n be_v not_o beget_v or_o beget_v not_o nor_o proceed_v but_o he_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o godhead_n with_o the_o father_n therefore_o it_o no_o more_o beget_v or_o be_v beget_v or_o proceed_v than_o he_o the_o second_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 nor_o by_o grace_n as_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o nature_n in_o that_o he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n before_o all_o world_n because_o the_o father_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o himself_o his_o whole_a godhead_n and_o nature_n and_o by_o this_o communication_n of_o the_o godhead_n to_o his_o son_n whole_o he_o be_v say_v to_o beget_v the_o son_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v namely_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n care_n and_o diligence_n reverence_n and_o attention_n in_o mark_v and_o obey_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o epistle_n see_v that_o he_o which_o teach_v they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o in_o their_o example_n when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v or_o preach_v we_o must_v have_v attention_n diligent_a care_n and_o fear_n see_v it_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o speak_v to_o us._n when_o pilate_n be_v condemn_v christ_n and_o hear_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v afraid_a shall_v a_o heathen_a man_n which_o know_v not_o god_n fear_v to_o hear_v of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o tremble_v to_o hear_v he_o speak_v to_o we_o himself_o at_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n the_o mountain_n melt_v and_o the_o rock_n cleave_v asunder_o and_o shall_v not_o our_o stony_a and_o rocky_a heart_n tremble_v to_o hear_v he_o speak_v to_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n his_o eye_n be_v like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n we_o must_v not_o take_v these_o word_n literal_o but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n for_o christ_n be_v set_v out_o as_o he_o appear_v in_o vision_n to_o john_n by_o his_o fiery_a eye_n be_v mean_v first_o that_o in_o he_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n he_o see_v all_o thing_n he_o know_v by_o his_o fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n all_o thing_n present_a past_a and_o to_o come_v second_o it_o signify_v his_o vigilancy_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o same_o for_o these_o two_o end_n first_o to_o preserve_v and_o protect_v his_o own_o child_n second_o to_o take_v revenge_n and_o punishment_n on_o his_o enemy_n three_o by_o his_o fiery_a eye_n be_v signify_v his_o anger_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fiery_a eye_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v secret_a and_o hide_a
three_o the_o devil_n tend_v to_o maintain_v idolatry_n error_n and_o wickedness_n deut._n 13._o these_o to_o maintain_v true_a apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v call_v christ_n revelation_n to_o show_v that_o christ_n now_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o kingly_a office_n do_v still_o rule_v order_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v not_o call_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n see_v christ_n jesus_n now_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n use_v enter_v into_o his_o kingly_a office_n do_v give_v his_o church_n revelation_n we_o see_v his_o constant_a care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o the_o first_o age_n he_o give_v doctrine_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o that_o time_n and_o after_o he_o give_v his_o church_n prophecy_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n plain_o and_o also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n &_o repentance_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o now_o after_o all_o these_o be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v no_o less_o care_n of_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v give_v it_o now_o in_o this_o last_o age_n a_o notable_a prophecy_n and_o revelation_n by_o john_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o show_v how_o he_o come_v by_o this_o revelation_n and_o whence_o he_o have_v it_o he_o have_v it_o give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n and_o these_o word_n explain_v the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o god_n give_v he_o that_o be_v god_n the_o father_n not_o the_o whole_a trinity_n for_o where_o this_o name_n god_n be_v oppose_v to_o christ_n there_o it_o signify_v the_o first_o person_n namely_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o first_o person_n be_v often_o call_v by_o this_o name_n alone_o god_n because_o he_o be_v first_o in_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o christ_n receive_v his_o divine_a nature_n and_o godhead_n from_o the_o father_n by_o communication_n the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o they_o both_o the_o father_n receive_v it_o from_o none_o god_n give_v to_o he_o answer_n how_o can_v it_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n see_v he_o be_v god_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n ans._n we_o conceive_v of_o christ_n 2._o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n second_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n as_o he_o be_v god_n the_o father_n give_v he_o nothing_o see_v he_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o same_o with_o the_o father_n in_o all_o thing_n save_v in_o propriety_n of_o person_n second_o he_o be_v conceive_v as_o the_o mediator_n not_o god_n simple_o but_o god-man_n or_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v of_o the_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n as_o he_o be_v god-man_n or_o god_n incarnate_a so_o he_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v i_o of_o the_o father_n mat._n 28._o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o god_n incarnate_a and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n phil._n 2._o god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n etc._n etc._n not_o as_o he_o be_v simple_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n so_o here_o the_o revelation_n be_v give_v he_o not_o as_o he_o be_v god_n simple_o but_o as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n mediator_n and_o god_n incarnate_a neither_o can_v any_o say_v hence_o christ_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o godhead_n for_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v god-man_n not_o simple_o god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v man_n and_o mediator_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n and_o confess_v that_o in_o that_o respect_n god_n the_o father_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n the_o father_n be_v the_o head_n of_o christ._n 1._o cor._n 3._o 11._o 6._o 3._o 29._o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n god-man_n nay_o as_o christ_n sit_v at_o his_o father_n right_a hand_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o as_o mediator_n and_o look_v as_o he_o receive_v all_o power_n of_o the_o father_n so_o must_v he_o restore_v it_o again_o as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n now_o follow_v the_o mean_n how_o he_o give_v christ_n this_o revelalation_n he_o give_v it_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o lord_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o make_v this_o his_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n for_o christ_n be_v king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v part_n of_o his_o law_n to_o the_o church_n he_o be_v king_n also_o of_o this_o book_n as_o part_v of_o his_o law_n and_o royalty_n again_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v man_n for_o his_o manhood_n be_v unite_v to_o his_o godhead_n he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v they_o ere_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n know_v they_o as_o he_o be_v man_n first_o use_v we_o observe_v that_o this_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v christ_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o it_o and_o the_o right_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o a_o land_n belong_v to_o a_o prince_n and_o to_o none_o else_o so_o these_o law_n the_o book_n of_o this_o scripture_n they_o be_v christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n &_o privilege_n for_o god_n give_v they_o to_o he_o and_o to_o none_o but_o he_o only_o and_o he_o send_v his_o angel_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o this_o book_n may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o royalty_n and_o interest_n of_o this_o belong_v only_o to_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o he_o alone_o so_o the_o same_o follow_v of_o all_o other_o then_o hence_o i_o gather_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v authority_n above_o these_o law_n above_o this_o book_n for_o this_o be_v christ_n privilege_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o by_o proportion_n for_o these_o be_v christ_n law_n all_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o they_o none_o must_v be_v above_o they_o for_o than_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o they_o be_v give_v to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o christ_n jesus_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o these_o law_n than_o no_o man_n have_v authority_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v man_n to_o have_v royalty_n interest_n and_o title_n into_o these_o scripture_n monarch_n and_o prince_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o their_o jurisdiction_n but_o they_o must_v all_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o these_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v indeed_o great_a &_o have_v authority_n over_o their_o subject_n yea_o more_o over_o all_o cause_n yet_o only_o those_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o cause_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sacrament_n see_v these_o book_n be_v christ_n royalty_n 2._o and_o he_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n authority_n we_o note_v that_o he_o alone_o can_v expound_v scripture_n without_o help_n of_o scripture_n he_o alone_o can_v give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n indeed_o man_n can_v give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o scripture_n for_o they_o have_v a_o ministry_n here_o and_o by_o scripture_n they_o expound_v scripture_n but_o christ_n alone_o without_o scripture_n can_v give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n this_o condemn_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n which_o give_v the_o church_n absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o expound_v and_o determine_v of_o scripture_n without_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o be_v to_o take_v christ_n his_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n and_o to_o give_v it_o to_o man_n but_o christ_n alone_o have_v absolute_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o his_o own_o law_n man_n indeed_o in_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministerial_a judgement_n by_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n 3._o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o book_n now_o this_o book_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o christ_n jesus_n his_o son_n yea_o a_o most_o excellent_a gift_n now_o this_o be_v not_o affirm_v by_o any_o write_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o excellent_a this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o reverence_v the_o scripture_n more_o than_o any_o man_n write_n whatsoever_o then_o this_o show_v the_o blindness_n of_o this_o age_n which_o delight_n only_o in_o the_o hear_n
than_o it_o may_v be_v fire_n shall_v cease_v to_o burn_v 2._o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o oven_n now_o in_o this_o place_n where_o he_o say_v these_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o in_o part_n for_o they_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n decree_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v contingent_a necessary_a by_o the_o unchangeable_a decree_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o decree_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v necessary_a yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v infer_v therefore_o man_n have_v no_o free_a will_n for_o this_o necessity_n take_v it_o not_o away_o neither_o the_o second_o cause_n but_o rather_o dispose_v they_o and_o incline_v man_n free_a will_n second_o the_o matter_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o time_n short_o or_o quick_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v true_a see_v thing_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o book_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v a_o thousand_o year_n after_o which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n ans._n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v short_o though_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o of_o god_n to_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n second_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n for_o though_o a_o thousand_o year_n seem_v a_o long_a time_n to_o man_n ere_o it_o be_v expire_v yet_o when_o it_o be_v once_o past_a it_o seem_v but_o a_o short_a time_n which_o must_v short_o come_v he_o set_v down_o these_o word_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o terrify_v all_o carnal_a and_o careless_a man_n for_o it_o foretell_v judgement_n and_o destruction_n to_o those_o which_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o their_o heart_n see_v their_o destruction_n come_v short_o and_o no_o doubt_n if_o any_o carnal_a man_n can_v lay_v this_o to_o his_o heart_n that_o judgement_n must_v come_v quick_o it_o will_v rouse_v he_o if_o he_o belong_v to_o christ_n or_o else_o will_v terrify_v his_o soul_n we_o here_o live_v still_o in_o our_o sin_n application_n though_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o we_o never_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n but_o if_o we_o which_o be_v so_o careless_a will_v consider_v that_o destruction_n and_o judgement_n must_v come_v short_o to_o those_o which_o be_v careless_a it_o will_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o repentance_n if_o we_o have_v any_o grace_n let_v these_o careless_a man_n let_v these_o consider_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n may_v be_v on_o they_o quick_o take_v hold_v on_o they_o ere_o they_o be_v aware_a let_v the_o young_a man_n not_o run_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n 3._o lest_o the_o lord_n come_v ere_o he_o be_v prepare_v and_o provide_v for_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v quick_o his_o judgement_n they_o make_v haste_n and_o be_v not_o far_o off_o they_o delay_v not_o second_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n to_o arm_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n against_o all_o persecution_n affliction_n &_o calamity_n which_o may_v befall_v they_o for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v afflict_v and_o cross_v they_o may_v be_v impatient_a and_o discourage_v but_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o lord_n here_o tell_v they_o that_o his_o come_n shall_v be_v short_o they_o shall_v not_o always_o bear_v the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o affliction_n on_o their_o shoulder_n but_o for_o a_o while_n a_o short_a time_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v and_o ease_v they_o deliver_v they_o and_o comfort_v their_o trouble_a mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o grief_n it_o follow_v which_o he_o send_v that_o be_v which_o revelation_n he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n he_o open_v and_o publish_v this_o book_n not_o 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 duty_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 our_o call_n and_o warrant_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n practice_v as_o here_o s._n johns_n he_o open_v not_o this_o revelation_n before_o he_o have_v special_a warrant_n so_o must_v we_o look_v for_o our_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n and_o till_o we_o have_v it_o we_o must_v not_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 in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n more_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v second_o he_o set_v down_o these_o word_n to_o get_v more_o reverence_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n that_o it_o may_v more_o be_v accept_v of_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o angel_n to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o get_v credit_n to_o it_o and_o reverence_n for_o 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 no_o doubt_n the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o god_n send_v to_o his_o church_n not_o by_o any_o but_o by_o his_o angel_n then_o this_o shall_v procure_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o reverence_n see_v god_n send_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o apostle_n s._n john_n and_o so_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o angel_n now_o follow_v the_o five_o argument_n of_o the_o description_n of_o this_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o revelation_n whereby_o it_o be_v convey_v from_o god_n to_o the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v two_o first_o a_o angel_n second_o john_n the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n the_o first_o instrument_n be_v a_o angel_n by_o who_o he_o send_v this_o revelation_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n have_v use_v their_o ministry_n in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o when_o the_o law_n be_v give_v 7._o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o angel_n daniel_n have_v many_o of_o his_o dream_n expound_v by_o a_o angel_n 8_o and_o the_o seven_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v show_v to_o john_n by_o a_o angel_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o gather_v not_o hence_o that_o we_o may_v worship_v they_o or_o pray_v to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v present_a about_o we_o and_o see_v our_o want_n but_o before_o we_o pray_v to_o they_o we_o must_v have_v a_o commandment_n from_o god_n and_o a_o special_a promise_n that_o they_o can_v and_o will_v hear_v and_o help_v we_o else_o we_o must_v not_o pray_v to_o they_o the_o second_o instrument_n be_v john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n kinsman_n to_o christ._n now_o to_o procure_v credit_n and_o more_o reverence_n to_o his_o revelation_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o call_v himself_o his_o servant_n john_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n which_o bare_a record_n etc._n etc._n first_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n not_o christ_n his_o cousin_n or_o kinsman_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v but_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o servant_n of_o christ._n for_o he_o have_v learned_a that_o which_o christ_n speak_v mat._n 12._o 50._o he_o which_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n he_o be_v my_o mother_n sister_n and_o brother_n not_o he_o which_o be_v kinsman_n or_o cousin_n but_o in_o this_o to_o do_v his_o father_n will_n stand_v the_o note_n of_o his_o kinsman_n and_o in_o this_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian._n have_v not_o the_o bless_a virgin_n christ_n mother_n be_v a_o servant_n of_o christ_n she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o christ._n then_o by_o this_o we_o see_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o help_v a_o man_n to_o salvation_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o great_a kindred_n to_o come_v of_o prince_n &_o noble_a blood_n but_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o be_v ally_v and_o cousin_n to_o christ._n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v become_v new_a creature_n we_o must_v leave_v off_o our_o old_a service_n and_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v he_o know_v not_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o
city_n be_v church_n though_o not_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o member_n of_o it_o note_n first_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n see_v it_o be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o john_n to_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v meet_v it_o shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o church_n second_o it_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o church_n see_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o that_o their_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o because_o they_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o treasury_n from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o they_o be_v pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n because_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n 3._o because_o they_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n in_o and_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v fit_a this_o book_n shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o it_o second_o he_o write_v it_o not_o to_o all_o church_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v show_v second_o he_o say_v not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o asia_n to_o show_v they_o that_o which_o be_v long_o before_o foretell_v be_v now_o fulfil_v namely_o that_o the_o gentile_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v shall_v be_v call_v which_o now_o be_v verify_v see_v the_o gentile_n dwell_v in_o asia_n see_v john_n write_v and_o dedicate_v this_o book_n to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n many_o year_n after_o christ_n use_v &_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o papist_n be_v deceive_v who_o will_v have_v their_o church_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o all_o other_o church_n must_v rely_v on_o they_o but_o if_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v the_o mother_n and_o most_o famous_a no_o doubt_n john_n will_v have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o she_o but_o he_o do_v dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n show_v they_o be_v then_o more_o famous_a than_o rome_n 2_o now_o follow_v the_o salutation_n salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n salutation_n be_v of_o two_o fort_n civil_a or_o religious_a civil_a as_o that_o which_o man_n use_v ordinary_o with_o one_o another_o 2._o religious_a which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o a_o religious_a salutation_n and_o see_v the_o apostle_n use_v it_o common_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n may_v be_v call_v a_o apostolical_a salutation_n they_o use_v this_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o do_v because_o their_o ministry_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o they_o make_v their_o salutation_n answerable_a to_o their_o ministry_n for_o their_o apostleship_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n &_o peace_n and_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o phrase_n in_o manner_n of_o blessing_n for_o when_o their_o ministry_n stand_v in_o two_o action_n in_o preach_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n under_o the_o second_o action_n of_o pray_v be_v contain_v this_o to_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o so_o do_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o levite_n 24._o as_o also_o christ_n he_o use_v this_o so_o minister_n to_o show_v their_o duty_n more_o full_o 21._o after_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n they_o bless_v the_o people_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o most_o excellent_a word_n and_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n grace_n signify_v two_o thing_n first_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a will_n second_o his_o grace_n here_o it_o signify_v his_o favour_n because_o in_o this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v oppose_v to_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n then_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v his_o good_a will_n and_o favour_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o we_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n s._n john_n begin_v with_o grace_n first_o and_o not_o with_o peace_n because_o grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o peace_n and_o all_o blessing_n &_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o have_v prosperity_n and_o grace_n from_o god_n grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o blessing_n as_o of_o our_o election_n vocation_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n nay_o it_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o begin_v with_o it_o and_o peace_n peace_n be_v take_v first_o for_o welfare_n and_o good_a success_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o god_n blessing_n exod._n 18._o 7._o moses_n ask_v jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n of_o his_o peace_n that_o be_v of_o his_o welfare_n and_o so_o it_o be_v partly_o take_v in_o this_o place_n second_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o unity_n and_o bless_a concord_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v especial_o take_v here_o and_o be_v thus_o take_v it_o have_v six_o part_n first_o when_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n which_o be_v when_o we_o stand_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n jesus_n second_o when_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n angel_n in_o that_o they_o guard_v we_o and_o carry_v we_o as_o a_o nurse_n do_v her_o child_n in_o her_o arm_n that_o we_o hurt_v not_o our_o foot_n at_o any_o stone_n and_o when_o they_o rejoice_v at_o our_o good_a estate_n psal._n 91._o 11._o the_o three_o be_v peace_n with_o a_o man_n self_n when_o his_o conscience_n will_v not_o accuse_v he_o but_o excuse_n and_o clear_v he_o as_o when_o our_o conscience_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n phil._n 4._o 7._o this_o peace_n pass_v all_o understanding_n the_o four_o be_v peace_n with_o the_o church_n so_o act._n 4._o 32._o those_o which_o believe_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o heart_n have_v peace_n with_o each_o other_o so_o esa._n 11._o 6._o the_o wild_a beast_n and_o the_o lion_n the_o lamb_n and_o the_o cockatrice_n and_o the_o young_a child_n shall_v lie_v together_o five_o this_o peace_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v with_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o joseph_n have_v peace_n in_o pharaoh_n house_n so_o daniel_n have_v peace_n with_o the_o king_n eunuch_n for_o though_o he_o be_v free_a when_o the_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o revolt_v but_o be_v favour_v they_o save_v he_o the_o six_o be_v peace_n with_o all_o god_n creature_n beast_n bird_n all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n ose._n 2._o 18._o the_o lord_n will_v make_v a_o covenant_n between_o we_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n psal._n 91._o 13._o the_o child_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o serpent_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v he_o for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o god_n favour_n what_o creature_n dare_v to_o hurt_v he_o nay_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o serve_v he_o grace_n and_o peace_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v first_o you_o must_v be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n you_o must_v have_v unity_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o and_o in_o christ_n and_o then_o this_o peace_n welfare_n prosperity_n in_o all_o good_a thing_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a yea_o then_o concord_n and_o unity_n with_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n will_v follow_v whereas_o the_o apostle_n wish_v they_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o place_n use_v he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o this_o god_n favour_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o above_o all_o thing_n yea_o in_o the_o first_o place_n psal._n 4._o 6._o many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a but_o david_n he_o seek_v this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n lord_n lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o i_o let_v i_o be_v in_o thy_o favour_n 57_o and_o often_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v his_o portion_n inheritance_n and_o his_o lot_n show_v to_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o must_v we_o seek_v first_o to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n make_v that_o our_o chief_a care_n seek_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n but_o we_o little_o
not_o only_o pronounce_v sin_n to_o be_v forgive_v as_o the_o reform_a church_n hold_v and_o which_o they_o deny_v but_o proper_o to_o forgive_v sin_n see_v christ_n have_v power_n over_o hell_n and_o death_n we_o must_v reverence_v he_o do_v he_o all_o honour_n and_o obedience_n we_o can_v if_o we_o have_v not_o do_v this_o already_o yet_o now_o to_o begin_v if_o we_o have_v then_o to_o do_v it_o more_o see_v he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n he_o can_v shut_v &_o open_a save_v and_o destroy_v but_o if_o we_o dishonour_v and_o disobey_v he_o than_o he_o will_v not_o shut_v but_o open_a the_o door_n to_o death_n and_o hell_n to_o plague_v us._n we_o think_v all_o be_v well_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o saviour_n and_o all_o shall_v be_v well_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o so_o make_v he_o our_o packhorse_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v know_v he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o saviour_n but_o a_o judge_n he_o can_v destroy_v and_o save_v open_a and_o shut_v he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n this_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a which_o cleave_v to_o christ_n that_o he_o can_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n &_o death_n so_o as_o they_o can_v hurt_v they_o and_o this_o consideration_n may_v comfort_v we_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o any_o calamity_n write_v these_o thing_n in_o these_o word_n he_o describe_v christ_n by_o a_o second_o action_n for_o after_o he_o have_v comfort_v s._n john_n now_o he_o give_v he_o a_o commandment_n which_o commandment_n be_v give_v in_o the_o eleven_o verse_n before_o and_o here_o repeat_v to_o john_n again_o first_o because_o christ_n intend_v by_o this_o to_o show_v john_n his_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o be_v now_o still_o a_o provident_a and_o careful_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o say_v not_o once_o write_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o second_o time_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v understand_v in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a man_n shall_v know_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n for_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v repeat_v it_o again_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v very_o necessary_a it_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v in_o trouble_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o bear_v they_o three_o he_o do_v it_o that_o s._n john_n may_v be_v more_o assure_v certain_o of_o his_o calling_n to_o write_v and_o pen_v this_o book_n four_o that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v &_o without_o doubt_n that_o this_o book_n be_v a_o book_n of_o god_n and_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n not_o invent_v by_o man_n but_o reveal_v by_o god_n to_o john_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n object_n but_o though_o christ_n reveal_v his_o will_n aright_o john_n may_v mistake_v it_o and_o err_v in_o pen_v answ._n s._n john_n pen_v this_o book_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n as_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o he_o for_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o be_v call_v immediate_o by_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o have_v special_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o appear_v by_o those_o promise_n they_o have_v make_v to_o they_o by_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v he_o which_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o etc._n etc._n luke_n 10._o 16._o and_o it_o be_v not_o you_o which_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o my_o father_n therefore_o fear_v not_o and_o john_n 14._o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o though_o some_o apply_v it_o to_o all_o minister_n yet_o if_o we_o mark_v the_o place_n it_o can_v agree_v to_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o meet_v at_o jerusalem_n conclude_v as_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o to_o they_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o can_v not_o err_v though_o they_o be_v but_o man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n they_o may_v and_o do_v err_v often_o now_o s._n john_n be_v a_o faithful_a apostle_n he_o receive_v this_o of_o christ_n without_o error_n and_o so_o pen_v it_o in_o this_o commandment_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o plain_a division_n of_o this_o whole_a book_n write_v the_o thing_n thou_o have_v see_v that_o be_v this_o vision_n i_o have_v offer_v to_o thou_o &_o the_o thing_n thou_o see_v in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o set_v down_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n three_o the_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o be_v the_o future_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o this_o book_n contain_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o first_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n present_a second_o in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n make_v this_o division_n plain_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v division_n use_v than_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o set_v down_o rule_v for_o direction_n of_o divide_v aright_o but_o the_o first_o be_v lawful_a ergo_fw-la the_o second_o therefore_o the_o art_n of_o reason_v and_o divide_v as_o also_o rhetoric_n be_v not_o unlawful_a as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n here_o be_v the_o three_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o he_o have_v show_v to_o john_n and_o he_o only_o interpret_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o now_o christ_n expound_v this_o vision_n to_o john_n namely_o because_o he_o be_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n namely_o a_o prophet_n now_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o a_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o expound_v vision_n either_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o as_o we_o see_v in_o daniel_n now_o that_o he_o may_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a prophet_n in_o this_o book_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o show_v he_o the_o vision_n but_o the_o intertation_n of_o it_o he_o expound_v it_o that_o john_n may_v be_v encourage_v in_o pen_v and_o receive_v the_o thing_n in_o this_o book_n now_o christ_n expound_v not_o the_o whole_a vision_n but_o the_o two_o principal_a part_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o seven_o candlestick_n namely_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n seven_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n by_o the_o candlestick_n we_o show_v before_o in_o this_o verse_n note_v why_o christ_n expound_v the_o two_o principal_a part_n &_o leave_v the_o rest_n unexpound_v the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n power_n to_o expound_v vision_n and_o scripture_n now_o if_o he_o have_v expound_v every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n than_o there_o have_v be_v no_o matter_n leave_v to_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v her_o power_n second_o to_o stir_v up_o to_o diligence_n &_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o minister_n &_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o be_v plain_a than_o man_n will_v be_v idle_a never_o take_v pain_n to_o interpret_v the_o word_n therefore_o christ_n expound_v the_o chief_a and_o leave_v the_o circumstance_n and_o appurtenance_n for_o the_o church_n to_o interpret_v three_o that_o man_n may_v daily_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o all_o be_v know_v at_o first_o they_o will_v not_o study_v to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n four_a to_o stir_v up_o invocation_n for_o grace_n to_o understand_v scripture_n now_o these_o minister_n be_v call_v angel_n which_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n mat._n 11._o 10._o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v christ_n angel_n or_o messenger_n or_o ambassador_n by_o this_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o expound_v another_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v woman_n must_v be_v cover_v because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v because_o of_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o head_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o subjection_n and_o inferioritie_n contrary_a to_o our_o use_n now_o the_o woman_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n before_o the_o minister_n they_o must_v be_v cover_v to_o show_v their_o subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o they_o see_v minister_n be_v call_v angel_n use_v that_o be_v messenger_n and_o ambassador_n they_o must_v behave_v themselves_o as_o ambassador_n they_o must_v have_v special_a care_n first_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o ambassage_n second_o of_o the_o manner_n that_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o their_o lord_n
stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n and_o signify_v the_o church_n now_o the_o pope_n sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o boast_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n chaleng_v to_o himself_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v proper_a only_a to_o god_n and_o usurp_v such_o honour_n as_o be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o god_n therefore_o not_o in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n but_o in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o pprophecy_n accomplish_v another_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o antichrist_n which_o in_o this_o revelation_n be_v foreshow_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n for_o there_o the_o angel_n interpret_n to_o s._n john_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o bear_v the_o harlot_n which_o have_v seven_o head_n signify_v seven_o hill_n he_o declare_v also_o that_o they_o signify_v seven_o king_n or_o principal_a estate_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n for_o so_o the_o name_n of_o king_n be_v often_o take_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o special_o in_o daniel_n at_o which_o pprophecy_n s._n john_n borrow_v many_o phrase_n of_o these_o seven_o head_n five_a he_o say_v be_v fall_v the_o six_o be_v then_o present_o in_o authority_n and_o the_o seven_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v which_o seven_o be_v the_o monstrous_a beast_n antichrist_n that_o be_v both_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o eight_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n for_o nero_n the_o first_o persecute_v paynim_n be_v come_v and_o go_v and_o domitian_n another_o persecutor_n by_o who_o tyranny_n s._n john_n be_v banish_v into_o the_o i_o will_v of_o pathmos_n where_o he_o see_v and_o receive_v this_o revelation_n be_v then_o in_o authority_n so_o that_o of_o the_o monarchy_n or_o tyranny_n of_o heathen_a emperor_n this_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v and_o of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n no_o man_n will_v expound_v it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v turn_v over_o to_o the_o pope_n for_o it_o can_v rest_v in_o no_o place_n else_o and_o be_v refer_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v a_o very_a apt_a exposition_n for_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o dominion_n thereof_o have_v have_v seven_o principal_a state_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n the_o first_o state_n of_o king_n the_o second_o of_o consul_n the_o three_o of_o decemviri_fw-la the_o four_o of_o dictator_n the_o five_o of_o triumvir_n the_o six_o of_o caesar_n or_o emperor_n and_o the_o seven_o of_o pope_n now_o five_o of_o these_o state_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n be_v fall_v and_o abolish_v in_o saint_n johns_n time_n the_o six_o which_o be_v the_o emperor_n in_o his_o time_n be_v in_o place_n and_o the_o seven_o which_o be_v the_o pope_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v which_o be_v the_o very_a beast_n itself_o the_o roman_a empire_n reviue_v and_o raise_v up_o from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n into_o the_o usurp_a tyranny_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o this_o be_v that_o beast_n that_o sometime_o be_v of_o wonderful_a great_a power_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o day_n of_o augustus_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o successor_n but_o then_o much_o decay_v as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v although_o in_o some_o sort_n it_o be_v but_o shall_v be_v restore_v in_o the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o pope_n that_o claim_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v his_o diocese_n which_o power_n come_v not_o from_o god_n but_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o pride_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n but_o chief_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o beast_n although_o he_o be_v but_o one_o yet_o in_o the_o account_n he_o stand_v for_o two_o for_o he_o be_v that_o seven_o head_n and_o the_o eight_o also_o and_o remember_v that_o the_o pope_n challenge_v double_a authority_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o both_o the_o sword_n the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a so_o that_o in_o this_o exposition_n all_o thing_n agree_v most_o apt_o again_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v deceive_v the_o world_n with_o false_a doctrine_n under_o pretence_n and_o colour_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o so_o often_o time_n the_o scripture_n warn_v man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v needle_n if_o any_o open_a profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v that_o antichrist_n for_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n that_o a_o heathen_a man_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n shall_v deceive_v any_o multitude_n of_o true_a christian_n but_o he_o that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n seek_v most_o of_o all_o to_o deface_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o subtle_a adversary_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n as_o s._n john_n also_o in_o his_o epistle_n do_v testify_v for_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n speak_v of_o those_o antichrist_n which_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o great_a antichrist_n he_o show_v that_o they_o go_v out_o from_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n he_o call_v they_o false_a prophet_n and_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n he_o that_o deny_v jesus_n to_o be_v christ_n he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v he_o that_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v christ_n and_o in_o his_o flesh_n to_o have_v perform_v the_o full_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n as_o the_o pope_n do_v most_o blasphemous_o he_o be_v antichrist_n and_o who_o so_o teach_v any_o such_o doctrine_n speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n see_v therefore_o that_o s._n john_n account_v antichrist_n for_o one_o that_o be_v go_v from_o the_o church_n &_o for_o a_o false_a prophet_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o antichrist_n be_v no_o heathen_a emperor_n which_o be_v never_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o a_o false_a prophet_n that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o mahomet_n who_o never_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n nor_o yet_o a_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n pretend_v to_o uphold_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o open_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n altogether_o without_o the_o church_n by_o these_o argument_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o see_v babylon_n be_v rome_n and_o that_o the_o head_n of_o babylon_n be_v antichrist_n that_o he_o can_v be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n but_o even_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v according_a to_o my_o text_n that_o rome_n be_v fall_v if_o babylon_n be_v fall_v now_o remain_v the_o last_o part_n that_o i_o promise_v to_o entreat_v of_o namely_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n so_o severe_a judgement_n against_o babylon_n that_o he_o have_v decree_v her_o utter_a overthrow_n and_o destruction_n which_o the_o angel_n comprehend_v in_o these_o word_n because_o she_o have_v make_v all_o nation_n drink_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o her_o fornication_n that_o be_v she_o have_v deceive_v all_o the_o world_n with_o false_a doctrine_n which_o he_o compare_v unto_o two_o kind_n of_o vice_n whereby_o man_n be_v so_o deceive_v that_o they_o lose_v all_o their_o right_a judgement_n drunkenness_n and_o fornication_n for_o as_o these_o two_o vice_n do_v allure_v man_n to_o commit_v they_o by_o covet_v of_o vain_a delectation_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o so_o babylon_n have_v entice_v all_o man_n like_o another_o circe_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o her_o delectable_a error_n and_o to_o commit_v most_o filthy_a fornication_n with_o her_o idolatrous_a religion_n for_o of_o all_o other_o religion_n to_o the_o carnal_a man_n none_o be_v so_o pleasant_a as_o popery_n be_v in_o which_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v obtain_v both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o man_n be_v dead_a that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a security_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o sleep_v in_o they_o in_o the_o fair_a promise_n of_o popery_n and_o that_o cause_v so_o many_o willing_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o so_o loath_a to_o depart_v from_o it_o because_o they_o will_v still_o continue_v without_o check_n of_o true_a doctrine_n which_o call_v man_n to_o repentance_n &_o amendment_n of_o life_n or_o else_o threaten_v eternal_a damnation_n for_o howsoever_o it_o please_v they_o to_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o cause_n of_o security_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v by_o comparison_n of_o it_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n whether_o be_v cause_n of_o security_n that_o which_o teach_v no_o