other_o interpretation_n only_o i_o will_v here_o note_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o figure_n type_n and_o colour_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n may_v so_o convenient_o be_v apply_v to_o rome_n as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v proper_o appoint_v to_o describe_v she_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o it_o be_v great_a prejudice_n against_o rome_n although_o no_o plain_a proof_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o when_o so_o plain_a argument_n be_v bring_v forth_o that_o without_o too_o much_o impudency_n can_v be_v avoid_v and_o all_o other_o figure_n and_o dark_a speech_n agree_v according_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a conjunction_n that_o rome_n be_v none_o other_o but_o this_o babylon_n but_o to_o begin_v with_o these_o plain_a place_n as_o i_o have_v promise_v the_o first_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o this_o revelation_n the_o place_n before_o allege_v where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o god_n in_o all_o time_n yea_o in_o the_o great_a persecution_n will_v maintain_v his_o church_n and_o reserve_v at_o the_o least_o two_o witness_n which_o shall_v testify_v of_o his_o truth_n in_o spite_n of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o adherent_n which_o although_o the_o monstrous_a beast_n that_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n shall_v murder_v and_o slay_v yet_o god_n shall_v restore_v they_o to_o life_n again_o continual_o stir_v up_o a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o his_o name_n and_o doctrine_n in_o that_o chapter_n i_o say_v be_v contain_v that_o when_o the_o beast_n have_v murder_v they_o he_o shall_v envy_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o burial_n and_o so_o their_o body_n shall_v lie_v in_o the_o street_n or_o market_n place_n of_o that_o great_a city_n which_o be_v spiritual_o call_v sodoma_n and_o aegyptus_n where_o our_o lord_n be_v crucify_v declare_v thereby_o that_o as_o rome_n have_v slay_v and_o crucify_v the_o head_n so_o shall_v rome_n persecute_v the_o member_n and_o in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o their_o lord_n be_v murder_v the_o servant_n shall_v be_v persecute_v but_o here_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o i_o be_v impudent_a to_o affirm_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o rome_n who_o all_o the_o world_n know_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o you_o must_v call_v to_o remembrance_n that_o at_o the_o first_o i_o give_v warning_n that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v rome_n for_o the_o topographie_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v so_o much_o ground_n only_o as_o be_v compass_v within_o the_o wall_n of_o that_o city_n but_o for_o the_o regiment_n governance_n and_o prerogative_n that_o be_v claim_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o city_n or_o monarchy_n whereof_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v easy_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o rome_n for_o by_o who_o be_v he_o condemn_v be_v it_o not_o by_o pilate_n the_o deputy_n or_o lieutenant_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n for_o what_o cause_n or_o crime_n be_v he_o adjudge_v to_o die_v be_v it_o not_o for_o treason_n pretend_v to_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o roman_a empire_n with_o what_o kind_n of_o execution_n be_v he_o put_v to_o death_n be_v it_o not_o such_o as_o be_v usual_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_n for_o such_o heinous_a offence_n as_o be_v unjust_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n final_o be_v not_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o suffer_v within_o the_o circuit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n may_v i_o not_o then_o just_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v crucify_v at_o rome_n when_o by_o the_o roman_a judge_n he_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o crime_n against_o the_o roman_a state_n and_o execute_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n appoint_v by_o the_o roman_a law_n and_o in_o a_o place_n of_o the_o roman_a dominion_n as_o for_o the_o jew_n they_o have_v at_o that_o time_n no_o authority_n to_o put_v any_o man_n to_o death_n as_o they_o confess_v themselves_o when_o pilate_n bid_v they_o take_v he_o and_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o own_o law_n meaning_n they_o shall_v decree_v some_o light_a punishment_n against_o he_o they_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o judge_v he_o to_o die_v as_o touch_v the_o cause_n although_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n in_o that_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o be_v condemn_v for_o that_o because_o pilate_n will_v admit_v no_o accusation_n but_o such_o as_o contain_v a_o crime_n against_o the_o roman_a law_n and_o as_o for_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o roman_n for_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v stone_v he_o if_o they_o may_v have_v condemn_v he_o for_o blasphemy_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o angel_n in_o that_o place_n by_o no_o mean_n can_v understand_v jerusalem_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o these_o reason_n first_o that_o he_o call_v it_o that_o great_a city_n which_o term_n can_v never_o be_v speak_v of_o jerusalem_n also_o he_o call_v it_o sodoma_n and_o aegyptus_n which_o be_v the_o sea_n of_o the_o monstrous_a beast_n antichrist_n which_o in_o other_o place_n be_v often_o call_v babylon_n whereas_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v imagine_v that_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v call_v sodom_n egypt_n or_o babylon_n add_v hereunto_o that_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n where_o christ_n suffer_v be_v utter_o destroy_v in_o s._n johns_n time_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o this_o great_a city_n spiritual_o call_v babylon_n sodoma_n and_o aegyptus_n be_v mean_v none_o other_o but_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o crucify_v the_o head_n and_o shall_v also_o bring_v forth_o to_o put_v any_o man_n to_o death_n and_o he_o have_v deserve_v the_o monstrous_a beast_n antichrist_n which_o shall_v torment_v and_o afflict_v the_o member_n which_o begin_v with_o murder_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v continue_v till_o it_o be_v destroy_v in_o murder_v of_o the_o servant_n and_o by_o this_o plain_a text_n which_o can_v be_v wrest_v to_o any_o other_o sense_n this_o great_a city_n of_o babylon_n where_o christ_n be_v crucify_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v rome_n and_o the_o authority_n rule_n and_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a city_n the_o second_o plain_n and_o evident_a proof_n which_o i_o will_v use_v at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n of_o this_o revelation_n where_o that_o evil_a shape_a beast_n be_v describe_v which_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o persecute_v malignant_a church_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o be_v the_o same_o which_o afterward_o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n bear_v the_o great_a whore_n babylon_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o so_o therefore_o will_v compare_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o description_n of_o that_o monstrous_a beast_n with_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n describe_v of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o special_o of_o the_o four_o which_o all_o man_n confess_v to_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n except_o he_o be_v too_o much_o blind_v with_o forwardness_n and_o perverse_a affection_n he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o beast_n which_o john_n paint_v out_o be_v the_o same_o that_o daniel_n set_v out_o which_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o leopard_n the_o bear_n and_o the_o lion_n which_o be_v the_o former_a monarchy_n be_v unlike_a to_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o four_o empire_n which_o all_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o monarchy_n of_o rome_n what_o shall_v i_o speak_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o horn_n equal_a in_o both_o and_o general_o of_o all_o other_o part_n of_o their_o description_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o so_o like_a and_o almost_o with_o the_o same_o word_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v mere_a madness_n to_o imagine_v that_o this_o beast_n which_o john_n describe_v shall_v be_v any_o other_o then_o that_o daniel_n have_v so_o long_o before_o portrait_v then_o if_o the_o beast_n in_o daniel_n description_n do_v signify_v the_o four_o kingdom_n as_o the_o angel_n expound_v it_o which_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o roman_a monarchy_n the_o same_o monstrous_a beast_n be_v here_o paint_v out_o in_o this_o revelation_n with_o the_o same_o shape_n colour_n and_o condition_n must_v needs_o signify_v the_o roman_a empire_n and_o so_o babylon_n by_o this_o reason_n also_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v rome_n the_o three_o argument_n or_o proof_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o the_o nine_o verse_n where_o the_o angel_n expound_v to_o saint_n john_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o beast_n with_o the_o seven_o head_n declare_v in_o very_o plain_a word_n that_o the_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
seek_v to_o get_v one_o foot_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o he_o have_v 16._o here_o s._n john_n describe_v he_o by_o his_o part_n and_o the_o property_n of_o every_o part_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n that_o be_v seven_o angel_n seven_o minister_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o minister_n be_v compare_v to_o star_n first_o because_o as_o star_n send_v out_o light_a to_o man_n on_o earth_n so_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o give_v light_n to_o man_n even_o spiritual_a light_n by_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o and_o by_o conversation_n of_o life_n among_o they_o second_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o star_n because_o as_o the_o star_n have_v their_o continual_a abode_n in_o heaven_n never_o descend_v down_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n especial_o shall_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o more_o special_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o calling_n first_o by_o seek_v their_o own_o salvation_n second_o by_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o by_o which_o two_n they_o must_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n though_o they_o have_v their_o body_n in_o earth_n three_o because_o they_o shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o star_n for_o dan._n 12._o they_o which_o do_v their_o duty_n they_o shall_v shine_v like_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n that_o be_v all_o regiment_n and_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o christ_n he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a disposition_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ministry_n see_v he_o alone_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o his_o church_n he_o care_v for_o it_o and_o look_v to_o it_o see_v these_o star_n be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n 1._o this_o show_v that_o the_o choose_n &_o furnish_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n belong_v to_o christ_n eph._n 4._o he_o give_v they_o their_o gift_n and_o place_n then_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o last_o age_n to_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v out_o laborer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o so_o his_o child_n may_v be_v gather_v and_o a_o end_n make_v of_o these_o miserable_a day_n he_o hold_v these_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n whereby_o we_o see_v he_o give_v they_o defence_n and_o protection_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o calling_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n &_o though_o they_o have_v sundry_a discouragement_n yet_o see_v christ_n he_o order_v their_o ministry_n and_o dispose_v of_o it_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a nothing_o shall_v hinder_v their_o course_n nothing_o shall_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o duty_n neither_o the_o want_n of_o obedience_n in_o they_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o labour_v not_o see_v that_o fruit_n they_o shall_v nor_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o profession_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o see_v they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n this_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n idle_n man_n esteem_v it_o most_o base_a &_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o mean_a call_n and_o so_o discourage_v many_o but_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n defend_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o now_o what_o great_a glory_n can_v there_o be_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o honour_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o carry_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n though_o wicked_a man_n dishonour_v they_o esteem_v so_o base_o of_o they_o this_o shall_v stir_v those_o who_o have_v good_a gift_n to_o get_v this_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n thus_o to_o be_v honour_v of_o christ._n they_o must_v be_v unblameable_a 4._o for_o see_v christ_n carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o will_v hold_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o pure_a as_o he_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v defile_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a he_o will_v take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n put_v it_o under_o his_o brazen_a foot_n and_o grind_v it_o to_o piece_n and_o the_o more_o he_o have_v honour_v they_o the_o more_o will_v he_o dishonour_v they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o hearer_n be_v bind_v to_o profit_n else_o they_o must_v drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n for_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v punish_v for_o not_o preach_v than_o they_o for_o not_o hear_v and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n he_o describe_v he_o by_o the_o two_o last_o part_n of_o his_o body_n his_o mouth_n and_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o mouth_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v describe_v heb._n 4._o 12._o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v not_o only_o into_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o the_o bone_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o marrow_n so_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n deep_o to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o it_o enter_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o search_v every_o nook_n and_o corner_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a the_o word_n have_v a_o double_a operation_n one_o in_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o wicked_a this_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o word_n it_o wound_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o so_o by_o the_o same_o wound_n bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n esa._n 11._o 4._o he_o shall_v with_o his_o breath_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o word_n slay_v the_o wicked_a 8._o this_o be_v that_o sword_n that_o have_v and_o will_v kill_v antichrist_n ob._n but_o how_o come_v it_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v wound_v or_o kill_v any_o how_o shall_v it_o slay_v a_o wicked_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n the_o first_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n the_o soul_n convey_v to_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n the_o second_o be_v when_o a_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o word_n be_v wound_v and_o smite_v and_o so_o receive_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o deadly_a wound_n the_o three_o degree_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v go_v into_o hell_n fire_n for_o even_o a_o sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o hell_n and_o eternal_a death_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o the_o inflict_a and_o give_v of_o this_o wound_n there_o be_v three_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o he_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o their_o sin_n all_o their_o pride_n rebellion_n hypocrisy_n the_o damnable_a corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o all_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 24._o 25._o if_o in_o the_o church_n all_o prophecy_n there_o come_v in_o one_o which_o believe_v not_o he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o because_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o so_o the_o secret_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v the_o second_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o he_o after_o reveal_v to_o they_o the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n his_o indignation_n against_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o law_n be_v call_v the_o kill_a law_n because_o it_o show_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n three_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v sharpen_v the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n make_v it_o awake_a and_o terrify_v a_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v or_o remember_v the_o word_n and_o the_o curse_v denounce_v against_o sinner_n so_o felix_n when_o paul_n preach_v to_o he_o of_o justice_n and_o temperancy_n he_o faint_v and_o tremble_v the_o word_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wound_v his_o conscience_n with_o terror_n and_o fear_n so_o dan._n 5._o beltashar_n see_v but_o a_o hand_n writing_n he_o
election_n rom._n 9_o and_o so_o may_v fall_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o have_v only_o the_o general_a election_n they_o may_v renounce_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o the_o particular_a election_n be_v immutable_a now_o let_v we_o see_v when_o they_o become_v thus_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n for_o though_o many_o of_o they_o do_v it_o of_o knowledge_n yet_o very_a many_o of_o ignorance_n and_o after_o that_o christ_n be_v ascend_v peter_n preach_v to_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n it_o be_v not_o then_o at_o this_o time_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v labour_v by_o many_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v still_o remain_v in_o their_o wickedness_n than_o they_o become_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o synagove_n of_o satan_n for_o when_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v paul_n but_o threaten_v and_o reject_v he_o than_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o then_o the_o jew_n become_v of_o a_o church_n no_o church_n for_o the_o hold_n of_o a_o heresy_n make_v a_o church_n to_o become_v no_o church_n but_o when_o a_o church_n hold_v error_n in_o principal_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v open_o convict_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o judgement_n and_o still_o remain_v so_o than_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o before_o though_o it_o be_v reprove_v by_o a_o private_a man_n for_o that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n hold_v justification_n by_o work_n yet_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n till_o it_o be_v convict_v public_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o by_o this_o we_o see_v what_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o papist_n libertine_n family_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v convict_v by_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o they_o hold_v such_o heresy_n as_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o word_n and_o have_v be_v convict_v long_o ago_o of_o they_o i_o come_v to_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o fall_v namely_o their_o unbelief_n rom._n 11._o ob._n but_o they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n and_o defend_v moses_n and_o the_o law_n answ._n though_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n yet_o they_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n and_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o christ_n they_o seek_v to_o overthrow_v it_o and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o subject_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v christ_n they_o overthrow_v all_o for_o he_o which_o worship_v god_n not_o in_o but_o out_o of_o christ_n he_o worship_v not_o god_n but_o a_o idol_n so_o the_o papist_n hold_v the_o scripture_n in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n deny_v they_o see_v they_o take_v away_o christ_n in_o spoil_v he_o of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n for_o take_v away_o his_o office_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o half_a christ._n this_o their_o example_n shall_v be_v ever_o in_o our_o eye_n see_v these_o jew_n god_n own_o choose_a people_n who_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o serve_v he_o they_o fall_v for_o want_v of_o faith_n and_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n to_o worship_v the_o devil_n then_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o be_v not_o proud_a because_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o suspect_v ourselves_o take_v heed_n we_o maintain_v faith_n in_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o show_v it_o in_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n lest_o we_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o they_o be_v fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o must_v suffer_v 10._o in_o this_o ten_o verse_n be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n but_o see_v christ_n comfort_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o give_v her_o counsel_n and_o rebuke_v she_o not_o as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n hence_o some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o live_v without_o sin_n but_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o christ_n abstain_v here_o to_o rebuke_v the_o church_n not_o because_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o reprehension_n in_o she_o but_o because_o he_o see_v that_o the_o church_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o decay_v not_o in_o love_n as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v do_v second_o he_o do_v it_o because_o god_n accept_v of_o the_o will_n and_o endeavour_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o repent_v as_o of_o the_o deed_n he_o take_v their_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v he_o as_o perfect_a obedience_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o for_o these_o two_o cause_n christ_n he_o commend_v and_o comfort_v she_o give_v her_o counsel_n and_o rebuke_v she_o not_o not_o that_o she_o want_v just_a cause_n of_o rebuke_n see_v that_o this_o church_n be_v so_o accept_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v not_o rebuke_v she_o but_o commend_v and_o counsel_v she_o we_o see_v it_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o god_n church_n to_o be_v in_o affliction_n sometime_o for_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n be_v in_o affliction_n and_o so_o be_v keep_v from_o many_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o she_o will_v have_v fall_v into_o so_o for_o all_o other_o church_n and_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v in_o affliction_n sometime_o but_o fear_v not_o here_o be_v christ_n counsel_n which_o have_v three_o part_n first_o a_o precept_n fear_v not_o etc._n etc._n second_o a_o prophecy_n behold_v three_o a_o precept_n again_o be_v thou_o faithful_a the_o first_o precept_n be_v fear_v not_o this_o commandment_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o when_o he_o bid_v we_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n &_o tremble_a &_o where_o paul_n bid_v we_o not_o be_v high_a mind_a but_o fear_v answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o fear_n the_o first_o natural_a the_o second_o of_o grace_n the_o three_o of_o unbelief_n the_o first_o which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v a_o decline_a or_o avoid_v of_o death_n see_v all_o thing_n by_o nature_n seek_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o this_o natural_a fear_n be_v in_o christ_n who_o fear_v death_n as_o it_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n though_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o a_o infirmity_n second_o fear_n be_v from_o grace_n mal._n 1._o say_v the_o lord_n if_o i_o be_v your_o father_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o reverence_n to_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o a_o virtue_n the_o three_o be_v from_o unbelief_n when_o man_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n or_o other_o hurt_n forsake_v god_n and_o his_o religion_n more_o fear_v the_o person_n of_o man_n than_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n now_o christ_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o two_o first_o but_o of_o the_o last_o only_o namely_o a_o distrustful_a fear_n when_o for_o fear_v of_o persecution_n or_o affliction_n we_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n that_o fear_n which_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n to_o death_n and_o damnation_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o fear_v not_o here_o christ_n show_v the_o sin_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n namely_o to_o fear_v man_n more_o than_o god_n to_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o the_o face_n and_o countenance_n of_o man_n then_o of_o the_o power_n and_o might_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o in_o sinner_n but_o in_o the_o regenerate_a in_o some_o part_n who_o do_v not_o consider_v of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o mighty_a judge_n take_v vengeance_n on_o sinner_n in_o this_o christ_n show_v the_o mean_n to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o all_o such_o fear_n of_o peril_n persecution_n or_o danger_n namely_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o true_a faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o to_o undergo_v all_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o danger_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o christ_n often_o prescribe_v and_o arm_v his_o child_n with_o this_o christian_n fortitude_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o now_o every_o child_n of_o god_n and_o every_o church_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o minister_n now_o in_o our_o day_n can_v say_v to_o all_o god_n child_n fear_v not_o but_o alas_o now_o they_o must_v change_v their_o voice_n and_o cry_v with_o the_o prophet_n howle_n and_o lament_v in_o sack_n cloth_n and_o ash_n for_o your_o destruction_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o
thing_n to_o come_v namely_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n here_o christ_n foretell_v a_o thing_n not_o present_a but_o to_o come_v though_o not_o know_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n which_o prophesy_v of_o this_o persecution_n under_o trajan_n show_v that_o he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o property_n and_o privilege_n of_o god_n simple_o of_o by_z and_o from_o himself_o without_o help_n of_o any_o creature_n foresee_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o course_n to_o foretell_v a_o thing_n to_o come_v man_n can_v foretell_v any_o thing_n unless_o it_o be_v present_a in_o the_o cause_n not_o simple_o then_o here_o we_o must_v know_v the_o cause_n why_o this_o persecution_n come_v to_o they_o rather_o than_o peace_n and_o why_o christ_n foretell_v it_o rather_o than_o peace_n the_o cause_n why_o christ_n say_v this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n shall_v come_v be_v not_o any_o foreknowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o because_o he_o foretell_v it_o for_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v not_o because_o god_n foretell_v and_o know_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o he_o forsee_v they_o and_o foreknow_v they_o the_o cause_n then_o why_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v be_v the_o will_n good_a pleasure_n &_o decree_n of_o god_n act._n 2._o 23._o christ_n be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n not_o his_o foreknowledge_n or_o foresee_v that_o this_o persecution_n come_v on_o this_o church_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o high_a cause_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o give_v be_v to_o all_o other_o cause_n object_n then_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n answ._n as_o god_n will_v and_o decree_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o high_a place_n so_o must_v we_o distinguish_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o will_v for_o he_o will_v some_o thing_n which_o he_o effect_v himself_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n some_o thing_n he_o will_v and_o yet_o do_v not_o effect_v they_o but_o only_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o as_o sin_n and_o evil_a thing_n which_o though_o they_o come_v not_o from_o his_o will_n yet_o they_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n not_o against_o his_o will_n for_o his_o will_n dispose_v of_o sin_n and_o evil_a thing_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n good_a or_o evil_n his_o will_n dispose_v and_o set_v down_o the_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n of_o place_n time_n manner_n how_o the_o end_n etc._n etc._n then_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a use_v which_o hold_v that_o certain_a thing_n as_o sin_n come_v to_o pass_v god_n only_o foresee_v they_o not_o decree_a they_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o permit_v they_o now_o to_o give_v god_n a_o bare_a foresee_v without_o decree_a be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o godhead_n and_o to_o take_v from_o he_o his_o providence_n by_o which_o he_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n see_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o his_o will_n and_o decree_n he_o either_o decree_a and_o effect_v it_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n or_o permit_v it_o as_o evil_a thing_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o expound_v the_o former_a word_n namely_o why_o he_o call_v the_o time_n of_o persecution_n a_o temptation_n because_o it_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o try_v the_o whole_a earth_n where_o we_o may_v note_v the_o property_n of_o any_o affliction_n persecution_n or_o cross_v namely_o to_o try_v a_o man_n to_o descry_v what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n whether_o there_o be_v grace_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o hypocrisy_n and_o for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o cross_n send_v to_o man_n to_o make_v know_v either_o their_o faith_n or_o hypocrisy_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a to_o try_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n then_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n and_o then_o though_o thy_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o presumption_n before_o thou_o may_v know_v what_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o judge_v of_o thyself_o verse_n 11._o behold_v i_o come_v short_o here_o be_v christ_n commandment_n in_o it_o note_v first_o the_o occasion_n itself_o second_o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v it_o the_o commandment_n hold_v fast_o namely_o with_o both_o hand_n as_o for_o life_n and_o death_n if_o thou_o have_v receive_v a_o little_a measure_n of_o grace_n rather_o part_n with_o any_o thing_n then_o with_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o preserve_v it_o till_o death_n but_o of_o this_o before_o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v this_o commandment_n be_v two_o one_o before_o the_o other_o after_o the_o first_o behold_v i_o come_v short_o i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o either_o by_o general_a judgement_n or_o else_o by_o particular_a judgement_n by_o death_n now_o before_o it_o christ_n put_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n to_o show_v that_o this_o commandment_n be_v not_o to_o be_v light_o pass_v over_o of_o we_o but_o to_o be_v earnest_o and_o often_o remember_v now_o see_v christ_n teach_v we_o that_o he_o will_v come_v short_o to_o we_o in_o judgement_n general_a or_o particular_a we_o must_v believe_v he_o and_o often_o have_v it_o in_o memory_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o far_o off_o but_o will_v come_v to_o we_o short_o to_o show_v our_o estate_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n then_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o have_v it_o write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o not_o flatter_v ourselves_o we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o christ_n will_v defer_v his_o come_n he_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o be_v at_o the_o door_n he_o come_v short_o either_o by_o general_a judgement_n of_o all_o man_n or_o particular_a judgement_n to_o us._n hierome_n then_o happy_a be_v we_o if_o we_o can_v as_o that_o ancient_a father_n do_v think_v we_o hear_v his_o trumpet_n sound_v continual_o in_o our_o care_n and_o think_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o remember_v this_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v long_o but_o will_v come_v very_o short_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n &_o never_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o account_n be_v because_o man_n believe_v not_o and_o have_v not_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o christ_n will_v thus_o come_v short_o if_o man_n be_v thus_o persuade_v in_o hart_n christ_n will_v come_v to_o i_o short_o to_o judge_v i_o give_v i_o my_o reward_n in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n sure_o if_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n it_o will_v make_v they_o turn_v to_o he_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o break_v off_o their_o wicked_a life_n nay_o though_o a_o man_n be_v most_o desperate_a yet_o this_o will_v make_v he_o tremble_v to_o think_v how_o christ_n will_v come_v short_o to_o judge_v he_o yea_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o they_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n to_o labour_v to_o get_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n see_v they_o christ_n be_v to_o come_v to_o judge_v they_o short_o who_o will_v not_o repent_v who_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o christ_n unless_o he_o will_v cast_v his_o soul_n away_o then_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v to_o get_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o judge_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v prevent_v christ_n judgement_n again_o this_o very_a consideration_n will_v make_v a_o man_n constant_a in_o all_o christian_a duty_n and_o last_o it_o will_v comfort_v such_o as_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a their_o affliction_n shall_v not_o last_v always_o for_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judgement_n short_o and_o he_o will_v free_v they_o from_o all_o their_o cross_n and_o he_o will_v ere_o it_o be_v long_o give_v they_o deliverance_n now_o follow_v the_o reason_n after_o the_o commandment_n that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o that_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n word_n to_o use_v his_o sacrament_n reverent_o else_o he_o will_v take_v they_o from_o we_o put_v off_o our_o crown_n and_o make_v we_o a_o barbarous_a and_o brutish_a people_n give_v to_o all_o idolatry_n o_o then_o let_v we_o hold_v these_o fast_n with_o both_o hand_n let_v all_o go_v honour_n riches_n preferment_n pleasure_n and_o our_o own_o life_n ere_o we_o lose_v our_o glorious_a crown_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hold_v it_o fast_o he_o will_v give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n which_o though_o now_o we_o contemn_v yet_o they_o shall_v scorn_v &_o hiss_v at_o us._n and_o now_o that_o we_o hear_v of_o war_n and_o invasion_n let_v these_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o great_a judgement_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o make_v not_o more_o account_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o not_o only_o profess_v
acknowledge_v babylon_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o rome_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v perform_v i_o trust_v sufficient_o that_o which_o i_o take_v in_o hand_n to_o prove_v both_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o plain_a and_o manifest_a text_n and_o by_o consent_n of_o many_o ancient_a writer_n yea_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o that_o babylon_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o rome_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n in_o which_o because_o i_o have_v be_v over_o long_o i_o will_v be_v short_a in_o that_o which_o remain_v in_o the_o second_o part_n i_o promise_v to_o declare_v how_o babylon_n which_o be_v rome_n be_v fall_v according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o angel_n she_o be_v fall_v say_v the_o angel_n she_o be_v fall_v he_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o fall_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o declare_v the_o certainty_n of_o her_o decay_n that_o howsoever_o she_o seem_v to_o flourish_v &_o triumph_n as_o though_o she_o shall_v never_o have_v fall_v or_o come_v to_o ruin_n yet_o god_n for_o her_o wickedness_n most_o righteous_o and_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o church_n most_o merciful_o have_v decree_v undoubted_o that_o she_o shall_v fall_v when_o that_o time_n be_v once_o come_v which_o in_o his_o most_o wise_a and_o well_o order_v counsel_n be_v appoint_v for_o her_o destruction_n second_o he_o repeat_v twice_o that_o she_o be_v fall_v to_o show_v that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o unrecoverable_a fall_n she_o shall_v not_o fall_v as_o other_o city_n which_o have_v rise_v again_o but_o she_o shall_v fall_v without_o all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n never_o to_o be_v restore_v again_o therefore_o in_o the_o eighteen_o chapter_n a_o mighty_a angel_n take_v up_o a_o great_a millstone_n and_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o sea_n say_v with_o such_o violence_n shall_v babylon_n that_o great_a city_n be_v throw_v down_o and_o never_o be_v see_v any_o more_o so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o great_a millstone_n throw_v with_o great_a force_n by_o a_o mighty_a angel_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o rise_v up_o again_o and_o swim_v above_o the_o water_n so_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o babylon_n when_o she_o be_v at_o the_o low_a of_o her_o fall_n shall_v ever_o be_v set_v up_o again_o and_o in_o the_o nineteen_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o smoke_n of_o she_o burn_v ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o also_o of_o her_o utter_a desolation_n description_n be_v make_v in_o the_o eighteen_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o babylon_n be_v make_v a_o dwell_a place_n of_o devil_n a_o cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n concern_v old_a babylon_n that_o zyim_n &_o ohym_n which_o be_v spright_n and_o goblin_n shall_v walk_v in_o her_o palace_n scrichowle_n and_o ostrige_n shall_v cry_v in_o her_o house_n ape_n and_o satyr_n shall_v dance_v in_o her_o beautiful_a building_n no_o voice_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o she_o no_o sound_n of_o a_o mill_n shall_v be_v hear_v no_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n shall_v be_v see_v but_o perpetual_a solitude_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v dwell_v there_o for_o evermore_o therefore_o say_v the_o angel_n she_o be_v fall_v she_o be_v fall_v that_o be_v she_o be_v destroy_v and_o never_o shall_v be_v repair_v but_o if_o we_o will_v better_o understand_v how_o she_o be_v fall_v we_o must_v consider_v more_o distinct_o wherein_o she_o be_v fall_v first_o in_o wealth_n and_o riches_n she_o have_v sustain_v a_o great_a fall_n consider_v how_o many_o kingdom_n and_o state_n of_o the_o world_n have_v renounce_v her_o obedience_n and_o all_o those_o have_v withdraw_v great_a rent_n revenue_n and_o commodity_n that_o in_o time_n past_a be_v addict_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o babylon_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o great_a fall_n without_o peradventure_o and_o that_o will_v never_o be_v recover_v remember_v so_o many_o abbey_n monastery_n nunnery_n friary_n hospital_n chauntry_n church_n and_o chapel_n now_o overthrow_v and_o make_v even_o with_o the_o ground_n all_o land_n jewel_n ornament_n and_o great_a treasure_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o clean_o take_v away_o from_o they_o and_o you_o will_v confess_v with_o i_o that_o rome_n in_o riches_n have_v a_o great_a fall_n yea_o if_o you_o will_v see_v with_o your_o eye_n a_o manifest_a example_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o babylon_n behold_v those_o evil_a favour_a ruin_n and_o heap_n of_o monastery_n that_o be_v sometime_o gorgeous_a and_o sumptuous_a building_n the_o same_o end_n remain_v all_o that_o pomp_n and_o pride_n of_o babylon_n not_o yet_o altogether_o beat_v down_o but_o even_o now_o in_o fall_v for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o his_o immutable_a counsel_n have_v decree_v it_o and_o he_o have_v send_v a_o angel_n to_o proclaim_v it_o some_o wish_n perchance_o that_o monastery_n have_v stand_v still_o and_o be_v convert_v to_o better_a use_n but_o undoubted_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v all_o thing_n that_o his_o curse_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o may_v be_v execute_v and_o the_o prophecy_n that_o be_v concern_v they_o may_v be_v fulfil_v that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o monument_n of_o his_o wrath_n unto_o all_o the_o posterity_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o babylon_n and_o a_o example_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o shall_v follow_v soon_o after_o who_o will_v ever_o have_v think_v that_o so_o great_a riches_n treasure_n and_o revenue_n shall_v so_o sudden_o be_v overthrow_v destroy_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o wealth_n and_o worldly_a substance_n whereby_o the_o pride_n voluptuousness_n and_o intemperance_n of_o riotous_a rome_n be_v maintain_v and_o grow_v to_o a_o intolerable_a excess_n be_v great_o diminish_v sore_o decay_v and_o have_v a_o foul_a fall_n and_o short_o shall_v have_v a_o final_a fall_n well_o babylon_n be_v not_o fall_v only_o in_o wealth_n and_o riches_n but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o sometime_o be_v subject_a to_o that_o monstrous_a beast_n have_v now_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o her_o servitude_n and_o withdraw_v the_o obedience_n of_o all_o their_o subject_n from_o she_o yea_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o ten_o horn_n which_o sometime_o give_v over_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o beast_n which_o be_v all_o the_o king_n and_o potentate_n that_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n for_o their_o supreme_a head_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n do_v now_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o harlot_n of_o rome_n and_o shall_v make_v her_o desolate_a by_o withdraw_v their_o subject_n from_o her_o obedience_n and_o naked_a by_o spoil_v she_o of_o her_o treasure_n and_o shall_v eat_v her_o flesh_n for_o pure_a hatred_n and_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n for_o great_a be_v the_o lord_n which_o judge_v she_o so_o that_o she_o which_o before_o at_o her_o pleasure_n may_v command_v all_o prince_n to_o begin_v war_n to_o cease_v from_o war_n to_o defend_v her_o quarrel_n to_o annoy_v her_o enemy_n now_o be_v glad_a to_o flatter_v a_o few_o seduce_a prince_n to_o take_v her_o part_n that_o she_o be_v not_o utter_o forsake_v of_o all_o man_n or_o else_o to_o practice_v by_o treason_n and_o treachery_n suborn_v rogue_n and_o vagabond_n to_o stir_v up_o tumult_n among_o the_o rude_a people_n to_o trouble_v godly_a estate_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o despise_v her_o dominion_n but_o without_o all_o hope_n ever_o to_o recover_v her_o ancient_a tyranny_n her_o thunderbolt_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v sometime_o terrible_a to_o all_o man_n be_v now_o fear_v of_o no_o man_n what_o though_o she_o retain_v she_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a stomach_n and_o will_v do_v while_o her_o breath_n last_v to_o pronounce_v sentence_n of_o deprivation_n against_o prince_n that_o abhor_v her_o wickedness_n her_o impudent_a arrogancy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o detest_v of_o many_o as_o laugh_v to_o scorn_v of_o all_o her_o proctor_n and_o privy_a practiser_n though_o they_o change_v themselves_o like_o proteus_n into_o never_o so_o unlikely_a shape_n be_v espy_v in_o every_o corner_n for_o god_n himself_o reveal_v their_o pretence_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v she_o to_o prevail_v any_o long_o so_o that_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n babylon_n be_v fall_v and_o fall_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o into_o utter_a contempt_n with_o all_o man_n until_o she_o be_v utter_o consume_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o which_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o this_o sentence_n that_o god_n have_v pronounce_v against_o she_o and_o begin_v also_o to_o execute_v can_v be_v change_v or_o much_o long_o defer_v but_o especial_o and_o
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