of_o god_n so_o christ_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n than_o all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o matth._n 6.33_o this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n every_o where_o use_n who_o in_o seek_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o will_v toil_v themselves_o in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v wealth_n honour_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o regard_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a foundation_n of_o all_o outward_a welfare_n here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o god_n give_v i_o wealth_n honour_n and_o reputation_n than_o he_o love_v i_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n thereof_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v no_o sure_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o be_v his_o enemy_n may_v enjoy_v they_o all_o as_o job._n 21.7_o to_o the_o 14._o this_o david_n perceive_v how_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v in_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psalm_n 73.3.7_o and_o yet_o they_o stand_v but_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n herewith_o deceive_v himself_o he_o that_o want_v god_n favour_n in_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o curse_a wretch_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o world_n for_o outward_a thing_n at_o his_o command_n for_o all_o earthly_a thing_n sever_v from_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n the_o wicked_a man_n peace_n be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 48.22_o and_o the_o man_n that_o have_v god_n grace_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o want_v all_o worldly_a benefit_n yet_o he_o have_v more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n without_o it_o for_o hereby_o alone_o he_o be_v true_o bless_a and_o happy_a 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 which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wit_n god_n himself_o distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n etc._n etc._n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o a_o distribution_n which_o express_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o which_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o exod._n 3.14_o 15._o where_o moses_n demand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v ask_v who_o send_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v answer_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o say_v ehich_n jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o which_o two_o name_n serve_v to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o be_v translate_v i_o be_o and_o the_o lord_n but_o these_o english_a word_n do_v not_o full_o express_v their_o signification_n yet_o s._n john_n expound_v they_o here_o make_v ehich_n to_o signify_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v which_o word_n of_o john_n also_o in_o the_o original_n be_v more_o full_a in_o sense_n than_o our_o english_a tongue_n can_v well_o express_v and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o explain_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a substance_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a simple_a substance_n and_o essence_n in_o these_o word_n be_v touch_v sundry_a weighty_a point_n first_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n which_o have_v his_o be_v in_o himself_o of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o paul_n say_v a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o that_o be_v nothing_o subsist_v in_o nature_n but_o a_o mere_a fond_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o essence_n subsist_v and_o that_o of_o himself_o alone_o perfect_o and_o herein_o differ_v from_o all_o idol_n and_o false_a god_n second_o hereby_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n every_o creature_n be_v a_o substance_n as_o angel_n and_o man_n likewise_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n be_v substance_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n and_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v part_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v their_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o he_o for_o then_o each_o creature_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n can_v be_v without_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n substance_n be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n my_o meaning_n then_o be_v that_o god_n make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o he_o create_v by_o his_o word_n and_o preserve_v they_o be_v make_v which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o return_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o thankfulness_n endeavour_v his_o glory_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n three_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o every_o way_n though_o they_o be_v eternal_a in_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v yet_o have_v they_o a_o beginning_n second_o they_o be_v eternal_a not_o absolute_o but_o by_o participation_n for_o god_n make_v they_o eternal_a but_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_o of_o himself_o eternal_a four_o note_n he_o say_v not_o from_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v but_o from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o eternal_a god_n be_v also_o a_o judge_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n a_o point_n of_o special_a use_n to_o move_v we_o to_o well_o before_o god_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n if_o any_o shall_v flatter_v himself_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v dead_a before_o that_o day_n come_v i_o answer_v iâ—_n may_v be_v so_o what_o then_o think_v thâ—u_n thereby_o to_o escape_v his_o judgement_n no_o very_o for_o this_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v thou_o particular_o by_o death_n and_o thereby_o to_o reserve_v thou_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n oâ—_n that_o we_o can_v serious_o think_v on_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v â—o_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n act_n 24.16_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v he_o at_o his_o come_n whether_o by_o death_n or_o judgement_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o 〈◊〉_d before_o his_o throne_n these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o seven_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v before_o the_o thronâ—_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o they_o for_o two_o cause_n a_o first_o because_o 〈◊〉_d and_o peace_n be_v here_o say_v to_o proceed_v from_o these_o seven_o spirit_n but_o it_o can_v come_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o attend_v to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n second_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o be_v a_o benediction_n or_o a_o salutation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o spirit_n be_v set_v before_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o respect_n for_o which_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v place_v before_o christ._n the_o word_n be_v rather_o thus_o to_o be_v expound_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o exposition_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v only_o one_o in_o substance_n
yet_o he_o be_v seven_o that_o be_v manifold_a in_o regard_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o second_o saint_n john_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o see_v they_o in_o vision_n for_o here_o he_o set_v down_o one_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v now_o he_o behold_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o form_n of_o seven_o light_n in_o a_o vision_n revel_v 4.5_o which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n this_o he_o speak_v by_o comparison_n take_v from_o earthly_a king_n which_o sit_v in_o their_o throne_n do_v there_o show_v their_o glory_n and_o majesty_n so_o s._n john_n see_v in_o vision_n god_n the_o father_n sit_v in_o his_o throne_n and_o christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o before_o the_o throne_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manner_n of_o appearance_n prove_v not_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o son_n but_o hereby_o be_v express_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o iâ—_n to_o be_v send_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n to_o the_o church_n to_o enlighten_v the_o member_n thereof_o this_o they_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n that_o be_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v with_o you_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n who_o from_o they_o both_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o enlighten_v to_o sanctify_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o member_n thereof_o first_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n use_n for_o look_v from_o who_o come_v grace_n and_o peace_n that_o same_o be_v very_a god_n but_o here_o grace_n &_o peace_n proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v very_a god_n second_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o by_o who_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v give_v to_o he_o we_o may_v direct_v our_o prayer_n but_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o he_o for_o they_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v observe_v because_o there_o be_v some_o which_o doubt_n whether_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bâ—t_o they_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n they_o say_v we_o have_v no_o example_n hereof_o in_o scripture_n ans._n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o in_o this_o benediction_n john_n pray_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v grace_n be_v wiâ—h_v you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o substance_n it_o be_v as_o much_o â—s_n if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o thy_o grace_n and_o peace_n o_o father_n and_o thy_o grace_n and_o peace_n o_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thou_o o_o son_n be_v with_o thy_o church_n three_o in_o this_o description_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o person_n subsist_v and_o not_o a_o quality_n some_o heretic_n that_o acknowledge_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n deny_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v hold_v that_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o father_n but_o this_o be_v most_o false_a for_o aâ—_n the_o father_n be_v a_o substance_n fit_v upon_o the_o throne_n so_o here_o we_o see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o substance_n stand_v before_o the_o throne_n four_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n for_o he_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o throne_n as_o do_v the_o father_n nor_o sit_v at_o the_o father_n right_a hand_n as_o do_v the_o son_n but_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n apart_o from_o they_o both_o verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o son_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o be_v grace_n and_o peace_n from_o jesus_n christ._n where_o christ_n jesus_n be_v join_v with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o bestow_v grace_n and_o peace_n on_o his_o church_n here_o some_o may_v ask_v why_o be_v christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n place_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o personâ—_n answer_n for_o 〈◊〉_d cause_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o office_n for_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n second_o as_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n he_o be_v the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n and_o so_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n so_o he_o be_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v where_o christ_n confess_v himself_o to_o be_v senâ—_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o be_v set_v after_o he_o second_o he_o be_v place_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o fit_a progress_n of_o the_o history_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o which_o pen_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o set_v they_o in_o the_o last_o place_n of_o who_o they_o mean_v to_o speak_v most_o as_o matth._n 1._o the_o evangelist_n set_v down_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n from_o abraham_n though_o among_o they_o all_o be_v none_o so_o excellent_a as_o christ_n yet_o place_v he_o the_o last_o because_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n so_o john_n place_v christ_n the_o last_o because_o he_o purpose_v to_o make_v a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o can_v not_o so_o fit_o have_v bring_v in_o if_o he_o have_v place_v he_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o this_o five_o verse_n till_o the_o nine_o he_o describe_v christ_n at_o large_a first_o by_o his_o office_n second_o by_o the_o execution_n thereof_o his_o office_n be_v three_o first_o his_o prophetical_a office_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n second_o his_o priestly_a office_n the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a three_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o that_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o execution_n of_o all_o his_o office_n be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o forth_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n touch_v his_o office_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n we_o may_v note_v three_o thing_n first_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n second_o a_o faithful_a witness_n three_o that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n isay._n 55.4_o i_o give_v he_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o nation_n by_o his_o witness_n â—earing_v be_v signify_v two_o duty_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n first_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o his_o church_n second_o to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o same_o &_o in_o these_o two_o stand_v his_o whole_a office_n prophetical_a for_o the_o first_o to_o reveal_v his_o father_n will_n to_o the_o church_n immediate_o be_v his_o office_n as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o none_o have_v see_v god_n but_o he_o which_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1.18_o now_o christ_n declare_v the_o father_n by_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n but_o from_o the_o begin_n by_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o will_v do_v to_o the_o end_n by_o all_o true_a preacher_n for_o in_o the_o church_n the_o father_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o son_n when_o the_o lord_n rain_v fire_n on_o sodom_n gen._n 19.24_o there_o jehovah_n the_o father_n rain_v down_o by_o jehovah_n the_o son_n so_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n it_o be_v make_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n it_o be_v renew_a to_o noah_n abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n for_o that_o jehovah_n which_o appear_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n exod._n 3._o be_v by_o s._n paul_n call_v christ._n 1._o cor._n 10._o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n write_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o christ_n they_o be_v but_o his_o instrument_n to_o speak_v and_o
be_v not_o call_v the_o morning_n star_n because_o he_o shine_v to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o all_o time_n as_o the_o morning_n star_n do_v but_o because_o he_o shine_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v further_a say_v i_o will_v give_v he_o it_o where_o be_v promise_v fellowship_n and_o participation_n with_o christ_n aâ—_n he_o be_v this_o daystar_n and_o herein_o be_v two_o benefit_n comprise_v first_o perfect_a illumination_n whereby_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v whole_o take_v away_o after_o this_o life_n when_o as_o man_n shall_v know_v god_n full_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o a_o creature_n can_v know_v the_o creator_n second_o the_o light_n of_o perfect_a glory_n for_o by_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o shine_v as_o the_o star_n as_o daniel_n 3_o speak_v yea_o we_o shall_v become_v 1.12_o saint_n in_o light_n â—s_v the_o apostle_n say_v whereas_o christ_n compare_v himself_o to_o the_o morning_n star_n first_o use_n we_o see_v the_o gross_a error_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o live_v in_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o ignorance_n walk_v in_o their_o wicked_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n without_o care_n of_o keep_v faith_n or_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v part_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o light_n and_o glory_n but_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o blind_a ignorance_n and_o in_o sin_n be_v mere_a darkness_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o bright_a morning_n star_n for_o what_o fellowship_n can_v be_v between_o light_n and_o darkness_n this_o bright_a morning_n star_n serve_v only_o for_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o light_n thereof_o and_o walk_v by_o it_o but_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o sin_n have_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o second_o see_v christ_n be_v this_o morning_n star_n we_o must_v have_v care_n to_o learn_v peter_n instruction_n namely_o labour_v that_o this_o bright_a star_n may_v rise_v and_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o we_o shall_v feel_v when_o we_o use_v those_o mean_n whereby_o the_o beam_n of_o this_o star_n may_v shine_v upon_o we_o not_o only_o for_o the_o enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n but_o also_o for_o the_o heat_n and_o reviue_n of_o our_o freeze_a and_o dead_a heart_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n quicken_v by_o it_o warm_a beam_n some_o thing_n that_o lie_v dead_a all_o winter_n so_o christ_n jesus_n this_o morning_n star_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o revive_v our_o dead_a and_o freeze_a heart_n and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o feel_v these_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o we_o can_v say_v that_o this_o morning_n star_n be_v rise_v unto_o we_o or_o have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n three_o whereas_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o morning_n when_o darkness_n be_v past_a we_o be_v hereby_o teach_v to_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o godliness_n righteousness_n sobriety_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o upright_o and_o godly_a conversation_n for_o the_o night_n be_v past_a and_o the_o day_n be_v come_v wherein_o we_o may_v see_v to_o walk_v upright_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o the_o unprofitable_a work_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o rom._n 13.12_o and_o know_v this_o that_o those_o who_o in_o this_o light_n do_v not_o walk_v according_o but_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v one_o day_n have_v their_o fill_n he_o that_o love_v the_o dark_a 2â—.30_n for_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o talon_n must_v be_v cast_v for_o his_o reward_n into_o utter_a darkness_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v 29._o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n here_o be_v christ_n commandment_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n but_o hereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o motive_n to_o proceed_v prou._n 15.32_o he_o that_o refuse_v instruction_n despise_v his_o own_o soul_n luk._n 9.62_o no_o man_n that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v apt_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.9_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v for_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o 1._o cor._n 12.31_o desire_v you_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o i_o will_v show_v you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n the_o three_o chapter_n verse_n 1._o and_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o sardis_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a these_o word_n contain_v the_o five_o particular_a commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o john_n wherein_o he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o write_v &_o send_v a_o special_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o sardis_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o six_o first_o verse_n &_o it_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n &_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o this_o preface_n first_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o procure_v authority_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n name_n who_o sovereignty_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o royalty_n that_o be_v by_o two_o prerogative_n or_o privilege_n belong_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o first_o be_v the_o have_v of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o second_o his_o have_v of_o the_o seven_o star_n for_o the_o first_o royalty_n in_o the_o first_o chap._n vers_fw-la 4._o i_o show_v that_o by_o seven_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o who_o proceed_v all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o any_o man_n enjoy_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v a_o royalty_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o david_n peter_n and_o paul_n have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n answ._n it_o be_v true_a but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o way_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n &_o of_o his_o manhood_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o father_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o proceed_v christ_n be_v say_v to_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o to_o overcome_v death_n by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o to_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n second_o as_o christ_n be_v man_n he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n pour_v into_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o gift_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 45.7_o anoint_a with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n and_o to_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o that_o two_o way_n both_o for_o number_n and_o degree_n for_o number_v with_o man_n some_o have_v some_o grace_n and_o some_o man_n other_o but_o christ_n he_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o all_o man_n and_o all_o angel_n nay_o more_o grace_n in_o number_n then_o all_o man_n and_o all_o angel_n have_v and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o number_n perfect_a so_o they_o be_v perfect_a in_o degree_n for_o in_o measure_n they_o exceed_v the_o grace_n of_o all_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o son_n 3.14_o without_o measure_n &_o thus_o much_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o first_o royalty_n of_o christ._n now_o the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o lively_a head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o plenty_n of_o all_o store_n of_o grace_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o enrich_v his_o church_n and_o to_o revive_v the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o such_o indeed_o be_v the_o special_a state_n of_o this_o church_n first_o hence_o we_o learn_v use_n no_o man_n can_v have_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o
church_n for_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n now_o come_v to_o the_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n these_o three_o first_o chapter_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o preface_n and_o a_o vision_n the_o preface_n be_v a_o entrance_n to_o the_o vision_n contain_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o nine_o the_o vision_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o three_o chapter_n the_o preface_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n second_o the_o inscription_n thereof_o the_o title_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n the_o inscription_n from_o the_o four_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n the_o title_n in_o these_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n a_o revelation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o manifestation_n or_o discovery_n of_o thing_n secret_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n revelation_n from_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v show_v three_o way_n first_o by_o dream_n second_o by_o vision_n three_o by_o create_a voice_n of_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num._n 12.6_o 8._o now_o this_o be_v not_o by_o dream_n nor_o by_o vision_n or_o voice_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mix_a revelation_n receive_v partly_o by_o vision_n and_o partly_o by_o voice_n utter_v in_o the_o vision_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o author_n second_o the_o end_n three_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v four_o the_o matter_n five_o the_o instrument_n six_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o seven_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o revelation_n first_o the_o author_n be_v jesus_n christ_n it_o come_v from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v call_v his_o revelation_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o not_o to_o exclude_v the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o show_v the_o special_a office_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n which_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o publish_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o his_o church_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v the_o 3.1_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o â—_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o â—4_n wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n &_o the_o 1._o word_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v difference_n between_o this_o and_o all_o satanical_a revelation_n for_o as_o god_n have_v his_o true_a revelation_n so_o satan_n who_o herein_o may_v be_v call_v god_n ape_n have_v his_o counterfeit_a vision_n and_o deliver_v they_o in_o show_n like_o to_o god_n but_o they_o differ_v much_o first_o the_o devil_n revelation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ambiguous_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o speech_n and_o phrase_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o way_n to_o take_v they_o but_o the_o revelation_n which_o come_v from_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o truth_n who_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n deliver_v second_o the_o devil_n show_v his_o vision_n to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o be_v his_o instrument_n but_o the_o lord_n choose_v the_o godly_a which_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o to_o they_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o devil_n revelation_n evermore_o tend_v to_o set_v up_o and_o uphold_v heresy_n wickedness_n apostasy_n and_o idolatry_n deut._n 13.1_o 2._o but_o these_o that_o come_v from_o god_n serve_v to_o erect_v and_o maintain_v truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n even_o pure_a apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o his_o special_a kingly_a office_n in_o heaven_n for_o be_v ascend_v and_o exalt_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n might_n and_o domination_n and_o there_o do_v direct_v rule_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n upon_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n for_o all_o these_o vision_n serve_v to_o direct_v his_o church_n in_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n whereas_o christ_n jesus_n be_v author_n of_o this_o revelation_n use_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n give_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n we_o may_v observe_v his_o constant_a care_n over_o his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n before_o his_o incarnation_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n such_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o still_o some_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v such_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o now_o behold_v the_o continuance_n or_o rather_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o his_o care_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o beside_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o former_a prophecy_n and_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a will_n by_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v unto_o eternal_a life_n loe_o here_o be_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o this_o worthy_a prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o great_a good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o show_v how_o this_o become_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n namely_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o where_o the_o title_n god_n in_o any_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v oppose_v to_o christ_n there_o it_o import_v the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o sundry_a time_n in_o scripture_n the_o father_n alone_o be_v term_v god_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o the_o other_o person_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o the_o son_n receive_v the_o godhead_n by_o communication_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n receive_v it_o from_o they_o both_o but_o the_o father_n have_v his_o godhead_n of_o himself_o and_o receive_v it_o not_o by_o communication_n from_o any_o other_o here_o some_o will_v say_v this_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o christ_n see_v he_o be_v god_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n of_o himself_o answ._n we_o must_v conceive_v of_o christ_n two_o way_n first_o as_o god_n second_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o father_n give_v he_o nothing_o for_o so_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o the_o same_o with_o the_o father_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v except_v personal_a property_n and_o be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o father_n neither_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o give_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n do_v but_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v mediator_n he_o be_v not_o god_n simple_o but_o god_n incarnate_a or_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n as_o himself_o confess_v all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o matth._n 28.18_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n philip._n 2.9_o he_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v peter_n act._n 2.33_o and_o god_n make_v he_o both_o lord_n and_o christ_n ver_fw-la 36._o and_o so_o god_n give_v he_o this_o revelation_n in_o this_o place_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o make_v christ_n inferior_a to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o receiver_n be_v usual_o inferior_a to_o the_o giver_n answer_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n incarnate_a and_o make_v man_n he_o be_v inferior_a and_o receive_v of_o he_o so_o much_o himself_o confess_v my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o john_n 10.29_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n paul_n call_v god_n the_o father_n the_o head_n of_o christ._n 1._o cor._n 11.6_o and_o as_o christ_n now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n be_v mediator_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o his_o father_n and_o receive_v his_o kingdom_n from_o his_o father_n which_o he_o
first_o christ_n send_v and_o show_v this_o revelation_n this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o two_o special_a cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o pen_n and_o publish_v this_o book_n rash_o but_o by_o call_v and_o warrant_n from_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o must_v be_v our_o behaviour_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whatsoever_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v look_v we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o call_n and_o with_o out_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v there_o will_v be_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o care_n of_o just_a deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n second_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v to_o get_v more_o reverend_a acceptance_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o holy_a angel_n if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v write_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o withal_o send_v it_o by_o one_o of_o his_o guard_n we_o doubt_v the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o behold_v this_o book_n be_v the_o epistle_n and_o letter_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n what_o reverence_n therefore_o and_o acceptation_n ought_v this_o to_o find_v sure_o a_o thousand_o fold_n more_o with_o every_o one_o than_o the_o writing_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n whatsoever_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o christ_n employ_v about_o this_o revelation_n and_o they_o be_v two_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o saint_n john_n for_o the_o first_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n act._n 7.38_o gal._n 3.19_o and_o daniel_n receive_v the_o exposition_n of_o sundry_a dream_n and_o vision_n by_o a_o angel_n dan._n 8.19_o and_o 9.21_o and_o 10.14_o and_o the_o seven_o vision_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o book_n be_v show_v to_o john_n by_o a_o holy_a angel_n but_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n ground_n hereupon_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n because_o they_o be_v about_o we_o and_o bring_v unto_o we_o particular_a message_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o before_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o they_o we_o must_v have_v from_o god_n a_o particular_a commandment_n so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o else_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n afford_v no_o word_n of_o command_n or_o promise_v for_o any_o such_o action_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o second_o instrument_n here_o employ_v by_o christ_n be_v john_n this_o john_n be_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n and_o so_o kinsman_n unto_o christ_n a_o bless_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o three_o epistle_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o be_v that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v and_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o reverence_n to_o this_o book_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o a_o property_n call_v himself_o christ_n his_o servant_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n or_o action_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o god_n word_n vers_fw-la 2._o for_o the_o first_o note_z that_o john_n do_v not_o call_v himself_o that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v nor_o the_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v be_v ally_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n mother_n be_v sister_n to_o joseph_n christ_n suppose_v father_n and_o cousin_n german_a to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n john_n have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o â—earers_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v esteem_v more_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o he_o than_o any_o bond_n of_o outward_a alliance_n can_v possible_o make_v they_o math._n 12.50_o luk._n 11.28_o but_o he_o call_v himself_o christ_n servant_n have_v yield_v up_o himself_o to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o herein_o stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v service_n unto_o christ._n the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v never_o find_v such_o favour_n with_o god_n to_o have_v be_v christ_n mother_n if_o she_o have_v not_o withal_o become_v christ_n servant_n she_o bear_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o her_o womb_n by_o conception_n or_o else_o she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o he_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o outward_a dignity_n as_o blood_n royal_a noble_a parentage_n and_o such_o like_a will_v nothing_o further_a a_o man_n salvation_n he_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ_n must_v become_v his_o servant_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o do_v his_o will_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o paul_n say_v circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n â—_o 16_o 17._o again_o consider_v in_o what_o regard_n john_n be_v here_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n do_v but_o more_o special_o because_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v his_o particular_a call_n so_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n cap._n 1.1_o and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 9_o because_o he_o do_v service_n unto_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o show_v ourselves_o christ_n servant_n in_o our_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o office_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o profess_v service_n unto_o christ_n by_o hear_v his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n and_o keep_v his_o saboathe_n but_o unless_o therewithal_o we_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n our_o outward_a profession_n be_v flat_a hypocrisy_n this_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n buyer_n seller_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o unless_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o special_a calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n their_o public_a service_n in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n shall_v never_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a micha_n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o vers._n 2._o which_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o thâ—ngs_n that_o he_o see_v here_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v himself_o namely_o by_o this_o action_n or_o effect_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o partly_o by_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o by_o preach_v he_o bare_a witness_n and_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v diverse_a part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n add_v and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n say_v and_o do_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o he_o bare_a record_n say_v and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o here_o he_o allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o testimony_n we_o
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a benediction_n for_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n &_o must_v short_o be_v fulfil_v therefore_o those_o be_v bless_v which_o read_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n and_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o secret_a objection_n for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v we_o need_v not_o to_o read_v or_o remember_v this_o prophecy_n see_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n but_o he_o add_v the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v mark_v these_o word_n for_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o revelation_n be_v of_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o here_o they_o be_v repeat_v again_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o these_o prophecy_n contain_v weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v deep_o consider_v and_o earnest_o think_v on_o and_o s._n john_n repeat_v the_o same_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o awake_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n continual_o for_o though_o they_o can_v fall_v into_o the_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o slumber_n of_o security_n may_v overtake_v they_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a matth._n 25.5_o and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a church_n confess_v that_o she_o sleep_v though_o her_o heart_n wake_v cant._n 5.2_o second_o to_o confirm_v and_o hearten_v the_o church_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o affliction_n to_o come_v for_o herein_o be_v the_o common_a say_n true_a he_o that_o be_v forewarn_v be_v fore-armed_n now_o in_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n whether_o affliction_n temptation_n death_n or_o the_o last_o judgement_n itself_o all_o will_v come_v short_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o life_n as_o to_o stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n so_o to_o move_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n the_o bad_a servant_n beat_v his_o fellow_n because_o he_o think_v his_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.48.49_o the_o old_a world_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n never_o regard_v noah_n prophecy_n and_o so_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o matth._n 24.39_o we_o shall_v lay_v these_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o always_o think_v with_o paul_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o â—and_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n these_o eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v interchangeable_a one_o while_o peace_n and_o then_o trouble_v so_o as_o it_o be_v like_a this_o peaceable_a state_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v but_o we_o must_v be_v try_v and_o the_o time_n of_o ouâ—_n trial_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v befall_v the_o church_n will_v come_v short_o we_o must_v therefore_o prepare_v for_o trouble_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o less_o grievous_a vers._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o 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 which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o wit_n the_o inscription_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o a_o dedication_n in_o these_o word_n john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n second_o a_o salutation_n in_o the_o next_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n observe_v first_o the_o penman_n that_o dedicate_v this_o book_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v for_o the_o first_o the_o penman_n be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o repeat_v his_o name_n to_o show_v and_o certify_v every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o true_a penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v this_o revelation_n but_o though_o he_o repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o add_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n or_o commendation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v never_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o cause_n to_o our_o own_o praise_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o god_n glory_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n maintain_v this_o paul_n practise_v who_o often_o humble_v himself_o and_o call_v himself_o the_o 15._o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n yet_o when_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n come_v into_o question_n than_o he_o set_v out_o himself_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a apostle_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o as_o we_o may_v find_v in_o both_o of_o his_o 11.5_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n second_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n concern_v they_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o write_v to_o church_n second_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o the_o first_o why_o write_v he_o to_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o church_n see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a catholic_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a &_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o the_o same_o be_v part_v into_o several_a branch_n and_o company_n one_o part_n be_v in_o one_o country_n and_o another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o wherein_o also_o every_o several_a congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n all_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v only_o one_o yet_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o take_v their_o name_n of_o the_o country_n whereto_o they_o adjoine_v be_v call_v so_o many_o particular_a sea_n as_o the_o english_a sea_n the_o spanish_a sea_n french_a italian_a scottish_a sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o particular_a church_n must_v john_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n now_o john_n choose_v rather_o to_o write_v to_o church_n than_o to_o particular_a man_n first_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n second_o because_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o call_v not_o that_o her_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n house_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o god_n enemy_n second_o because_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o three_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v therein_o second_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n among_o all_o particular_a church_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o seven_o in_o asia_n no_o doubt_n for_o special_a cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a church_n as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v plain_o show_v second_o that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o long_o before_o have_v be_v foretell_v may_v be_v more_o evident_a for_o here_o the_o jew_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o gentile_n send_v unto_o last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o other_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n whereon_o alâ—_n other_o church_n shall_v depend_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v know_v of_o they_o why_o john_n pass_v by_o it_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n which_o contain_v matter_n needful_a for_o all_o church_n to_o know_v grace_n be_v with_o
write_v that_o he_o put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o come_v from_o christ._n nay_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n this_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o give_v the_o disciple_n understanding_n 24._o as_o they_o go_v unto_o emaus_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n be_v to_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o father_n will_n this_o certificate_n be_v two_o fold_n general_a or_o particular_a general_a when_o he_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n that_o the_o word_n write_v or_o speak_v by_o man_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o nature_n nor_o learning_n can_v do_v this_o but_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n and_o for_o this_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 16.13_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v god_n will_v unto_o they_o and_o assure_v their_o heart_n that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a unto_o this_o assurance_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v the_o outward_a mean_n which_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o a_o inward_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a to_o wit_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o this_o doctrine_n three_o point_n be_v resolve_v first_o use_n this_o demand_n of_o the_o papist_n how_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n read_v and_o teach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n we_o must_v here_o have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v enlighten_v and_o make_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v it_o of_o himself_o second_o we_o must_v have_v christ_n his_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o in_o they_o he_o set_v down_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o christ_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n why_o do_v not_o alâ—_n man_n know_v this_o testimony_n and_o receive_v it_o i_o answer_v the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n before_o a_o man_n face_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o cause_v he_o to_o see_v unless_o he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o gift_n and_o sense_n of_o see_v even_o so_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v in_o god_n word_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n that_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v have_v in_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o testimony_n to_o his_o conscience_n and_o then_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o mark_v the_o manner_n and_o style_n the_o majesty_n and_o power_n thereof_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v in_o every_o sentence_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n assure_v his_o conscience_n that_o the_o same_o be_v undoubted_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o second_o doubt_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n know_v the_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o turk_n papist_n jew_n and_o protestant_n have_v their_o several_a religion_n and_o die_v in_o they_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o look_v whereto_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n that_o we_o must_v hold_v for_o true_a religion_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o testimony_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o in_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o not_o the_o religion_n of_o jew_n turk_n or_o papist_n a_o three_o doubt_n to_o be_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v how_o to_o know_v the_o particular_a truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o sundry_a man_n profess_v the_o same_o religion_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n answ._n still_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o mark_v they_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o judgement_n quest._n but_o if_o there_o be_v diverse_a opinion_n about_o scripture_n itself_o and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o several_a sense_n unto_o it_o who_o must_v then_o be_v judge_n answ._n in_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n yea_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v still_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n alone_o for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o diverse_a exposition_n of_o one_o place_n yet_o by_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o confer_v it_o with_o other_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n expound_v himself_o the_o particular_a certificate_n of_o christ_n belong_v also_o to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o assure_v man_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n therein_o contain_v as_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a which_o in_o the_o word_n be_v general_o expound_v do_v belong_v unto_o they_o particular_o as_o to_o peter_n to_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o assurance_n as_o the_o former_a be_v principal_o wrought_v by_o the_o word_n not_o bare_o read_v but_o preach_v for_o therein_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o general_a promise_n be_v particular_o apply_v this_o paul_n import_v say_v you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o testify_v with_o our_o spirit_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n use_n and_o of_o all_o other_o which_o hold_v that_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o faith_n be_v wicked_a and_o damnable_a for_o hereby_o they_o cut_v off_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n wherein_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o do_v consist_v that_o be_v to_o assure_v a_o man_n particular_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o he_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v witness_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v only_o outward_o to_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o can_v speak_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o conscience_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o they_o certify_v any_o man_n particular_o though_o their_o ministry_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n second_o observe_v christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o so_o he_o be_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o testify_v not_o his_o own_o will_n but_o he_o which_o send_v he_o namely_o his_o father_n john_n 8.26_o second_o he_o testify_v all_o his_o father_n will_n neither_o add_v thereto_o nor_o detract_n from_o it_o john_n 17.4_o three_o because_o he_o teach_v his_o father_n will_v sincere_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o alter_v change_a or_o deprave_v any_o part_n thereof_o as_o my_o father_n teach_v i_o so_o i_o speak_v these_o thing_n john_n 8.28_o three_o christ_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o witness_n the_o lord_n have_v sundry_a faithful_a witness_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n the_o church_n nay_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n psalm_n 89.37_o but_o christ_n alone_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o because_o his_o witness_n be_v 8.14_o authentical_a sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o authentical_a and_o certain_a but_o as_o it_o consent_v with_o christ_n witness_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n second_o he_o be_v that_o witness_n because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o that_o house_n whereto_o he_o give_v witness_n namely_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v but_o servant_n there_o hebr._fw-la 5.5_o 6._o three_o christ_n his_o witness_n be_v inward_a it_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o there_o give_v undoubted_a assurance_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v outward_a only_a it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n it_o never_o bind_v and_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o itself_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o he_o be_v call_v here_o that_o faithful_a witness_n use_n first_o whereas_o christ_n the_o doctor_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n we_o learn_v that_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v faithful_a witness_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o
everlasting_a life_n which_o christ_n there_o keep_v in_o store_n for_o we_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n principal_o do_v christ_n here_o say_v behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o 3._o this_o also_o must_v move_v we_o to_o put_v all_o our_o affiance_n in_o he_o and_o to_o place_v all_o our_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o man_n have_v most_o regard_n to_o that_o part_n of_o their_o body_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n live_v well_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v our_o spiritual_a life_n we_o therefore_o must_v set_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n on_o he_o especial_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n be_v this_o though_o i_o be_v dead_a yeâ—_n i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n here_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o hell_n be_v a_o bodily_a place_n keep_v with_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o door_n as_o man_n dwelling_n house_n be_v that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o place_n of_o god_n word_n neither_o yet_o that_o the_o torment_n thereof_o be_v bodily_a such_o as_o be_v inflict_v in_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o they_o be_v spiritual_a be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n who_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n but_o christ_n in_o this_o phrase_n borrow_v a_o comparison_n from_o steward_n of_o great_a house_n who_o at_o their_o installing_n into_o their_o stewardship_n have_v the_o key_n of_o all_o thing_n give_v unto_o they_o which_o give_v of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o token_n of_o regiment_n and_o authority_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o once_o die_v yet_o by_o his_o death_n do_v vanquish_v hell_n and_o death_n and_o have_v obtain_v full_a power_n &_o dominion_n over_o they_o both_o for_o evermore_o hence_o arise_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n proper_o belong_v only_o unto_o christ._n no_o mere_a creature_n have_v this_o power_n for_o he_o that_o can_v forgive_v sin_n must_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n namely_o hell_n and_o death_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o christ_n alone_o who_o only_o have_v the_o key_n thereof_o and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v proper_o forgive_v sin_n be_v to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v power_n in_o himself_o over_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o therefore_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v full_a of_o blasphemy_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o proper_o to_o pronounce_v unto_o man_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n of_o themselves_o and_o they_o deride_v the_o custom_n of_o reform_a church_n who_o from_o god_n pronounce_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n unto_o they_o that_o repent_v second_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o reverence_n christ_n and_o to_o perform_v unto_o he_o all_o due_a honour_n and_o loyal_a obedience_n if_o we_o never_o have_v do_v this_o heretofore_o we_o must_v now_o begin_v and_o if_o we_o have_v do_v it_o we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o more_o for_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n he_o can_v open_v the_o gate_n thereof_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o cast_v thither_o who_o he_o will_n many_o deceive_v themselves_o through_o their_o false_a conceit_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v not_o of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o judge_n but_o as_o a_o saviour_n only_o they_o make_v he_o all_o of_o mercy_n and_o pity_n and_o thereby_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v likewise_o a_o righteous_a judge_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o in_o our_o evil_a way_n but_o strive_v to_o please_v he_o continual_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a least_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o stir_v up_o his_o wrath_n against_o we_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o cast_v we_o into_o hell_n whence_o be_v no_o redemption_n three_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n unto_o all_o those_o in_o god_n church_n that_o in_o this_o life_n unfeigned_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n for_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n &_o death_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o from_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v because_o they_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o if_o this_o be_v always_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n it_o will_v minister_v endless_a joy_n unto_o our_o soul_n against_o the_o servile_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n vers._n 19_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v hereafter_o here_o s._n john_n propound_v a_o second_o action_n of_o christ._n for_o have_v confirm_v john_n against_o his_o great_a fear_n he_o give_v he_o a_o commandment_n to_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v etc._n etc._n this_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o john_n in_o the_o eleven_o verse_n and_o be_v here_o again_o repeat_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o john_n may_v see_v the_o special_a care_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n that_o he_o still_o continue_v a_o provident_a head_n thereof_o for_o their_o good_a estate_n after_o his_o ascension_n second_o that_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a man_n shall_v know_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a unto_o trouble_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v better_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o evil_n to_o come_v three_o that_o john_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v of_o his_o call_n to_o write_v and_o publish_v this_o book_n four_o that_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v be_v out_o of_o doubt_n that_o this_o book_n be_v no_o device_n of_o man_n but_o a_o book_n of_o god_n and_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n reveal_v from_o christ_n to_o john_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v though_o christ_n do_v faithful_o reveal_v his_o will_n yet_o john_n may_v err_v in_o publish_v it_o answ._n as_o christ_n deliver_v this_o to_o john_n so_o he_o receive_v and_o publish_v it_o faithful_o without_o all_o fault_n either_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n for_o we_o must_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o teacher_n as_o the_o prophet_n in_o former_a time_n so_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v immediate_o by_o christ_n and_o have_v such_o special_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v when_o they_o propound_v by_o preach_v or_o write_v any_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n make_v unto_o they_o luk._n 10.16_o he_o which_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o be_v which_o refuse_v you_o refuse_v i_o and_o â—e_v which_o refuse_v i_o refuse_v he_o that_o send_v i_o again_o matth._n 10.20_o it_o be_v not_o you_o which_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n speak_v in_o you_o joh._n 14.26_o he_o promise_v to_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v their_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n yea_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16_o 1â—_n which_o promise_v some_o apply_v 〈◊〉_d all_o god_n minister_n but_o if_o we_o mark_v the_o circumstance_n thereof_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o proper_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o apostle_n for_o though_o in_o other_o the_o certainty_n hereof_o can_v be_v affirm_v yet_o in_o they_o it_o may_v for_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o counsel_n at_o jerusalem_n thus_o they_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o 28._o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o certain_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o no_o minister_n ever_o since_o can_v say_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n both_o in_o speak_v and_o write_v this_o distinction_n must_v be_v hold_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o faithful_a pen_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o book_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o repetition_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o commandment_n be_v contain_v the_o division_n of_o this_o whole_a book_n write_v the_o word_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v that_o be_v set_v down_o what_o i_o have_v show_v thou_o in_o this_o vision_n and_o which_o be_v that_o be_v all_o thing_n which_o i_o reveal_v unto_o thou_o touch_v the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o that_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o
of_o a_o harlot_n five_o their_o body_n be_v temple_n and_o dwell_v place_n not_o for_o earthly_a prince_n but_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o god_n grace_n and_o adorn_v with_o chastity_n &_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a mansion_n place_n for_o so_o worthy_a a_o guest_n but_o by_o fornication_n they_o be_v make_v the_o sâ—ies_n &_o stable_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n verse_n 16._o repent_v thyself_o or_o else_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n christ_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o error_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o do_v here_o propound_v unto_o this_o church_n first_o a_o remedy_n for_o her_o recovery_n second_o a_o reason_n to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o remedy_n the_o remedy_n be_v in_o these_o word_n repent_v thyself_o in_o it_o consider_v these_o point_n first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o repent_v second_o why_o christ_n so_o often_o urge_v thereunto_o three_o to_o who_o christ_n prescribe_v this_o remedy_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n brief_o therefore_o repentance_n be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n here_o repentance_n must_v be_v take_v more_o large_o for_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o accompany_v repentance_n in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o as_o i._o humiliation_n of_o a_o man_n by_o confess_v of_o his_o sin_n unto_o god_n and_o condemn_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o sin_n ii_o prayer_n whereby_o a_o man_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n iii_o reformation_n whereby_o a_o man_n in_o hart_n propose_v and_o in_o life_n endeavour_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o for_o ever_o after_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o obedience_n unto_o god_n unto_o all_o these_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n exhort_v they_o in_o this_o place_n ii_o point_n why_o do_v christ_n so_o often_o prescribe_v this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v it_o an._n not_o for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n or_o a_o meritorious_a mean_n to_o procure_v remission_n of_o sin_n &_o life_n everlasting_a as_o the_o papist_n do_v false_o and_o damnable_o teach_v for_o that_o nothing_o can_v do_v but_o the_o obedience_n &_o passion_n of_o christ_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o god_n favour_n procure_v &_o a_o most_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o make_v a_o man_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o move_v he_o to_o do_v good_a second_o because_o it_o be_v a_o way_n wherein_o man_n must_v walk_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o will_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n &_o life_n eternal_a iii_o point_n to_o who_o be_v this_o remedy_n prescribe_v answ._n first_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o then_o to_o the_o nicholaitan_o in_o that_o church_n though_o they_o be_v most_o wicked_a man_n touch_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o most_o worthy_a grace_n for_o they_o have_v repentance_n and_o yet_o note_n christ_n say_v still_o unto_o they_o repent_v thyself_o herein_o teach_v we_o a_o most_o worthy_a lesson_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o learn_v and_o practice_v namely_o that_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a practice_n of_o repentance_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o repent_v that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o every_o new_a day_n must_v have_v a_o new_a repentance_n for_o his_o daily_a slip_n we_o 5.2_o be_v god_n ambassador_n say_v paul_n for_o christ_n beseech_v you_o in_o christ_n steed_n that_o you_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n now_o they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n before_o for_o they_o be_v call_v 16._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v strive_v more_o and_o more_o after_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o further_a assurance_n and_o also_o for_o their_o particular_a sin_n wherein_o they_o daily_o offend_v every_o christian_a must_v daily_o wresâ—â—e_v with_o his_o own_o corruption_n which_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o that_o the_o long_o he_o live_v the_o more_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o dislike_n with_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o distaste_n of_o himself_o he_o must_v daily_o proceed_v that_o he_o may_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o grow_v up_o in_o christ._n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o this_o church_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o they_o their_o sin_n be_v our_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v we_o want_v zeal_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n now_o be_v in_o the_o same_o fault_n with_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o practice_v the_o same_o remedy_n and_o renew_v our_o repentance_n though_o we_o have_v repent_v heretofore_o second_o he_o prescribe_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o nicolaitan_o that_o hold_v two_o damnable_a error_n and_o no_o doubt_n live_v according_o in_o those_o sin_n and_o yet_o christ_n bar_v they_o not_o from_o his_o kingdom_n but_o bid_v they_o repent_v where_o note_n that_o great_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v not_o bar_v from_o god_n mercy_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v excellent_a be_v that_o say_n of_o isaiah_n god_n iâ—_n much_o in_o spare_v and_o that_o of_o david_n also_o with_o god_n be_v plentiful_a redemption_n 130.7_o this_o point_n be_v serious_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o we_o have_v in_o our_o congregation_n many_o that_o be_v well_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o for_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o life_n be_v flat_a atheist_n we_o have_v also_o among_o we_o epicure_n blasphemer_n murderer_n and_o fornicator_n with_o these_o nicolaitan_o now_o to_o all_o these_o and_o such_o like_a this_o doctrine_n appertain_v not_o to_o embolden_v they_o in_o sin_n but_o to_o assure_v they_o there_o be_v mercy_n in_o store_n for_o they_o with_o god_n if_o they_o will_v true_o repent_v they_o must_v not_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n â—o_o wantonness_n and_o make_v his_o mercy_n a_o bolster_n to_o their_o iniquity_n for_o this_o be_v despise_v of_o god_n bounty_n whereby_o they_o help_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o if_o with_o job_n they_o humble_v themselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o mercy_n from_o a_o break_a heart_n that_o carry_v a_o resolute_a purpose_n to_o leave_v all_o sin_n then_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o many_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n of_o god_n mercy_n though_o they_o be_v as_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a which_o will_v take_v no_o other_o die_v yet_o in_o christ_n blood_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o wool_n &_o snow_n yea_o though_o they_o have_v fall_v often_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a yet_o upon_o this_o unfeigned_a repentance_n they_o shall_v be_v restore_v to_o mercy_n for_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o can_v be_v dry_v up_o but_o see_v they_o do_v repent_v for_o whosoever_o look_v for_o christ_n merit_n must_v know_v that_o he_o look_v for_o true_a repentance_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o remedy_n ii_o point_n the_o reason_n whereby_o christ_n will_v set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o former_a remedy_n contain_v a_o twofold_a threaten_a or_o commination_n the_o first_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o the_o second_o against_o the_o nicolaitan_o in_o these_o word_n and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n for_o the_o first_o if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o short_o these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o five_o verse_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o &_o testify_v my_o presence_n by_o take_v punishment_n upon_o thou_o for_o thy_o want_n of_o zeal_n and_o of_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o this_o effect_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v chap._n 30.27_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o far_o to_o take_v punishment_n upon_o the_o assyrian_n in_o this_o threaten_a the_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v note_v christ_n say_v if_o not_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o express_v a_o thing_n to_o come_v by_o a_o word_n of_o the_o time_n present_a to_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o come_n unto_o they_o by_o judgement_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a unless_o they_o do_v repent_v where_o this_o general_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o namely_o that_o when_o a_o church_n or_o
never_o seek_v it_o this_o his_o mercy_n be_v verify_v in_o all_o church_n and_o unto_o we_o which_o must_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o enlarge_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o vouchsafe_v we_o favour_n when_o we_o never_o seek_v it_o but_o refuse_v it_o quest._n how_o do_v christ_n knock_v answ._n the_o word_n go_v before_o whereto_o these_o have_v reference_n give_v light_n unto_o this_o question_n before_o christ_n have_v threaten_v this_o church_n even_o to_o spew_v she_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o her_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o after_o he_o counsel_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o gold_n and_o other_o remedy_n now_o upon_o this_o grievous_a threaten_n the_o church_n may_v despair_v of_o his_o mercy_n but_o christ_n to_o comfort_v she_o tell_v she_o here_o that_o these_o reproof_n and_o rebuke_n be_v but_o knock_v be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o open_a for_o then_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o people_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o mean_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o withal_o give_v they_o coun_fw-fr whereby_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o fearful_a punishment_n thereby_o deserve_v here_o then_o note_v the_o state_n of_o any_o people_n that_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v to_o come_v in_o by_o exhortation_n admonition_n threaten_n and_o by_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a mercy_n first_o see_v we_o have_v christ_n knock_v at_o our_o door_n use_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o we_o such_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n in_o hear_v he_o knock_v if_o a_o man_n of_o any_o account_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o house_n oh_o what_o a_o stir_n will_v we_o make_v to_o let_v he_o in_o quick_o what_o a_o shame_n than_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v dead-harted_n when_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n second_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o with_o all_o speed_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v continue_v knock_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o turn_v before_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o we_o perish_v eternal_o for_o if_o we_o refuse_v when_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n he_o will_v refuse_v when_o we_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n prou._n 1._o 25.26_o mat._n 25.11.12_o note_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o it_o be_v join_v with_o cry_v for_o he_o say_v if_o he_o hear_v my_o voice_n so_o that_o he_o both_o knock_v &_o cry_n it_o be_v then_o the_o knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v enter_v we_o therefore_o ought_v answerable_o with_o serious_a regard_n to_o receive_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v as_o earnest_n in_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o knock_v to_o come_v into_o us._n the_o second_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o set_v down_o the_o true_a use_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o same_o mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v such_o as_o give_v unto_o a_o man_n will_n &_o soul_n a_o action_n in_o his_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v christ._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o it_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o worker_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o word_n and_o man_n will_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a knowledge_n soften_a the_o heart_n and_o change_v the_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o now_o he_o work_v not_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n but_o ordinary_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v hear_v or_o meditate_v either_o public_o or_o private_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o man_n salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o man_v will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o dead_a unto_o grace_n yet_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o conversion_n move_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v turn_v it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n only_o passive_a which_o without_o any_o action_n receive_v impression_n but_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o fire_n do_v bear_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v it_o be_v fire_n so_o the_o will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o move_v not_o yet_o be_v renew_v by_o grace_n it_o move_v and_o so_o some_o as_o it_o move_v it_o be_v renew_v and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v action_n unto_o a_o sinner_n that_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v which_o argue_v not_o that_o by_o themselves_o man_n can_v have_v a_o will_n to_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o be_v renew_v they_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o these_o term_n repent_v and_o believe_v not_o to_o show_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v repent_v or_o believe_v but_o that_o god_n in_o man_n conversion_n do_v give_v he_o grace_v to_o will_n and_o desire_v the_o same_o hence_o than_o it_o follow_v thar_z this_o text_n have_v be_v diverse_a way_n abuse_v first_o by_o the_o papist_n who_o hence_o will_v gather_v free_a will_n of_o conversion_n in_o a_o sinner_n by_o nature_n true_a it_o be_v a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o be_v gather_v hence_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v and_o open_v when_o i_o knock_v nay_o hence_o we_o may_v rather_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v hear_v nor_o open_a because_o the_o counsel_n be_v give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a by_o nature_n second_o they_o also_o abuse_v this_o text_n that_o hereby_o will_v prove_v a_o flexible_a free_a will_n by_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o man_n which_o be_v this_o sundry_a man_n think_v that_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o sin_n god_n give_v a_o general_a grace_n whereby_o any_o man_n may_v will_v and_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o this_o grace_n though_o it_o dispose_v the_o will_n in_o some_o part_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o it_o take_v not_o the_o corruption_n away_o but_o that_o remain_v still_o whereupon_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v receive_v christ_n by_o that_o general_a grace_n or_o if_o he_o will_v not_o he_o may_v refuse_v christ_n by_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o he_o it_o be_v say_v this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o text_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o flexible_a freewill_n all_o that_o can_v here_o be_v gather_v be_v that_o man_n have_v freewill_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o a_o general_a but_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n nay_o christ_n ministry_n serueâ—_n for_o this_o end_n that_o those_o which_o before_o can_v not_o turn_v of_o themselves_o may_v by_o grace_n be_v convert_v this_o flexible_a grace_n be_v against_o god_n word_n christ_n say_v 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o he_o say_v not_o may_v come_v if_o he_o will_v but_o peremptory_o come_v for_o man_n will_n can_v dispose_v and_o over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n 〈◊〉_d god_n overrule_v the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o man_n be_v unwilling_a yet_o when_o god_n call_v effectual_o he_o can_v but_o come_v for_o the_o creature_n can_v reject_v or_o resist_v the_o will_n and_o call_n of_o his_o creator_n if_o any_o man_n open_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v etc._n etc._n the_o proper_a intent_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o conditional_a promise_n be_v to_o provoke_v they_o that_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a to_o listen_v diligent_o to_o christ_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n from_o he_o glad_o in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v our_o duty_n see_v
alone_o on_o the_o house_n top_n act._n 10.11_o and_o so_o doubtless_o find_v john_n thus_o employ_v this_o lord_n day_n he_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o we_o learn_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o john_n be_v in_o a_o solitary_a island_n keep_v the_o sabbath_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prisoner_n and_o those_o which_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o dead_a paluesie_a or_o other_o great_a disease_n as_o mariner_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v keep_v holy_a the_o lord_n sabbath_n by_o perform_v such_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v as_o prayer_n confession_n of_o sin_n and_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v though_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o in_o that_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o holy_a duty_n hence_o arise_v a_o consolation_n to_o god_n church_n that_o god_n draw_v near_o unto_o they_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o as_o james_n 4.8_o and_o so_o let_v we_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n will_v show_v himself_o sundry_a way_n and_o draw_v near_o unto_o us._n the_o cause_n why_o man_n have_v so_o little_a taste_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o by_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n for_o when_o man_n draw_v back_o from_o god_n be_v it_o not_o good_a reason_n he_o shall_v draw_v back_o from_o they_o this_o therefore_o must_v stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o move_v we_o to_o come_v often_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o by_o use_n in_o these_o duty_n shall_v we_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o i_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o trumpet_n first_o here_o follow_v the_o part_n of_o this_o vision_n which_o be_v two_o the_o beginning_n or_o entrance_n into_o it_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o part_n of_o the_o twelve_o second_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n thereof_o from_o the_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n be_v a_o preparation_n whereby_o the_o lord_n make_v john_n more_o fit_a to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o which_o preparation_n we_o must_v observe_v first_o the_o mean_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n prepare_v he_o be_v a_o voice_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n the_o like_a manner_n of_o preparation_n have_v god_n use_v in_o former_a time_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v with_o adam_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n first_o he_o prepare_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n speak_v unto_o he_o before_o he_o appear_v and_o by_o this_o voice_n cause_v he_o to_o sly_a for_o fear_v then_o have_v rebuke_v he_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o make_v with_o he_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n genes_n 3._o and_o in_o mount_n sinai_n before_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o law_n 20._o he_o first_o come_v down_o in_o thunder_a and_o lightning_n and_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o terrify_v the_o people_n and_o then_o he_o utter_v his_o law_n to_o moses_n and_o to_o his_o people_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v instruct_v samuel_n touch_v the_o house_n of_o elie_n 3._o he_o awake_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n again_o and_o again_o and_o then_o speak_v plain_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o all_o vision_n usual_o and_o general_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o prepare_v his_o servant_n by_o voice_n by_o sign_n and_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o fit_a to_o receive_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n in_o prepare_v he_o to_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o this_o vision_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o much_o more_o shall_v be_v prepare_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o come_v far_o short_a of_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o john_n who_o yet_o must_v be_v prepare_v our_o come_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a and_o we_o dull_a to_o learn_v we_o must_v therefore_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n prepare_v ourselves_o that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o profit_n the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a profit_n after_o long_a hear_n be_v want_v of_o preparation_n but_o hereof_o we_o have_v entreat_v already_o upon_o the_o three_o verse_n this_o voice_n be_v here_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o three_o way_n first_o by_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v second_o by_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o three_o by_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n which_o it_o contain_v for_o the_o place_n it_o be_v utter_v from_o behind_o he_o which_o the_o lord_n observe_v to_o stir_v up_o â—â—re_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o usual_o man_n do_v more_o careful_o mark_v those_o thing_n which_o come_v on_o a_o sudden_a behind_o they_o than_o those_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v direct_o before_o their_o face_n second_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o this_o voice_n be_v great_a as_o be_v express_v further_o by_o a_o similitude_n like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n that_o be_v full_a of_o power_n and_o majesty_n which_o also_o god_n add_v unto_o it_o to_o further_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o ordinary_a voice_n or_o small_a he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o have_v regard_v it_o but_o be_v so_o sudden_a so_o great_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n it_o can_v not_o but_o make_v he_o very_o attentive_a now_o see_v christ_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o prepare_v johns_n mind_n with_o attention_n and_o diligence_n to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v tell_v he_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n of_o attention_n for_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o john_n then_o be_v it_o far_o more_o necessary_a for_o we_o who_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o in_o all_o gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n and_o here_o also_o be_v another_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n and_o little_a like_n of_o god_n word_n namely_o want_v of_o attention_n in_o the_o heart_n we_o must_v therefore_o like_o godly_a lydia_n act._n 16._o stir_v up_o our_o dull_a and_o heavy_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o diligence_n mark_v the_o thing_n we_o hear_v and_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o enemy_n to_o attention_n the_o first_o be_v by-thought_n as_o when_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v present_a but_o the_o mind_n wander_v from_o the_o word_n and_o be_v whole_o possess_v with_o thought_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o worldly_a affair_n for_o these_o be_v thorn_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n many_o will_v complain_v they_o can_v mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v now_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o themselves_o their_o wander_a thought_n which_o hinder_v both_o understanding_n and_o memory_n for_o the_o mind_n conceive_v other_o matter_n can_v observe_v how_o one_o point_n depend_v on_o another_o much_o less_o remember_v they_o afterward_o the_o second_o enemy_n to_o attention_n be_v dulness_n and_o heaviness_n in_o body_n &_o soul_n a_o common_a fault_n in_o many_o hearer_n which_o show_v itself_o by_o drowsiness_n and_o sleepiness_n in_o the_o time_n of_o preach_v when_o they_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o their_o body_n and_o heart_n to_o all_o attention_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o his_o prince_n be_v speak_v unto_o he_o of_o some_o weighty_a matter_n that_o be_v for_o his_o good_a it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o part_n of_o contempt_n and_o disloyalty_n towards_o his_o majesty_n what_o disloyalty_n then_o be_v this_o unto_o the_o king_n of_o king_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o sure_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n unto_o salvation_n we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v and_o in_o hear_v
and_o some_o reform_a action_n use_n hereby_o appear_v that_o their_o description_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o fit_a &_o proper_a which_o say_v it_o stand_v in_o these_o three_o contrition_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n for_o contrition_n be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o a_o cause_n thereof_o and_o so_o be_v faith_n as_o christ_n teach_v in_o his_o well-known_a sermon_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n where_o they_o be_v plain_o distinct_a and_o indeed_o a_o man_n must_v first_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o follow_v repentance_n and_o for_o new_a obedience_n it_o be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o a_o fruit_n thereof_o other_o make_v regeneration_n and_o repentance_n all_o one_o but_o that_o can_v so_o well_o stand_v for_o regeneration_n go_v before_o and_o repentance_n follow_v after_o as_o a_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n cause_v repentance_n the_o mind_n therefore_o must_v first_o be_v renew_v &_o then_o it_o turn_v itself_o unto_o god_n and_o withal_o turn_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o true_a repentance_n be_v ii_o point_n how_o must_v repentance_n be_v practise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o true_a humiliation_n and_o true_a reformation_n in_o humiliation_n a_o man_n humble_v himself_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n make_v true_a confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n from_o a_o sorrowful_a heart_n condemn_v himself_o for_o the_o same_o and_o earnest_o crave_v pardon_n for_o they_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n reformation_n be_v a_o change_n of_o all_o bad_a action_n into_o good_a and_o if_o case_n require_v a_o make_n of_o satisfaction_n unto_o other_o for_o injury_n do_v unto_o they_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o david_n who_o have_v commit_v those_o two_o great_a sin_n of_o whoredom_n and_o murder_n when_o he_o be_v reprove_v by_o nathan_n repent_v confess_v his_o sin_n and_o make_v the_o one_o and_o fifty_o psalm_n and_o as_o it_o be_v think_v the_o 32_o psalm_n therein_o notable_o show_v both_o his_o humiliation_n in_o heart_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n so_o manasses_n when_o he_o be_v convert_v 33.12_o he_o repent_v humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n god_n hear_v he_o and_o thus_o come_v the_o prodigal_a child_n unto_o his_o father_n say_v 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n and_o so_o in_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o repentance_n we_o shall_v see_v these_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n joint_o practise_v as_o psal._n 6._o and_o 38._o and_o 77._o and_o 130.143_o here_o then_o consider_v the_o fearful_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n receive_v general_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n repentance_n with_o they_o stand_v in_o three_o thing_n in_o contrition_n in_o confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n to_o the_o priest_n and_o in_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n by_o good_a work_n but_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v a_o wicked_a man_n do_v for_o judas_n be_v grieve_v for_o betray_v his_o master_n he_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o also_o give_v again_o the_o money_n wherewith_o he_o be_v hire_v a_o second_o abuse_n be_v that_o they_o make_v contrition_n a_o part_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n by_o contrition_n we_o must_v understand_v remorse_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o grace_n of_o itself_o though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n thereto_o in_o god_n elect_v a_o three_o abuse_n be_v that_o they_o prescribe_v a_o confession_n of_o all_o a_o man_n sin_n unto_o man_n which_o iâ—_n a_o gibbet_n for_o any_o man_n conscience_n wherein_o they_o require_v more_o than_o god_n do_v a_o four_o abuse_n be_v that_o they_o require_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n by_o man_n good_a work_n whereby_o they_o overthrow_n satisfaction_n by_o christ_n and_o exact_a that_o of_o man_n which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v we_o therefore_o must_v reject_v their_o wicked_a doctrine_n bring_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o god_n church_n and_o embrace_v that_o save_a repentance_n which_o stand_v in_o true_a humiliation_n and_o reformation_n iii_o point_n who_o be_v it_o that_o command_v repentance_n unto_o this_o church_n namely_o jesus_n christ._n many_o not_o only_a papist_n but_o protestant_n gather_v upon_o this_o &_o such_o like_a commandment_n that_o god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n sufficient_a grace_n to_o repent_v if_o he_o will_v for_o else_o say_v they_o he_o shall_v but_o mock_v they_o in_o bid_v they_o repent_v consider_v that_o without_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o repent_v as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rise_v and_o walk_v that_o be_v fast_o bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n ans._n this_o collection_n be_v unsound_a for_o the_o manifestation_n whereof_o i_o will_v first_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o true_a answer_n and_o then_o apply_v the_o same_o first_o this_o commandment_n to_o repent_v be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o to_o that_o people_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o god_n give_v it_o to_o they_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v gather_v among_o they_o his_o elect_a in_o god_n church_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n elect_v and_o reprobat_fw-la both_o which_o be_v mingle_v in_o this_o life_n now_o when_o the_o commandment_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v give_v out_o in_o god_n church_n it_o be_v direct_v proper_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o to_o the_o other_o who_o god_n have_v refuse_v only_o by_o consequent_a because_o they_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o elect_a again_o these_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o the_o elect_a for_o two_o cause_n i._o to_o teach_v they_o not_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v of_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v ii_o to_o â—e_v a_o outward_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v for_o with_o the_o commandment_n christ_n be_v present_a by_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v in_o the_o elect_a grace_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v phil._n 2.12_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a render_v this_o reason_n in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o god_n work_v in_o you_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o reprobate_n who_o have_v the_o same_o commandment_n give_v unto_o they_o but_o for_o other_o use_n as_o i._o to_o keep_v they_o in_o outward_a order_n ii_o to_o teach_v they_o their_o own_o impotency_n iii_o and_o principal_o that_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n may_v make_v they_o void_a of_o all_o excuse_n at_o the_o last_o day_n from_o hence_o i_o answer_v thus_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o true_a to_o wit_n if_o god_n command_v man_n to_o repent_v than_o he_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o repent_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o qualify_v that_o god_n command_v they_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v practice_v repentance_n for_o god_n give_v out_o his_o commandment_n for_o diverse_a end_n some_o that_o they_o may_v be_v practise_v &_o other_o to_o take_v from_o man_n all_o excuse_n in_o their_o disobedience_n thus_o he_o command_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v that_o by_o his_o disobedience_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v more_o harden_v and_o god_n more_o just_o manifest_v his_o glory_n in_o his_o destruction_n so_o he_o command_v isaiah_n to_o go_v &_o preach_v unto_o the_o people_n not_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o to_o 6.9_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o so_o he_o command_v the_o reprobate_a to_o repent_v but_o neither_o direct_o as_o he_o do_v his_o child_n in_o who_o he_o intend_v the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n but_o by_o consequent_a because_o they_o live_v among_o his_o child_n nor_o yet_o with_o intent_n they_o shall_v obey_v but_o rather_o to_o harden_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a because_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o they_o his_o commandment_n can_v import_v any_o ability_n to_o obey_v iv._o point_n who_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v namely_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v command_v they_o to_o repent_v see_v they_o have_v already_o repent_v at_o their_o conversion_n here_o therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o there_o be_v two_o degreeâ—_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n first_o the_o beginning_n of_o repentance_n second_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o those_o two_o consist_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o a_o christian_n man_v life_n
thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n gal._n 5.14_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d whole_a rejoice_v and_o if_o he_o will_v â—ost_o of_o any_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v herein_o 2._o cor._n 1â—_n 9_o 10._o thus_o be_v god_n servant_n affect_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o repent_v and_o believe_v need_v not_o to_o fear_v what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v his_o pprophecy_n which_o be_v a_o prediction_n of_o that_o particular_a affliction_n which_o this_o church_n of_o smirna_n shall_v suffer_v and_o first_o he_o prefix_v this_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v then_o he_o set_v down_o the_o pprophecy_n itself_o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n behold_v hereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o we_o must_v often_o consider_v before_o â—and_n of_o the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n wherein_o god_n will_v try_v uâ—_n lest_o we_o perish_v therein_o our_o saviour_n christ_n come_v towards_o jerusalem_n 29.41_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o it_o he_o foretell_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o that_o city_n which_o therefore_o come_v upon_o they_o because_o they_o consider_v not_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n neither_o the_o thing_n therein_o foretell_v that_o do_v concern_v their_o peace_n and_o the_o like_a destruction_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o land_n if_o we_o consider_v not_o the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n forecast_v what_o be_v to_o come_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n trial_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o fearful_a and_o final_a destruction_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v try_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n these_o word_n contain_v christ_n pprophecy_n wherein_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a god_n for_o as_o isaiah_n in_o many_o place_n show_v it_o be_v a_o property_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o 44.7_o foretell_v a_o particular_a affliction_n that_o be_v contingent_a but_o some_o will_v say_v other_o can_v foretell_v certain_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o physician_n the_o sick_a man_n death_n and_o the_o astronomer_n the_o time_n of_o the_o eclipse_n how_o then_o be_v this_o proper_a to_o god_n answ._n the_o physician_n foretell_v the_o sick_a man_n death_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o cause_n present_a in_o which_o the_o future_a death_n be_v to_o he_o apparent_a and_o the_o astronomer_n foretell_v the_o eclipse_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n in_o present_a and_o by_o that_o can_v come_v to_o foretell_v it_o in_o time_n to_o come_v so_o that_o simple_o none_o can_v foretell_v a_o thing_n contingent_a except_o he_o see_v it_o present_a in_o the_o cause_n but_o christ_n foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v simple_o of_o himself_o though_o no_o cause_n be_v present_a as_o appear_z in_o this_o place_n in_o this_o pprophecy_n christ_n describe_v this_o affliction_n by_o sundry_a argument_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n second_o by_o the_o party_n that_o be_v to_o be_v afflict_v some_o of_o you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n three_o by_o the_o kind_n of_o punishment_n imprisonment_n four_o by_o the_o end_n thereof_o their_o trial_n and_o fifthly_o by_o the_o time_n of_o it_o continuance_n for_o ten_o day_n i._o argument_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v the_o devil_n quest._n how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o be_v a_o spirit_n he_o can_v offer_v violence_n to_o man_n body_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n answ._n true_a but_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o incline_v their_o will_n to_o hate_v god_n child_n he_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o persecute_v and_o make_v they_o hiâ—_n instrument_n to_o cast_v godâ—_n servant_n into_o prison_n in_o this_o that_o the_o devil_n cause_v the_o affliction_n of_o god_n church_n we_o learn_v sundry_a point_n i._o what_o manner_n of_o man_n those_o be_v that_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n namely_o wicked_a man_n such_o as_o arâ—_n inspire_v by_o satan_n and_o whole_o guide_v in_o mind_n will_n and_o in_o affection_n by_o he_o this_o make_v paul_n say_v 1.15_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o sinner_n because_o in_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o make_v his_o minister_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n for_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n in_o that_o action_n and_o while_o he_o hold_v that_o course_n he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o guide_v by_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n in_o persecution_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v his_o instrument_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o take_v pity_n upon_o all_o persecutor_n be_v they_o king_n or_o monarch_n or_o whatsoever_o yea_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o they_o though_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n because_o they_o be_v possess_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o their_o persecution_n do_v his_o will_n and_o become_v his_o servant_n and_o vassal_n iii_o hence_o we_o learn_v with_o what_o weapon_n we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n namely_o with_o spiritual_a weapon_n of_o prayer_n &_o invocation_n wherein_o we_o must_v show_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n our_o repentance_n &_o true_a obedience_n for_o our_o principal_a adversary_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o hereby_o we_o shall_v best_o defend_v ourselves_o against_o he_o and_o get_v the_o chief_a victory_n eliaâ—_n for_o his_o prayer_n be_v call_v â—2_n the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n nothing_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v in_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n as_o prayer_n from_o a_o penitent_a &_o believe_a heart_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a nation_n against_o we_o howsoever_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o soldier_n must_v be_v use_v yet_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v soon_o foil_v our_o principal_a adversary_n satan_n who_o cease_v not_o the_o spear_n nor_o sword_n and_o yet_o will_v fly_v before_o these_o spiritual_a weapon_n ii_o argument_n the_o party_n that_o must_v be_v afflict_v be_v some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n not_o all_o iii_o argument_n the_o kind_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v imprisonment_n iv._o argument_n the_o end_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n love_n and_o patience_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o first_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o these_o three_o argument_n note_v first_o a_o special_a point_n touch_v god_n providence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o above_o all_o cause_n rule_v and_o dispose_v they_o all_o god_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n use_v instrument_n of_o two_o sort_n good_a or_o evil_a the_o good_a instrument_n be_v good_a angel_n and_o regenerate_a man_n by_o who_o come_v no_o disorder_n for_o god_n work_v both_o in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o wicked_a instrument_n be_v the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o god_n use_v they_o well_o yet_o from_o they_o be_v much_o disorder_n and_o sin_n for_o he_o work_v not_o in_o they_o but_o only_o by_o they_o permit_v their_o sin_n and_o disorder_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v show_v forth_o his_o justice_n mercy_n and_o power_n which_o herein_o do_v notable_o appear_v in_o use_v these_o instrument_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o themselves_o that_o notwithstanding_o their_o malice_n he_o cause_v wonderful_a order_n for_o first_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o restrain_v their_o fury_n and_o rage_n so_o as_o they_o can_v show_v it_o to_o the_o full_a as_o they_o desire_v see_v this_o in_o the_o devil_n persecution_n against_o this_o church_n he_o can_v kill_v the_o member_n hereof_o but_o only_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n he_o can_v imprison_v they_o all_o but_o some_o only_o neither_o can_v he_o keep_v they_o in_o prison_n always_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n second_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o turn_v all_o that_o they_o do_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o devil_n afflict_v the_o church_n for_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o god_n turn_v it_o to_o their_o good_a to_o make_v their_o faith_n manifest_a and_o to_o prevent_v many_o
cast_v off_o all_o dulness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o may_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o attentive_a hear_n so_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v bless_v unto_o we_o otherwise_o our_o hear_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n verse_n 11._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardai_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o description_n of_o this_o voice_n whereby_o johns_n heart_n be_v prepare_v touch_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n which_o be_v utter_v which_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v and_o send_v etc._n etc._n i._o touch_v the_o testimony_n the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n where_o the_o word_n be_v handle_v and_o the_o meaning_n show_v they_o do_v serve_v direct_o to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v here_o avouch_v to_o give_v unto_o john_n and_o unto_o the_o church_n full_a assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n now_o utter_v and_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n for_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n in_o this_o testimony_n note_v god_n special_a care_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o more_o special_o his_o care_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o from_o god_n this_o have_v be_v god_n care_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o peter_n receive_v a_o vision_n from_o god_n withal_o 19_o god_n spirit_n assure_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o be_v certain_a &_o sure_a and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n among_o man_n he_o do_v withal_o work_v strange_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n this_o special_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n do_v first_o confute_v the_o papist_n opinion_n touch_v scripture_n use_n they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o unto_o man_n till_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n thereunto_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o god_n ever_o have_v this_o care_n over_o his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v be_v his_o undoubted_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o ever_o be_v not_o only_o in_o it_o self_n bâ—t_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o come_v thereunto_o second_o hereby_o be_v confute_v many_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n therein_o be_v so_o diverse_a that_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n almost_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n in_o sundry_a matter_n hold_v sundry_a private_a opinion_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v religion_n therefore_o be_v uncertain_a god_n forbid_v for_o religion_n be_v certain_a unto_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o certify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o may_v man_n come_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n ii_o point_n the_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n this_o commandment_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o write_v the_o thing_n see_v in_o a_o book_n second_o to_o send_v the_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n here_o name_v and_o both_o these_o must_v john_n do_v be_v now_o disable_v by_o his_o exile_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n unto_o they_o personal_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o these_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o strengthen_v in_o these_o most_o grievous_a time_n of_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v become_v keeper_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o publish_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o in_o this_o commandment_n note_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worthy_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o have_v write_v these_o vision_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o blind_a papist_n which_o say_v the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n because_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v be_v turn_v every_o way_n as_o man_n will_n this_o also_o confute_v the_o anabaptist_n which_o so_o much_o magnify_v their_o revelation_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o word_n write_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o best_o he_o will_v have_v teach_v these_o church_n by_o revelation_n but_o they_o must_v learn_v by_o the_o word_n write_v second_o that_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n either_o public_o or_o private_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v this_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n hereby_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v read_v the_o same_o as_o they_o do_v other_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o sound_n and_o confirm_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o ordinary_o justify_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o read_v must_v have_v his_o due_a reverence_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v three_o here_o note_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o persecution_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o this_o banishment_n into_o such_o a_o desert_a place_n be_v unto_o john_n a_o grievous_a cross_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v there_o to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o honour_n he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o thing_n each_o one_o shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n it_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o seven_o church_n ephesus_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v name_v which_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n wherein_o be_v plant_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v in_o those_o part_n and_o for_o their_o excellency_n be_v they_o name_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n now_o follow_v the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o be_v hear_v fold_v up_o with_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n second_o be_v turn_v of_o himself_o to_o see_v the_o party_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o in_o these_o word_n verse_n 12._o then_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n which_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o when_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o