member_n we_o must_v hate_v that_o he_o hate_v love_v that_o he_o love_v &_o so_o show_v that_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o member_n of_o christ._n ob._n christ_n he_o hate_v wicked_a man_n why_o then_o suffer_v he_o they_o to_o live_v &_o destroy_v they_o not_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o church_n answ._n he_o suffer_v they_o for_o just_a cause_n for_o he_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a light_a out_o of_o darkness_n he_o can_v turn_v that_o which_o be_v most_o wicked_a in_o itself_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o child_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n then_o no_o marvel_v though_o he_o suffer_v they_o which_o he_o hate_v let_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o verse_n christ_n infer_v this_o conclusion_n upon_o the_o former_a word_n it_o contain_v in_o it_o two_o part_n the_o first_o a_o commandment_n the_o second_o a_o promise_n a_o commandment_n let_v he_o that_o have_v ear_n etc._n etc._n a_o promise_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n for_o to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v of_o the_o tree_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o conclusion_n serve_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o former_a thing_n christ_n teach_v she_o in_o the_o commandment_n be_v three_o thing_n the_o first_o who_o be_v command_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n second_o what_o be_v command_v namely_o to_o hear_v three_o the_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v the_o party_n command_v to_o hear_v be_v describe_v they_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n that_o be_v which_o can_v hear_v mat._n 13._o christ_n expound_v it_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v that_o be_v a_o hear_v ear_n he_o must_v hear_v and_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o word_n by_o this_o we_o see_v there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o hearer_n one_o be_v a_o deaf_a hearer_n not_o have_v a_o hear_n ear_n as_o those_o which_o bring_v outward_a and_o bodily_a ear_n to_o the_o word_n but_o not_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o hart_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n they_o can_v obey_v that_o they_o hear_v second_o there_o be_v a_o hear_v hearer_n who_o not_o only_o hear_v with_o the_o outward_a ear_n of_o the_o body_n but_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n pierce_v and_o touch_v have_v new_a ear_n make_v by_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v he_o which_o bring_v both_o the_o ear_n his_o head_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n who_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o believe_v the_o word_n hear_v such_o a_o ear_n have_v david_n the_o lord_n god_n bore_v his_o ear_n and_o make_v he_o new_a ear_n even_o ear_n of_o heart_n my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o have_v new_a ear_n he_o answer_v the_o lord_n lo_o i_o come_v 6._o his_o heart_n hear_v the_o lord_n such_o ear_n have_v isaiah_n send_v i_o such_o have_v lydia_n 17._o her_o ear_n be_v open_v and_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o paul_n word_n the_o lord_n give_v her_o new_a ear_n see_v christ_n make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n on_o earth_n than_o grace_n be_v not_o universal_a save_v grace_n be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o he_o if_o he_o will_v may_v hear_v and_o have_v salvation_n for_o there_o must_v be_v some_o deaf_a hearer_n as_o well_o as_o hear_v hearer_n then_o all_o can_v hear_v nor_o have_v eternal_a life_n see_v all_o can_v come_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o hear_v nay_o though_o god_n admit_v all_o into_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o give_v not_o grace_n to_o every_o one_o to_o hear_v so_o that_o he_o become_v a_o profitable_a hearer_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v by_o hear_v mat._n 13._o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o to_o know_v not_o to_o other_o note_v that_o some_o only_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v to_o know_v his_o will_n and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o same_o see_v the_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o hear_v hearer_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o become_v such_o to_o become_v good_a hearer_n not_o to_o bring_v only_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o only_o ear_n of_o our_o body_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o ear_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n and_o never_o think_v ourselves_o well_o till_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o hear_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o we_o hear_v &_o can_v affect_v the_o same_o and_o be_v change_v and_o turn_v by_o it_o josiah_n hear_v the_o law_n and_o that_o not_o with_o bodily_a ear_n but_o with_o his_o heart_n so_o that_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n according_o david_n psalm_n 26._o god_n bid_v he_o seek_v he_o he_o have_v his_o ear_n bore_v anew_o make_v answer_v lord_n i_o will_v seek_v thy_o face_n take_v heed_n then_o of_o deaf_a ear_n when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o not_o profit_v by_o it_o be_v not_o change_v in_o life_n for_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o man_n hear_v shall_v not_o hear_v nor_o obey_v and_o be_v better_v by_o that_o they_o hear_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v our_o common_a hear_n for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o come_v bring_v our_o bodily_a ear_n to_o the_o word_n but_o our_o heart_n harken_v not_o they_o obey_v not_o that_o we_o hear_v but_o we_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a and_o as_o full_a of_o sin_n as_o ever_o and_o that_o after_o long_o hear_v which_o show_v we_o be_v indeed_o deaf_a hearer_n the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n and_o with_o attention_n to_o add_v faith_n repentance_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v good_a hearer_n than_o we_o must_v hear_v so_o as_o we_o be_v change_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o learn_v to_o believe_v in_o christ._n eph._n 4._o 21._o and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o practise_v and_o obey_v so_o much_o we_o learn_v for_o we_o hear_v no_o further_o than_o we_o obey_v then_o see_v we_o must_v so_o hear_v the_o word_n we_o must_v suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o alter_v labour_v to_o obey_v the_o word_n and_o to_o be_v change_v by_o it_o and_o except_o we_o thus_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o to_o we_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n but_o of_o death_n and_o as_o the_o good_a hear_n be_v the_o ready_a mean_n to_o salvation_n so_o the_o deaf_a hear_n be_v to_o destruction_n the_o three_o point_n which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v hear_v with_o attention_n faith_n &_o obedience_n be_v repentance_n for_o our_o want_n and_o sin_n for_o of_o that_o christ_n speak_v afore_o then_o this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o they_o for_o else_o christ_n will_v not_o have_v add_v these_o word_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n who_o have_v show_v they_o their_o want_n and_o the_o remedy_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o 〈◊〉_d sin_n he_o add_v this_o caveat_n which_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o personal_a want_n use_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o for_o the_o omit_v of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o prevent_n and_o turn_v away_o of_o god_n judgement_n and_o as_o private_a man_n of_o their_o personal_a sin_n so_o must_v country_n &_o city_n in_o general_a remember_v their_o want_n &_o sin_n and_o do_v their_o first_o work_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v two_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o hear_v the_o first_o because_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o trinity_n the_o second_o because_o he_o speak_v not_o to_o one_o or_o two_o but_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o one_o ob._n but_o how_o can_v the_o spirit_n speak_v these_o word_n see_v christ_n speak_v they_o ans._n both_o may_v stand_v for_o all_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o and_o see_v this_o to_o teach_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n it_o belong_v to_o
leader_n 1._o elder_n 50._o salt_n 2._o star_n 10_o angel_n and_o 2._o shepherd_n prophet_n to_o teach_v seer_n to_o foretell_v remembrancer_n to_o put_v in_o mind_n trumpet_n to_o sound_n watchmen_z to_o admonish_v husbandman_n to_o plough_v up_o steward_n to_o distribute_v maiden_n to_o keep_v pure_a the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n fisher_n to_o catch_v man_n leaders_z to_o go_v before_o elder_n to_o govern_v salt_n to_o season_n star_n to_o give_v light_n angel_n to_o declare_v and_o shepherd_n to_o feed_v to_o feed_v i_o say_v sound_o by_o doctrine_n liberal_o by_o charity_n and_o religious_o by_o life_n by_o doctrine_n for_o sacerdos_n sine_fw-la doctrina_fw-la est_fw-la navis_fw-la sine_fw-la velis_fw-la a_o priest_n without_o knowledge_n be_v a_o ship_n without_o sail_n by_o liberality_n for_o pauper_fw-la nihil_fw-la habet_fw-la homo_fw-la adeò_fw-la divinum_fw-la quam_fw-la benefacere_fw-la man_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o like_a god_n then_o in_o do_v good_a by_o life_n for_o cvius_fw-la vita_fw-la despicitur_fw-la eius_fw-la oratio_fw-la contemnitur_fw-la his_o word_n be_v not_o esteem_v who_o life_n be_v not_o approve_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v of_o origen_n quale_n habuit_fw-la verbum_fw-la talem_fw-la habuit_fw-la vitam_fw-la as_o his_o word_n be_v so_o be_v his_o work_n they_o must_v not_o be_v barren_a like_o mount_n 21._o gilboah_n but_o 24._o wean_v as_o samuel_n be_v before_o they_o be_v offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v be_v pure_a water_n if_o they_o will_v cleanse_v other_o and_o more_o than_o whetstone_n if_o they_o will_v sharpen_v other_o they_o must_v be_v in_o 19_o integrity_n abraham_n 3._o in_o meekness_n moses_n 14._o in_o knowledge_n aaron_n 23._o in_o pain_n paul_n 12._o and_o in_o pray_v samuel_n and_o remember_v that_o as_o augustine_n say_v manus_fw-la pauperum_fw-la sunt_fw-la gazophylacium_fw-la christi_fw-la the_o hand_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v the_o treasury_n of_o christ._n i_o need_v not_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o minister_n for_o every_o one_o will_v teach_v he_o his_o duty_n that_o will_v not_o be_v range_v within_o any_o duty_n himself_o these_o church_n be_v then_o like_o 14._o david_n worthy_n excellent_a above_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n but_o because_o they_o lose_v their_o first_o 4._o love_n 10._o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o the_o death_n 14._o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n 20._o suffer_v woman_n to_o teach_v 1._o bear_v a_o name_n only_o to_o live_v 8._o have_v but_o a_o little_a strength_n 16._o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a and_o 21._o repent_v not_o as_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v of_o all_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v reprehend_v by_o john_n threaten_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o candlestick_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o take_v away_o from_o they_o jam_fw-la seges_fw-la est_fw-la ubi_fw-la troia_n fuit_fw-la now_o mahomet_n rage_v where_o messiah_n do_v reign_v be_v they_o reprehend_v let_v we_o hearken_v be_v they_o threaten_v let_v we_o fear_v be_v they_o fall_v let_v we_o labour_n to_o continue_v seneca_n from_o johns_n reprehension_n we_o see_v that_o as_o one_o say_v hereof_o our_o elder_n have_v complain_v hereof_o do_v we_o complain_v and_o hereof_o they_o which_o live_v after_o we_o will_v complain_v that_o man_n wax_v worse_o and_o live_v not_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n from_o christ_n threaten_a we_o see_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a 10._o who_o first_o offer_v peace_n before_o he_o fight_v against_o we_o that_o we_o be_v forewarn_v may_v be_v forearm_v and_o by_o the_o woeful_a downfall_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n let_v 12._o we_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o 2._o old_a world_n who_o despise_v noah_n the_o sodomite_n who_o vex_a lot_n 38._o jerusalem_n which_o abuse_v the_o prophet_n earthquake_n colossa_n hierapolis_n and_o laodicea_n who_o reject_v paul_n and_o these_o asian_a church_n who_o do_v not_o grow_v in_o righteousness_n as_o they_o do_v in_o riches_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v 3._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n these_o sermon_n be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o this_o present_a age_n o_o then_o let_v we_o now_o 13._o consider_v this_o season_n 11._o redeem_v the_o opportunity_n 95._o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n but_o regard_v the_o time_n of_o our_o present_a visitation_n as_o the_o day_n open_v and_o shut_v with_o the_o sun_n so_o salvation_n open_v and_o shut_v with_o the_o gospel_n 13._o whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n let_v we_o hear_v his_o voice_n 5._o he_o that_o labour_v in_o summer_n be_v the_o son_n of_o wisdom_n but_o he_o that_o sleep_v in_o harvest_n be_v the_o son_n of_o confusion_n all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v take_v their_o time_n the_o bird_n to_o build_v her_o nest_n the_o husbandman_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n the_o mariner_n to_o go_v to_o sea_n the_o gardener_n to_o set_v his_o tree_n the_o sick_a patient_a to_o take_v physic_n the_o cook_n to_o season_v meat_n and_o the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n to_o gather_v his_o fruit_n it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o to_o build_v in_o summer_n to_o sow_v in_o harvest_n to_o go_v to_o sea_n when_o the_o ship_n be_v launch_v to_o transplant_v tree_n when_o they_o be_v old_a to_o take_v physic_n when_o we_o be_v die_v to_o season_v meat_n when_o they_o be_v unsavoury_a &_o when_o winter_n be_v come_v to_o gather_v fruit_n the_o 10._o five_o foolish_a virgin_n come_v too_o late_o dives_fw-la 16._o in_o hell_n repent_v too_o late_o the_o time_n present_a be_v only_o we_o be_v the_o figtree_n fruitless_a it_o shall_v hear_v that_o sentence_n seneca_n never_o fruit_n grow_v on_o thou_o any_o more_o 18._o get_v thou_o then_o righteousness_n before_o thou_o come_v to_o judgement_n use_v physic_n before_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o whilst_o thou_o may_v yet_o sin_n show_v thy_o conversion_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v every_o man_n but_o alas_o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n we_o be_v like_o the_o ephesian_n we_o have_v 2._o lose_v our_o first_o love_n or_o the_o laodicean_n we_o be_v 3_o neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a or_o the_o twilight_n neither_o day_n nor_o night_n or_o the_o autumn_n neither_o fair_a nor_o foul_a or_o one_o sick_a of_o a_o ague_n one_o day_n well_o another_o ill_n or_o a_o man_n in_o a_o lethargy_n neither_o alive_a nor_o dead_a or_o hermaphroditus_n neither_o male_a nor_o female_a or_o to_o those_o creature_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o live_v in_o water_n or_o on_o land_n or_o the_o lioness_n which_o the_o often_o she_o breed_v the_o few_o cub_n she_o bear_v or_o the_o mariner_n who_o be_v only_o good_a in_o a_o storm_n or_o the_o marigold_n that_o shut_v and_o open_v with_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o mermaid_n which_o be_v half_a flesh_n half_a fish_n i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o be_v either_o hot_a or_o cold_a that_o as_o the_o hot_a region_n bring_v forth_o sweet_a spice_n so_o most_o zealous_a people_n may_v be_v most_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n that_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n be_v swift_a at_o her_o set_n so_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v best_a at_o their_o end_n but_o be_v it_o so_o no_o the_o more_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o more_o ignorant_a be_v many_o and_o the_o old_a we_o be_v the_o cold_a in_o religion_n we_o have_v indeed_o many_o of_o we_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o aristogîton_n marteâ—_n or_o rather_o religionem_fw-la in_o lingua_fw-la religion_n in_o tongue_n but_o when_o trial_n be_v make_v of_o we_o every_o photion_n photion_n can_v espy_v our_o halt_n and_o then_o with_o 30._o archilochus_n we_o think_v it_o better_a clypeum_fw-la abjicere_fw-la quam_fw-la interire_fw-la even_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n then_o to_o undergo_v the_o least_o disgrace_n for_o religion_n 2._o the_o moon_n desire_v to_o be_v apparel_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o planet_n answer_n be_v make_v she_o that_o her_o diverse_a change_n can_v admit_v no_o kind_n of_o habit_n and_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v attire_v with_o the_o robe_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o since_o we_o tread_v vanity_n not_o the_o moon_n under_o our_o foot_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v clothe_v as_o the_o church_n be_v with_o the_o righteousness_n sun_n who_o be_v wise_a 10._o and_o he_o shall_v understand_v these_o thing_n and_o prudent_a &_o he_o shall_v know_v they_o let_v we_o therefore_o labour_v to_o 19_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n to_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n and_o to_o overcome_v all_o the_o underminer_n of_o our_o future_a salvation_n then_o shall_v we_o 13._o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n taste_v of_o the_o hide_a
they_o as_o he_o say_v those_o my_o enemy_n which_o will_v not_o have_v i_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o 27._o bring_v they_o that_o i_o may_v kill_v they_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o awake_v many_o drowsy_a and_o secure_a professor_n for_o man_n now_o in_o this_o barren_a age_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n take_v pleasure_n in_o sin_n it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v to_o they_o to_o live_v in_o security_n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o hearty_a repentance_n let_v these_o know_v that_o though_o they_o live_v close_o in_o sin_n yet_o christ_n behold_v they_o not_o as_o a_o redeemer_n but_o as_o a_o judge_n with_o fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n ready_a to_o execute_v judgement_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n they_o then_o must_v consider_v their_o own_o estate_n in_o time_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n lest_o that_o they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o snort_v in_o security_n christ_n come_v unaware_o and_o cut_v they_o off_o in_o his_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v to_o fine_a brass_n 15_o the_o word_n signify_v brass_n which_o be_v shine_v for_o substance_n durable_a &_o pure_a the_o very_a choice_n and_o excellent_a kind_n of_o brass_n this_o he_o add_v to_o signify_v the_o invincible_a power_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o encounter_v nay_o have_v already_o encounter_v with_o sin_n and_o satan_n wound_v they_o and_o bruise_v their_o head_n to_o powder_n for_o his_o foot_n be_v strong_a and_o durable_a he_o be_v of_o power_n to_o overcome_v his_o enemy_n to_o tread_v they_o underfoot_o and_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n and_o not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o in_o his_o member_n he_o be_v most_o powerful_a see_v he_o have_v brazen_a foot_n use_v strong_a and_o durable_a to_o overcome_v his_o enemy_n and_o tread_v they_o underfoot_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a comfort_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o if_o they_o be_v exercise_v with_o any_o temptation_n of_o satan_n or_o with_o any_o affliction_n and_o grief_n they_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v but_o seek_v to_o christ_n their_o head_n he_o will_v in_o we_o as_o he_o have_v before_o in_o his_o own_o person_n bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o break_v it_o to_o powder_n let_v we_o then_o put_v our_o cause_n to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o have_v the_o whole_a order_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o so_o if_o sin_n and_o corruption_n hang_v on_o we_o vex_v and_o oppress_v we_o we_o must_v fly_v to_o he_o make_v he_o acquaint_v with_o it_o seek_v help_n from_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o find_v it_o weaken_v and_o wound_v nay_o bruise_a to_o piece_n by_o his_o help_n if_o we_o see_v the_o terror_n of_o death_n we_o must_v not_o fear_v too_o much_o for_o christ_n be_v strong_a and_o able_a to_o overcome_v death_n nay_o he_o encounter_v with_o sin_n and_o satan_n on_o the_o cross_n overcome_v he_o there_o and_o go_v down_o with_o he_o to_o his_o own_o den_n and_o cabin_n and_o there_o vanquish_a death_n so_o that_o he_o have_v subdue_v and_o bring_v he_o under_o foot_n and_o make_v he_o his_o footstool_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a so_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o without_o repent_v live_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o christ_n have_v a_o foot_n of_o brass_n he_o will_v bruise_v they_o in_o piece_n make_v they_o his_o footstool_n and_o with_o his_o brazen_a foot_n grind_v they_o to_o powder_n then_o they_o which_o be_v as_o yet_o enemy_n to_o christ_n must_v turn_v to_o he_o leave_v their_o old_a master_n satan_n come_v to_o he_o else_o he_o will_v break_v they_o to_o nothing_o by_o his_o strong_a and_o brazen_a foot_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n the_o foot_n of_o god_n as_o of_o man_n in_o the_o scripture_n often_o signify_v he_o or_o their_o way_n so_o here_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n signify_v his_o way_n or_o work_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n this_o show_v the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n way_n they_o be_v uncorrupt_a even_o as_o brass_n purify_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o be_v they_o most_o pure_a most_o unspotted_a without_o all_o dross_n all_o his_o way_n his_o counsel_n and_o work_n either_o of_o creation_n or_o preservation_n all_o be_v without_o fault_n the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v uncorrupt_a the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v try_v in_o the_o fire_n he_o be_v a_o shield_n to_o all_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o psal._n 18._o 30._o see_v all_o his_o way_n be_v pure_a and_o most_o holy_a use_v we_o must_v speak_v and_o think_v of_o they_o with_o reverence_n even_o of_o his_o secret_a judgement_n whereof_o we_o know_v no_o cause_n nor_o reason_n we_o must_v reverence_v they_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v pure_a of_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o point_n to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o his_o way_n and_o not_o curious_o to_o search_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o though_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n to_o man_n acknowledge_v they_o as_o holy_a &_o true_a with_o reverence_n for_o all_o christ_n way_n be_v holy_a the_o blind_a man_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o light_n because_o he_o see_v it_o not_o no_o more_o can_v blind_a man_n such_o as_o all_o be_v judge_v of_o work_n hide_v with_o god_n the_o lord_n bid_v abimelech_n give_v sarah_n to_o abraham_n else_o he_o will_v punish_v he_o and_o all_o his_o 20._o what_o reason_n be_v this_o in_o man_n sight_n nay_o it_o seem_v cruelty_n to_o punish_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o so_o achan_n he_o sin_v jos._n 7._o and_o the_o people_n be_v plague_v david_n sin_v 2._o sam._n 12._o the_o child_n die_v and_o he_o sin_v again_o 2._o sam._n 24._o the_o people_n be_v plague_v what_o reason_n can_v man_n give_v of_o these_o these_o seem_v all_o contrary_n to_o reason_n in_o man_n judgement_n but_o we_o must_v reverence_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o good_a pure_a and_o holy_a though_o we_o see_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o of_o they_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v some_o to_o cast_v off_o other_o some_o now_o this_o seem_v cruelty_n to_o man_n nay_o some_o hold_v it_o a_o action_n of_o cruelty_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v withhold_v his_o mercy_n from_o one_o and_o show_v it_o to_o another_o but_o they_o sin_n see_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n that_o he_o in_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v some_o to_o reject_v other_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o of_o this_o we_o must_v reverence_v it_o and_o hold_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a counsel_n and_o his_o voice_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n this_o he_o add_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v the_o loudness_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o voice_n because_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v go_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v sound_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o to_o show_v the_o power_n force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o voice_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o his_o creature_n christ_n before_o all_o thing_n be_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o at_o his_o word_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v lazarus_n lie_v rot_v in_o his_o grave_n yet_o he_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o thousand_o trumpet_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o rise_v up_o nay_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v dead_a six_o thousand_o year_n even_o those_o shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o loud_a and_o great_a voice_n a_o powerful_a and_o effectnall_a voice_n see_v this_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o loud_a and_o powerful_a a_o voice_n that_o the_o dead_a be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o 1._o this_o show_v the_o security_n and_o deadness_n of_o those_o man_n which_o 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stand_v all_o true_a happiness_n and_o joy_n eternal_a see_v it_o fear_v john_n that_o he_o be_v as_o dead_a 1_o we_o see_v that_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n to_o humble_a man_n to_o cast_v he_o down_o and_o make_v he_o know_v he_o be_v nothing_o in_o himself_o so_o soon_o as_o john_n perceive_v and_o see_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v as_o dead_a &_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n so_o abraham_n the_o more_o he_o perceive_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o more_o he_o humble_v himself_o confess_v he_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n and_o peter_n luke_n 5._o 8_o 9_o 10._o see_v but_o a_o glimmer_n of_o christ_n majesty_n and_o might_n he_o bid_v he_o depart_v from_o he_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n so_o esa._n 6._o 2._o the_o angel_n cover_v themselves_o with_o their_o wing_n with_o three_z they_o cover_v their_o face_n and_o with_o 3._o their_o foot_n as_o fear_v and_o not_o able_a to_o behold_v his_o 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of_o christ_n no_o more_o can_v his_o work_n then_o damnable_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v have_v man_n to_o stand_v at_o god_n bar_n and_o bring_v their_o work_n as_o part_v of_o their_o justification_n but_o our_o work_n be_v but_o in_o part_n holy_a no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o in_o part_n just_a now_o follow_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o fear_n in_o s._n johns_n body_n point_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a but_o a_o great_a fear_n which_o astonish_v his_o sense_n make_v he_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n physician_n say_v that_o the_o mind_n follow_v the_o constitution_n and_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n but_o we_o may_v here_o as_o true_o say_v the_o body_n follow_v the_o temperature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o mind_n can_v work_v that_o on_o the_o body_n which_o other_o disease_n can_v work_v it_o can_v cast_v man_n into_o a_o swoon_n make_v the_o body_n cold_a and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o disease_n work_v in_o the_o body_n so_o ahab_n be_v grieve_v and_o fear_v he_o can_v not_o get_v naboths_n vineyard_n be_v sick_a and_o almost_o dead_a so_o then_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o hatred_n etc._n etc._n can_v change_v &_o kill_v the_o body_n therefore_o the_o body_n follow_v the_o temperature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o mind_n again_o we_o see_v disease_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o art_n and_o physic_n but_o often_o when_o physic_n can_v help_v the_o body_n be_v cure_v by_o order_v and_o compose_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n see_v these_o can_v order_v and_o dispose_v the_o body_n and_o change_v it_o as_o their_o nature_n be_v then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v the_o kind_n of_o fear_n i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a etc._n etc._n show_v it_o be_v a_o godly_a &_o religious_a reverence_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o john_n for_o this_o kind_n of_o prostrate_v the_o body_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o godly_a reverence_n and_o religious_a fear_n we_o must_v learn_v by_o this_o example_n use_v to_o cast_v down_o ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n as_o john_n do_v and_o to_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o his_o foot_n ob._n but_o some_o may_v say_v christ_n be_v not_o present_a we_o can_v now_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n see_v he_o be_v in_o heaven_n answ._n though_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n yet_o he_o have_v his_o footstool_n on_o earth_n and_o his_o foot_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n for_o the_o mercy_n seat_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n presence_n though_o that_o be_v take_v away_o god_n have_v yet_o his_o footstool_n on_o earth_n psal._n 99_o 5._o for_o wheresoever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v assemble_v to_o pray_v unto_o he_o there_o be_v christ_n true_o present_a and_o there_o be_v his_o footstool_n and_o there_o shall_v we_o cast_v down_o ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n he_o be_v there_o present_a now_o though_o s._n johns_n fear_n be_v a_o godly_a fear_n yet_o it_o be_v stain_v with_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v join_v with_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a affection_n of_o righteous_a man_n they_o have_v their_o imperfection_n they_o be_v stain_v with_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v sanctify_v but_o in_o part_n and_o in_o part_n be_v corrupt_a and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n which_o have_v true_a filial_a fear_n but_o he_o have_v withal_o a_o servile_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n the_o mean_n follow_v whereby_o christ_n confirm_v john_n then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n in_o this_o note_n two_o thing_n first_o when_o he_o use_v this_o mean_n second_o the_o mean_n itself_o the_o time_n when_o then_o that_o be_v after_o christ_n by_o his_o presence_n have_v smite_v he_o cast_v he_o down_o and_o lay_v he_o as_o dead_a then_o he_o use_v mean_n of_o confirmation_n and_o comfort_n and_o this_o be_v god_n practice_n first_o to_o humble_v a_o man_n and_o cast_v he_o down_o break_v he_o and_o bruise_v he_o to_o powder_n then_o he_o have_v make_v he_o pliable_a and_o fit_a to_o receive_v grace_n after_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v he_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n second_o a_o man_n must_v be_v wound_v then_o have_v oil_n pour_v in_o and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o lose_a sheep_n after_o christ_n will_v bring_v he_o home_o again_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o profit_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o by_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v not_o first_o humble_v and_o cast_v down_o and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v christ_n comfortable_o offer_v himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n now_o follow_v the_o mean_n themselves_o which_o be_v two_o the_o first_o a_o sign_n then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n second_o his_o word_n say_v fear_v not_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o use_v a_o part_n neither_o the_o sign_n nor_o the_o word_n alone_o but_o he_o use_v both_o mean_n more_o to_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v s._n john_n so_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o moses_n exod._n 3._o 12._o he_o first_o give_v he_o the_o word_n i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o to_o comfort_v thou_o and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o the_o sign_n he_o must_v offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n as_o a_o sign_n 4._o so_o to_o ahaz_n though_o a_o wicked_a king_n he_o give_v he_o his_o word_n to_o comfort_n and_o confirm_v he_o and_o vers_fw-la 11._o he_o bid_v he_o ask_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o so_o christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v his_o word_n and_o confirm_v the_o same_o by_o miracle_n now_o he_o give_v we_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o add_v sign_n and_o seal_n to_o confirm_v they_o namely_o his_o sacrament_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v exceed_v care_n of_o his_o child_n and_o of_o his_o church_n see_v he_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o he_o give_v they_o not_o only_o his_o word_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a 1._o but_o for_o our_o weakness_n he_o add_v sign_n to_o confirm_v we_o condescend_v thus_o to_o our_o capacity_n to_o take_v from_o we_o all_o doubt_n and_o to_o give_v we_o assurance_n even_o out_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o use_v the_o mean_n as_o here_o first_o he_o use_v the_o sign_n 2._o the_o word_n then_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o john_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o protection_n and_o after_o bid_v he_o not_o to_o fear_v by_o this_o order_n we_o see_v that_o the_o very_a assurance_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n be_v a_o present_a remedy_n against_o all_o fear_n
sure_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o if_o one_o look_v and_o view_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o osea_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n every_o man_n seek_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o way_n none_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v he_o beside_o they_o be_v altogether_o carnal_a fleshly_a dead_a and_o drown_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n none_o affect_v thing_n belong_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o all_o man_n in_o general_a lie_n in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n in_o they_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n have_v wrap_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o security_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v never_o dream_v of_o the_o evil_a day_n though_o god_n preach_v daily_o by_o his_o judgement_n to_o they_o again_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n want_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n the_o cruelty_n which_o abound_v in_o all_o man_n oppression_n whoredom_n fornication_n these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n now_o in_o our_o day_n rife_o in_o every_o place_n these_o be_v common_a sin_n call_v for_o vengeance_n which_o will_v come_v undoubted_o unless_o we_o repent_v so_o that_o christ_n can_v speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o this_o church_n but_o in_o a_o contrary_a voice_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o common_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n yet_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o remnant_n who_o lament_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o they_o must_v take_v to_o they_o christian_a fortitude_n &_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n &_o of_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v and_o bold_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n to_o maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o let_v they_o first_o consider_v that_o they_o which_o fear_v distrustful_o must_v have_v a_o miserable_a portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n reu._n 21._o 8._o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o this_o reward_n let_v we_o go_v on_o fear_v nothing_o 2_o they_o must_v consider_v god_n presence_n he_o be_v by_o they_o ready_a to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o psalm_n 34._o 12._o 2._o king_n 6._o elishah_n servant_n see_v in_o dothan_n a_o huge_a army_n which_o beset_v he_o and_o his_o master_n he_o say_v be_v not_o afraid_a for_o they_o which_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o these_o against_o us._n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n and_o that_o god_n angel_n will_v defend_v and_o guard_v he_o so_o shall_v all_o man_n in_o danger_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o persuade_v themselves_o god_n be_v present_a he_o have_v his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v his_o child_n 3_o god_n child_n must_v consider_v in_o peril_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n paul_n he_o account_v it_o his_o chief_a honour_n nay_o he_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n then_o if_o suffer_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v such_o a_o honourable_a thing_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n &_o affliction_n whatsoever_o but_o those_o which_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o present_a day_n of_o misery_n nor_o have_v not_o this_o perfect_a fortitude_n they_o must_v lament_v and_o howl_v lest_o the_o evil_a day_n take_v they_o unprovided_a the_o next_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o this_o church_n must_v suffer_v but_o before_o he_o propound_v the_o affliction_n he_o set_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n often_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n before_o hand_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n judgement_n and_o correction_n before_o they_o come_v lest_o we_o perish_v in_o they_o for_o christ_n luk._n 19_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o she_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n because_o she_o will_v not_o think_v of_o her_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n forotel_v and_o show_v her_o final_a destruction_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o they_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o he_o which_o can_v foretell_v all_o future_a thing_n in_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v contingent_a he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n but_o christ_n foretell_v their_o particular_a affliction_n to_o come_v ergo_fw-la he_o be_v god_n ob._n but_o the_o physician_n can_v foretell_v the_o death_n of_o his_o patient_n the_o astronomer_n the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o come_v answ._n they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o mean_n the_o physician_n foretell_v by_o the_o cause_n and_o sign_n he_o see_v in_o the_o party_n by_o which_o death_n be_v in_o â—ort_n present_a so_o the_o astronomer_n by_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n can_v foretell_v a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o course_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o eclipse_n be_v present_a but_o without_o these_o sign_n and_o cause_n they_o can_v simple_o but_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n or_o cause_n simple_o foretell_v this_o affliction_n in_o particular_a to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n christ_n describe_v the_o affliction_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o devil_n second_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o three_o the_o kind_n imprisonment_n four_a the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o five_o the_o time_n ten_o day_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n ob._n but_o how_o can_v he_o afflict_v they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o deal_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o man_n ans._n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o rule_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o they_o direct_v their_o thought_n will_n affection_n so_o as_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o move_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v they_o in_o prison_n now_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o persecution_n we_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n those_o be_v which_o persecute_v the_o church_n namely_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n move_v and_o rule_v by_o he_o notorious_a wicked_a wretch_n which_o have_v satan_n for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n 2._o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n see_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o he_o to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o for_o he_o which_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o religion_n in_o word_n or_o action_n he_o in_o that_o action_n be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n lead_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o action_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n satan_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a agent_n he_o be_v his_o slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o be_v as_o a_o soldier_n under_o his_o band_n again_o learn_v we_o to_o take_v pity_n on_o all_o such_o person_n see_v they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n lead_v and_o move_v by_o he_o yea_o even_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecutor_n furthermore_o the_o weapon_n we_o must_v have_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o persecution_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a see_v our_o enemy_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v use_v invocation_n and_o prayer_n fast_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o which_o we_o show_v our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o this_o weapon_n of_o prayer_n elias_n be_v call_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a enemy_n among_o we_o then_o be_v indeed_o the_o soldier_n to_o be_v use_v but_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n that_o must_v be_v our_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n the_o
short_o 16._o after_o the_o remedy_n follow_v a_o twofold_a reason_n to_o enforce_v and_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o the_o former_a doctrine_n first_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n second_o concern_v the_o nicolaitane_n hold_v and_o practise_v of_o these_o two_o sin_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o reason_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o repent_v for_o these_o sin_n want_v of_o zeal_n and_o other_o thy_o particular_a sin_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o to_o punish_v and_o plague_v thou_o for_o the_o lord_n as_o i_o have_v say_v he_o come_v either_o in_o mercy_n or_o in_o judgement_n now_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o not_o to_o help_v they_o but_o to_o execute_v judgement_n on_o they_o to_o punish_v they_o so_o isaiah_n 30._o 27._o christ_n say_v not_o i_o will_v but_o i_o come_v to_o thou_o express_v the_o time_n to_o come_v by_o the_o time_n present_a to_o certify_v they_o that_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o he_o will_v most_o sure_o come_v as_o certain_o as_o if_o he_o do_v now_o come_v to_o they_o in_o this_o threaten_n we_o see_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o be_v learn_v of_o all_o that_o if_o any_o church_n or_o people_n will_v not_o repent_v than_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v to_o they_o in_o judgement_n to_o punish_v they_o as_o by_o sundry_a example_n we_o may_v see_v the_o lord_n have_v do_v in_o our_o church_n and_o people_n though_o some_o do_v repent_v yet_o for_o the_o common_a body_n of_o the_o people_n they_o do_v not_o but_o they_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n have_v no_o care_n to_o know_v god_n will_n and_o if_o they_o know_v it_o yet_o no_o care_n to_o obey_v the_o same_o but_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n continue_v in_o their_o sin_n see_v their_o case_n be_v such_o who_o can_v not_o out_o of_o god_n word_n in_o good_a conscience_n foretell_v and_o prophesy_v by_o this_o general_a rule_n that_o god_n will_v come_v against_o they_o short_o to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o and_o to_o plague_v they_o though_o we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o and_o think_v all_o be_v well_o yet_o we_o must_v assure_v ourselves_o he_o can_v but_o come_v unless_o we_o repent_v this_o shall_v then_o move_v we_o all_o to_o repent_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n crave_v pardon_n purpose_n newness_n of_o life_n desire_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v in_o christ_n be_v reconcile_v to_o each_o of_o we_o and_o promise_n and_o perform_v ever_o after_o new_a obedience_n if_o we_o do_v repent_v daily_o for_o new_a and_o particular_a sin_n than_o we_o shall_v stay_v the_o lord_n prevent_v his_o come_n to_o punish_v we_o but_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n assure_v ourselves_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a of_o his_o promise_n he_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n against_o us._n the_o second_o reason_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o nicolaitan_o with_o who_o he_o will_v fight_v that_o be_v be_v at_o enmity_n with_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o in_o wage_n battle_n with_o they_o see_v they_o hold_v these_o two_o gross_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o preach_v and_o publilish_v of_o the_o word_n the_o ministry_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n among_o man_n in_o which_o word_n he_o still_o allude_v to_o the_o do_v of_o balaam_n as_o in_o the_o doctrine_n so_o in_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n for_o when_o balaam_n curse_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o angel_n stand_v against_o he_o to_o stay_v and_o hinder_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v he_o see_v the_o angel_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o angel_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n but_o after_o see_v he_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v but_o go_v to_o curse_v the_o people_n he_o perish_v by_o the_o sword_n numb_a 31._o even_o so_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o nicolaitane_n as_o he_o do_v with_o balaam_n see_v they_o go_v on_o still_o in_o wickedness_n he_o fight_v with_o they_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n he_o withstand_v they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n but_o if_o they_o will_v needs_o go_v on_o than_o he_o fight_v not_o to_o reclaim_v they_o but_o to_o slay_v they_o as_o he_o do_v balaam_n but_o i_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o not_o kill_v thou_o for_o christ_n he_o intend_v not_o at_o the_o first_o to_o slay_v they_o but_o to_o withstand_v they_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o but_o after_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o stay_v to_o destroy_v they_o as_o he_o do_v balaam_n see_v christ_n come_v against_o the_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a 1_o not_o to_o kill_v they_o but_o to_o withstand_v and_o hinder_v they_o at_o the_o first_o we_o see_v his_o wonderful_a patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a man_n so_o gen._n 6._o the_o lord_n strive_v and_o wrestle_v with_o the_o old_a world_n one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o noah_n and_o genes_n 16._o he_o bear_v with_o the_o amorites_n till_o their_o sin_n be_v come_v to_o the_o full_a and_o he_o bear_v with_o the_o egyptian_n many_o hundred_o year_n nay_o the_o jew_n after_o they_o have_v kill_v christ_n be_v not_o straight_o way_n consume_v but_o the_o lord_n suffer_v they_o fifty_o year_n so_o the_o lord_n suffer_v sinner_n the_o blasphemer_n adulterer_n and_o cruel_a man_n to_o live_v come_v often_o to_o they_o by_o his_o word_n not_o to_o kill_v they_o at_o first_o but_o to_o win_v and_o reclaim_v they_o and_o so_o every_o one_o of_o we_o feel_v his_o mercy_n in_o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v and_o cast_v we_o into_o hell_n so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v bear_v yet_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v some_o twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o time_n and_o space_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o christ._n then_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o take_v this_o time_n of_o god_n patience_n not_o to_o let_v it_o slip_v but_o haste_n to_o repentance_n ere_o the_o time_n of_o patience_n be_v end_v the_o old_a world_n have_v one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o patience_n but_o neglect_v it_o they_o perish_v the_o time_n of_o mercy_n be_v end_v see_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v noah_n therefore_o they_o be_v now_o in_o prison_n 20._o that_o be_v in_o hell_n again_o in_o that_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v come_v thus_o against_o the_o nicolaitane_n we_o see_v that_o they_o which_o repent_v not_o have_v god_n for_o their_o enemy_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n sin_n be_v call_v rebellion_n against_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n to_o have_v god_n man_n enemy_n let_v we_o then_o repent_v that_o we_o may_v have_v god_n a_o friend_n to_o we_o as_o he_o be_v to_o abraham_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v to_o his_o disciple_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o and_o fight_v against_o thou_o here_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n he_o can_v divide_v the_o word_n aright_o give_v promise_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v and_o threaten_n to_o who_o they_o belong_v for_o judgement_n and_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v propound_v to_o all_o equal_o but_o there_o must_v be_v regard_n have_v of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n for_o judgement_n some_o be_v temporal_a which_o must_v be_v threaten_v to_o the_o penitent_a some_o eternal_a and_o those_o to_o the_o impenitent_a so_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v make_v not_o hand_n over_o head_n but_o with_o respect_n condition_n limitation_n and_o restraint_n to_o propound_v either_o promise_n or_o threaten_n otherwise_o be_v not_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n not_o to_o kill_v they_o but_o to_o resist_v and_o withstand_v they_o which_o repent_v not_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o win_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o wicked_a way_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o repent_v then_o to_o drown_v they_o in_o perdition_n and_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o this_o congregation_n we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n this_o 36_o year_n publish_v and_o preach_v to_o we_o the_o lord_n have_v rebuke_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o yet_o we_o still_o abide_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n the_o lord_n still_o come_v against_o we_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n still_o check_n we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o control_v the_o wicked_a idolater_n atheist_n fornicator_n &_o
be_v excellent_a man_n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n hence_o arise_v two_o question_n first_o why_o some_o man_n be_v rather_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n then_o other_o some_o second_o whether_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v seduce_v for_o the_o first_o some_o say_v god_n will_v have_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n his_o servant_n &_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o make_v they_o so_o he_o call_v they_o redeem_v they_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o be_v his_o child_n reconcile_v they_o to_o himself_o so_o that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v now_o some_o will_v not_o for_o all_o this_o receive_v god_n grace_n but_o contemn_v his_o mercy_n though_o he_o call_v they_o redeem_v they_o and_o give_v they_o grace_n but_o this_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n to_o make_v god_n will_v in_o subjection_n &_o man_n will_n to_o rule_v to_o disgrace_n god_n and_o set_a man_n aloft_o to_o make_v god_n will_v to_o be_v order_v by_o man_n will_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n not_o all_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n in_o elect_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o for_o he_o elect_v not_o all_o to_o grace_n and_o glory_n but_o some_o only_a and_o these_o be_v his_o servant_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n act._n 13._o 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o life_n that_o be_v elect_v and_o redeem_v of_o god_n free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o believe_v the_o second_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v be_v seduce_v answ._n servant_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v only_o in_o appearance_n some_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n those_o be_v only_o in_o appearance_n which_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o outward_a seal_n but_o not_o the_o inward_a fruit_n and_o these_o be_v in_o our_o church_n the_o great_a part_n these_o may_v fall_v away_o final_o and_o whole_o as_o do_v the_o galatian_n and_o many_o other_o but_o those_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o may_v fall_v in_o part_n yet_o they_o can_v fall_v whole_o or_o final_o mat._n 16._o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v strive_v &_o show_v their_o strength_n against_o that_o rock_n of_o faith_n but_o shall_v not_o prevail_v so_o we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v let_v we_o never_o be_v whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n now_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n for_o it_o and_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o constant_a purpose_n to_o live_v in_o any_o on_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o preserve_v it_o in_o life_n and_o death_n ergo_fw-la a_o true_a believer_n can_v fall_v whole_o or_o final_o to_o come_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o discern_v they_o it_o be_v by_o commit_v fornication_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n she_o make_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o sin_n by_o these_o two_o sin_n and_o mean_n which_o show_v she_o be_v a_o maintainer_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n of_o who_o i_o speak_v before_o and_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v 21._o christ_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n before_o for_o suffer_v she_o here_o he_o reprove_v she_o for_o her_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o she_o will_v not_o repent_v of_o her_o sin_n time_n to_o repent_v that_o be_v though_o her_o sin_n deserve_v present_a death_n yet_o god_n suffer_v she_o to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n a_o space_n of_o time_n to_o see_v if_o she_o will_v repent_v now_o in_o her_o example_n he_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o use_v time_n while_o we_o live_v in_o the_o world_n namely_o see_v it_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o so_o to_o come_v to_o salvation_n we_o must_v use_v it_o so_o &_o repent_v while_o we_o have_v time_n for_o that_o cause_n he_o let_v some_o live_v twenty_o or_o forty_o year_n for_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n before_o we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n or_o after_o we_o go_v out_o therefore_o while_o we_o live_v in_o it_o we_o must_v repent_v then_o we_o must_v think_v of_o it_o earnest_o that_o we_o use_v it_o to_o repent_v in_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n receive_v to_o mercy_n and_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o damnable_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o day_n when_o man_n live_v in_o eat_v drink_v sport_v card_v &_o dice_v in_o spend_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n in_o get_v riches_n never_o think_v of_o the_o true_a end_n why_o they_o live_v which_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o come_v to_o salvation_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n he_o give_v they_o to_o repent_v other_o way_n the_o lord_n may_v cut_v they_o off_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v yet_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v to_o see_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v then_o if_o they_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n they_o increase_v their_o damnation_n and_o do_v as_o a_o man_n shall_v every_o day_n carry_v a_o faggot_n for_o ten_o year_n to_o one_o heap_n and_o be_v burn_v himself_o with_o they_o at_o the_o end_n i_o give_v she_o namely_o christ_n give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v no_o creature_n no_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v dispose_v of_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n but_o only_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n alone_o when_o one_o must_v repent_v or_o not_o then_o see_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n it_o be_v best_o for_o we_o to_o repent_v without_o delay_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n the_o young_a man_n take_v his_o swinge_n because_o he_o be_v young_a as_o though_o he_o can_v repent_v in_o old_a age_n or_o when_o he_o list_v but_o he_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n for_o he_o alone_o can_v dispose_v of_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n then_o take_v the_o present_a who_o know_v when_o the_o lord_n will_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o then_o his_o estate_n be_v miserable_a we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v repent_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o defer_v see_v he_o may_v die_v quiet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sickness_n yet_o may_v die_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o to_o who_o give_v christ_n this_o time_n to_o she_o that_o be_v jesabel_n a_o wicked_a woman_n here_o we_o see_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o offer_v mercy_n to_o jesabel_n a_o lewd_a wicked_a fornicator_n &_o idolater_n a_o blasphemous_a wretch_n father_v her_o sin_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o she_o have_v mercy_n offer_v so_o the_o lord_n deal_v not_o in_o justice_n to_o cut_v man_n off_o but_o give_v grievous_a sinner_n time_n to_o repent_v so_o do_v he_o to_o manaess_n a_o wizard_n and_o idolater_n who_o humble_v himself_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n solomon_n a_o idolater_n yet_o repent_v be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n ergo_fw-la a_o holy_a man_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 20._o isaiah_n 1_o the_o jew_n a_o sinful_a people_n as_o ill_o as_o they_o which_o be_v in_o hell_n the_o sodomite_n and_o gomorrhean_n they_o have_v mercy_n offer_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o red_a as_o crimson_a yet_o god_n will_v wash_v they_o as_o white_a as_o snow_n we_o may_v not_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o sin_n but_o they_o which_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n must_v not_o despair_v if_o they_o can_v repent_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n of_o her_o fornication_n she_o have_v sundry_a sin_n especial_o idolatry_n which_o can_v want_v company_n for_o no_o sin_n go_v alone_o christ_n call_v she_o to_o repent_v for_o that_o one_o sin_n of_o fornication_n because_o that_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a sin_n the_o head_n sin_n of_o that_o woman_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o repent_v we_o must_v begin_v with_o our_o great_a sin_n which_o most_o clog_v our_o conscience_n and_o by_o which_o we_o offend_v most_o again_o he_o which_o can_v repent_v true_o of_o one_o great_a sin_n he_o repent_v of_o all_o if_o he_o hate_v the_o great_a he_o will_v hate_v the_o lesser_a then_o we_o in_o repentance_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o repent_v in_o particular_a for_o it_o for_o confuse_a repentance_n be_v not_o true_a as_o to_o say_v i_o be_o a_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n but_o repentance_n in_o particular_a for_o particular_a sin_n begin_v at_o the_o head_n sin_n which_o most_o trouble_v we_o that_o be_v true_a repentance_n see_v christ_n say_v he_o give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v free_a will_n namely_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o repent_v for_o else_o this_o admonition_n be_v in_o vain_a but_o it_o follow_v not_o for_o god_n give_v
yea_o though_o they_o preach_v it_o oftentimes_o but_o they_o must_v look_v that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o ease_v but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o hearer_n hear_v the_o minister_n repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o curious_o to_o reprehend_v he_o for_o than_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reprehend_v christ_n himself_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v here_o then_o be_v a_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v this_o hear_n be_v the_o good_a learning_n that_o bring_v true_a faith_n salvation_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o it_o but_o to_o who_o be_v this_o commandment_n give_v to_o hear_v hearer_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n but_o with_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n hence_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v to_o all_o man_n grace_v to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o their_o salvation_n second_o that_o we_o must_v so_o hear_v that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o change_v but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n teach_v to_o the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v attentive_o he_o use_v a_o double_a reason_n one_o draw_v from_o the_o speaker_n another_o from_o the_o auditor_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o before_o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v 14._o etc._n etc._n as_o before_o all_o the_o other_o epistle_n so_o before_o this_o last_o epistle_n there_o be_v a_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n to_o write_v it_o and_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o the_o former_a have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o the_o matter_n three_o a_o conclusion_n first_o of_o the_o preface_n wherein_o christ_n be_v describe_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v pen_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o his_o name_n and_o title_n amen_o a_o faithful_a witness_n second_o by_o his_o privilege_n and_o property_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o crature_n amen_n be_v a_o adverb_n of_o affirmation_n or_o asseveration_n signify_v true_o very_o &_o certain_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v be_v render_v in_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v which_o be_v a_o commentary_n and_o full_a exposition_n of_o this_o the_o faithful_a witness_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v call_v amen_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o there_o i_o expound_v it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v repeat_v the_o head_n only_o of_o that_o exposition_n he_o be_v call_v a_o witness_n between_o god_n the_o father_n and_o we_o because_o he_o do_v not_o only_o reveal_v the_o father_n will_n to_o we_o but_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n inward_a and_o outward_a but_o of_o all_o testimony_n that_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o for_o these_o three_o respect_n he_o be_v thus_o term_v first_o because_o he_o do_v reveal_v it_o and_o seal_v it_o and_o ratify_v it_o by_o inward_a and_o outward_a testimony_n second_o because_o he_o will_v accomplish_v his_o father_n wil._n 2._o cor._n 1._o 20._o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a witness_n three_o he_o be_v call_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o which_o he_o reveal_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o he_o say_v as_o the_o thing_n be_v without_o error_n or_o falsehood_n nay_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n now_o the_o use_n and_o the_o end_n why_o here_o christ_n be_v so_o call_v if_o we_o do_v but_o read_v the_o epistle_n and_o mark_v the_o content_n we_o may_v guess_v probable_o at_o the_o end_n which_o be_v that_o he_o may_v show_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o ministry_n therefore_o christ_n instruct_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n teach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o to_o all_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o all_o christian_n he_o propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n he_o will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n even_o as_o he_o be_v this_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n word_n become_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v whereby_o we_o make_v good_a all_o our_o word_n oath_n and_o promise_n truth_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n without_o lie_v deceit_n or_o fraud_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o i_o say_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o and_o other_o good_a and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n set_a we_o this_o example_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n so_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o show_v ourselves_o true_a in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o speech_n and_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o our_o promise_n these_o be_v excellent_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christian_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v know_v by_o these_o to_o be_v like_o christ._n the_o second_o end_n of_o this_o title_n be_v to_o induce_v this_o church_n to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n effectual_o for_o it_o be_v faulty_a in_o this_o point_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o this_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n how_o shall_v they_o do_v this_o thus_o consider_v in_o the_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o commandment_n promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o apply_v they_o particular_o every_o man_n to_o himself_o the_o commandment_n to_o know_v sin_n the_o threaten_n to_o humble_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v god_n grace_n see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o luke_n 15._o in_o the_o prodigal_a son_n i_o have_v sin_v and_o be_o not_o worthy_a etc._n etc._n so_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n humble_v themselves_o no_o man_n can_v true_o be_v humble_v till_o he_o make_v this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n which_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v now_o the_o gospel_n also_o must_v be_v thus_o apply_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a but_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o further_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o proof_n see_v phil._n 3._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o sum_n be_v this_o he_o esteem_v all_o thing_n loss_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n now_o mark_v the_o fifteen_o verse_n let_v so_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o apply_v christ_n to_o our_o own_o person_n thus_o be_v we_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o apply_v the_o gospel_n to_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o so_o he_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v 1._o john_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n and_o reason_n why_o christ_n call_v himself_o so_o that_o man_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o word_n in_o general_a but_o apply_v it_o in_o particular_a to_o themselves_o the_o not_o do_v of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o negligence_n in_o religion_n of_o so_o many_o lukewarm_a christian_n and_o professor_n therefore_o let_v we_o all_o learn_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v the_o word_n no_o nor_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n to_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v true_o humble_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n therefore_o justify_v faith_n be_v that_o which_o apply_v in_o particular_a now_o the_o second_o title_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n col._n 1._o 16._o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o creation_n he_o be_v so_o call_v yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a cause_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v here_o namely_o because_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o ephes._n 1._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v
he_o use_v mean_n to_o enter_v when_o they_o have_v bar_v he_o out_o mark_v the_o unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o christ_n they_o by_o their_o sin_n stop_v christ_n from_o enter_v yet_o he_o pursue_v they_o with_o mercy_n and_o offer_v mercy_n to_o they_o that_o refuse_v it_o and_o content_v themselves_o to_o lie_v and_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o flee_v from_o god_n the_o lord_n seek_v he_o out_o and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o he_o so_o isaiah_n 65._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o never_o seek_v he_o they_o that_o never_o dream_v of_o mercy_n sound_a mercy_n 15._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n that_o sheep_n which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o wild_a beast_n christ_n seek_v it_o up_o and_o bring_v it_o home_o all_o these_o place_n tend_v to_o one_o end_n to_o show_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o church_n yea_o in_o this_o of_o we_o if_o we_o have_v mercy_n we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o seek_v it_o nay_o when_o we_o refuse_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v this_o shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o magnify_v christ_n for_o his_o mercy_n we_o shall_v not_o let_v pass_v such_o consideration_n as_o these_o but_o rather_o break_v out_o into_o praise_n of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v a_o bottomless_a sea_n quest._n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o he_o knock_v answ._n the_o word_n precedent_n show_v the_o sense_n for_o these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o they_o he_o say_v before_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o then_o he_o give_v they_o counsel_n now_o by_o so_o sharp_a a_o rebuke_n they_o may_v have_v despair_v therefore_o he_o show_v that_o by_o this_o threaten_n and_o rebuke_v and_o counsel_n he_o knock_v that_o they_o may_v perceive_v they_o be_v not_o token_n of_o wrath_n but_o of_o mercy_n so_o then_o this_o knock_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reproof_n threaten_v and_o counsel_n use_v before_o he_o knock_v when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o make_v man_n see_v their_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n here_o than_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v the_o state_n of_o all_o people_n which_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o and_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v at_o every_o man_n heart_n all_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n reproof_n of_o sin_n exhortation_n admonition_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v so_o many_o knock_v of_o christ._n a_o great_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n that_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v do_v this_o now_o then_o do_v christ_n knock_v thus_o by_o preach_v promise_n and_o threaten_n etc._n etc._n then_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a dead_a and_o backward_o but_o show_v more_o zeal_n if_o any_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o calling_n knock_v at_o your_o door_n what_o stir_v be_v there_o that_o you_o may_v receive_v he_o as_o be_v meet_v then_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o when_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o deal_v thus_o merciful_o with_o we_o again_o in_o that_o christ_n come_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v our_o conversion_n it_o serve_v to_o admonish_v we_o to_o turn_v with_o all_o speed_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v stand_v and_o reach_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o ministry_n to_o beat_v upon_o our_o heart_n mark_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o a_o light_n and_o soft_a kind_n of_o knock_v but_o it_o go_v with_o cry_v he_o both_o knock_v and_o cry_v it_o be_v a_o earnest_a knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v fain_o enter_v see_v then_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n knocketh_v so_o earnest_o to_o save_v man_n soul_n we_o again_o ought_v to_o be_v earnest_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n he_o knock_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o we_o must_v according_o by_o god_n grace_v be_v as_o earnest_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n his_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o show_v by_o two_o sign_n first_o his_o wait_a second_o his_o knock_n and_o that_o join_v with_o cry_v if_o any_o man_n etc._n etc._n now_o follow_v the_o second_o token_n namely_o a_o promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v a_o little_a to_o set_v down_o the_o meaning_n mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n it_o be_v such_o as_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o action_n in_o his_o own_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v and_o receive_v christ._n so_o it_o attribute_n to_o man_n will_n a_o action_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o for_o my_o part_n stand_v and_o knock_v if_o therefore_o any_o man_n hear_v etc._n etc._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o such_o a_o action_n shall_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n but_o this_o speech_n be_v use_v for_o just_a cause_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o agent_n first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o the_o word_n three_o man_v will_n the_o principal_a agent_n and_o worker_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o change_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o will_n by_o nature_n will_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n second_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o work_v not_o now_o ordinary_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n and_o inspiration_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o heart_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o the_o will_n though_o it_o be_v dead_a by_o nature_n &_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o itself_o yet_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o move_v it_o it_o move_v itself_o and_o strive_v to_o be_v alter_v when_o god_n move_v it_o we_o must_v not_o think_v man_n will_n be_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n which_o have_v no_o action_n but_o only_o passive_o receive_v and_o impression_n but_o the_o will_n be_v dispose_v move_v and_o stir_v itself_o even_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v it_o burn_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v be_v fire_n so_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v grace_n the_o will_n move_v the_o mind_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v sin_n and_o the_o will_v incline_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v a_o strife_n against_o sin_n and_o make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n so_o much_o as_o he_o can_v so_o the_o will_n in_o the_o very_a first_o conversion_n have_v his_o action_n though_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n now_o consider_v these_o three_o action_n concur_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o sinner_n which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v as_o here_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n not_o that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o christ_n but_o when_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o a_o man_n have_v a_o free_a will_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n by_o grace_n as_o fire_n have_v some_o effect_n of_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v kindle_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v to_o impenitent_a person_n not_o because_o they_o can_v do_v it_o of_o themselves_o but_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o word_n they_o can_v turn_v and_o use_v good_a mean_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v a_o action_n to_o such_o person_n when_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o receive_v christ_n than_o it_o receive_v christ_n when_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n by_o that_o grace_n it_o be_v enable_v to_o receive_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n let_v we_o see_v how_o this_o text_n have_v be_v abuse_v first_o by_o papist_n which_o gather_v hereupon_o that_o a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n by_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v and_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o set_v open_v the_o heart_n wide_a to_o receive_v christ._n thus_o if_o you_o shall_v humble_v yourselves_o and_o acknowledge_v your_o unworthiness_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n with_o true_a faith_n and_o testify_v it_o by_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n then_o shall_v your_o heart_n be_v open_a indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v receive_v christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o condition_n it_o follow_v i_o