make_v manifest_a for_o john_n be_v banish_v in_o the_o â—le_v of_o patmos_n begin_v already_o to_o feel_v the_o fury_n of_o domitian_n and_o here_o the_o dream_n of_o such_o be_v refute_v who_o bind_v the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n to_o the_o last_o three_o year_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 4_o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n those_o thing_n be_v forspeak_v of_o which_o serve_v to_o gain_v authority_n &_o attention_n to_o this_o book_n john_n dedicate_v the_o revelation_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n unto_o they_o by_o seven_o andreas_n understand_v all_o the_o church_n because_o in_o scripture_n the_o number_n seven_o be_v a_o number_n of_o perfection_n but_o because_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v as_o it_o be_v nominate_v by_o a_o mark_n to_o be_v know_v therefore_o i_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v purposely_o dedicate_v unto_o they_o not_o that_o the_o revelation_n belong_v not_o to_o other_o but_o because_o the_o first_o vision_n do_v direct_o concern_v they_o the_o rest_n general_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o asia_n he_o speak_v of_o asia_n the_o lesser_a or_o that_o part_n of_o asia_n 2._o ptolo._n lib._n 5_o geogra_fw-la cap._n 2._o which_o be_v environ_v from_o the_o east_n with_o both_o country_n of_o armenia_n from_o the_o west_n with_o the_o aegean_a sea_n from_o the_o north_n with_o the_o euxine_a sea_n &_o from_o the_o south_n with_o the_o mediterranean_a sea_n here_o john_n have_v plant_v seven_o church_n of_o note_n whereof_o that_o of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o great_a but_o after_o he_o be_v banish_v the_o teacher_n careless_o perform_v their_o office_n he_o be_v command_v in_o the_o first_o vision_n to_o reprove_v &_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n grace_n to_o you_o and_o peace_n be_v or_o be_v multiply_v as_o in_o 1_o pet._n 1_o 2_o by_o a_o familiar_a salutation_n he_o seek_v to_o gain_v the_o good_a will_n of_o those_o who_o he_o be_v afterward_o more_o sharp_o to_o admonish_v the_o apostolical_a salutation_n have_v be_v open_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o corinthian_n grace_n be_v that_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n from_o which_o do_v flow_v all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o every_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v the_o gloss_n do_v well_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n peace_n the_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o tranquillity_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o conscience_n 1.2_o rom._n 1.2_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n the_o hebrew_n by_o the_o word_n peace_n understand_v all_o manner_n of_o prosperity_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o begin_n all_o most_o of_o all_o their_o epistle_n do_v not_o with_o out_o cause_n wish_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o paraphrase_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o grace_n &_o peace_n but_o other_o do_v interpret_v it_o otherwise_o some_o of_o the_o father_n alone_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n general_o desire_v grace_n to_o the_o church_n 1.7_o rom._n 1.7_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o from_o god_n our_o father_n he_o be_v call_v which_o be_v because_o he_o be_v from_o none_o but_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v from_o he_o and_o which_o be_v because_o he_o be_v before_o all_o time_n in_o eternity_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 5.12_o john_n 5.12_o because_o he_o will_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n by_o the_o son_n that_o the_o father_n be_v say_v to_o judge_v no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n for_o the_o father_n have_v not_o so_o give_v over_o the_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n as_o not_o to_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v still_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n other_o refer_v all_o to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n for_o he_o be_v he_o which_o be_v because_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o god_n with_o the_o father_n &_o which_o be_v because_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v because_o he_o will_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n to_o judgement_n vers_fw-la 7._o other_o will_v have_v the_o three_o person_n to_o be_v note_v by_o three_o difference_n of_o time_n attribute_v the_o several_a time_n to_o the_o several_a person_n that_o be_v which_o be_v to_o the_o father_n which_o be_v to_o the_o son_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o come_n in_o to_o the_o church_n by_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n &_o the_o son_n so_o andreas_n grace_n be_v to_o you_o &_o peace_n from_o the_o godhead_n which_o subsi_v in_o three_o person_n to_o be_v short_a other_o think_v that_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d essential_o describe_v and_o do_v apply_v all_o the_o word_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o person_n for_o the_o father_n be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v so_o be_v the_o son_n and_o so_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o then_o all_o these_o exposition_n be_v right_a and_o godly_a if_o john_n in_o these_o word_n have_v end_v his_o prayer_n but_o he_o add_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n by_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o direct_v his_o prayer_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o holy_a trinity_n but_o not_o indeed_o in_o word_n common_o use_v yet_o such_o as_o be_v convenient_a to_o his_o purpose_n for_o the_o stile_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n have_v many_o thing_n proper_a and_o excellent_a fit_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o vision_n which_o not_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o interpreter_n they_o vain_o weary_v themselves_o and_o go_v astray_o for_o seldom_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o father_n or_o of_o the_o son_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v find_v in_o the_o revelation_n in_o express_a word_n but_o john_n speak_v of_o god_n use_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prophetical_a description_n therefore_o this_o prayer_n be_v set_v down_o in_o word_n agree_v to_o the_o excellent_a propriety_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o ordinary_a form_n of_o salutation_n use_v of_o the_o apostle_n 1.7_o rom._n 1.7_o as_o grace_v and_o peace_n to_o you_o from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o john_n use_v this_o kind_n as_o more_o proper_a and_o secret_a grace_n and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n the_o true_a god_n three_o in_o person_n one_o in_o essence_n be_v describe_v as_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o manifest_v now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n from_o he_o which_o be_v thus_o he_o describe_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n by_o attribute_n proper_a to_o the_o divine_a essence_n yet_o common_a to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o person_n hereupon_o christ_n assume_v the_o same_o to_o himself_o vers_n 7._o which_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a argument_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o description_n of_o eternity_n include_v and_o exceed_v the_o three_o difference_n of_o the_o time_n present_a past_a and_o to_o come_v that_o be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o come_v be_v put_v for_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o that_o of_o john_n 16_o 13._o he_o will_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v 21._o act._n 18_o 21._o that_o be_v thing_n that_o shall_v be_v so_o i_o must_v keep_v the_o feast_n that_o come_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o seem_v that_o he_o altogether_o intend_v here_o to_o express_v that_o name_n of_o god_n in_o exodus_fw-la 3.14_o exod._n 3.14_o ehieh_n i_o will_v be_v from_o which_o come_v the_o name_n jehovah_n in_o which_o word_n as_o vatablus_n well_o observe_v the_o hebrew_n take_v notice_n of_o those_o three_o difference_n of_o time_n it_o serve_v for_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o he_o pray_v for_o grace_n &_o peace_n not_o simple_o from_o god_n the_o father_n but_o from_o he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v who_o always_o remain_v the_o same_o and_o with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n 17._o jam._n 1_o 17._o nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v indeed_o in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n have_v experience_n of_o diverse_a change_n but_o in_o god_n alone_o she_o find_v constant_a
our_o obedience_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o merit_v in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v but_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o when_o we_o have_v do_v the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v yet_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n &_o god_n do_v only_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n reward_v our_o obedience_n &_o constancy_n so_o that_o the_o speech_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o salvation_n but_o from_o the_o condition_n only_o without_o which_o we_o can_v expect_v the_o same_o for_o christ_n promise_v to_o deliver_v none_o but_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o word_n why_o then_o do_v he_o thus_o speak_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o merit_n but_o by_o promise_v a_o reward_n he_o show_v how_o acceptable_a our_o obedience_n be_v unto_o he_o as_o also_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v increase_v &_o persevere_v in_o grace_n from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n the_o three_o consolation_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n temptation_n that_o be_v the_o cruel_a persecution_n of_o trajane_n or_o some_o other_o tyrant_n in_o call_v it_o a_o hour_n he_o note_v the_o brevity_n of_o this_o affliction_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o cheerful_o undergo_v it_o the_o cross_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o woman_n sorrow_n in_o travel_n joh._n 16.20_o because_o of_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o pain_n and_o the_o joyful_a effect_n thereof_o see_v also_o rom._n 8.18_o &_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o four_o consolation_n be_v take_v from_o the_o use_n of_o affliction_n they_o be_v not_o send_v as_o punishment_n from_o god_n for_o our_o destruction_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o constancy_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v first_o just_a because_o god_n have_v right_a to_o try_v we_o and_o 2_o necessary_a 7._o isa_n 28.19_o jam._n 1.3_o 1_o pet._n 1_o 7._o lest_o we_o shall_v grow_v slack_a and_o dull_a as_o also_o very_o profitable_a for_o vexation_n cause_v we_o to_o understand_v work_v patience_n shake_v of_o the_o drowsiness_n of_o sin_n make_v our_o faith_n more_o precious_a than_o gold_n to_o be_v find_v to_o prayle_a and_o honour_n &_o glory_n to_o be_v short_a it_o stir_v we_o up_o earnest_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o trial_n so_o many_o way_n profitable_a unto_o we_o 91.15_o ps_n 91.15_o set_v we_o be_v patient_a &_o constant_a under_o the_o same_o he_o use_v this_o temptation_n to_o try_v they_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o god_n try_v hypocrite_n &_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o saint_n though_o the_o effect_n be_v diverse_a for_o by_o it_o the_o ungodliness_n in_o constancy_n &_o lightness_n of_o the_o former_a be_v make_v manifest_a god_n hereby_o separate_a hypocrite_n &_o wicked_a man_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n from_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n for_o these_o remain_v constant_a the_o other_o by_o their_o apostasy_n manifest_v the_o secret_a corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n moreover_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o word_n they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v always_o in_o this_o book_n take_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n as_o signify_v unfound_a man_n idolater_n &_o the_o follower_n of_o antichrist_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a history_n 11_o behold_v i_o come_v quick_o this_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o follow_a exhortation_n i_o will_v come_v quick_o hold_v fast_o therefore_o that_o treasure_n of_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v but_o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o go_v before_o as_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o three_o consolation_n promise_v to_o come_v quick_o to_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a &_o to_o deliver_v his_o child_n lest_o by_o delay_v their_o deliverance_n they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v impatient_a some_o refer_v this_o to_o his_o last_o come_n if_o so_o then_o quick_o note_v not_o the_o time_n at_o hand_n but_o soon_o than_o the_o world_n be_v aware_a of_o for_o although_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v 3.9_o 2_o pet._n 3.9_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a say_v the_o apostle_n concern_v his_o promise_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v to_o usward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o will_v therefore_o come_v quick_o that_o be_v soon_o than_o many_o think_v for_o when_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v see_v chap._n 1.1_o hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v in_o this_o three_o part_n of_o the_o narration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o lose_v not_o the_o reward_n and_o it_o be_v add_v to_o the_o forego_n consolation_n lest_o by_o it_o we_o shall_v become_v secure_a the_o sentence_n be_v brief_a but_o very_o emphatical_a hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v what_o have_v they_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o paul_n expound_v it_o 1_o tim._n 1.18_o and_o indeed_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n the_o which_o whosoever_o have_v and_o keep_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v obtain_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v these_o two_o the_o pastor_n and_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n have_v and_o with_o they_o all_o other_o grace_n for_o by_o faith_n they_o have_v righteousness_n sanctification_n adoption_n and_o hope_v of_o glory_n to_o come_v by_o a_o good_a conscience_n they_o increase_v in_o sincerity_n patience_n and_o constancy_n under_o the_o cross_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o hold_v fast_o to_o wit_n unto_o the_o end_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v note_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o uttermost_a endeavour_n and_o strength_n consider_v the_o many_o let_v and_o impediment_n which_o otherwise_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unless_o we_o strive_v with_o all_o our_o power_n thus_o we_o see_v they_o be_v exhort_v to_o perseverance_n in_o their_o integrity_n that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n the_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o dangerous_a effect_n of_o slothfulness_n for_o not_o they_o that_o fight_v remissly_a but_o only_o such_o as_o hold_v out_o and_o overcome_v 5.4_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o jam._n 1.12_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o be_v crown_v in_o sign_n of_o victory_n thy_o crown_n so_o he_o call_v the_o reward_n of_o life_n eternal_a paul_n term_v it_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v by_o christ_n the_o righteous_a judge_n james_n the_o crown_n of_o life_n peter_n the_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o the_o which_o all_o faithful_a teacher_n shall_v receive_v when_o christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n shall_v appear_v thus_o this_o crown_n be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o other_o crown_n which_o in_o ancient_a time_n be_v give_v unto_o conqueror_n see_v our_o commentary_n on_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v many_o thing_n the_o which_o i_o will_v brief_o touch_v first_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o secure_v but_o rather_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o endeavour_n to_o constancy_n for_o we_o can_v assure_o apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o except_o we_o earnest_o labour_v to_o perform_v our_o duty_n christ_n promise_v indeed_o to_o this_o church_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n yet_o he_o bid_v they_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o have_v intimate_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o constancy_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v lessen_v by_o the_o promise_n but_o rather_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v secondlie_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o they_o only_o shall_v be_v crown_v with_o the_o promise_a reward_n in_o heaven_n who_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o have_v here_o receyve_v we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n 5.3_o 2_o cor._n 5.3_o if_o so_o be_v that_o be_v clothe_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v naked_a thirdlie_o see_v it_o be_v call_v thy_o crown_n it_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v every_o one_o his_o own_o crown_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o as_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o punishment_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v difference_n of_o reward_n yea_o undoubtedlie_o such_o faithful_a teacher_n as_o have_v bring_v many_o to_o righteousness_n 12.3_o dan._n 12.3_o shall_v shine_v as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n jovinian_a against_o who_o jerome_n dispute_v seem_v to_o hold_v that_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v have_v one_o and_o
it_o or_o amend_v the_o same_o the_o 2_o be_v to_o eschew_v the_o evil_a and_o do_v the_o good_a and_o 3_o to_o manifest_v our_o repentance_n by_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v hence_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o follow_v that_o the_o saint_n may_v fall_v away_o whole_o from_o grace_n and_o so_o perish_v eternal_o for_o if_o so_o holy_a a_o teacher_n fall_v from_o his_o first_o love_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o conclude_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n away_o whither_o the_o saint_n may_v whole_o fall_v away_o justification_n perseverance_n and_o salvation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o doubt_v also_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o stand_v in_o fear_n thereof_o i_o confess_v have_v this_o angel_n final_o fall_v away_o there_o have_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o such_o doubt_v for_o no_o man_n can_v assure_o believe_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o salvation_n who_o doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o perseverance_n the_o exposition_n of_o ribera_n &_o alcazar_n in_o this_o place_n be_v sound_a namely_o that_o he_o have_v not_o altogether_o lose_v his_o love_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o endure_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o he_o lose_v much_o of_o his_o former_a zeal_n fall_v how_o far_o forth_o the_o saint_n may_v fall_v in_o this_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o for_o the_o saint_n leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v soon_o fall_v from_o their_o faith_n love_n perseverance_n and_o salvation_n if_o we_o only_o have_v respect_n to_o secondary_a cause_n to_o wit_n the_o mutability_n of_o the_o will_n the_o weakness_n of_o man_n the_o scandal_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o subtlety_n and_o power_n of_o satan_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v all_o these_o who_o be_v weak_a man_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o common_a frailty_n of_o other_o so_o long_o as_o we_o carry_v about_o we_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n 8._o rom._n 11.10_o matth._n 26_o 41._o 1_o corinth_n 10_o 12._o 1_o pet._n 5_o 8._o for_o what_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o lift_v up_o but_o fear_n lest_o thou_o also_o be_v cut_v of_o the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v for_o satan_n walk_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o this_o pastor_n but_o also_o the_o manifold_a slip_n and_o complaint_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v witness_n that_o they_o may_v languish_v and_o fail_v in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n &_o charity_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o present_a loss_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o consider_v either_o the_o unchangeable_a counsel_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a or_o the_o most_o effectual_a intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o faith_n perseverance_n and_o salvation_n or_o last_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o elect_a be_v keep_v unto_o the_o end_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o than_o we_o may_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n firm_o conclude_v that_o the_o faithful_a can_v whole_o and_o final_o fall_v from_o the_o habit_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n i_o say_v so_o to_o fall_v as_o to_o become_v god_n enemy_n 24._o 1_o joh._n 3_o 9_o matth._n 24_o 24._o and_o perish_v for_o ever_o because_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o to_o wit_n with_o his_o whole_a will_n &_o that_o unto_o death_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o elect_a shall_v be_v deceive_v to_o wit_n 5_o joh._n 10_o 28_o luke_n 22_o 32._o see_v also_o matth._n 7_o 25._o psal_n 37_o 24._o 1_o pet._n 1_o 5_o final_o unto_o their_o damnation_n because_o no_o man_n can_v pluck_v christ_n sheep_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o he_o give_v unto_o they_o life_n eternal_a and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o god_n promise_v to_o put_v his_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o which_o be_v as_o augustine_n interprete_v it_o that_o they_o may_v always_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o they_o be_v as_o mount_v zion_n which_o can_v be_v move_v etc._n etc._n these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v plain_o overthrow_v that_o pelagian_a error_n of_o the_o saint_n aposiasie_a and_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v final_o draw_v away_o and_o doubt_v about_o grace_n and_o salvation_n decree_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o trent_n so_o also_o they_o do_v confirm_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o free_a purpose_n of_o god_n the_o certainty_n of_o our_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n unto_o the_o end_n howsoever_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o elect_a many_o time_n by_o their_o sin_n disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o assurance_n have_v their_o mind_n trouble_v with_o manifold_a doubt_n for_o as_o man_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o humane_a frailty_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v here_o in_o this_o life_n so_o then_o we_o expound_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v to_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o what_o thou_o be_v go_v back_o from_o thy_o former_a zeal_n in_o godliness_n fervency_n and_o love_n and_o be_v become_v unlike_a to_o what_o thou_o be_v before_o so_o then_o christ_n commend_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o constancy_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hatred_n of_o heresy_n but_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o languish_a coveteousnesse_n and_o ambition_n hence_o we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o profess_v the_o truth_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o humility_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o this_o threaten_v be_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o narration_n be_v a_o most_o vehement_a exhortation_n and_o show_v the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o security_n and_o coveteousnesse_n two_o thing_n be_v threaten_v 1_o i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o quick_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v sudden_o be_v punish_v before_o thou_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o thus_o impenitent_a person_n provoke_v christ_n the_o judge_n against_o themselves_o who_o wrath_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v for_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n do_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o so_o that_o the_o first_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v repent_v be_v because_o of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n the_o second_o thing_n threaten_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n that_o be_v christ_n will_v not_o only_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o office_n but_o also_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o church_n itself_o by_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o andreas_n i_o will_v cast_v the_o church_n into_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a condition_n which_o punishment_n ordinary_o follow_v security_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o indeed_o christ_n do_v not_o in_o vain_a threaten_v this_o church_n for_o afterward_o they_o not_o repent_v he_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n and_o overthrow_v they_o by_o barbarous_a nation_n here_o come_v in_o a_o twofold_a question_n first_o how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o equity_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v dissipate_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o teacher_n second_o how_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o candlestick_n be_v threaten_v see_v the_o church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v and_o the_o apostle_n call_v this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n â—_o tim._n 3_o 15._o ribera_n say_v that_o the_o first_o be_v a_o difficult_a question_n because_o christ_n threaten_v not_o the_o pastor_n but_o indeed_o the_o whole_a church_n whereas_o it_o seem_v unreasonable_a that_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v punish_v for_o the_o impenitency_n of_o the_o teacher_n hence_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o candlestick_n in_o this_o place_n import_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o dignity_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o be_v a_o light_n before_o the_o flock_n so_o that_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o candlestick_n he_o understand_v a_o removal_n of_o the_o episcopal_a honour_n and_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o excel_v as_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o sundry_a other_o virtue_n and_o gift_n with_o which_o he_o be_v endue_v this_o interpretation_n be_v not_o altogether_o incongruous_a
we_o understand_v it_o of_o christ_n himself_o or_o of_o his_o angel_n mention_v chap._n 1.1_o &_o 22.16_o however_o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v he_o ascend_v from_o the_o east_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v from_o on_o high_a and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o live_a god_n for_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n &_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n seal_v the_o elect_a because_o in_o he_o we_o be_v choose_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n also_o he_o seal_v because_o he_o give_v faith_n unto_o the_o elect_n justify_v regenerate_v &_o sanctify_v they_o seal_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o guile_n of_o antichrist_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o these_o thing_n be_v proper_a unto_o god_n i_o rather_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n then_o of_o any_o create_a angel_n the_o seal_n which_o he_o imprint_n on_o the_o elect_n be_v what_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v the_o apostle_n explain_v 2_o tim._n 2.19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o moreover_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v probable_o gather_v because_o this_o vision_n be_v like_a unto_o that_o in_o ezech._n 9_o where_o the_o prophet_n see_v six_o man_n every_o one_o have_v a_o slaughter_n weapon_n in_o his_o hand_n for_o to_o destroy_v jerusalem_n he_o see_v also_o one_o man_n among_o they_o clothe_v in_o linen_n with_o a_o writer_n inkhorn_n by_o his_o side_n to_o mark_v such_o with_o the_o sign_n thou_o on_o the_o forehead_n as_o mourn_v for_o all_o the_o abomination_n commit_v in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v all_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v not_o pollute_v with_o idolatry_n now_o here_o all_o interpreter_n understand_v christ_n the_o mediator_n neither_o do_v it_o any_o way_n contradict_v what_o we_o say_v in_o that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lamb_n open_v the_o seal_n for_o as_o we_o have_v show_v chap._n 5.2_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v represent_v in_o diverse_a form_n in_o this_o visionall_a revelation_n he_o cry_v with_o a_o great_a voice_n this_o angel_n do_v two_o thing_n first_o with_o a_o great_a cry_n he_o forbid_v the_o evil_a angel_n to_o hurt_v the_o earth_n sea_n and_o tree_n add_v a_o limitation_n until_o he_o have_v seal_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o sense_n be_v see_v those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v seal_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n therefore_o power_n of_o hurt_v be_v not_o give_v unto_o they_o till_o this_o seal_n be_v finish_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v promiscuous_o wrap_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o seducement_n and_o so_o be_v destroy_v with_o the_o rest_n secondlie_o he_o seal_v a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n this_o great_a cry_n denote_v christ_n power_n over_o antichrist_n and_o his_o instrument_n who_o madness_n he_o so_o bridle_v as_o that_o they_o can_v by_o their_o tyranny_n proceed_v further_o than_o what_o be_v permit_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o hurt_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n hence_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o first_o place_n why_o they_o hold_v the_o wind_n from_o blow_v towit_n that_o they_o may_v hurt_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n that_o be_v destroy_v the_o church_n by_o pestilent_a doctrine_n second_o that_o the_o devil_n howsoever_o he_o do_v forcible_o stir_v up_o antichrist_n unto_o cruelty_n against_o the_o gospel_n and_o endeavour_n to_o blot_v the_o elect_a out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o then_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v grant_v he_o by_o christ_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o east_n now_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o 2_o thessa_n 2._o that_o the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v he_o be_v over_o they_o that_o perish_v 8._o hurt_v not_o the_o earth_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o earth_n sea_n &_o tree_n i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o wind_n be_v command_v not_o to_o hurt_v these_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o can_v rage_v &_o domineer_v as_o they_o listen_v christ_n antichrist_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v antichrist_n strong_a thou_o christ_n although_o he_o have_v invade_v his_o church_n for_o it_o be_v do_v by_o permission_n only_o now_o the_o reason_n thereof_o we_o must_v not_o too_o curious_o search_v into_o but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o security_n ungodliness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o christian_n deserve_v the_o same_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 2_o thess_n 2.11_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n till_o we_o have_v seal_v to_o wit_n i_o and_o my_o minister_n for_o christ_n be_v not_o without_o his_o minister_a spirit_n but_o whither_o he_o have_v now_o more_o angel_n with_o he_o as_o ezech._n 9.2_o or_o not_o the_o same_o be_v not_o express_v he_o do_v not_o simple_o forbid_v they_o to_o hurt_v but_o limit_n the_o time_n and_o until_o that_o prefix_a time_n these_o destroyer_n can_v do_v nothing_o thus_o antichrist_n have_v not_o hurt_v the_o earth_n sea_n and_o tree_n that_o be_v by_o his_o angel_n bring_v the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o west_n under_o his_o yoke_n either_o against_o the_o will_n or_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o sufferance_n neither_o can_v he_o hurt_v they_o soon_o than_o christ_n will_v nor_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o any_o long_a than_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o now_o touch_v this_o seal_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o consider_v who_o be_v seal_v when_o with_o what_o sign_n wherefore_o and_o how_o many_o who_o they_o be_v he_o show_v say_v until_o we_o have_v seal_v the_o servant_n of_o our_o god_n one_o who_o be_v these_o seal_a one_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a in_o christ_n who_o worship_v not_o idol_n or_o antichrist_n but_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n this_o seal_v be_v partly_o eternal_a &_o partly_o accomplish_v in_o time_n be_v what_o this_o seal_n be_v from_o eternity_n god_n have_v seal_v all_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o praedestination_n which_o be_v make_v &_o found_v on_o christ_n ephes_n 1.3_o in_o time_n he_o seal_v he_o when_o now_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n he_o stir_v up_o many_o witness_n of_o his_o truth_n &_o faith_n be_v endue_v with_o true_a knowledge_n excellent_a gift_n &_o heroic_a boldness_n who_o stout_o oppose_v the_o imposture_n of_o antichrist_n by_o their_o preach_n and_o write_v &_o preserve_v very_o many_o faithful_a one_o from_o his_o idol_n worship_n but_o chief_o he_o have_v and_o do_v seal_v in_o these_o last_o time_n in_o restore_v almost_o in_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o lose_a truth_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n by_o his_o servant_n and_o excellent_a divine_n who_o have_v dissipate_v the_o mist_n of_o popery_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o purge_v many_o church_n in_o germany_n france_n england_n denmark_n poland_n bohemia_n moravia_n &_o hungary_n from_o antichristian_a pollution_n pluck_v they_o as_o a_o prey_n out_o of_o the_o jaw_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n be_v not_o elect_v nevertheless_o they_o be_v all_o separate_v from_o antichrist_n so_o that_o he_o can_v hurt_v they_o yea_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o appertain_v unto_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n in_o ezech._n 9.4_o be_v wâ—_n haâ—â—_n manner_n of_o seal_n this_o be_v we_o read_v that_o all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o common_a destruction_n be_v mark_v with_o the_o sign_n thou_o but_o here_o no_o certain_a mark_n be_v express_v ribera_n will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n now_o we_o know_v that_o many_o who_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o popish_a cross_n be_v the_o bondslave_n of_o satan_n but_o none_o of_o these_o here_o seal_v shall_v perish_v see_v they_o be_v mark_v to_o this_o end_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v hurt_v they_o alcazar_n say_v well_o that_o this_o be_v no_o external_a sign_n which_o may_v be_v discern_v with_o corporal_a eye_n neither_o be_v it_o make_v by_o any_o create_a angel_n but_o immediate_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o himself_o mark_v such_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o