or_o not_o to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o man_n lie_v dead_a in_o sin_n be_v because_o they_o set_v their_o will_n to_o refuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o man_n live_v in_o christ_n be_v because_o they_o incline_v their_o will_n to_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o god._n but_o this_o doctrine_n do_v great_o diminish_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o make_v the_o acceptance_n thereof_o to_o lie_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n when_o as_o the_o power_n of_o almighty_a god_n join_v with_o his_o will_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o who_o do_v fall_v and_o enable_v other_o to_o stand_v by_o his_o grace_n now_o follow_v the_o word_n of_o this_o commendation_n notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardie_a that_o be_v there_o be_v yet_o in_o this_o church_n a_o few_o person_n know_v to_o i_o by_o their_o name_n for_o by_o name_n we_o must_v understand_v person_n name_v which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o to_o omit_v many_o exposition_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherein_o god_n set_v down_o a_o distinction_n between_o thing_n clean_a and_o unclean_a not_o in_o themselves_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n if_o any_o man_n have_v but_o touch_v a_o unclean_a thing_n with_o his_o hand_n or_o with_o his_o garment_n thereby_o he_o be_v defile_v and_o his_o garment_n defile_v legal_o and_o so_o he_o or_o his_o garment_n be_v repute_v unclean_a whereupon_o they_o have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o touch_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v defile_v no_o not_o with_o their_o garment_n now_o this_o signify_v another_o thing_n unto_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o abstain_v not_o only_o from_o the_o outward_a sin_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o even_o from_o all_o occasion_n intention_n show_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o in_o this_o place_n this_o be_v mean_v hereby_o that_o some_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardie_n have_v so_o far_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o very_a occasion_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a hereby_o we_o see_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n for_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n be_v deâ—d_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o few_o only_o in_o this_o great_a place_n live_v in_o christ_n so_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n the_o flock_n to_o who_o the_o father_n 3â—_n will_v give_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v send_v 6.9_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o thâ—ir_a iniquity_n and_o 13._o the_o ten_o part_n only_o must_v be_v save_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n be_v broad_a 13.1â—_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o walk_n therein_o but_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v into_o it_o use_n hereby_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o multitude_n but_o of_o the_o few_o and_o better_a sort_n it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n that_o keep_v many_o from_o religion_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n when_o they_o will_v live_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o their_o forefather_n have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o false_a rule_n and_o a_o dangerous_a course_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v person_n who_o name_n i_o know_v &_o have_v record_v they_o be_v call_v name_n because_o christ_n observe_v and_o know_v they_o by_o their_o name_n where_o note_n that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v particular_o know_v unto_o christ_n 12.7_o the_o hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v number_v say_v christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n much_o more_o be_v their_o name_n know_v again_o he_o bid_v they_o rejoice_v that_o their_o name_n 10.2_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o christ_n the_o good_a shepherd_n know_v his_o sheep_n and_o call_v they_o by_o their_o name_n joh._n 10.3_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o endless_a comfort_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o what_o can_v cause_v a_o man_n more_o to_o rejoice_v than_o to_o know_v that_o his_o name_n particular_o be_v know_v to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o that_o according_o he_o have_v special_a regard_n unto_o he_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v comfort_v moses_n and_o put_v courage_n into_o he_o in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v know_v unto_o he_o by_o 1â—_n name_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o that_o they_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o very_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a when_o as_o thâ—_n rest_n of_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n in_o their_o example_n christ_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o a_o pattern_n of_o true_a piety_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o gross_a sin_n only_o but_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a show_n of_o evil_a yea_o more_fw-it particular_o here_o be_v three_o thing_n teach_v we_o touch_v sin_n first_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o our_o own_o person_n second_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o either_o by_o give_v consent_n unto_o they_o or_o further_a &_o allow_v they_o any_o way_n therein_o three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a occasion_n and_o show_v and_o appearance_n of_o sin_n so_o paul_n teach_v we_o 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a ephes._n 5.3_o he_o will_v not_o have_v sundry_a sin_n as_o fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n so_o much_o as_o once_o name_v thereby_o to_o give_v the_o least_o approbation_n unto_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o look_v on_o this_o example_n lay_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o conform_v our_o life_n unto_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v good_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o same_o commendation_n with_o these_o few_o for_o true_a religion_n stand_v not_o in_o knowledge_n but_o in_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v true_a obedience_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o our_o own_o person_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o infection_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a a_o happy_a church_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v practise_v but_o this_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o we_o have_v no_o care_n of_o true_a obedience_n in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o whereby_o we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n and_o grace_v our_o holy_a religion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n hence_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n after_o baptism_n may_v live_v without_o mortal_a sin_n for_o these_o few_o person_n in_o this_o church_n in_o their_o baptism_n put_v on_o christ_n and_o after_o keep_v themselves_o from_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o they_o have_v not_o commit_v any_o mortal_a sin_n but_o their_o collection_n be_v unsound_a for_o first_o though_o they_o have_v to_o this_o time_n abstain_v from_o all_o mortal_a sin_n yet_o how_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o they_o sin_v not_o afterward_o second_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v defile_v their_o garment_n not_o for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n but_o because_o they_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o must_v the_o obedience_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n child_n in_o scripture_n be_v understand_v namely_o of_o their_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v &_o so_o among_o we_o those_o that_o have_v a_o settle_a purpose_n &_o resolution_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v repute_v for_o keeper_n of_o the_o law_n for_o god_n in_o his_o child_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a after_o the_o commendation_n of_o these_o few_o christ_n add_v a_o promise_n of_o live_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n for_o so_o white_a garment_n have_v always_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v joy_n happiness_n life_n and_o glory_n ecclesiast_n 9.8_o at_o all_o time_n let_v thy_o garment_n be_v white_a that_o be_v take_v the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o use_v the_o creature_n
yea_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o man_n in_o a_o further_a respect_n namely_o as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o man_n holiness_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n for_o look_v as_o from_o adam_n be_v actual_o convey_v original_a sin_n to_o every_o one_o of_o his_o posterity_n that_o come_v by_o natural_a generation_n so_o from_o christ_n be_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n convey_v to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v 3â—_n our_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n especial_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o this_o place_n use_n whereas_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a not_o only_o in_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o here_o we_o must_v mark_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n namely_o to_o have_v care_n to_o be_v ingraff_v into_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o we_o may_v receive_v grace_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o feel_v in_o we_o his_o power_n to_o kill_v our_o corruption_n and_o daily_o to_o renew_v his_o own_o image_n in_o we_o in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o as_o true_o as_o we_o feel_v in_o we_o adam_n corruption_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o plead_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v our_o saviour_n and_o will_v free_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v christ_n convey_v holiness_n into_o we_o and_o that_o as_o sensible_o as_o we_o see_v the_o root_n convey_v sap_n into_o the_o branch_n and_o this_o holiness_n we_o must_v make_v to_o appear_v in_o our_o life_n as_o the_o branch_n by_o their_o fruit_n and_o leaf_n do_v show_v they_o receive_v sap_n from_o the_o root_n second_o here_o note_v christ_n propound_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o church_n as_o a_o notable_a pattern_n to_o be_v follow_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o must_v be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a make_v conscience_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n for_o christ_n be_v holy_a to_o make_v we_o holy_a let_v we_o therefore_o behold_v christ_n and_o see_v wherein_o he_o express_v himself_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o therein_o let_v we_o follow_v he_o so_o john_n say_v he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n purifi_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v holy_a that_o be_v use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o conform_v himself_o to_o christ_n holiness_n three_o hereby_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o common_a title_n give_v to_o the_o pope_n whereby_o he_o be_v call_v holiness_n be_v a_o blasphemous_a title_n for_o to_o be_v holy_a be_v here_o make_v a_o property_n of_o christ._n and_o yet_o more_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pope_n than_o to_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n for_o he_o be_v call_v holiness_n which_o be_v a_o title_n of_o god_n alone_o the_o second_o property_n whereby_o christ_n be_v describe_v be_v truth_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a in_o three_o regard_n first_o because_o he_o be_v without_o all_o error_n or_o ignorance_n know_v every_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v truth_n be_v in_o christ_n proper_o and_o in_o the_o creature_n only_o by_o mean_n of_o he_o second_o because_o whatsoever_o he_o will_v and_o decree_v he_o do_v it_o serious_o without_o fraud_n deceit_n change_n or_o contradiction_n as_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o scripture_n do_v show_v wherein_o every_o part_n be_v suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o another_o because_o he_o make_v good_a every_o promise_n make_v in_o his_o word_n for_o in_o he_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 2._o cor._n 1.20_o 〈◊〉_d whereas_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o first_o we_o learn_v a_o full_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o all_o false_a wicked_a spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o again_o whereas_o christ_n be_v true_a in_o all_o his_o way_n we_o ought_v without_o all_o doubt_v to_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n make_v therein_o that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n if_o christ_n can_v err_v or_o lie_v and_o man_n be_v deceive_v by_o he_o than_o they_o may_v just_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n but_o see_v he_o be_v true_a in_o all_o his_o promise_n we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n depend_v upon_o he_o for_o he_o have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o help_v and_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v they_o that_o rest_n on_o he_o three_o in_o this_o property_n he_o propound_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o be_v follow_v of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o we_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v serious_a in_o his_o decree_n and_o constant_a in_o his_o promise_n so_o must_v we_o purpose_v every_o good_a thing_n serious_o and_o also_o make_v good_a whatsoever_o good_a thing_n we_o promise_v for_o liar_n must_v be_v destroy_v psalm_n 5._o vers._n 6._o they_o that_o love_n or_o make_v lie_n must_v never_o come_v into_o heaven_n but_o â—e_n shut_v out_o thence_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o burn_a lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n revel_v 22.15_o but_o it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o good_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v inheritor_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o heaven_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n psal._n 15._o verse_n 22._o and_o lie_v be_v a_o note_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n joh._n 8.44_o second_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o kingly_a office_n which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v where_o first_o let_v we_o see_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o isaiah_n 22._o vers_fw-la 22_o whence_o these_o word_n be_v borrow_v be_v there_o say_v of_o eliachim_n the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o text_n will_v easy_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n shebna_n who_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a steward_n to_o many_o of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v treasurer_n also_o unto_o king_n hezekias_n and_o because_o he_o be_v a_o hinderer_n of_o reformation_n intend_v by_o hezekias_n the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o his_o office_n and_o further_o the_o lord_n signify_v that_o eliachim_n shall_v come_v in_o his_o room_n and_o have_v the_o same_o office_n now_o to_o express_v this_o thing_n the_o lord_n say_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n that_o be_v eliachim_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n even_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o david_n whereof_o hezekias_n be_v governor_n for_o so_o the_o house_n of_o juda_n and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n and_o the_o give_v of_o a_o key_n be_v a_o ancient_a token_n of_o place_v and_o invest_v man_n in_o chief_a rule_n and_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n quest._n but_o why_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n for_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n but_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n john_n 18.36_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n shall_v give_v unto_o he_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n david_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n luk._n 1.32.33_o answ._n christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n two_o way_n first_o proper_o for_o when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n marie_n he_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o right_a descent_n from_o his_o father_n david_n as_o his_o genealogy_n plain_o show_v luk._n 3._o and_o also_o the_o question_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n at_o jerusalem_n say_v where_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v bear_v mat._n 2.2_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o publican_n ask_v tribute_n of_o he_o he_o plead_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o king_n son_n albeit_o to_o avoid_v offence_n he_o be_v content_a to_o yield_v of_o his_o right_n &_o to_o pay_v tribute_n thereby_o show_v that_o he_o have_v right_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n though_o he_o will_v not_o take_v it_o upon_o he_o &_o therefore_o come_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o kingdom_n be_v take_v of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n second_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n kingdom_n tipical_o for_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o
horrible_a abuse_n of_o this_o power_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v and_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o though_o the_o pope_n carry_v in_o his_o arm_n the_o key_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n but_o of_o hell_n for_o he_o have_v make_v more_o place_n of_o rest_n and_o woe_n than_o ever_o god_n do_v as_o limbus_n potgun_n and_o purgatory_n &_o therefore_o must_v needs_o make_v more_o door_n thither_o and_o so_o more_o lock_n &_o key_n by_o this_o doctrine_n use_n touch_v the_o key_n of_o david_n give_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o church_n derive_v thence_o we_o may_v learn_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v do_v not_o open_a to_o all_o but_o to_o some_o only_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o adam_n be_v create_v in_o integrity_n be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n &_o so_o bar_v himself_o both_o out_o of_o the_o earthly_a and_o heavenly_a paradise_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n by_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a sin_n be_v likewise_o debar_v for_o 59.2_o sin_n be_v a_o partition_n wall_n between_o we_o and_o god_n and_o a_o 3.44_o cloud_n between_o our_o prayer_n and_o god_n himself_o as_o jeremie_n speak_v so_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o exclusion_n and_o so_o many_o sin_n as_o a_o man_n commit_v so_o many_o bolt_n and_o bar_n he_o make_v to_o exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v move_v every_o one_o to_o take_v a_o narrow_a view_n of_o his_o miserable_a state_n in_o himself_o through_o adam_n for_o by_o original_a sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o our_o actual_a transgression_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o bar_v ourself_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v lamentable_a to_o see_v how_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o sin_n and_o how_o the_o devil_n bewitch_v man_n to_o conceal_v or_o diminish_v their_o sin_n make_v great_a sin_n small_a and_o little_a sin_n none_o at_o all_o when_o as_o the_o least_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v without_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bar_v they_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n again_o see_v every_o sin_n do_v bar_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n this_o must_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o induce_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o repent_v of_o all_o our_o sin_n to_o bewail_v the_o same_o &_o to_o pray_v earnest_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o continual_o to_o labour_v to_o turn_v unto_o god_n from_o all_o sin_n because_o if_o we_o live_v but_o in_o one_o sin_n it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a barâ—e_n sufficient_a to_o exclude_v we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n eternal_o three_o see_v christ_n keep_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n &_o to_o seek_v by_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v open_v heaven_n as_o he_o say_v unto_o nathaniel_n and_o philip_n 1.51_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o shall_v you_o see_v heaven_n open_a meaning_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v it_o be_v open_a we_o must_v strive_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o as_o the_o man_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n do_v mat._n 11.12_o this_o we_o do_v by_o endevor_v to_o become_v good_a member_n of_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n for_o that_o be_v the_o door_n and_o suburb_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o every_o one_o must_v enter_v into_o that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n itself_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o will_v go_v into_o a_o house_n must_v needs_o come_v to_o the_o door_n now_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v the_o true_a door_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o key_n thereof_o which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o do_v lock_v and_o unlock_v the_o same_o quest._n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n we_o must_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o humble_a ourselves_o for_o all_o our_o sin_n pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o believe_v the_o same_o through_o christ._n second_o endeavour_v and_o purpose_n by_o god_n grace_n every_o day_n to_o leave_v the_o same_o sin_n this_o do_v we_o be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o soul_n enter_v into_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v this_o we_o must_v do_v while_o we_o live_v but_o if_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o door_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n while_o we_o live_v we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n after_o death_n vers._n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o twelve_o be_v contain_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o â—eads_n a_o praise_n a_o promise_n and_o a_o commandment_n the_o praise_n in_o this_o eight_o verse_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o the_o commandment_n in_o the_o 11._o for_o the_o first_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o church_n be_v first_o summary_o propound_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n which_o have_v be_v expound_v and_o the_o end_n thereof_o with_o the_o use_n in_o the_o former_a epistle_n then_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o commendation_n wherein_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v i_o the_o sign_n of_o christ_n approbation_n in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n ii_o their_o conversation_n or_o the_o work_n which_o christ_n approve_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n &_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n both_o these_o may_v be_v undetstood_v either_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o both_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v behold_v and_o consider_v i_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n unto_o i_o so_o much_o s._n paul_n mean_v by_o the_o door_n of_o utterance_n 1._o cor._n 16.9_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n pertain_v to_o thy_o call_n yet_o thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o gospel_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o expound_v do_v afford_v we_o these_o instruction_n first_o from_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o approbation_n we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n for_o any_o minister_n to_o have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n unto_o christ_n so_o much_o the_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v import_v which_o may_v also_o further_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o worthy_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o vouchsafe_v this_o favour_n as_o isaiah_n and_o ezekiell_n who_o be_v send_v sometime_o to_o harden_v 6.9_o thy_o people_n and_o christ_n himself_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o privilege_n say_v 49.4_o i_o have_v spend_v my_o strength_n in_o vain_a and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o privilege_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1â—_n saviors_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o liberty_n they_o have_v title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o shine_v as_o star_n in_o glory_n dan_o 12.3_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o all_o minister_n that_o have_v the_o same_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o ought_v high_o to_o magnify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o it_o and_o to_o value_v it_o more_o worth_a than_o all_o earthly_a blessing_n whatsoever_o second_o from_o the_o work_n which_o christ_n approve_v in_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o minister_n endue_v with_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v great_a service_n unto_o god_n in_o his_o church_n this_o thing_n
diverse_a some_o thing_n he_o decree_v to_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n some_o other_o thing_n god_n decree_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o other_o as_o sin_n and_o so_o evil_a thing_n though_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n yet_o they_o come_v in_o some_o sort_n from_o his_o will_n &_o decree_n for_o if_o he_o simple_o nill_v they_o they_o can_v never_o be_v beside_o in_o god_n decree_n be_v set_v down_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o also_o the_o mean_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o this_o persecution_n the_o place_n and_o end_n be_v plain_o note_v this_o we_o must_v remember_v &_o on_o the_o contrary_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o protestant_n which_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o sundry_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v god_n only_o foresee_v they_o and_o no_o way_n decree_a or_o will_v they_o as_o namely_o sin_n but_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n a_o bare_a foreknowledge_n without_o a_o decree_n be_v to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o idle_a providence_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n will_v not_o admit_v the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o expound_v his_o former_a say_n for_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o do_v christ_n call_v this_o persecution_n the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n christ_n answer_v because_o it_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v on_o earth_n where_o we_o may_v note_v what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n be_v they_o public_a or_o private_a namely_o they_o serve_v to_o discover_v the_o state_n of_o man_n heart_n either_o by_o make_v manifest_a their_o faith_n repentance_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n or_o by_o detect_v their_o impatience_n &_o hypocrisy_n verse_n 11._o behold_v i_o come_v short_o hold_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n here_o be_v christ_n commandment_n to_o this_o church_n wherein_o consider_v first_o what_o he_o injoin_v they_o then_o the_o reason_n thereof_o the_o thing_n he_o enjoin_v be_v this_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o be_v hold_v as_o it_o be_v with_o both_o hand_n that_o little_a meaof_n faith_n and_o grace_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v from_o i_o and_o in_o no_o wise_a part_n with_o the_o same_o this_o commandment_n have_v be_v before_o expound_v chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 25._o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v this_o commandment_n be_v two_o one_o go_v before_o it_o in_o these_o word_n i_o come_v short_o that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o general_a judgement_n or_o by_o death_n unto_o thou_o particular_o before_o this_o reason_n be_v put_v a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o speedy_a come_n of_o christ_n unto_o we_o either_o by_o death_n in_o particular_a or_o in_o judgement_n general_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v but_o â—aid_v up_o &_o treasure_v even_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n herein_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o and_o say_v with_o the_o bad_a servant_n mat._n 24.48_o my_o master_n do_v foreslowe_v his_o come_n for_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o impenitency_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o with_o a_o ancient_a jerome_n father_n think_v we_o ever_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o his_o trumpet_n this_o daily_a persuasion_n of_o the_o speedy_a come_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o notable_a use_n for_o first_o it_o will_v daunt_v the_o most_o desperate_a wretch_n that_o be_v and_o make_v he_o to_o tremble_v in_o himself_o and_o restrain_v he_o from_o many_o sin_n and_o if_o a_o man_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o be_v yet_o a_o loose_a liver_n this_o persuasion_n will_v rouse_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o make_v he_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o repentance_n for_o who_o will_v not_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o soul_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v now_o come_v to_o give_v he_o his_o final_a reward_n second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n and_o have_v repent_v and_o do_v believe_v this_o persuasion_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o make_v he_o constant_a in_o every_o good_a duty_n both_o of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n towards_o his_o brethren_n three_o this_o serve_v to_o comfort_v any_o person_n that_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o when_o he_o shall_v believe_v this_o which_o christ_n have_v say_v i_o come_v short_o he_o can_v but_o think_v but_o his_o deliverance_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o at_o his_o come_n he_o bring_v perfect_a redemption_n to_o all_o his_o elect._n the_o second_o reason_n be_v set_v after_o the_o commandment_n that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n that_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o thy_o glory_n even_o everlasting_a life_n this_o must_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n take_v it_o only_o for_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o ministry_n though_o it_o be_v also_o understand_v of_o he_o but_o the_o same_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v say_v if_o thou_o hold_v not_o fast_o thy_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n thou_o will_v loose_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o be_v ordain_v for_o thou_o hence_o some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n ordain_v to_o life_n may_v final_o perish_v because_o another_o may_v have_v that_o crown_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a abuse_n of_o this_o and_o such_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o absolute_a that_o a_o man_n may_v loose_v his_o crown_n but_o conditional_a hold_v fast_o or_o else_o thou_o shall_v perish_v and_o loose_v eternal_a life_n though_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o thou_o now_o the_o use_n of_o such_o speech_n be_v not_o to_o signify_v fall_v from_o grace_n but_o to_o show_v unto_o we_o our_o own_o weakness_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v of_o god_n whole_o to_o ourselves_o we_o can_v not_o but_o perish_v therefore_o they_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n unto_o a_o careful_a use_v of_o the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o salvation_n like_a as_o a_o father_n that_o take_v his_o child_n and_o set_v he_o on_o a_o horse_n guide_v the_o horse_n with_o one_o hand_n and_o hold_v he_o with_o the_o other_o and_o then_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n take_v heed_n lest_o thou_o fall_v not_o mean_v thereby_o that_o the_o child_n shall_v fall_v but_o intend_v to_o make_v he_o sit_v fast_o &_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o if_o he_o shall_v leave_v he_o he_o will_v fall_v second_o christ_n use_v such_o speech_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v make_v his_o church_n persevere_v in_o grace_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o all_o exhortation_n and_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n be_v instrument_n of_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n unto_o god_n child_n because_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v who_o shall_v be_v save_v certain_o so_o he_o have_v ordain_v certain_a mean_n to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v part_v whereof_o be_v exhortation_n &_o threaten_n which_o do_v not_o import_v any_o final_a relapse_n but_o serve_v as_o mean_n &_o cause_n of_o perseverance_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n here_o bid_v this_o church_n hold_v fast_o lest_o another_o take_v her_o crown_n in_o this_o threaten_n we_o may_v note_v that_o when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o one_o man_n or_o his_o blessing_n from_o any_o one_o people_n for_o the_o abuse_n thereof_o he_o have_v other_o ready_a to_o bestow_v the_o same_o upon_o who_o will_v use_v the_o same_o well_o when_o judas_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o apostleship_n mathias_n be_v choose_v in_o his_o room_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n by_o infidelity_n fall_v away_o from_o god_n he_o have_v the_o gentile_n in_o store_n to_o engraph_v in_o their_o stead_n for_o the_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v not_o shorten_v when_o any_o one_o people_n shall_v abuse_v his_o gospel_n he_o can_v give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o mat._n 21.43_o this_o must_v be_v think_v upon_o for_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o be_v now_o god_n people_n use_n and_o do_v enjoy_v his_o gospel_n but_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o herewith_o for_o if_o we_o abuse_v the_o same_o we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o have_v another_o nation_n in_o store_n who_o we_o now_o contemn_v whither_o he_o can_v send_v his_o gospel_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o plentiful_a fruit_n thereof_o we_o therefore_o must_v embrace_v and_o hold_v fast_o this_o blessing_n of_o god_n which_o now_o we_o enjoy_v and_o show_v
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a_o godly_a and_o learned_a exposition_n or_o commentary_n upon_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n preach_v in_o cambridge_n by_o that_o reverend_a and_o judicious_a divine_a master_n william_n perkins_n ann._n dom._n 1595._o first_o publish_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n church_n by_o robert_n hill_n bachelor_n of_o divinity_n the_o second_o edition_n revise_v and_o enlarge_v after_o a_o more_o perfect_a copy_n at_o the_o request_n of_o m._n perkins_n executor_n by_o thomas_n pierson_n preacher_n of_o god_n word_n hereunto_o be_v prefix_v a_o analysis_n of_o the_o vision_n in_o these_o three_o chapter_n and_o a_o twofold_a table_n add_v one_o of_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o other_o of_o special_a point_n to_o be_v observe_v prov_n 13.9_o and_o prov_n 4.18_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a rejoice_v by_o increase_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n but_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v put_v out_o london_n 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in_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n behold_v the_o state_n of_o every_o church_n and_o see_v what_o christ_n approve_v and_o what_o his_o soul_n detest_v in_o the_o conclusion_n see_v his_o bounty_n towards_o his_o child_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o he_o again_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v much_o delight_v your_o christian_a heart_n for_o beside_o the_o 2.4_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o open_v the_o text_n which_o be_v best_a please_v unto_o god_n and_o most_o profitable_a to_o his_o church_n wherein_o this_o godly_a author_n have_v a_o special_a grace_n the_o application_n be_v so_o fit_a and_o pertinent_a to_o our_o time_n that_o i_o have_v wellnigh_o say_v he_o do_v foresee_v what_o we_o now_o behold_v and_o have_v foretell_v what_o we_o for_o our_o lukewarmenesse_n and_o decay_v in_o love_n may_v just_o fear_v 1.7_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n hold_v 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family_n london_n december_n 10._o 1606._o your_o ladyship_n to_o command_v thomas_n pierson_n to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a sir_n edward_n montagu_n sir_n walter_n montagu_n sir_n henry_n montagu_n and_o sir_n charles_n montagu_n knight_n m._n james_n montagu_n doctor_n of_o divinity_n deane_n of_o his_o majesty_n chapel_n and_o m._n sidney_n montagu_n esquire_n the_o lady_n susan_n sandys_n and_o the_o lady_n theodosia_n capel_n child_n of_o that_o right_n worthy_a and_o religious_a sir_n edward_n montagu_n of_o bowghton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o north-hampton_a knight_n and_o of_o the_o lady_n elizabeth_n his_o worthy_a wife_n sister_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n harington_n baron_n of_o exton_n and_o father_n to_o the_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o countess_n of_o bedford_n grace_n and_o peace_n right_o worshipful_a as_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n have_v â—_o twelve_o
write_v that_o he_o put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o come_v from_o christ._n nay_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n this_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o give_v the_o disciple_n understanding_n 24._o as_o they_o go_v unto_o emaus_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n be_v to_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o father_n will_n this_o certificate_n be_v two_o fold_n general_a or_o particular_a general_a when_o he_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n that_o the_o word_n write_v or_o speak_v by_o man_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o nature_n nor_o learning_n can_v do_v this_o but_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n and_o for_o this_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 16.13_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v god_n will_v unto_o they_o and_o assure_v their_o heart_n that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a unto_o this_o assurance_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v the_o outward_a mean_n which_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o a_o inward_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a to_o wit_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o this_o doctrine_n three_o point_n be_v resolve_v first_o use_n this_o demand_n of_o the_o papist_n how_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n read_v and_o teach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n we_o must_v here_o have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v enlighten_v and_o make_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v it_o of_o himself_o second_o we_o must_v have_v christ_n his_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o in_o they_o he_o set_v down_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o christ_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n why_o do_v not_o alâ—_n man_n know_v this_o testimony_n and_o receive_v it_o i_o answer_v the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n before_o a_o man_n face_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o cause_v he_o to_o see_v unless_o he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o gift_n and_o sense_n of_o see_v even_o so_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v in_o god_n word_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n that_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v have_v in_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o testimony_n to_o his_o conscience_n and_o then_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o mark_v the_o manner_n and_o style_n the_o majesty_n and_o power_n thereof_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v in_o every_o sentence_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n assure_v his_o conscience_n that_o the_o same_o be_v undoubted_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o second_o doubt_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n know_v the_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o turk_n papist_n jew_n and_o protestant_n have_v their_o several_a religion_n and_o die_v in_o they_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o look_v whereto_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n that_o we_o must_v hold_v for_o true_a religion_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o testimony_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o in_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o not_o the_o religion_n of_o jew_n turk_n or_o papist_n a_o three_o doubt_n to_o be_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v how_o to_o know_v the_o particular_a truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o sundry_a man_n profess_v the_o same_o religion_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n answ._n still_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o mark_v they_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o judgement_n quest._n but_o if_o there_o be_v diverse_a opinion_n about_o scripture_n itself_o and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o several_a sense_n unto_o it_o who_o must_v then_o be_v judge_n answ._n in_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n yea_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v still_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n alone_o for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o diverse_a exposition_n of_o one_o place_n yet_o by_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o confer_v it_o with_o other_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n expound_v himself_o the_o particular_a certificate_n of_o christ_n belong_v also_o to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o assure_v man_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n therein_o contain_v as_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a which_o in_o the_o word_n be_v general_o expound_v do_v belong_v unto_o they_o particular_o as_o to_o peter_n to_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o assurance_n as_o the_o former_a be_v principal_o wrought_v by_o the_o word_n not_o bare_o read_v but_o preach_v for_o therein_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o general_a promise_n be_v particular_o apply_v this_o paul_n import_v say_v you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o testify_v with_o our_o spirit_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n use_n and_o of_o all_o other_o which_o hold_v that_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o faith_n be_v wicked_a and_o damnable_a for_o hereby_o they_o cut_v off_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n wherein_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o do_v consist_v that_o be_v to_o assure_v a_o man_n particular_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o he_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v witness_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v only_o outward_o to_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o can_v speak_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o conscience_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o they_o certify_v any_o man_n particular_o though_o their_o ministry_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n second_o observe_v christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o so_o he_o be_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o testify_v not_o his_o own_o will_n but_o he_o which_o send_v he_o namely_o his_o father_n john_n 8.26_o second_o he_o testify_v all_o his_o father_n will_n neither_o add_v thereto_o nor_o detract_n from_o it_o john_n 17.4_o three_o because_o he_o teach_v his_o father_n will_v sincere_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o alter_v change_a or_o deprave_v any_o part_n thereof_o as_o my_o father_n teach_v i_o so_o i_o speak_v these_o thing_n john_n 8.28_o three_o christ_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o witness_n the_o lord_n have_v sundry_a faithful_a witness_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n the_o church_n nay_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n psalm_n 89.37_o but_o christ_n alone_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o because_o his_o witness_n be_v 8.14_o authentical_a sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o authentical_a and_o certain_a but_o as_o it_o consent_v with_o christ_n witness_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n second_o he_o be_v that_o witness_n because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o that_o house_n whereto_o he_o give_v witness_n namely_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v but_o servant_n there_o hebr._fw-la 5.5_o 6._o three_o christ_n his_o witness_n be_v inward_a it_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o there_o give_v undoubted_a assurance_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v outward_a only_a it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n it_o never_o bind_v and_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o itself_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o he_o be_v call_v here_o that_o faithful_a witness_n use_n first_o whereas_o christ_n the_o doctor_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n we_o learn_v that_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v faithful_a witness_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o
cause_n of_o his_o banishment_n to_o wit_n for_o testify_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o marie_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o life_n this_o testimony_n s_o john_n put_v down_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v which_o be_v most_o hate_a of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v whereof_o god_n minister_n be_v persecute_v and_o banish_v to_o wit_n the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n especial_o for_o the_o law_n be_v in_o part_n natural_a but_o the_o gospel_n be_v supernatural_a and_o to_o man_n reason_n absurd_a for_o the_o preach_v whereof_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v persecute_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n 3._o now_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o glad_a tiding_n wherein_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o promise_a seed_n be_v come_v who_o have_v indeed_o bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n hereupon_o the_o devil_n malign_v the_o gospel_n above_o all_o part_n of_o god_n word_n and_o according_o have_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o suppress_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o partly_o by_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n damnable_a heresy_n which_o do_v destroy_v the_o gospel_n by_o deprave_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o outward_a violence_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v now_o see_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n do_v thus_o hate_v the_o gospel_n and_o labour_n to_o extinguish_v it_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n must_v labour_v to_o know_v and_o to_o believe_v to_o love_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o vers._n 10._o and_o i_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o this_o ten_o verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o and_o four_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n the_o three_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o give_v this_o revelation_n to_o john_n namely_o in_o a_o trance_n the_o four_o be_v the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v give_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n touch_v the_o manner_n it_o be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v i_o be_v by_o the_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v into_o a_o trance_n that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o expound_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o phrase_n with_o the_o like_a in_o the_o whole_a pprophecy_n of_o ezechiell_n who_o use_v to_o say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o express_v and_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o therein_o receive_v some_o vision_n by_o the_o spirit_n to_o understand_v this_o the_o better_a consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o a_o trance_n be_v second_o the_o end_n of_o it_o first_o a_o trance_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n or_o action_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o trance_n come_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o star_n nor_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n body_n or_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n as_o some_o have_v fond_o think_v but_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o it_o be_v not_o every_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n above_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v also_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a wherein_o the_o whole_a man_n both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v alter_v which_o saint_n john_n here_o express_v say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o two_o action_n one_o upon_o the_o body_n the_o other_o upon_o the_o mind_n first_o in_o procure_v a_o trance_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v the_o body_n of_o man_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n whereby_o all_o the_o sense_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a be_v benumb_v so_o genes_n 15.12_o when_o god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n he_o cast_v he_o into_o a_o heaume_a sleep_n that_o be_v into_o a_o trance_n wherein_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v benumb_v only_o his_o mind_n be_v wake_v the_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o draw_v it_o from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o all_o the_o sense_n to_o have_v a_o near_a fellowship_n with_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v enlighten_v it_o with_o divine_a light_n that_o it_o may_v understand_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o other_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o in_o that_o of_o 1â—_n peâ—er_n when_o he_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o trance_n be_v namely_o 〈◊〉_d a_o extraordinary_a powerful_a workâ—_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o whole_a man_n caâ—ting_v the_o body_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n and_o make_v the_o mind_n fit_a to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o lord_n ii_o point_n the_o end_n of_o trance_n god_n for_o two_o cause_n reveal_v his_o will_n in_o trance_n unto_o his_o servant_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n first_o that_o 〈◊〉_d may_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o invent_v of_o themselves_o but_o give_v of_o god_n john_n herein_o have_v no_o use_n of_o his_o bodily_a sense_n he_o neither_o hear_v see_v nor_o feel_v but_o they_o be_v asleep_a and_o therefore_o the_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o whole_o he_o second_o and_o chief_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v may_v take_v the_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o understanding_n for_o the_o mind_n be_v free_v from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o not_o hinder_v by_o any_o fantasy_n of_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o quiet_a do_v then_o most_o lively_a and_o sensible_o apprehend_v and_o retain_v the_o impression_n of_o thing_n reveal_v here_o than_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n of_o god_n that_o his_o servant_n may_v thorough_o understand_v certain_o believe_v and_o constant_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o thing_n he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o like_a care_n he_o show_v in_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o all_o his_o former_a prophet_n he_o will_v not_o have_v their_o mind_n trouble_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o hinder_v of_o the_o sense_n inward_a or_o outward_a but_o whole_o take_v up_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n of_o this_o for_o if_o they_o must_v faithful_o teach_v god_n will_v to_o other_o to_o make_v they_o know_v and_o understand_v to_o believe_v &_o remember_v the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v sound_o believe_v and_o firm_o keep_v in_o memory_n whatsoever_o god_n reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o end_n with_o his_o holy_a prophet_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o this_o day_n ought_v to_o employ_v themselves_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o may_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o withal_o believe_v it_o sound_o and_o remember_v it_o careful_o we_o must_v not_o now_o look_v for_o trance_n and_o vision_n as_o they_o have_v but_o we_o must_v use_v continual_a study_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o knowledge_n this_o duty_n concern_v all_o student_n in_o divinity_n and_o all_o other_o which_o desire_v a_o good_a understanding_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o furtherance_n herein_o they_o must_v have_v principal_a care_n to_o search_v into_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n thorough_o thereby_o shall_v they_o best_o conceive_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o great_a facility_n keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n for_o one_o say_v true_o that_o every_o good_a minister_n shall_v be_v a_o good_a text_n man_n whereby_o be_v descry_v a_o common_a fault_n of_o many_o student_n who_o rather_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o ancient_a write_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o spend_v their_o best_a time_n in_o the_o base_a write_n of_o wicked_a &_o heretical_a monk_n and_o friar_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o many_o of_o the_o father_n be_v worthy_a member_n of_o god_n church_n but_o if_o the_o fountain_n be_v leave_v the_o
thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n gal._n 5.14_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d whole_a rejoice_v and_o if_o he_o will_v â—ost_o of_o any_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v herein_o 2._o cor._n 1â—_n 9_o 10._o thus_o be_v god_n servant_n affect_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o repent_v and_o believe_v need_v not_o to_o fear_v what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v his_o pprophecy_n which_o be_v a_o prediction_n of_o that_o particular_a affliction_n which_o this_o church_n of_o smirna_n shall_v suffer_v and_o first_o he_o prefix_v this_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v then_o he_o set_v down_o the_o pprophecy_n itself_o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n behold_v hereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o we_o must_v often_o consider_v before_o â—and_n of_o the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n wherein_o god_n will_v try_v uâ—_n lest_o we_o perish_v therein_o our_o saviour_n christ_n come_v towards_o jerusalem_n 29.41_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o it_o he_o foretell_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o that_o city_n which_o therefore_o come_v upon_o they_o because_o they_o consider_v not_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n neither_o the_o thing_n therein_o foretell_v that_o do_v concern_v their_o peace_n and_o the_o like_a destruction_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o land_n if_o we_o consider_v not_o the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n forecast_v what_o be_v to_o come_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n trial_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o fearful_a and_o final_a destruction_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v try_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n these_o word_n contain_v christ_n pprophecy_n wherein_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a god_n for_o as_o isaiah_n in_o many_o place_n show_v it_o be_v a_o property_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o 44.7_o foretell_v a_o particular_a affliction_n that_o be_v contingent_a but_o some_o will_v say_v other_o can_v foretell_v certain_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o physician_n the_o sick_a man_n death_n and_o the_o astronomer_n the_o time_n of_o the_o eclipse_n how_o then_o be_v this_o proper_a to_o god_n answ._n the_o physician_n foretell_v the_o sick_a man_n death_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o cause_n present_a in_o which_o the_o future_a death_n be_v to_o he_o apparent_a and_o the_o astronomer_n foretell_v the_o eclipse_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n in_o present_a and_o by_o that_o can_v come_v to_o foretell_v it_o in_o time_n to_o come_v so_o that_o simple_o none_o can_v foretell_v a_o thing_n contingent_a except_o he_o see_v it_o present_a in_o the_o cause_n but_o christ_n foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v simple_o of_o himself_o though_o no_o cause_n be_v present_a as_o appear_z in_o this_o place_n in_o this_o pprophecy_n christ_n describe_v this_o affliction_n by_o sundry_a argument_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n second_o by_o the_o party_n that_o be_v to_o be_v afflict_v some_o of_o you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n three_o by_o the_o kind_n of_o punishment_n imprisonment_n four_o by_o the_o end_n thereof_o their_o trial_n and_o fifthly_o by_o the_o time_n of_o it_o continuance_n for_o ten_o day_n i._o argument_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v the_o devil_n quest._n how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o be_v a_o spirit_n he_o can_v offer_v violence_n to_o man_n body_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n answ._n true_a but_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o incline_v their_o will_n to_o hate_v god_n child_n he_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o persecute_v and_o make_v they_o hiâ—_n instrument_n to_o cast_v godâ—_n servant_n into_o prison_n in_o this_o that_o the_o devil_n cause_v the_o affliction_n of_o god_n church_n we_o learn_v sundry_a point_n i._o what_o manner_n of_o man_n those_o be_v that_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n namely_o wicked_a man_n such_o as_o arâ—_n inspire_v by_o satan_n and_o whole_o guide_v in_o mind_n will_n and_o in_o affection_n by_o he_o this_o make_v paul_n say_v 1.15_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o sinner_n because_o in_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o make_v his_o minister_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n for_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n in_o that_o action_n and_o while_o he_o hold_v that_o course_n he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o guide_v by_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n in_o persecution_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v his_o instrument_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o take_v pity_n upon_o all_o persecutor_n be_v they_o king_n or_o monarch_n or_o whatsoever_o yea_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o they_o though_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n because_o they_o be_v possess_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o their_o persecution_n do_v his_o will_n and_o become_v his_o servant_n and_o vassal_n iii_o hence_o we_o learn_v with_o what_o weapon_n we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n namely_o with_o spiritual_a weapon_n of_o prayer_n &_o invocation_n wherein_o we_o must_v show_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n our_o repentance_n &_o true_a obedience_n for_o our_o principal_a adversary_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o hereby_o we_o shall_v best_o defend_v ourselves_o against_o he_o and_o get_v the_o chief_a victory_n eliaâ—_n for_o his_o prayer_n be_v call_v â—2_n the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n nothing_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v in_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n as_o prayer_n from_o a_o penitent_a &_o believe_a heart_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a nation_n against_o we_o howsoever_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o soldier_n must_v be_v use_v yet_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v soon_o foil_v our_o principal_a adversary_n satan_n who_o cease_v not_o the_o spear_n nor_o sword_n and_o yet_o will_v fly_v before_o these_o spiritual_a weapon_n ii_o argument_n the_o party_n that_o must_v be_v afflict_v be_v some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n not_o all_o iii_o argument_n the_o kind_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v imprisonment_n iv._o argument_n the_o end_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n love_n and_o patience_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o first_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o these_o three_o argument_n note_v first_o a_o special_a point_n touch_v god_n providence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o above_o all_o cause_n rule_v and_o dispose_v they_o all_o god_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n use_v instrument_n of_o two_o sort_n good_a or_o evil_a the_o good_a instrument_n be_v good_a angel_n and_o regenerate_a man_n by_o who_o come_v no_o disorder_n for_o god_n work_v both_o in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o wicked_a instrument_n be_v the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o god_n use_v they_o well_o yet_o from_o they_o be_v much_o disorder_n and_o sin_n for_o he_o work_v not_o in_o they_o but_o only_o by_o they_o permit_v their_o sin_n and_o disorder_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v show_v forth_o his_o justice_n mercy_n and_o power_n which_o herein_o do_v notable_o appear_v in_o use_v these_o instrument_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o themselves_o that_o notwithstanding_o their_o malice_n he_o cause_v wonderful_a order_n for_o first_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o restrain_v their_o fury_n and_o rage_n so_o as_o they_o can_v show_v it_o to_o the_o full_a as_o they_o desire_v see_v this_o in_o the_o devil_n persecution_n against_o this_o church_n he_o can_v kill_v the_o member_n hereof_o but_o only_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n he_o can_v imprison_v they_o all_o but_o some_o only_o neither_o can_v he_o keep_v they_o in_o prison_n always_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n second_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o turn_v all_o that_o they_o do_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o devil_n afflict_v the_o church_n for_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o god_n turn_v it_o to_o their_o good_a to_o make_v their_o faith_n manifest_a and_o to_o prevent_v many_o
she_o proceed_v to_o describe_v her_o doctrine_n and_o first_o he_o show_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n thereof_o namely_o to_o seduce_v and_o to_o deceive_v wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o further_a note_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n to_o wit_n to_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o draw_v man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n true_a doctrine_n be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n and_o lead_v man_n thereto_o but_o the_o end_n of_o false_a doctrine_n be_v impiety_n against_o god_n and_o man_n as_o be_v show_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n vers_fw-la 14._o and_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o woman_n use_n sundry_a student_n now_o adays_o be_v marvellous_o affect_v with_o the_o sermon_n commentary_n and_o postil_v of_o monk_n and_o friar_n these_o they_o prefer_v before_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a and_o sound_a divine_n which_o be_v a_o lamentable_a case_n for_o they_o be_v in_o their_o kind_a jezabel_n the_o scope_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o error_n and_o transgression_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yea_o to_o bring_v man_n from_o heaven_n to_o hell_n and_o therefore_o this_o exceed_a approbation_n of_o they_o be_v no_o small_a offence_n be_v in_o truth_n the_o right_a way_n to_o bring_v in_o again_o error_n atheism_n and_o popery_n for_o turn_v a_o papist_n from_o a_o moral_a point_n wherein_o he_o often_o err_v and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o sermon_n be_v nothing_o but_o false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n will_v have_v this_o church_n to_o hate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o woman_n because_o it_o do_v deceive_v so_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o dislike_n with_o the_o commentary_n and_o postil_v of_o monk_n and_o friar_n which_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n second_o christ_n set_v forth_o the_o end_n of_o her_o doctrine_n by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o person_n deceive_v his_o servant_n second_o by_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v deceive_v to_o wit_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v mere_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n touch_v the_o person_n whereas_o she_o deceive_v not_o all_o man_n but_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n of_o man_n this_o increase_v her_o fault_n because_o they_o belong_v unto_o god_n but_o here_o two_o question_n may_v be_v move_v first_o why_o some_o man_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o some_o be_v not_o second_o whether_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n may_v be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n to_o the_o first_o some_o answer_n that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n 〈◊〉_d be_v his_o servant_n and_o for_o his_o part_n do_v all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o all_o man_n to_o make_v they_o his_o servant_n redeem_v they_o and_o give_v they_o sufficient_a grace_n hereunto_o yet_o some_o be_v not_o his_o servant_n because_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o but_o wilful_o reject_v his_o grace_n that_o be_v offer_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o doctrine_n be_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o do_v much_o derogate_a from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o hereby_o they_o make_v every_o man_n a_o emperor_n and_o god_n a_o underling_n subject_a unto_o man_n they_o make_v god_n good_a pleasure_n to_o depend_v upon_o man_n pleasure_n and_o the_o accept_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o depend_v upon_o man_n will_n but_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n his_o will_n overrule_v man_n will_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v some_o man_n be_v not_o god_n servant_n because_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n hereof_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n elect_v some_o and_o they_o alone_o become_v his_o servant_n because_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o but_o god_n do_v never_o choose_v all_o man_n first_o to_o grace_n &_o then_o to_o glory_n and_o therefore_o as_o luke_n say_v 13.48_o so_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n believe_v so_o we_o may_v say_v so_o many_o as_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n to_o grace_n and_o salvation_n they_o become_v his_o servant_n the_o second_o question_n whether_o may_v god_n servant_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a prophet_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o servant_n of_o god_n servant_n in_o appearance_n and_o servant_n in_o truth_n servant_n in_o appearance_n be_v such_o as_o outward_o only_o embrace_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v such_o servant_n now_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o and_o that_o whole_o and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o whole_a particular_a church_n may_v fall_v away_o as_o do_v the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o many_o other_o and_o these_o be_v call_v servant_n because_o we_o must_v in_o charity_n judge_v that_o all_o which_o make_v profession_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o god_n church_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n though_o they_o may_v be_v seduce_v in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o they_o can_v neither_o whole_o nor_o final_o fall_v away_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a 1â—_n thou_o 〈◊〉_d peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o thou_o profess_v will_v i_o build_v my_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o 〈◊〉_d which_o last_o word_n prevail_v insinuate_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v show_v great_a malice_n and_o strength_n to_o vanquish_v their_o faith_n but_o yet_o shall_v never_o whole_o overcome_v it_o and_o matth._n 6.13_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v lâ—ad_v we_o 〈◊〉_d into_o temptation_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o temptation_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v overcome_v in_o temptation_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a petition_n must_v needs_o have_v godâ—_n promise_v to_o grant_v the_o same_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o saâ—han_n may_v assay_v to_o overcome_v the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o get_v final_a victory_n over_o he_o for_o true_a faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o can_v stand_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n these_o two_o banish_v each_o other_o sin_n bring_v the_o child_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o knee_n but_o true_a faith_n do_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o ii_o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o she_o seek_v to_o seduce_v they_o be_v by_o draw_v they_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o be_v a_o favourer_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o whereof_o entreaty_n be_v make_v in_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n 21._o and_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o here_o christ_n reprove_v this_o woman_n for_o her_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o she_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n by_o space_n to_o repent_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v liberty_n to_o live_v for_o though_o by_o her_o sin_n she_o deserve_v present_a death_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a yet_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n give_v her_o liberty_n to_o live_v that_o she_o may_v repent_v use_n in_o her_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o god_n give_v we_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n namely_o thâ—â—_n it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o repentance_n for_o before_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o after_o this_o life_n can_v none_o repent_v but_o the_o time_n we_o now_o live_v or_o have_v live_v or_o shall_v live_v be_v the_o only_a time_n allot_v for_o repentance_n this_o point_n ought_v serious_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o all_o estate_n for_o it_o do_v plain_o rebuke_v the_o shameful_a practice_n of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o lead_v not_o their_o life_n as_o a_o time_n of_o repentance_n but_o spend_v it_o whole_o in_o another_o course_n some_o in_o follow_v their_o vain_a pleasure_n as_o card_v dice_a etc._n etc._n some_o in_o heap_v up_o riches_n seek_v nothing_o but_o temporal_a profit_n other_o in_o good_a fellowship_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v in_o company_n keep_v in_o eat_v and_o drink_v god_n in_o justice_n may_v have_v cut_v off_o these_o man_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o in_o mercy_n he_o give_v they_o time_n to_o repent_v to_o some_o twenty_o to_o other_o thirty_o forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n but_o they_o abuse_v this_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o steed_n of_o repent_v employ_v themselves_o in_o such_o work_n as_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o their_o case_n be_v most_o fearful_a they_o treasure_v up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n &_o declaration_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n like_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o every_o
of_o mankind_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o mean_v appoint_v hereunto_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o show_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a who_o teach_v that_o god_n call_v all_o â—he_n world_n effectual_o unto_o salvation_n use_n for_o how_o can_v thâ—y_o be_v call_v that_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n but_o all_o in_o all_o age_n never_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n albeit_o 〈◊〉_d the_o come_n of_o christ_n their_o sound_n have_v go_v forth_o into_o all_o nation_n second_o this_o show_v the_o fondness_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v grace_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n unto_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v save_v if_o he_o will_v for_o the_o mean_n to_o receive_v grace_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n which_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n never_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o duty_n prescribe_v be_v the_o hold_v fast_o of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o hold_v fast_o here_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n second_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n of_o these_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o cap._n 2.25_o the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o repent_v where_o by_o repentance_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o same_o for_o their_o hardness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o they_o do_v slack_o and_o cold_o practice_v the_o good_a duty_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v use_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v renew_v the_o same_o continual_o &_o that_o not_o for_o gross_a sin_n only_o but_o even_o for_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o for_o our_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o for_o our_o hypocrisy_n and_o decay_v in_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o this_o church_n be_v very_o dead_a and_o dull_a of_o heart_n therefore_o christ_n add_v a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o here_o mark_v christ_n order_n and_o deal_n have_v prescribe_v a_o remedy_n for_o their_o fault_n he_o give_v they_o a_o direction_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o after_o add_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n to_o drive_v they_o thereunto_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v against_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o that_o end_n remember_v my_o word_n hold_v fast_o the_o same_o and_o repent_v then_o look_v as_o a_o thief_n come_v upon_o a_o man_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o spoil_n his_o good_n and_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o his_o child_n so_o will_v i_o come_v on_o thou_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o power_n upon_o thou_o my_o wrath_n whereby_o i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d cut_v the_o throat_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o mean_n to_o escape_v my_o punishment_n here_o christ_n threaten_v sudden_a and_o speedy_a destruction_n but_o yet_o with_o condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o repentance_n now_o because_o we_o be_v like_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a peace_n which_o we_o enjoy_v we_o may_v also_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o threaten_n at_o this_o day_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o dead_a heart_n we_o must_v watch_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o this_o end_n must_v have_v in_o memory_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o repent_v continual_o of_o all_o want_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o then_o be_v the_o vengeance_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o without_o measure_n and_o that_o sudden_o when_o we_o can_v prevent_v they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o will_v move_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o watchfulness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o awake_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o sin_n than_o nothing_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v unavoidable_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n have_v some_o thousand_o year_n allot_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n there_o be_v some_o cause_n why_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o they_o but_o see_v this_o punishment_n be_v eternal_a and_o when_o many_o thousand_o year_n be_v expire_v they_o be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n of_o their_o woe_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v therefore_o it_o must_v stir_v up_o all_o dead_a and_o drowsy_a heart_n unto_o repentance_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o shake_v off_o security_n ignorance_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o every_o sin_n vers._n 4._o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardie_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o thâ—y_n shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n do_v thus_o depend_v upon_o those_o which_o go_v before_o whereas_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o have_v only_o a_o name_n to_o live_v some_o man_n may_v aâ—ke_v how_o it_o can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o this_o christ_n answer_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o though_o the_o great_a part_n in_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n yet_o some_o few_o there_o be_v among_o they_o that_o be_v alive_a in_o christ_n and_o do_v testify_v the_o the_o same_o by_o true_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n in_o this_o coherence_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o instruction_n i._o that_o a_o particular_a congregation_n on_o earth_n be_v make_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o call_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n elect_v therein_o who_o do_v true_o believe_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a true_o beleve_v in_o christ_n &_o particular_a congregation_n be_v member_n of_o it_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o rest_n that_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n but_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n like_v unto_o superfluous_a humour_n which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o no_o part_n thereof_o this_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o teach_v that_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v reject_v in_o god_n decree_n may_v yet_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o this_o coherence_n christ_n intimate_v unto_o we_o a_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o church_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o this_o church_n be_v man_n call_v profess_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o yet_o of_o they_o some_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o other_o be_v alive_a in_o christ._n touch_v this_o distinction_n of_o man_n we_o must_v search_v the_o cause_n thereof_o it_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o power_n or_o will_v in_o man_n but_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v for_o when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelite_n have_v give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n there_o be_v yet_o 11.4_o seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o live_v like_a to_o the_o other_o israelite_n surely_n nothing_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o themselves_o but_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o have_v preserve_v and_o keep_v they_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o erroneous_a and_o false_a the_o divinity_n of_o some_o protestant_n be_v use_n which_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n be_v renew_v by_o grace_n say_v that_o god_n give_v to_o everye_o man_n save_v grace_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o yet_o because_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v still_o remain_v sinful_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o obey_v
of_o god_n for_o he_o will_v try_v we_o wonder_a it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o common_a the_o reproach_n of_o presizenesse_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o know_v that_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o atheist_n that_o may_v discourage_v many_o a_o christian._n but_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trial_n wherein_o hypocrisy_n will_v vanish_v as_o the_o stubble_n before_o the_o fire_n must_v move_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o sincerity_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a we_o shall_v be_v far_o short_a of_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o through_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o hold_v on_o our_o good_a endeavour_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v the_o main_a grace_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n not_o to_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o if_o we_o want_v these_o and_o live_v loose_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v like_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v only_o the_o blaze_a lamp_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n and_o want_v the_o save_a oil_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v make_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n at_o his_o appear_v we_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v if_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o prove_v we_o we_o be_v then_o find_v barren_a and_o void_a of_o sound_a grace_n david_n bethink_v himself_o of_o this_o trial_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v conform_v himself_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o offer_v himself_o unto_o his_o trial_n say_v 2d_o lord_n prove_v i_o meaning_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n not_o of_o the_o perfectness_n of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o hereunto_o must_v we_o endeavour_v not_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o reign_v in_o us._n qu._n but_o how_o be_v this_o promise_n verify_v touch_v their_o deliverance_n from_o persecution_n see_v no_o church_n be_v free_a from_o it_o for_o even_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n whereof_o this_o in_o philadelphia_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o be_v persecute_v by_o traianus_n answ._n this_o and_o such_o like_a promise_n of_o deliverance_n to_o god_n child_n from_o trial_n and_o affliction_n must_v be_v understand_v not_o simple_o but_o with_o condition_n to_o wit_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o may_v be_v hurtful_a unto_o they_o and_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n hinder_v their_o salvation_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v promise_n of_o deliverance_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o temptation_n and_o persecution_n not_o from_o persecution_n and_o temptation_n itself_o psal._n 91.10_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o he_o that_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o plague_n shall_v not_o come_v near_o his_o dwell_n and_o yet_o by_o experience_n we_o know_v that_o god_n child_n in_o general_a plague_n be_v take_v away_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o that_o promise_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o deliverance_n not_o from_o the_o plague_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o hurt_n thereof_o so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o good_a or_o salvation_n of_o any_o in_o the_o godly_a man_n house_n we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o freedom_n from_o all_o temptation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v try_v but_o therein_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v we_o in_o our_o temptation_n or_o give_v we_o up_o whole_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o profit_n and_o not_o to_o our_o hurt_n as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o salvation_n and_o so_o far_o forth_o be_v this_o promise_n accomplish_v to_o this_o church_n use_n the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v most_o comfortable_a to_o god_n church_n and_o people_n teach_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o cross_n in_o any_o temptation_n god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n try_v but_o the_o faithful_a therein_o need_v not_o to_o be_v dismay_v for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n have_v take_v away_o the_o evil_a and_o poison_n of_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n to_o they_o that_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n though_o they_o suffer_v a_o thousand_o cross_n in_o this_o world_n never_o so_o long_o yea_o though_o they_o die_v under_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v put_v comfort_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o distress_a soul_n whatsoever_o &_o revive_v those_o that_o be_v oppress_v with_o temptation_n again_o in_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o with_o restraint_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o petition_n of_o those_o person_n which_o pray_v simple_o and_o absolute_o to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o temptation_n and_o adversity_n be_v not_o according_a to_o god_n will_v and_o word_n for_o every_o petition_n must_v depend_v upon_o some_o promise_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o freedom_n from_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o in_o pray_v against_o temptation_n we_o must_v qualify_v our_o petition_n for_o temporal_a deliverance_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o may_v most_o advance_v god_n glory_n and_o best_o further_a our_o salvation_n quest._n how_o can_v this_o great_a persecution_n be_v call_v but_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n see_v it_o last_v 14._o year_n answ._n in_o diverse_a respect_n it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n 3.3_o with_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n and_o therefore_o 14._o year_n with_o god_n be_v but_o as_o one_o hour_n second_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o punishment_n which_o every_o man_n by_o his_o sin_n deserve_v in_o hell_n eternal_o three_o in_o the_o affection_n of_o god_n people_n which_o be_v try_v when_o jacob_n serve_v laban_n seven_o year_n for_o rahell_n his_o affection_n make_v he_o think_v 20_o it_o be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n so_o when_o god_n child_n suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o consideration_n thereof_o will_v make_v they_o think_v long_a affliction_n to_o be_v but_o short_a this_o affection_n cause_v paul_n to_o wish_v to_o himself_o eternal_a perdition_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o jew_n rom._n 9.3_o the_o end_n of_o this_o phrase_n touch_v the_o shortness_n of_o time_n be_v to_o comfort_v this_o and_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o grievous_a persecution_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o ease_v any_o affliction_n and_o to_o arm_v a_o impatient_a man_n with_o some_o measure_n of_o contentation_n iii_o point_n the_o prophecy_n or_o prediction_n of_o this_o affliction_n be_v in_o these_o word_n which_o will_v come_v on_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n here_o christ_n foretell_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o come_v simple_o by_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o not_o by_o the_o help_n of_o any_o cause_n or_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o hereby_o he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o property_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o true_a god_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o to_o foretell_v a_o thing_n to_o come_v before_o it_o can_v be_v see_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o in_o the_o cause_n thereof_o no_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v so_o absolute_o foretell_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o in_o their_o prediction_n they_o first_o see_v the_o thing_n present_v in_o their_o cause_n unless_o they_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n but_o some_o may_v here_o demand_v whether_o christ_n foreknowledge_n and_o prediction_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o grievous_a persecution_n answ._n not_o so_o for_o thing_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v because_o of_o god_n foreknowledge_n thereof_o but_o because_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o god_n forsee_v &_o foretell_v they_o there_o be_v a_o high_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n than_o prescience_n and_o prediction_n to_o wit_n the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n so_o christ_n be_v say_v 2.23_o to_o be_v deliver_v to_o be_v crucify_v by_o the_o determinate_a will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o same_o eternal_a counsel_n do_v this_o persecution_n under_o trajan_n original_o proceed_v for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o the_o event_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v god_n decree_n either_o orday_v or_o dispose_v the_o same_o it_o will_v be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o be_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n answ._n god_n forbid_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n will_v and_o decree_n be_v
never_o seek_v it_o this_o his_o mercy_n be_v verify_v in_o all_o church_n and_o unto_o we_o which_o must_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o enlarge_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o vouchsafe_v we_o favour_n when_o we_o never_o seek_v it_o but_o refuse_v it_o quest._n how_o do_v christ_n knock_v answ._n the_o word_n go_v before_o whereto_o these_o have_v reference_n give_v light_n unto_o this_o question_n before_o christ_n have_v threaten_v this_o church_n even_o to_o spew_v she_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o her_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o after_o he_o counsel_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o gold_n and_o other_o remedy_n now_o upon_o this_o grievous_a threaten_n the_o church_n may_v despair_v of_o his_o mercy_n but_o christ_n to_o comfort_v she_o tell_v she_o here_o that_o these_o reproof_n and_o rebuke_n be_v but_o knock_v be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o open_a for_o then_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o people_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o mean_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o withal_o give_v they_o coun_fw-fr whereby_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o fearful_a punishment_n thereby_o deserve_v here_o then_o note_v the_o state_n of_o any_o people_n that_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v to_o come_v in_o by_o exhortation_n admonition_n threaten_n and_o by_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a mercy_n first_o see_v we_o have_v christ_n knock_v at_o our_o door_n use_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o we_o such_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n in_o hear_v he_o knock_v if_o a_o man_n of_o any_o account_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o house_n oh_o what_o a_o stir_n will_v we_o make_v to_o let_v he_o in_o quick_o what_o a_o shame_n than_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v dead-harted_n when_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n second_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o with_o all_o speed_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v continue_v knock_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o turn_v before_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o we_o perish_v eternal_o for_o if_o we_o refuse_v when_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n he_o will_v refuse_v when_o we_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n prou._n 1._o 25.26_o mat._n 25.11.12_o note_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o it_o be_v join_v with_o cry_v for_o he_o say_v if_o he_o hear_v my_o voice_n so_o that_o he_o both_o knock_v &_o cry_n it_o be_v then_o the_o knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v enter_v we_o therefore_o ought_v answerable_o with_o serious_a regard_n to_o receive_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v as_o earnest_n in_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o knock_v to_o come_v into_o us._n the_o second_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o set_v down_o the_o true_a use_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o same_o mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v such_o as_o give_v unto_o a_o man_n will_n &_o soul_n a_o action_n in_o his_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v christ._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o it_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o worker_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o word_n and_o man_n will_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a knowledge_n soften_a the_o heart_n and_o change_v the_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o now_o he_o work_v not_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n but_o ordinary_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v hear_v or_o meditate_v either_o public_o or_o private_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o man_n salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o man_v will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o dead_a unto_o grace_n yet_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o conversion_n move_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v turn_v it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n only_o passive_a which_o without_o any_o action_n receive_v impression_n but_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o fire_n do_v bear_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v it_o be_v fire_n so_o the_o will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o move_v not_o yet_o be_v renew_v by_o grace_n it_o move_v and_o so_o some_o as_o it_o move_v it_o be_v renew_v and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v action_n unto_o a_o sinner_n that_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v which_o argue_v not_o that_o by_o themselves_o man_n can_v have_v a_o will_n to_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o be_v renew_v they_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o these_o term_n repent_v and_o believe_v not_o to_o show_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v repent_v or_o believe_v but_o that_o god_n in_o man_n conversion_n do_v give_v he_o grace_v to_o will_n and_o desire_v the_o same_o hence_o than_o it_o follow_v thar_z this_o text_n have_v be_v diverse_a way_n abuse_v first_o by_o the_o papist_n who_o hence_o will_v gather_v free_a will_n of_o conversion_n in_o a_o sinner_n by_o nature_n true_a it_o be_v a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o be_v gather_v hence_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v and_o open_v when_o i_o knock_v nay_o hence_o we_o may_v rather_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v hear_v nor_o open_a because_o the_o counsel_n be_v give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a by_o nature_n second_o they_o also_o abuse_v this_o text_n that_o hereby_o will_v prove_v a_o flexible_a free_a will_n by_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o man_n which_o be_v this_o sundry_a man_n think_v that_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o sin_n god_n give_v a_o general_a grace_n whereby_o any_o man_n may_v will_v and_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o this_o grace_n though_o it_o dispose_v the_o will_n in_o some_o part_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o it_o take_v not_o the_o corruption_n away_o but_o that_o remain_v still_o whereupon_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v receive_v christ_n by_o that_o general_a grace_n or_o if_o he_o will_v not_o he_o may_v refuse_v christ_n by_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o he_o it_o be_v say_v this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o text_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o flexible_a freewill_n all_o that_o can_v here_o be_v gather_v be_v that_o man_n have_v freewill_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o a_o general_a but_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n nay_o christ_n ministry_n serueâ—_n for_o this_o end_n that_o those_o which_o before_o can_v not_o turn_v of_o themselves_o may_v by_o grace_n be_v convert_v this_o flexible_a grace_n be_v against_o god_n word_n christ_n say_v 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o he_o say_v not_o may_v come_v if_o he_o will_v but_o peremptory_o come_v for_o man_n will_n can_v dispose_v and_o over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n 〈◊〉_d god_n overrule_v the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o man_n be_v unwilling_a yet_o when_o god_n call_v effectual_o he_o can_v but_o come_v for_o the_o creature_n can_v reject_v or_o resist_v the_o will_n and_o call_n of_o his_o creator_n if_o any_o man_n open_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v etc._n etc._n the_o proper_a intent_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o conditional_a promise_n be_v to_o provoke_v they_o that_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a to_o listen_v diligent_o to_o christ_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n from_o he_o glad_o in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v our_o duty_n see_v