of_o their_o pride_n that_o it_o be_v not_o small_a but_o great_a therefore_o the_o word_n be_v double_v to_o show_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o conceit_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o pride_n now_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o be_v not_o only_o puff_v up_o but_o give_v to_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o pride_n answ._n knowledge_n be_v the_o cause_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n have_v great_a knowledge_n and_o be_v a_o learned_a man_n and_o the_o people_n be_v well_o instruct_v now_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o it_o make_v man_n heart_n to_o swell_v with_o pride_n therefore_o it_o be_v true_a that_o where_o much_o knowledge_n be_v there_o be_v much_o pride_n if_o man_n want_v the_o grace_n of_o humiliation_n and_o grief_n for_o sin_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o here_o be_v a_o further_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o their_o pride_n when_o a_o man_n think_v thus_o that_o he_o need_v no_o help_n for_o his_o salvation_n if_o he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o christ_n blood_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a sign_n of_o abundant_a pride_n in_o the_o heart_n this_o serve_v further_a to_o convince_v our_o congregration_n of_o this_o pride_n for_o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o little_a sick_a straight_o we_o seek_v to_o the_o physician_n but_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o sick_a none_o seek_v to_o the_o minister_n sickness_n we_o feel_v but_o not_o sin_n therefore_o the_o physician_n be_v in_o request_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o think_v of_o till_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n be_v feel_v this_o show_n that_o we_o abound_v in_o spiritual_a pride_n therefore_o mark_v this_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o feel_v what_o need_v you_o have_v of_o christ_n for_o till_o you_o do_v so_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n if_o you_o will_v have_v grace_n learn_v this_o that_o you_o want_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o till_o you_o feel_v this_o never_o think_v your_o case_n good_a but_o wretched_a and_o damnable_a it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v he_o want_v nothing_o and_o know_v not_o here_o he_o set_v down_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o pride_n that_o be_v ignorance_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o know_v not_o thy_o own_o natural_a estate_n as_o thou_o be_v bear_v of_o adam_n thy_o state_n out_o of_o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pride_n and_o pride_n of_o lukewarmenesse_n by_o this_o he_o show_v what_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o pride_n be_v not_o the_o first_o sin_n nor_o the_o root_n of_o all_o other_o sin_n as_o the_o papist_n and_o some_o other_o think_v indeed_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o mother_n sin_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o more_o inward_a cause_n that_o be_v ignorance_n whereof_o even_o of_o a_o man_n own_o estate_n before_o god_n so_o much_o christ_n here_o signify_v the_o cause_n why_o any_o think_v well_o of_o themselves_o and_o swell_v in_o pride_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o their_o own_o estate_n and_o because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n by_o this_o we_o must_v all_o be_v admonish_v to_o have_v care_n to_o learn_v to_o know_v our_o own_o estate_n in_o which_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n without_o christ._n every_o person_n that_o will_v come_v to_o salvation_n must_v be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o estate_n and_o know_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o curse_n due_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n so_o often_o call_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o search_v and_o fan_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n till_o you_o know_v this_o you_o shall_v be_v but_o proud_a peacock_n &_o never_o have_v grace_n although_o you_o have_v otherwise_o very_o great_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n to_o conceive_v a_o prayer_n &_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v yet_o you_o shall_v never_o have_v any_o grace_n to_o turn_v and_o repent_v true_o till_o the_o ignorance_n of_o your_o state_n be_v remove_v and_o then_o come_v grace_n true_a obedience_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o grace_n needful_a for_o god_n service_n therefore_o labour_n for_o it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o blemish_n in_o your_o face_n you_o will_v see_v it_o o_o then_o labour_n to_o see_v the_o spot_n of_o your_o soul_n now_o in_o that_o christ_n do_v thus_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o bewray_v their_o ignorance_n he_o show_v the_o state_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n so_o that_o here_o come_v to_o be_v handle_v the_o natural_a estate_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n the_o misery_n of_o this_o church_n be_v propound_v two_o way_n first_o general_o second_o particular_o general_o in_o two_o word_n wretched_a and_o miserable_a wretched_a that_o be_v one_o subject_n to_o misery_n grief_n and_o calamity_n so_o much_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o first_o word_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o this_o misery_n be_v i_o will_v enter_v into_o a_o description_n of_o man_n wretchedness_n where_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v consider_v first_o the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o namely_o original_a sin_n which_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o that_o very_o particular_a offence_n and_o trespass_n whereby_o adam_n sin_v which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o person_n but_o of_o man_n nature_n and_o of_o every_o one_o that_o come_v of_o adam_n christ_n except_v second_o from_o that_o sin_n as_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o withal_o as_o a_o punishment_n of_o it_o follow_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o deface_v of_o god_n image_n whereby_o the_o heart_n have_v get_v a_o proneness_n and_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n to_o all_o sin_n in_o these_o two_o stand_v man_n misery_n for_o from_o these_o do_v spring_v all_o our_o misery_n both_o in_o and_o after_o this_o life_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n what_o man_n misery_n be_v again_o we_o must_v conceive_v it_o under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o punishment_n all_o misery_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o be_v a_o punishment_n lay_v upon_o man_n for_o that_o first_o sin_n now_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n according_a to_o the_o diverse_a time_n of_o man_n be_v either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o depart_v hence_o all_o punishment_n be_v either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o the_o end_n of_o it_o or_o after_o and_o so_o be_v misery_n in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o end_n of_o it_o or_o after_o it_o again_o some_o misery_n concern_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o they_o be_v two_o principal_o first_o a_o subjection_n to_o god_n wrath_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v in_o danger_n thereof_o every_o day_n &_o make_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n this_o be_v a_o misery_n of_o all_o misery_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o grievous_a as_o a_o man_n can_v without_o some_o grace_n see_v it_o second_o bondage_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o oftentimes_o you_o may_v conceive_v it_o thus_o the_o man_n regenerate_v say_v i_o sin_n but_o i_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o natural_a man_n say_v i_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v sin_v it_o be_v my_o nature_n to_o sin_n and_o my_o pleasure_n and_o in_o sin_n will_v i_o live_v and_o these_o be_v the_o two_o misery_n concern_v the_o whole_a man_n now_o there_o be_v misery_n which_o concern_v not_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o the_o body_n or_o soul_n good_n or_o call_v in_o this_o life_n misery_n concern_v the_o soul_n be_v these_o first_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n there_o be_v blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n second_o in_o diverse_a person_n madness_n and_o foolishness_n all_o these_o be_v misery_n curse_n and_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o man_n soul_n for_o sin_n and_o further_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v learn_v without_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n further_o in_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o conscience_n and_o there_o be_v accusation_n secret_a fear_n and_o terror_n and_o so_o many_o accusation_n so_o many_o misery_n in_o the_o will_v there_o be_v rebellion_n and_o in_o the_o affection_n perverseness_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o plague_n and_o punishment_n and_o as_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o misery_n to_o many_o pain_n ache_n and_o disease_n yea_o the_o disease_n of_o man_n body_n be_v so_o many_o that_o all_o physic_n book_n can_v record_v they_o beside_o disease_n there_o be_v mortality_n that_o be_v a_o subjection_n to_o death_n so_o as_o all_o the_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o world_n can_v prevent_v it_o in_o our_o good_n the_o want_n of_o necessary_n be_v a_o misery_n and_o by_o
must_v have_v our_o ear_n open_v to_o become_v listener_n and_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o do_v his_o will_n 7._o we_o may_v answer_v with_o david_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n further_o after_o we_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n we_o must_v practice_v that_o we_o hear_v in_o perform_v true_a repentance_n and_o labour_a faithful_o in_o our_o vocation_n for_o as_o we_o see_v man_n of_o trade_n become_v cunning_a by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o their_o trade_n so_o if_o we_o practise_v true_a obedience_n in_o repentance_n and_o our_o vocation_n we_o shall_v be_v skilful_a in_o the_o word_n it_o follow_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v keep_v and_o remember_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o special_a duty_n to_o keep_v these_o prophecy_n which_o be_v to_o come_v so_o the_o angel_n bid_v daniel_n seal_v up_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophecy_n till_o the_o time_n come_v 4._o that_o be_v remember_v and_o keep_v it_o diligent_o so_o matthew_n 24._o 15._o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o mark_v and_o remember_v what_o he_o say_v mat._n 24._o 25._o behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o where_o he_o show_v that_o when_o any_o great_a thing_n be_v to_o befall_v the_o church_n than_o we_o must_v in_o these_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o remember_v they_o 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 word_n bless_a be_v he_o which_o read_v etc._n etc._n see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n and_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 this_o pprophecy_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 read_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 and_o so_o take_v that_o objection_n away_o now_o see_v these_o word_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o here_o repeat_v again_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o they_o contain_v some_o weighty_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o to_o be_v earnest_o think_v of_o now_o s._n john_n add_v these_o word_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o the_o church_n though_o it_o can_v be_v overtake_v with_o deadly_a sleep_n yet_o it_o may_v slumber_v and_o be_v cast_v into_o some_o beginning_n of_o sleep_n as_o the_o five_o wise_a virgin_n though_o they_o sleep_v not_o so_o careless_o as_o the_o other_o yet_o they_o all_o sleep_v not_o a_o deadly_a sleep_n but_o a_o slumber_n for_o in_o the_o church_n there_o may_v be_v some_o remnant_n of_o security_n cant._n 5._o 2._o the_o church_n sleep_v but_o so_o as_o she_o always_o listen_v as_o awaken_v be_v in_o a_o light_a slumber_n now_o lest_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v careless_a sleep_v and_o drowsy_a the_o holy_a ghost_n add_v these_o word_n the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n second_o he_o add_v these_o word_n to_o confirm_v the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o affliction_n see_v by_o these_o word_n he_o foretell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v to_o last_v but_o a_o short_a time_n the_o time_n of_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o affliction_n can_v long_o endure_v then_o this_o shall_v comfort_v those_o which_o suffer_v for_o christ_n his_o sake_n in_o this_o that_o christ_n foretell_v the_o church_n use_v that_o now_o in_o the_o last_o age_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n we_o must_v be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v short_o befall_v they_o temtation_n affliction_n the_o cross_n and_o calamity_n shall_v present_o befall_v we_o the_o time_n of_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o will_v present_o befall_v us._n and_o if_o we_o have_v this_o confidence_n that_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o will_v make_v we_o do_v all_o in_o good_a conscience_n stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o mischief_n for_o so_o the_o bad_a servant_n think_v his_o master_n will_v defer_v his_o come_n he_o smite_v and_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n and_o the_o old_a world_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o flood_n shall_v come_v though_o they_o be_v foretell_v of_o it_o till_o they_o be_v all_o sweep_v away_o by_o water_n we_o than_o shall_v lay_v this_o to_o our_o heart_n ever_o think_v the_o lord_n be_v at_o the_o door_n he_o be_v present_o to_o come_v to_o judgement_n and_o we_o ought_v the_o rather_o to_o think_v of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v have_v ease_n peace_n and_o the_o gospel_n flourish_v this_o 8_o year_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o peace_n and_o now_o trouble_v and_o persecution_n now_o then_o see_v these_o cross_n which_o must_v fall_v on_o the_o church_n they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v present_o we_o can_v but_o look_v for_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n after_o so_o long_a peace_n and_o preach_v john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n 4._o grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o four_o verse_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o inscription_n of_o this_o book_n wherein_o be_v first_o the_o party_n which_o write_v it_o and_o dedicate_v it_o second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v dedicate_v first_o the_o party_n which_o dedicate_v it_o be_v john_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n in_o the_o inscription_n be_v two_o part_n first_o a_o dedication_n second_o a_o salutation_n contain_v from_o the_o four_o till_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n there_o be_v first_o the_o party_n which_o dedicate_v it_o second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v dedicate_v the_o party_n which_o dedicate_v it_o be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o in_o this_o four_o verse_n repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o repeat_v no_o more_o but_o his_o bare_a name_n without_o any_o title_n of_o commendation_n he_o repeat_v it_o again_o 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 as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n many_o title_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n this_o he_o do_v to_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 least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_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 and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o 2._o cor._n 11._o so_o may_v we_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n be_v in_o question_n set_v out_o ourselves_o with_o title_n of_o commendation_n 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 call_v they_o church_n second_o in_o asia_n 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 true_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o it_o be_v part_v and_o diverse_o sunder_v into_o part_n as_o in_o one_o country_n there_o be_v one_o church_n or_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o one_o city_n or_o town_n another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o and_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n see_v every_o congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o lie_v against_o other_o country_n be_v call_v by_o their_o name_n as_o the_o english_a french_a spanish_a italian_a sea_n so_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o particular_a country_n town_n and_o
sure_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o if_o one_o look_v and_o view_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o osea_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n every_o man_n seek_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o way_n none_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v he_o beside_o they_o be_v altogether_o carnal_a fleshly_a dead_a and_o drown_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n none_o affect_v thing_n belong_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o all_o man_n in_o general_a lie_n in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n in_o they_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n have_v wrap_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o security_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v never_o dream_v of_o the_o evil_a day_n though_o god_n preach_v daily_o by_o his_o judgement_n to_o they_o again_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n want_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n the_o cruelty_n which_o abound_v in_o all_o man_n oppression_n whoredom_n fornication_n these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n now_o in_o our_o day_n rife_o in_o every_o place_n these_o be_v common_a sin_n call_v for_o vengeance_n which_o will_v come_v undoubted_o unless_o we_o repent_v so_o that_o christ_n can_v speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o this_o church_n but_o in_o a_o contrary_a voice_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o common_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n yet_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o remnant_n who_o lament_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o they_o must_v take_v to_o they_o christian_a fortitude_n &_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n &_o of_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v and_o bold_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n to_o maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o let_v they_o first_o consider_v that_o they_o which_o fear_v distrustful_o must_v have_v a_o miserable_a portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n reu._n 21._o 8._o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o this_o reward_n let_v we_o go_v on_o fear_v nothing_o 2_o they_o must_v consider_v god_n presence_n he_o be_v by_o they_o ready_a to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o psalm_n 34._o 12._o 2._o king_n 6._o elishah_n servant_n see_v in_o dothan_n a_o huge_a army_n which_o beset_v he_o and_o his_o master_n he_o say_v be_v not_o afraid_a for_o they_o which_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o these_o against_o us._n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n and_o that_o god_n angel_n will_v defend_v and_o guard_v he_o so_o shall_v all_o man_n in_o danger_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o persuade_v themselves_o god_n be_v present_a he_o have_v his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v his_o child_n 3_o god_n child_n must_v consider_v in_o peril_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n paul_n he_o account_v it_o his_o chief_a honour_n nay_o he_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n then_o if_o suffer_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v such_o a_o honourable_a thing_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n &_o affliction_n whatsoever_o but_o those_o which_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o present_a day_n of_o misery_n nor_o have_v not_o this_o perfect_a fortitude_n they_o must_v lament_v and_o howl_v lest_o the_o evil_a day_n take_v they_o unprovided_a the_o next_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o this_o church_n must_v suffer_v but_o before_o he_o propound_v the_o affliction_n he_o set_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n often_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n before_o hand_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n judgement_n and_o correction_n before_o they_o come_v lest_o we_o perish_v in_o they_o for_o christ_n luk._n 19_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o she_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n because_o she_o will_v not_o think_v of_o her_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n forotel_v and_o show_v her_o final_a destruction_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o they_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o he_o which_o can_v foretell_v all_o future_a thing_n in_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v contingent_a he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n but_o christ_n foretell_v their_o particular_a affliction_n to_o come_v ergo_fw-la he_o be_v god_n ob._n but_o the_o physician_n can_v foretell_v the_o death_n of_o his_o patient_n the_o astronomer_n the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o come_v answ._n they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o mean_n the_o physician_n foretell_v by_o the_o cause_n and_o sign_n he_o see_v in_o the_o party_n by_o which_o death_n be_v in_o â—ort_n present_a so_o the_o astronomer_n by_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n can_v foretell_v a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o course_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o eclipse_n be_v present_a but_o without_o these_o sign_n and_o cause_n they_o can_v simple_o but_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n or_o cause_n simple_o foretell_v this_o affliction_n in_o particular_a to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n christ_n describe_v the_o affliction_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o devil_n second_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o three_o the_o kind_n imprisonment_n four_a the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o five_o the_o time_n ten_o day_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n ob._n but_o how_o can_v he_o afflict_v they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o deal_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o man_n ans._n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o rule_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o they_o direct_v their_o thought_n will_n affection_n so_o as_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o move_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v they_o in_o prison_n now_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o persecution_n we_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n those_o be_v which_o persecute_v the_o church_n namely_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n move_v and_o rule_v by_o he_o notorious_a wicked_a wretch_n which_o have_v satan_n for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n 2._o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n see_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o he_o to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o for_o he_o which_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o religion_n in_o word_n or_o action_n he_o in_o that_o action_n be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n lead_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o action_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n satan_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a agent_n he_o be_v his_o slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o be_v as_o a_o soldier_n under_o his_o band_n again_o learn_v we_o to_o take_v pity_n on_o all_o such_o person_n see_v they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n lead_v and_o move_v by_o he_o yea_o even_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecutor_n furthermore_o the_o weapon_n we_o must_v have_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o persecution_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a see_v our_o enemy_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v use_v invocation_n and_o prayer_n fast_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o which_o we_o show_v our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o this_o weapon_n of_o prayer_n elias_n be_v call_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a enemy_n among_o we_o then_o be_v indeed_o the_o soldier_n to_o be_v use_v but_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n that_o must_v be_v our_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n the_o
practice_v this_o because_o we_o bring_v from_o our_o cradle_n natural_a presumption_n which_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v his_o love_n to_o us._n but_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o this_o natural_a presumption_n and_o take_v a_o new_a course_n and_o the_o first_o step_n to_o come_v to_o grace_n be_v to_o see_v that_o we_o want_v grace_n we_o must_v see_v that_o we_o be_v lose_v sheep_n prodigal_a child_n in_o ourselves_o the_o very_a firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o this_o to_o see_v our_o own_o want_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o grace_n the_o second_o step_n be_v to_o desire_v it_o when_o we_o see_v that_o we_o want_v it_o to_o hunger_n and_o long_a for_o it_o three_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o to_o apprehend_v this_o favour_n and_o grace_n by_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o step_n to_o get_v this_o grace_n second_o in_o that_o he_o set_v down_o first_o grace_n second_o peace_n here_o be_v the_o true_a order_n of_o seek_v for_o thing_n and_o blessing_n in_o this_o life_n first_o for_o grace_n and_o god_n favour_n second_o for_o peace_n and_o welfare_n not_o first_o peace_n and_o welfare_n but_o first_o for_o grace_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 the_o rigteousnes_n thereof_o and_o then_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o us._n this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n who_o begin_v at_o a_o wrong_a end_n first_o with_o peace_n in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v honour_n riches_n pleasure_n or_o preferment_n never_o seek_v first_o for_o grace_n and_o god_n favour_n but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v peace_n we_o must_v first_o have_v grace_n but_o man_n if_o god_n bless_v they_o in_o riches_n health_n and_o wealth_n they_o say_v oh_o god_n love_v i_o but_o alas_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n yet_o want_v grace_n we_o may_v have_v this_o welfare_n health_n wealth_n liberty_n and_o yet_o want_v grace_n nay_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v no_o blessing_n but_o a_o curse_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o man_n health_n wealth_n liberty_n which_o be_v but_o common_a blessing_n he_o may_v be_v out_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n see_v the_o lord_n bestow_v these_o common_a blessing_n on_o those_o which_o be_v his_o enemy_n psal._n 73._o 12._o but_o though_o the_o wicked_a have_v all_o these_o common_a blessing_n they_o be_v accurse_v and_o though_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n the_o favour_n and_o true_a love_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o other_o health_n wealth_n nor_o liberty_n yet_o he_o be_v most_o happy_a and_o bless_a fron_n he_o which_o be_v be_v etc._n etc._n here_o he_o set_v down_o the_o cause_n efficient_a and_o the_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n the_o author_n be_v god_n distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n three_o the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o his_o true_a nature_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 exo._n 3._o 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 tell_v he_o say_v i_o be_o ehjeh_fw-it jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o where_o be_v two_o name_n to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n now_o s._n john_n he_o expound_v they_o here_o where_o he_o say_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v further_o these_o two_o name_n ehjeh_n jehovah_n be_v two_o such_o name_n as_o can_v be_v translate_v full_o in_o our_o english_a tongue_n but_o be_v more_o significant_a in_o their_o original_a hebrew_n tongue_n for_o they_o import_v thus_o much_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v 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 so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o nature_n most_o simple_a pure_a and_o subsist_v in_o and_o by_o himself_o 1._o cor._n 8._o 4._o a_o idol_n be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o but_o only_o in_o man_n brain_n it_o have_v no_o subsist_v and_o be_v of_o itself_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o man_n art_n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n differ_v from_o all_o false_a god_n see_v he_o have_v his_o be_v in_o and_o from_o himself_o not_o of_o or_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n none_o other_o have_v this_o property_n but_o god_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o creature_n which_o be_v that_o though_o they_o have_v their_o subsist_v and_o be_v as_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o from_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n not_o take_v out_o of_o his_o essence_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o part_n as_o we_o have_v but_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o nothing_o see_v then_o we_o have_v all_o we_o have_v of_o god_n our_o body_n soul_n and_o all_o we_o enjoy_v we_o must_v in_o lieu_n of_o recompense_n in_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n give_v ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o his_o service_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_a and_o eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o as_o absolute_o 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 every_o way_n eternal_a from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o judge_v all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n that_o god_n which_o be_v be_v which_o have_v his_o be_v of_o in_o and_o from_o himself_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n this_o must_v we_o remember_v and_o think_v of_o that_o he_o which_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o which_o give_v we_o life_n and_o be_v he_o shall_v judge_v we_o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o do_v our_o duty_n in_o conscience_n but_o many_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o say_v god_n will_v not_o come_v in_o my_o time_n to_o judgement_n but_o though_o the_o lord_n come_v not_o to_o general_a judgement_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o he_o will_v come_v in_o particular_a judgement_n by_o death_n in_o this_o life_n three_o if_o we_o will_v always_o remember_v this_o it_o will_v bridle_v out_o live_v and_o make_v we_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n act._n 16._o 24._o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n 4._o these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v 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 first_o those_o which_o be_v here_o call_v seven_o spirit_n from_o these_o grace_n and_o peace_n come_v 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 john_n 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 which_o can_v be_v true_a of_o the_o angel_n who_o in_o no_o respect_n can_v be_v place_v before_o christ_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a angel_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o understand_v it_o thus_o 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 be_v call_v the_o seven_o spirit_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v one_o in_o substance_n yet_o he_o be_v seven_o that_o be_v many_o in_o gift_n and_o operation_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v himself_o the_o seven_o spirit_n second_o he_o call_v he_o so_o because_o he_o set_v down_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o see_v they_o
of_o great_a superstition_n s._n john_n will_v not_o have_v leave_v all_o company_n of_o man_n but_o that_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o leave_v they_o then_o the_o life_n of_o those_o which_o voluntary_o leave_v all_o company_n of_o man_n live_v in_o cloister_n and_o secret_a place_n can_v be_v a_o life_n of_o perfection_n but_o of_o all_o imperfection_n man_n be_v bear_v to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o see_v s._n john_n be_v banish_v 2._o and_o here_o receive_v his_o vision_n we_o see_v that_o those_o which_o honour_n god_n he_o will_v honour_v they_o for_o s._n john_n be_v banish_v than_o which_o what_o can_v they_o do_v more_o to_o hurt_v he_o yet_o then_o because_o it_o be_v for_o god_n cause_n god_n do_v most_o honour_n he_o in_o reveal_v to_o he_o these_o vision_n so_o when_o joseph_n be_v sell_v of_o his_o brethren_n and_o most_o dishonour_v of_o they_o than_o god_n exalt_v he_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o daniel_n who_o when_o he_o be_v most_o dishonour_v of_o man_n than_o 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the_o word_n yet_o though_o they_o hate_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n the_o same_o word_n it_o win_v they_o and_o have_v take_v place_n in_o they_o to_o convert_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o love_v it_o which_o show_v that_o the_o word_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v indeed_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n for_o if_o the_o word_n which_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n have_v not_o some_o divine_a power_n in_o it_o it_o can_v never_o make_v such_o man_n to_o love_v it_o by_o grace_n which_o hate_v it_o by_o nature_n for_o no_o word_n of_o man_n can_v make_v a_o man_n which_o hate_v the_o same_o to_o love_v it_o but_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v john_n be_v banish_v for_o god_n word_n use_v all_o minister_n be_v to_o cast_v their_o account_n to_o make_v a_o reckon_n that_o they_o may_v and_o must_v suffer_v persecution_n nay_o banishment_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o that_o which_o the_o principal_a founder_n and_o chief_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v suffer_v that_o can_v be_v avoid_v of_o they_o which_o be_v ordinary_a minister_n christ_n he_o acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v even_o accurse_v when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o they_o luk._n 6._o 26._o they_o must_v not_o seek_v to_o have_v all_o think_v well_o of_o they_o but_o rather_o fear_v if_o all_o man_n like_v of_o they_o they_o be_v accurse_v and_o witness_v bear_v that_o be_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v our_o redeemer_n to_o procure_v to_o we_o righteousness_n and_o life_n everlasting_a now_o he_o add_v after_o the_o other_o this_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o doctrine_n how_o to_o come_v to_o life_n everlasting_a and_o righteousness_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o show_v for_o what_o part_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v most_o hate_a and_o persecute_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o law_n as_o for_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o law_n be_v partly_o natural_a the_o gospel_n be_v above_o nature_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v his_o covenant_n with_o our_o first_o parent_n 3._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n now_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o glad_a tiding_n in_o which_o there_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o promise_a seed_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o the_o devil_n he_o hate_v this_o part_n most_o of_o all_o and_o labour_v man_n to_o hinder_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o law_n so_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n he_o labour_v by_o might_n and_o main_a to_o extinguish_v the_o gospel_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o when_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v by_o force_n &_o might_n he_o use_v sophistry_n and_o deceit_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n to_o obscure_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n office_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ._n then_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o contrary_a use_v see_v he_o labour_v to_o extinguish_v it_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o we_o must_v labour_v as_o much_o to_o know_v it_o as_o he_o do_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o ignorance_n that_o so_o we_o may_v obey_v and_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_v ravish_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n 10._o etc._n etc._n in_o this_o ten_o verse_n be_v two_o circumstance_n the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o three_o in_o number_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o receive_v this_o vision_n and_o give_v of_o it_o to_o john_n namely_o in_o a_o trance_n the_o second_o or_o four_o the_o time_n on_o that_o lord_n day_n or_o that_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n here_o we_o see_v he_o receive_v this_o vision_n in_o a_o trance_n i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v i_o be_v by_o the_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v into_o a_o trance_n this_o appear_v by_o compare_v this_o prophecy_n with_o other_o as_o with_o that_o of_o ezechiel_n who_o when_o he_o receive_v any_o vision_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o trance_n by_o god_n spirit_n to_o understand_v this_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o a_o trance_n be_v second_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o trance_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n or_o action_n of_o god_n spirit_n ergo_fw-la not_o of_o the_o constellation_n and_o temperature_n of_o the_o star_n nor_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n body_n or_o imagination_n of_o man_n but_o wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o it_o be_v not_o every_o work_n but_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n above_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o whole_a man_n both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v alter_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n s._n john_n say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o action_n consist_v in_o two_o action_n one_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o body_n in_o procure_v a_o trance_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v a_o man_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n whereby_o all_o the_o sense_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a be_v benumb_v so_o gen._n 15._o 12._o when_o god_n renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n he_o cast_v he_o into_o a_o trance_n that_o be_v into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n the_o sense_n all_o be_v benumb_v only_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n work_v the_o other_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v on_o the_o mind_n to_o draw_v it_o from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o all_o the_o sense_n to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v enlighten_v it_o with_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o it_o and_o so_o we_o see_v in_o other_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n 10._o as_o that_o of_o peter_n his_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n then_o a_o trance_n be_v a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n whereby_o both_o the_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n and_o also_o enlighten_v with_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o understand_v thing_n to_o be_v reveal_v now_o follow_v the_o end_n of_o a_o trance_n the_o cause_n why_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o trance_n in_o receive_v any_o vision_n be_v that_o as_o s._n john_n here_o they_o may_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n deliver_v be_v not_o invent_v of_o themselves_o but_o
give_v of_o god_n for_o in_o john_n his_o body_n and_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v benumb_v he_o neither_o hear_v see_v nor_o feel_v but_o they_o be_v asleep_a and_o therefore_o the_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n second_o that_o they_o may_v take_v the_o deep_a impression_n in_o he_o and_o their_o mind_n for_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v free_v from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n not_o hinder_v by_o any_o fantasy_n of_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o quiet_a than_o the_o mind_n have_v best_a opportunity_n to_o attend_v and_o mark_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v and_o also_o to_o imprint_v deep_o in_o memory_n thing_n reveal_v here_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n of_o god_n doctrine_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o child_n to_o receive_v these_o vision_n by_o sense_n imperfect_o but_o that_o they_o may_v thorough_o understand_v know_v believe_v and_o carry_v they_o away_o in_o faithful_a memory_n he_o deliver_v they_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n the_o mind_n then_o be_v no_o whit_n hinder_v with_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n but_o free_v from_o the_o same_o the_o like_a care_n have_v he_o of_o his_o prophet_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v constant_o believe_v and_o faithful_o remember_v those_o vision_n he_o will_v not_o have_v their_o mind_n trouble_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n or_o of_o the_o sense_n inward_a or_o outward_a and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n of_o this_o for_o they_o which_o must_v teach_v a_o thing_n to_o other_o to_o make_v they_o know_v and_o understand_v to_o believe_v and_o remember_v the_o same_o it_o be_v reason_n they_o shall_v understand_v and_o hold_v it_o themselves_o and_o keep_v it_o well_o in_o memory_n this_o see_v the_o lord_n do_v use_v to_o make_v they_o to_o understand_v more_o thorough_o to_o believe_v more_o constant_o and_o to_o carry_v away_o more_o faithful_o this_o teach_v minister_n that_o they_o must_v have_v also_o the_o through_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n believe_v it_o constant_o and_o remember_v it_o careful_o now_o we_o must_v not_o look_v for_o and_o expect_v trance_n as_o they_o have_v but_o we_o must_v come_v to_o this_o by_o continual_a study_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o that_o knowledge_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o all_o man_n preacher_n student_n and_o hearer_n do_v know_v then_o we_o shall_v seek_v to_o be_v cunning_a in_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o understand_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o to_o be_v good_a text_n man_n to_o understand_v believe_v and_o remember_v it_o then_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o those_o which_o in_o study_v of_o divinity_n use_v will_v rather_o read_v ancient_a write_n of_o man_n nay_o the_o base_a write_n of_o of_o wicked_a and_o heretical_a friar_n then_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o receive_v this_o vision_n &_o will_n of_o god_n in_o a_o trance_n and_o have_v it_o so_o make_v full_o know_v unto_o he_o we_o see_v that_o though_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o singular_a gift_n yet_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o knowledge_n to_o his_o former_a so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o say_v justify_v to_o he_o which_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v s._n john_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o in_o most_o full_a manner_n even_o so_o all_o that_o have_v care_n to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n though_o their_o knowledge_n be_v small_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v they_o add_v daily_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o increase_v it_o so_o we_o see_v why_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o increase_v not_o but_o wax_v worse_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o have_v their_o knowledge_n increase_v for_o if_o they_o do_v then_o to_o he_o which_o have_v he_o shall_v have_v more_o add_v nay_o contrary_o when_o we_o be_v negligent_a to_o hear_v and_o to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o spirit_n indeed_o but_o not_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o see_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o isaiah_n 29._o 10._o on_o the_o lord_n day_n 10._o in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o four_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o time_n when_o this_o vision_n be_v grant_v to_o s._n john_n this_o day_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o we_o sunday_n it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o on_o this_o day_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v bury_v the_o even_a of_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o friday_n and_o he_o rest_v in_o the_o grave_a their_o whole_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n and_o rise_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n which_o 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christian_a emperor_n change_v it_o my_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n either_o by_o voice_n or_o instinct_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o they_o deliver_v this_o &_o enjoin_v this_o sabath_n to_o the_o church_n although_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o christ._n that_o they_o enjoin_v this_o day_n of_o rest_n and_o sabbath_n to_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 16._o 1._o for_o paul_n ordain_v that_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o ordain_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o not_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o appoint_v it_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a from_o christ._n now_o the_o day_n of_o collect_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sabbath_n day_n when_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v than_o they_o use_v to_o make_v their_o collection_n for_o before_o that_o collection_n there_o go_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n many_o year_n after_o christ_n first_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v then_o to_o gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o mass_n not_o as_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o but_o because_o in_o it_o we_o offer_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n mittendo_fw-la but_o to_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v send_v they_o and_o so_o give_v the_o name_n to_o that_o sacrament_n to_o be_v call_v the_o mass_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o appoint_v by_o apostolical_a authority_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n to_o be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n keep_v this_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 20._o 7._o and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o observe_v any_o other_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n but_o only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o they_o live_v among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o keep_v their_o old_a sabbath_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v john_n 20._o 19_o 26._o that_o same_o day_n which_o christ_n rise_v from_o death_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o the_o eight_o day_n after_o he_o appear_v again_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n instruct_v they_o in_o matter_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a christ_n will_v celebrate_v and_o
keep_v that_o day_n for_o a_o sabbath_n wherein_o he_o rise_v and_o the_o eight_o day_n after_o appear_v to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n now_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o here_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n day_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n after_o of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n in_o which_o we_o be_v make_v new_a man_n so_o that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n as_o isaiah_n speak_v chap._n 66._o nay_o this_o be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o that_o see_v in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n in_o this_o christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o head_n in_o that_o adam_n be_v the_o chief_a in_o this_o christ._n in_o that_o hevah_n be_v give_v to_o adam_n in_o this_o we_o to_o christ_n his_o church_n to_o he_o in_o that_o adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o that_o god_n mercy_n only_o in_o this_o both_o his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n in_o punish_v of_o chirst_n and_o give_v we_o forgiveness_n appear_v in_o that_o god_n show_v his_o wisdom_n &_o goodness_n but_o in_o part_n but_o herein_o this_o he_o show_v it_o full_o in_o that_o he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o now_o he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o &_o better_a then_o ever_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o day_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v that_o and_o the_o lord_n appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o much_o more_o shall_v there_o be_v one_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o now_o there_o be_v no_o day_n fit_a than_o that_o day_n wherein_o christ_n jesus_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n to_o remember_v his_o resurrection_n but_o may_v the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n change_v the_o sabbath_n to_o any_o other_o day_n objection_n as_o to_o tuesday_n wednesday_n etc._n etc._n answ._n it_o can_v i_o think_v because_o time_n and_o season_n belong_v to_o god_n he_o alone_o can_v dispose_v of_o they_o act._n 1._o 6._o the_o church_n have_v not_o knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n much_o less_o of_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o that_o which_o the_o father_n keep_v in_o his_o own_o bosom_n the_o church_n can_v know_v but_o the_o father_n alone_o so_o keep_v time_n and_o season_n therefore_o the_o church_n can_v know_v they_o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o power_n to_o change_v their_o sabbath_n no_o more_o have_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o change_v their_o sabbath_n ob._n but_o the_o jew_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v feast_n therefore_o they_o can_v appoint_v sabbath_n day_n hest._n 9_o 17._o they_o for_o their_o deliverance_n appoint_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n of_o rejoice_v so_o 1_o maccab._n 4._o 8._o answer_n they_o appoint_v indeed_o solemn_a day_n for_o rejoice_v and_o solemn_a feast_n for_o special_a deliverance_n but_o they_o appoint_v not_o any_o day_n for_o a_o sabath_n &_o rest_n for_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n some_o hold_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v it_o nay_o to_o make_v any_o day_n the_o sabbath_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v convenient_o two_o day_n in_o a_o week_n but_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o the_o word_n if_o this_o day_n use_v the_o lord_n day_n be_v a_o day_n to_o remember_v the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n here_o reprove_v first_o they_o which_o make_v this_o day_n a_o day_n of_o pleasure_n pastime_n and_o delight_n for_o most_o young_a man_n and_o servant_n employ_v this_o day_n whole_o on_o their_o own_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n make_v it_o a_o day_n of_o carnal_a rejoice_v spend_v it_o in_o eat_v drink_v card_v dice_a riot_n and_o excess_n so_o that_o they_o turn_v this_o lord_n day_n set_v apart_o to_o his_o worship_n into_o a_o day_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v of_o they_o which_o live_v more_o civil_o than_o the_o former_a yet_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v their_o own_o business_n and_o take_v iorney_n on_o this_o day_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n that_o a_o man_n may_v aswell_o and_o with_o as_o honest_a and_o good_a a_o heart_n serve_v god_n in_o his_o own_o business_n at_o home_n as_o they_o which_o go_v to_o church_n but_o by_o this_o they_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n appoint_v to_o his_o service_n their_o own_o day_n to_o do_v their_o own_o work_n and_o not_o he_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v of_o those_o which_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n only_o at_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n but_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n they_o may_v spend_v it_o how_o they_o will_v on_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o pastime_n or_o their_o own_o business_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n enjoin_v they_o and_o these_o man_n part_v stake_n with_o god_n they_o give_v he_o one_o part_n and_o that_o the_o lesser_a and_o bestow_v the_o other_o on_o their_o own_o business_n or_o pleasure_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n not_o in_o part_n but_o in_o whole_a and_o so_o they_o break_v the_o four_o commandment_n then_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o duty_n be_v to_o keep_v this_o day_n a_o sabbath_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o be_v command_v in_o the_o four_o commandment_n 1._o we_o must_v rest_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n second_o from_o all_o the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o employ_v it_o whole_o on_o the_o service_n of_o god_n sanctify_v this_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o morning_n to_o the_o evening_n now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n first_o public_a in_o the_o congregation_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_n and_o there_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n second_o private_a when_o man_n in_o their_o own_o private_a house_n at_o home_n sanctify_v it_o in_o meditate_v read_v and_o think_v of_o the_o word_n in_o pray_v private_o and_o give_v thanks_n for_o benefit_n we_o must_v not_o employ_v that_o day_n in_o our_o own_o business_n if_o the_o officer_n shall_v take_v our_o servant_n from_o our_o work_n &_o set_v he_o about_o the_o common_a good_a we_o will_v be_v grieve_v and_o if_o we_o take_v the_o day_n appoint_v to_o god_n service_n and_o bestow_v it_o on_o our_o own_o affair_n shall_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v offend_v and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n public_o and_o never_o profit_n be_v because_o we_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n only_o public_o and_o not_o private_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o meditate_v read_v the_o word_n pray_v and_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n at_o home_n we_o may_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n public_o but_o without_o all_o increase_n of_o grace_n faith_n knowledge_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o we_o perform_v neither_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o get_v any_o grace_n see_v this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o that_o end_n now_o to_o proceed_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n he_o give_v john_n these_o vision_n rather_o on_o this_o day_n than_o another_o be_v because_o though_o john_n be_v absent_a in_o body_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a in_o spirit_n in_o pray_v for_o it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o be_v absent_a he_o will_v show_v his_o presence_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o he_o can_v perform_v in_o that_o solitary_a place_n as_o fast_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n now_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o occupy_v the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n see_v john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o pathmos_n use_v a_o desert_n place_n yet_o he_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o he_o can_v perform_v hence_o we_o see_v that_o they_o which_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n as_o in_o prison_n sick_a of_o some_o great_a disease_n or_o
they_o as_o he_o say_v those_o my_o enemy_n which_o will_v not_o have_v i_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o 27._o bring_v they_o that_o i_o may_v kill_v they_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o awake_v many_o drowsy_a and_o secure_a professor_n for_o man_n now_o in_o this_o barren_a age_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n take_v pleasure_n in_o sin_n it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v to_o they_o to_o live_v in_o security_n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o hearty_a repentance_n let_v these_o know_v that_o though_o they_o live_v close_o in_o sin_n yet_o christ_n behold_v they_o not_o as_o a_o redeemer_n but_o as_o a_o judge_n with_o fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n ready_a to_o execute_v judgement_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n they_o then_o must_v consider_v their_o own_o estate_n in_o time_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n lest_o that_o they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o snort_v in_o security_n christ_n come_v unaware_o and_o cut_v they_o off_o in_o his_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v to_o fine_a brass_n 15_o the_o word_n signify_v brass_n which_o be_v shine_v for_o substance_n durable_a &_o pure_a the_o very_a choice_n and_o excellent_a kind_n of_o brass_n this_o he_o add_v to_o signify_v the_o invincible_a power_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o encounter_v nay_o have_v already_o encounter_v with_o sin_n and_o satan_n wound_v they_o and_o bruise_v their_o head_n to_o powder_n for_o his_o foot_n be_v strong_a and_o durable_a he_o be_v of_o power_n to_o overcome_v his_o enemy_n to_o tread_v they_o underfoot_o and_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n and_o not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o in_o his_o member_n he_o be_v most_o powerful_a see_v he_o have_v brazen_a foot_n use_v strong_a and_o durable_a to_o overcome_v his_o enemy_n and_o tread_v they_o underfoot_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a comfort_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o if_o they_o be_v exercise_v with_o any_o temptation_n of_o satan_n or_o with_o any_o affliction_n and_o grief_n they_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v but_o seek_v to_o christ_n their_o head_n he_o will_v in_o we_o as_o he_o have_v before_o in_o his_o own_o person_n bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o break_v it_o to_o powder_n let_v we_o then_o put_v our_o cause_n to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o have_v the_o whole_a order_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o so_o if_o sin_n and_o corruption_n hang_v on_o we_o vex_v and_o oppress_v we_o we_o must_v fly_v to_o he_o make_v he_o acquaint_v with_o it_o seek_v help_n from_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o find_v it_o weaken_v and_o wound_v nay_o bruise_a to_o piece_n by_o his_o help_n if_o we_o see_v the_o terror_n of_o death_n we_o must_v not_o fear_v too_o much_o for_o christ_n be_v strong_a and_o able_a to_o overcome_v death_n nay_o he_o encounter_v with_o sin_n and_o satan_n on_o the_o cross_n overcome_v he_o there_o and_o go_v down_o with_o he_o to_o his_o own_o den_n and_o cabin_n and_o there_o vanquish_a death_n so_o that_o he_o have_v subdue_v and_o bring_v he_o under_o foot_n and_o make_v he_o his_o footstool_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a so_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o without_o repent_v live_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o christ_n have_v a_o foot_n of_o brass_n he_o will_v bruise_v they_o in_o piece_n make_v they_o his_o footstool_n and_o with_o his_o brazen_a foot_n grind_v they_o to_o powder_n then_o they_o which_o be_v as_o yet_o enemy_n to_o christ_n must_v turn_v to_o he_o leave_v their_o old_a master_n satan_n come_v to_o he_o else_o he_o will_v break_v they_o to_o nothing_o by_o his_o strong_a and_o brazen_a foot_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n the_o foot_n of_o god_n as_o of_o man_n in_o the_o scripture_n often_o signify_v he_o or_o their_o way_n so_o here_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n signify_v his_o way_n or_o work_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n this_o show_v the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n way_n they_o be_v uncorrupt_a even_o as_o brass_n purify_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o be_v they_o most_o pure_a most_o unspotted_a without_o all_o dross_n all_o his_o way_n his_o counsel_n and_o work_n either_o of_o creation_n or_o preservation_n all_o be_v without_o fault_n the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v uncorrupt_a the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v try_v in_o the_o fire_n he_o be_v a_o shield_n to_o all_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o psal._n 18._o 30._o see_v all_o his_o way_n be_v pure_a and_o most_o holy_a use_v we_o must_v speak_v and_o think_v of_o they_o with_o reverence_n even_o of_o his_o secret_a judgement_n whereof_o we_o know_v no_o cause_n nor_o reason_n we_o must_v reverence_v they_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v pure_a of_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o point_n to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o his_o way_n and_o not_o curious_o to_o search_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o though_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n to_o man_n acknowledge_v they_o as_o holy_a &_o true_a with_o reverence_n for_o all_o christ_n way_n be_v holy_a the_o blind_a man_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o light_n because_o he_o see_v it_o not_o no_o more_o can_v blind_a man_n such_o as_o all_o be_v judge_v of_o work_n hide_v with_o god_n the_o lord_n bid_v abimelech_n give_v sarah_n to_o abraham_n else_o he_o will_v punish_v he_o and_o all_o his_o 20._o what_o reason_n be_v this_o in_o man_n sight_n nay_o it_o seem_v cruelty_n to_o punish_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o so_o achan_n he_o sin_v jos._n 7._o and_o the_o people_n be_v plague_v david_n sin_v 2._o sam._n 12._o the_o child_n die_v and_o he_o sin_v again_o 2._o sam._n 24._o the_o people_n be_v plague_v what_o reason_n can_v man_n give_v of_o these_o these_o seem_v all_o contrary_n to_o reason_n in_o man_n judgement_n but_o we_o must_v reverence_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o good_a pure_a and_o holy_a though_o we_o see_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o of_o they_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v some_o to_o cast_v off_o other_o some_o now_o this_o seem_v cruelty_n to_o man_n nay_o some_o hold_v it_o a_o action_n of_o cruelty_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v withhold_v his_o mercy_n from_o one_o and_o show_v it_o to_o another_o but_o they_o sin_n see_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n that_o he_o in_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v some_o to_o reject_v other_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o of_o this_o we_o must_v reverence_v it_o and_o hold_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a counsel_n and_o his_o voice_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n this_o he_o add_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v the_o loudness_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o voice_n because_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v go_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v sound_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o to_o show_v the_o power_n force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o voice_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o his_o creature_n christ_n before_o all_o thing_n be_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o at_o his_o word_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v lazarus_n lie_v rot_v in_o his_o grave_n yet_o he_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o thousand_o trumpet_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o rise_v up_o nay_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v dead_a six_o thousand_o year_n even_o those_o shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o loud_a and_o great_a voice_n a_o powerful_a and_o effectnall_a voice_n see_v this_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o loud_a and_o powerful_a a_o voice_n that_o the_o dead_a be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o 1._o this_o show_v the_o security_n and_o deadness_n of_o those_o man_n which_o though_o they_o hear_v it_o daily_o sound_v and_o cry_v in_o their_o ear_n as_o the_o noise_n of_o many_o water_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o as_o do_v the_o dead_a body_n of_o lazarus_n hear_v and_o stand_v up_o and_o come_v forth_o of_o their_o grave_n of_o sin_n but_o still_o snort_v in_o security_n and_o rot_n in_o their_o sin_n this_o argue_v our_o great_a drowsiness_n that_o the_o dead_a which_o have_v lie_v six_o thousand_o year_n shall_v at_o this_o voice_n rise_v and_o awake_v and_o we_o hear_v it_o both_o loud_a and_o powerful_a and_o public_a in_o our_o ear_n will_v not_o put_v up_o our_o head_n nor_o our_o heart_n not_o
mind_n and_o in_o that_o very_a manner_n he_o will_v if_o he_o be_v present_a and_o if_o they_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n they_o shall_v be_v suspect_v of_o unfaithfulnes_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n will_v he_o deliver_v his_o word_n partly_o in_o english_a partly_o in_o latin_a or_o use_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n &_o philosophy_n or_o of_o poet_n and_o sure_o though_o man_n call_v this_o the_o learned_a way_n of_o preach_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o that_o christ_n command_v nay_o if_o this_o be_v admit_v it_o will_v bring_v in_o barbarism_n and_o expel_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o bring_v in_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v among_o the_o schoolman_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o needless_a disputation_n the_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o phrase_n christ_n use_v the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o they_o signify_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o the_o candlestick_n signify_v the_o seven_o church_n but_o be_v so_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o the_o exposition_n in_o the_o sacrament_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v warrant_v and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o as_o the_o papist_n hold_v for_o as_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hold_v that_o these_o be_v seven_o angel_n indeed_o because_o they_o be_v call_v so_o so_o to_o hold_v the_o bread_n be_v real_o transform_v indeed_o into_o christ_n body_n but_o be_v a_o sign_n as_o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n be_v put_v for_o the_o thing_n signify_v this_o bread_n be_v that_o be_v represent_v my_o body_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o verse_n i._n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o the_o four_o action_n of_o christ_n whereby_o john_n describe_v he_o which_o be_v that_o christ_n in_o these_o two_o chapter_n give_v he_o 7._o particular_a commandment_n to_o write_v seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o first_o of_o these_o seven_o particular_a commandment_n be_v in_o this_o first_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o commandment_n follow_v the_o epistle_n itself_o these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o eight_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n this_o word_n be_v two_o way_n use_v first_o it_o signify_v the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v common_o and_o of_o the_o most_o second_o it_o may_v signify_v a_o company_n of_o minister_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n 28._o as_o paul_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o which_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d overseer_n show_v there_o be_v many_o minister_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o this_o word_n angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n as_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o one_o man_n signify_v a_o whole_a multitude_n god_n bid_v moses_n send_v my_o son_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o particular_a he_o note_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n so_o though_o antichrist_n be_v not_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o pope_n 2._o yet_o paul_n call_v he_o that_o antichrist_n and_o that_o child_n of_o perdition_n &_o so_o it_o skill_v not_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o for_o one_o man_n or_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o governor_n in_o this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v two_o point_n first_o the_o intent_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o he_o direct_v his_o letter_n not_o to_o they_o all_o but_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o where_o he_o say_v he_o which_o have_v ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n write_v to_o the_o church_n now_o in_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n he_o intimate_v to_o he_o his_o duty_n first_o that_o he_o must_v especial_o labour_v to_o teach_v the_o particular_a content_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n second_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o teach_v but_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n second_o he_o write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n himself_o because_o he_o especial_o do_v great_a good_a or_o harm_n to_o the_o church_n if_o the_o minister_n be_v good_a there_o come_v much_o good_a if_o he_o be_v evil_a there_o come_v much_o evil_n as_o all_o example_n show_v now_o christ_n write_v for_o this_o cause_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v diligent_a and_o so_o the_o cause_n of_o good_a not_o of_o evil_a the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o christ_n among_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n first_o which_o be_v not_o because_o it_o have_v authority_n above_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o it_o be_v in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n above_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v the_o mother_n city_n for_o they_o be_v all_o candlestick_n and_o all_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o because_o it_o excel_v all_o other_o city_n in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n for_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n first_o to_o this_o church_n by_o which_o he_o show_v that_o those_o church_n town_n and_o people_n which_o excel_v either_o in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n and_o other_o temporal_a gift_n they_o must_v also_o excel_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o man_n in_o particular_a as_o they_o excel_v in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n they_o must_v excel_v other_o in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n so_o then_o each_o town_n must_v as_o it_o excel_v other_o in_o that_o it_o have_v a_o great_a name_n great_a riches_n or_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n go_v before_o other_o which_o want_v they_o if_o they_o excel_v other_o in_o these_o and_o be_v inferior_a in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o man_n too_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o all_o ordinary_a epistle_n have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n now_o the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o end_n and_o intent_n of_o it_o be_v to_o draw_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o reverence_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o christ_n propound_v not_o that_o first_o but_o make_v a_o entrance_n to_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o reverence_n and_o regard_v his_o admonition_n the_o three_o reason_n which_o he_o use_v to_o do_v this_o be_v thus_o frame_v if_o i_o be_v he_o which_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v he_o which_o by_o my_o mighty_a power_n guide_n bless_v protect_v and_o defend_v thou_o and_o thy_o minister_n and_o if_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n that_o be_v be_o always_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o church_n to_o guide_v bless_v and_o protect_v you_o than_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o reverence_v my_o admonition_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la my_o admonition_n must_v be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o preface_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o see_v christ_n repeat_v that_o again_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o show_v this_o be_v a_o most_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learned_a and_o practise_v of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v that_o christ_n he_o be_v present_a in_o his_o church_n &_o be_v present_a by_o his_o special_a providence_n do_v bless_v guide_n and_o protect_v it_o both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o learn_v and_o to_o be_v certain_o persuade_v of_o even_o of_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o providence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v have_v sound_a religion_n &_o this_o stand_v not_o in_o a_o swim_a knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n but_o in_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o heart_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o providence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o all_o duty_n of_o our_o call_n see_v christ_n make_v this_o his_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o admonition_n so_o if_o we_o think_v
and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n and_o withal_o guide_v bless_v and_o protect_v the_o same_o we_o can_v but_o be_v move_v to_o walk_v as_o enoch_n and_o abraham_n do_v with_o god_n even_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o this_o second_o verse_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n 2._o which_o be_v the_o proposition_n which_o contain_v the_o very_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o epistle_n this_o proposition_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n second_o a_o rebuke_n or_o reprehension_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n first_o the_o commendation_n be_v in_o general_a i_o know_v thy_o work_n second_o in_o particular_a for_o particular_a duty_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n some_o expound_v it_o of_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n but_o that_o can_v stand_v but_o when_o he_o say_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v the_o deal_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o affair_n i_o know_v they_o they_o be_v open_a and_o not_o hide_v from_o i_o and_o not_o only_o know_v they_o but_o with_o approbation_n allow_v they_o as_o in_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o four_o verse_n where_o there_o be_v a_o opposition_n though_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v allow_v they_o yet_o i_o find_v fault_n in_o some_o thing_n with_o thou_o whereas_o christ_n he_o know_v use_v that_o be_v approve_v their_o work_n way_n deal_v conversation_n and_o live_n this_o may_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o all_o secret_a and_o hide_a sin_n the_o adulterer_n thief_n and_o murderer_n wait_v for_o the_o night_n when_o they_o think_v none_o see_v they_o than_o they_o may_v as_o they_o think_v practice_v any_o sin_n so_o the_o tradesman_n he_o think_v no_o man_n see_v he_o change_v and_o counterfeit_v his_o ware_n and_o blear_a man_n eye_n think_v all_o be_v well_o and_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v such_o fraud_n deceit_n guile_n and_o injustice_n among_o man_n be_v because_o man_n think_v they_o can_v do_v it_o so_o as_o none_o shall_v see_v they_o they_o say_v god_n regard_v and_o see_v not_o our_o deal_n psal._n 94._o 7._o but_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v that_o though_o they_o can_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o can_v hide_v it_o from_o god_n see_v they_o be_v always_o in_o his_o sight_n this_o will_v make_v man_n make_v conscience_n of_o many_o secret_a corruption_n and_o sin_n in_o their_o heart_n whereas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o approbation_n obiction_n and_o so_o christ_n approve_v of_o their_o work_n some_o may_v ask_v how_o can_v god_n approve_v of_o that_o which_o do_v not_o satisfy_v his_o law_n as_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n do_v not_o answer_n answ._n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o more_o than_o the_o law_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o word_n now_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v and_o unfeigned_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n if_o a_o man_n do_v this_o in_o truth_n the_o lord_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n so_o christ_n here_o he_o approve_v of_o their_o work_n proceed_v from_o a_o pure_a will_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n as_o perfect_a take_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n but_o see_v christ_n approve_v their_o work_n objection_n the_o papist_n may_v argue_v hence_o thus_o if_o god_n approve_v thus_o of_o man_n than_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n if_o they_o have_v none_o than_o a_o man_n may_v fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o this_o life_n answer_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n ans._n christ_n approve_v not_o their_o or_o our_o work_n simple_o but_o in_o part_n as_o they_o be_v his_o work_n proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o be_v fruit_n of_o our_o flesh_n he_o do_v not_o again_o christ_n approve_v they_o with_o pardon_n as_o they_o be_v pardon_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o approve_v he_o can_v not_o approve_v they_o at_o all_o christ_n say_v i_o know_v your_o work_n that_o be_v as_o proceed_v from_o my_o spirit_n and_o as_o pardon_v have_v the_o guilt_n take_v from_o they_o now_o i_o come_v to_o her_o commendation_n particular_o which_o be_v especial_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n in_o who_o the_o first_o thing_n commend_v be_v this_o namely_o labour_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n especial_o in_o the_o minister_n painfulness_n diligence_n and_o labour_n in_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o this_o virtue_n be_v worthy_a of_o commendation_n as_o 1._o tim._n 5._o 17._o he_o which_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o paul_n match_v and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o all_o other_o apostle_n in_o this_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o they_o all_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n commend_v this_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1_o we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o pain_n and_o diligence_n if_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o not_o of_o ease_n and_o idleness_n as_o man_n common_o esteem_v of_o it_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o commend_v it_o above_o all_o other_o work_v in_o the_o ministry_n see_v christ_n commend_v the_o minister_n 2._o in_o be_v painful_a and_o diligent_a in_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n must_v be_v diligent_a in_o learning_n and_o obey_v they_o but_o man_n think_v all_o be_v well_o if_o they_o come_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n though_o they_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o people_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n be_v hear_v without_o profit_n man_n bestow_v all_o pain_n care_n and_o diligence_n in_o worldly_a thing_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o pain_n in_o the_o principal_a namely_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v commend_v of_o christ_n than_o they_o must_v use_v diligence_n take_v pain_n in_o hear_v learning_n and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n must_v labour_v to_o teach_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o people_n ergo_fw-la they_o must_v labour_v to_o obey_v and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o practice_v religion_n and_o as_o paul_n labour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o must_v all_o man_n learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o then_o to_o obey_v and_o practice_v the_o same_o second_o christ_n he_o commend_v their_o patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v worthy_a commendation_n see_v it_o be_v more_o than_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n perform_v jerem._n 20._o be_v exceed_v impatient_a jonah_n be_v school_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n yet_o after_o that_o all_o thing_n fall_v not_o out_o to_o his_o mind_n he_o be_v most_o impatient_a but_o this_o angel_n labour_v and_o withal_o joy_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v so_o must_v minister_n labour_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o because_o the_o cross_n accompany_v the_o gospel_n they_o must_v be_v arm_v against_o persecution_n with_o patience_n they_o must_v endure_v all_o cross_n as_o luke_n 8._o 15._o the_o good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o frutie_a with_o patience_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o patience_n must_v go_v together_o now_o christ_n join_v these_o two_o labour_v in_o his_o call_n and_o patience_n together_o &_o sever_v they_o not_o first_o because_o before_o the_o fall_n man_n can_v do_v all_o his_o duty_n without_o trouble_n with_o ease_n and_o joy_n but_o since_o the_o fall_n we_o be_v corrupt_v can_v do_v nothing_o but_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o we_o and_o god_n set_v this_o mark_n on_o our_o sin_n that_o all_o our_o duty_n shall_v be_v troublesome_a and_o our_o calling_n shall_v have_v cross_n and_o calamity_n join_v with_o they_o second_o because_o as_o the_o minister_n labour_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n so_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o hinder_v they_o and_o to_o stay_v they_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o only_a labour_n but_o be_v diligent_a to_o strive_v with_o patience_n so_o paul_n 1_o thess._n 2._o he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n hinder_v he_o now_o as_o christ_n join_v these_o two_o in_o the_o ministry_n so_o in_o all_o calling_n these_o must_v go_v together_o both_o in_o particular_a calling_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n first_o we_o
man_n from_o evil_a action_n and_o affection_n to_o renew_a affection_n and_o renew_a action_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o the_o common_a description_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o good_a in_o that_o they_o say_v it_o stand_v in_o contrition_n which_o be_v sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o may_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o repentance_n godly_a sorrow_n indeed_o cause_v repentance_n but_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o cor._n 7._o 9_o 10._o or_o else_o that_o be_v if_o you_o will_v not_o practice_v that_o remedy_n to_o wit_n renew_v your_o former_a love_n and_o repentance_n i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o a_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n he_o come_v when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n to_o they_o by_o show_v mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n come_v to_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o peter_n say_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n 19_o second_o he_o come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n so_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n i_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o father_n sin_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o their_o child_n and_o will_v punish_v they_o so_o here_o if_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o he_o will_v come_v to_o she_o to_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n not_o mercy_n out_o of_o this_o first_o general_n threaten_v 1._o we_o may_v learn_v this_o one_o thing_n when_o any_o people_n or_o church_n live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n or_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n he_o than_o prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o they_o in_o judgement_n amos_n 4._o 12._o he_o will_v punish_v they_o because_o they_o return_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o lay_v in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o meet_v he_o this_o we_o must_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o our_o church_n and_o people_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v our_o sin_n we_o have_v decay_v in_o our_o first_o love_n since_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n first_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n and_o beside_o these_o sin_n we_o lie_v in_o many_o fearful_a sin_n atheism_n now_o abound_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o practice_n contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o what_o man_n be_v it_o that_o prepare_v to_o meet_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o he_o may_v just_o say_v we_o do_v decay_n in_o love_n that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o for_o these_o sin_n in_o judgement_n in_o plague_n and_o punishment_n and_o so_o be_v he_o come_v at_o this_o day_n it_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o sin_n he_o will_v sure_o come_v thus_o then_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o repent_v if_o we_o will_v not_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v come_v and_o that_o short_o and_o remove_v his_o gospel_n he_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n to_o destroy_v us._n the_o second_o threaten_v be_v more_o particular_a i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n here_o he_o show_v in_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o namely_o to_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o candlestick_n then_o when_o he_o say_v he_o will_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n he_o mean_v his_o word_n and_o gospel_n take_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n from_o she_o and_o so_o make_v she_o become_v of_o a_o church_n no_o church_n and_o have_v remove_v the_o gospel_n will_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o send_v ignorance_n and_o blindness_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o continue_v still_o in_o thy_o sin_n in_o this_o second_o threaten_v note_n three_o thing_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n second_o the_o church_n and_o people_n three_o every_o private_a man_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n if_o he_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n if_o he_o continue_v and_o lie_v in_o his_o sin_n or_o any_o one_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o office_n and_o calling_n and_o of_o his_o gift_n for_o this_o be_v especial_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n jer._n 15._o end_n the_o prophet_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n partly_o by_o fear_n partly_o by_o want_n of_o patience_n then_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v a_o prophet_n to_o jeremy_n tell_v he_o that_o unless_o he_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o repent_v the_o lord_n will_v make_v he_o no_o prophet_n so_o that_o in_o he_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o minister_n that_o if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n to_o remain_v they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n decay_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o religion_n for_o then_o their_o calling_n and_o gift_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n so_o especial_o for_o minister_n they_o must_v especial_o renew_v it_o see_v that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o continue_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v concern_v a_o church_n or_o people_n if_o any_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o his_o word_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n they_o then_o procure_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n to_o take_v from_o they_o his_o word_n the_o gospel_n and_o true_a religion_n ose._n 9_o 7._o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o man_n of_o spirit_n be_v mad_a a_o heavy_a judgement_n whereof_o come_v this_o he_o say_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a and_o become_v mad_a if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o fear_n that_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o for_o in_o most_o man_n there_o be_v great_a decay_n in_o love_n see_v religion_n be_v hate_v and_o contemn_v of_o most_o man_n therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o fear_v and_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o must_v needs_o remove_v his_o word_n take_v his_o gospel_n away_o if_o we_o meet_v he_o not_o with_o repentance_n for_o he_o in_o justice_n give_v man_n to_o believe_v lie_n when_o as_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o truth_n and_o gospel_n be_v so_o long_o among_o they_o our_o duty_n then_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n by_o hearty_a and_o true_a repentance_n the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n every_o private_a christian_a now_o a_o day_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n lie_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o etc._n etc._n now_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o particular_a gift_n for_o as_o a_o man_n love_n decay_v his_o knowledge_n decay_v and_o so_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o love_n to_o it_o wax_v cold_a in_o a_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v all_o the_o wheel_n stand_v if_o it_o go_v soft_o or_o swift_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o wheel_n go_v according_o so_o if_o our_o love_n be_v increase_v our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o if_o our_o love_n decay_v our_o knowledge_n our_o understanding_n in_o religion_n decay_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o ancient_a folk_n because_o they_o lose_v their_o love_n heb._n 4._o 12._o first_o we_o be_v deceive_v by_o sin_n second_o our_o heart_n be_v harden_v three_o we_o call_v into_o question_n religion_n 4._o we_o set_v ourselves_o against_o religion_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o it_o so_o that_o decay_n in_o grace_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o apostasy_n then_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n we_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n not_o live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n neither_o decay_n in_o love_n knowledge_n or_o affection_n to_o religion_n some_o gather_v hence_o that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v final_o and_o whole_o for_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v much_o more_o one_o man_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o a_o whole_a church_n for_o a_o church_n stand_v of_o a_o mix_a company_n good_a and_o bad_a sheep_n and_o goat_n corn_n and_o chaff_n wheat_n and_o tare_n now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o wicked_a may_v
fall_v and_o become_v false_a professor_n as_o indeed_o these_o be_v and_o yet_o the_o true_a believer_n remain_v stil._n now_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o a_o private_a man_n true_o convert_v may_v fall_v now_o follow_v the_o condition_n of_o both_o the_o threaten_n except_o you_o amend_v that_o be_v i_o come_v in_o judgement_n to_o you_o and_o take_v away_o the_o gospel_n unless_o you_o repent_v now_o we_o must_v mark_v that_o all_o threaten_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v with_o condition_n so_o in_o jonah_n yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v perish_v that_o be_v unless_o they_o repent_v and_o so_o be_v the_o threaten_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o same_o condition_n the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o his_o good_a pleasure_n be_v one_o alone_o &_o no_o more_o what_o distinction_n soever_o man_n use_v now_o his_o will_n be_v partly_o secret_a &_o partly_o reveal_v his_o secret_a will_n be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n or_o by_o any_o work_n and_o experience_n to_o man_n reveal_v be_v of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n or_o else_o teach_v man_n by_o experience_n or_o event_n now_o the_o reveal_v will_n be_v with_o condition_n always_o but_o the_o secret_a will_n be_v not_o but_o by_o it_o he_o will_v all_o thing_n good_a thing_n absolute_o and_o permit_v evil_a and_o to_o make_v this_o will_v subject_v to_o condition_n be_v to_o bind_v god_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o his_o reveal_v will_n be_v with_o condition_n as_o here_o in_o this_o place_n object_n why_o do_v god_n give_v his_o reveal_v will_v with_o condition_n answ._n because_o he_o reveal_v in_o mercy_n so_o much_o to_o man_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o no_o more_o and_o therefore_o he_o reveal_v it_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v most_o fit_a for_o his_o salvation_n now_o when_o he_o propound_v his_o will_n with_o condition_n that_o be_v best_a for_o it_o keep_v man_n more_o in_o awe_n and_o seem_v better_a for_o their_o salvation_n then_o if_o it_o be_v with_o without_o condition_n now_o mark_v christ_n he_o repeat_v this_o condition_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o and_o he_o will_v punish_v they_o unless_o they_o repent_v and_o amend_v the_o reason_n be_v to_o show_v that_o when_o man_n lie_v in_o sin_n or_o decay_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o repent_v and_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o stay_v god_n from_o remove_v the_o gospel_n than_o repentance_n be_v this_o true_a then_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o in_o the_o church_n public_o to_o meet_v he_o with_o repentance_n and_o so_o we_o must_v think_v of_o it_o in_o that_o christ_n double_v the_o condition_n but_o this_o thou_o have_v that_o thou_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n 6._o in_o these_o word_n be_v a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v she_o that_o she_o can_v not_o abide_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a first_o because_o she_o examine_v they_o which_o receive_v false_a teacher_n second_o she_o hate_v their_o work_n to_o come_v to_o the_o word_n nicolaitane_n be_v a_o sect_n of_o heretic_n who_o hold_v opinion_n first_o that_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n be_v no_o sin_n second_o that_o a_o man_n may_v keep_v company_n with_o idolater_n in_o sacrifice_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o according_a to_o these_o two_o opinion_n they_o practise_v fornication_n adultery_n and_o idolatry_n these_o be_v so_o call_v of_o one_o nicolas_n choose_v of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v a_o deacon_n act._n 6._o who_o for_o a_o while_o profess_v the_o gospel_n but_o after_o fall_v away_o and_o become_v head_n and_o chief_a of_o this_o sect_n of_o heretic_n but_o this_o note_n show_v that_o these_o word_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n of_o rebuke_n before_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o this_o decay_n of_o love_n be_v thy_o fault_n yet_o i_o commend_v thou_o for_o this_o one_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n here_o note_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v not_o which_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o blaze_v our_o brother_n fault_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o paint_v they_o out_o in_o their_o colour_n as_o we_o be_v but_o we_o shall_v as_o well_o commend_v their_o virtue_n and_o not_o obscure_v they_o for_o christ_n though_o he_o find_v fault_n yet_o find_v this_o virtue_n commend_v she_o so_o shall_v we_o thou_o hate_v here_o note_v this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v good_a gift_n and_o grace_n for_o he_o may_v have_v they_o and_o be_v no_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n so_o be_v jehu_n he_o have_v great_a zeal_n so_o judas_n have_v many_o good_a gift_n no_o doubt_n be_v a_o apostle_n yet_o fall_v from_o christ._n so_o the_o ephesian_n have_v a_o hatred_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o yet_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n then_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o all_o which_o if_o we_o have_v we_o can_v fall_v which_o be_v true_a hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n daily_a and_o renew_a repentance_n for_o daily_a and_o new_a sin_n thou_o hate_v the_o work_n here_o see_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v the_o sin_n and_o heresy_n of_o our_o time_n and_o when_o we_o know_v they_o we_o must_v hate_v they_o for_o which_o christ_n commend_v they_o and_o and_o will_v commend_v we_o if_o we_o do_v the_o like_a the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n not_o their_o person_n so_o then_o we_o must_v moderate_v our_o hatred_n it_o must_v be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n we_o must_v hate_v their_o sin_n not_o their_o person_n whether_o they_o be_v friend_n or_o foe_n object_n but_o david_n he_o hate_v man_n person_n he_o pray_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n both_o soul_n and_o body_n answ._n he_o do_v it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n reveal_v to_o he_o that_o his_o enemy_n be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o so_o prophesi_v by_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a instinct_n for_o every_o imprecation_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o prophecy_n but_o we_o which_o want_v that_o extraordinary_a instinct_n must_v keep_v we_o within_o this_o compass_n that_o we_o hate_v only_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o their_o person_n the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n in_o who_o note_v the_o join_n of_o two_o sin_n together_o adultery_n and_o idolatry_n for_o adultery_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o idolatry_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n the_o one_o be_v carnal_a fornication_n the_o other_o spiritual_a and_o the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n and_o so_o in_o all_o heretical_a church_n the_o lord_n he_o send_v these_o together_o in_o judgement_n to_o punish_v spiritual_a adultery_n with_o temporal_a fornication_n if_o a_o church_n become_v idolatrous_a than_o he_o give_v they_o over_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o uncleanness_n so_o among_o the_o israelite_n and_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n fall_v to_o idolatry_n they_o abound_v also_o with_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n thou_o hate_v their_o work_n here_o we_o may_v learn_v one_o lesson_n for_o we_o see_v many_o man_n see_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n but_o see_v in_o the_o best_a church_n plant_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o apostle_n even_o in_o their_o day_n there_o be_v such_o heresy_n as_o these_o nicolaitan_o hold_v no_o marvel_n if_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o heresy_n in_o our_o day_n yet_o these_o shall_v not_o make_v we_o leave_v the_o church_n but_o seek_v to_o be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o stand_v fast_o to_o it_o which_o i_o also_o hate_n christ_n have_v now_o commend_v she_o will_v have_v she_o to_o go_v on_o and_o to_o encourage_v she_o therein_o he_o set_v his_o example_n for_o they_o to_o follow_v thou_o hate_v their_o work_n that_o be_v well_o do_v do_v so_o still_o for_o so_o do_v i._o and_o here_o we_o see_v christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n judgement_n will_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o be_v of_o and_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o be_v the_o head_n we_o the_o member_n we_o be_v bone_n of_o his_o bone_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n now_o than_o we_o must_v see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conformity_n between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o
choose_v babylon_n a_o city_n of_o confusion_n and_o abomination_n so_o he_o have_v choose_v rome_n which_o be_v become_v of_o a_o famous_a church_n the_o throne_n of_o satan_n so_o jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o then_o the_o city_n fall_v to_o wickedness_n so_o the_o devil_n get_v god_n temple_n and_o the_o holy_a city_n to_o be_v his_o throne_n and_o in_o our_o time_n he_o get_v the_o great_a city_n &_o shire_n town_n for_o his_o throne_n for_o in_o they_o be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o the_o gospel_n more_o contemn_v then_o in_o small_a village_n in_o which_o after_o little_a preach_v it_o be_v willing_o embrace_v now_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v because_o the_o devil_n labour_v especial_o to_o have_v his_o throne_n where_o he_o may_v do_v the_o most_o harm_n and_o convey_v his_o doctrine_n to_o more_o place_n and_o live_v without_o controlment_n if_o this_o or_o any_o other_o shire_n town_n use_v or_o any_o great_a city_n live_v in_o sin_n in_o ignorance_n and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n take_v heed_n for_o they_o shall_v become_v in_o time_n a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n he_o will_v have_v his_o throne_n there_o now_o than_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v against_o he_o to_o have_v his_o throne_n pluck_v down_o to_o have_v he_o deface_v and_o cast_v out_o have_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n subject_a to_o christ_n renounce_v ourselves_o rely_v whole_o on_o christ_n forsake_v our_o own_o way_n never_o lend_v our_o ear_n to_o satan_n let_v he_o have_v no_o foot_n in_o we_o never_o suffer_v he_o to_o come_v to_o have_v his_o throne_n begin_v but_o still_o labour_n to_o have_v it_o raze_v and_o turn_v upside_o down_o and_o withal_o suffer_v christ_n to_o rule_v suffer_v he_o alone_o to_o possess_v our_o heart_n that_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v increase_v daily_o in_o us._n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o kingdom_n erect_v we_o note_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n derive_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o it_o be_v a_o choose_a people_n yet_o it_o be_v pick_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n where_o he_o rule_v col._n 1._o 12._o 13._o for_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n and_o subject_n in_o his_o kingdom_n then_o no_o man_n must_v stand_v of_o his_o gentility_n 1_o and_o of_o his_o nobility_n and_o blood_n but_o all_o our_o true_a joy_n must_v be_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o golden_a chain_n on_o his_o neck_n and_o have_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n under_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a a_o slave_n and_o vassal_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o our_o joy_n must_v be_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sundry_a man_n think_v 2._o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o any_o religion_n and_o most_o of_o the_o common_a people_n think_v that_o good_a meaning_n will_v save_v they_o but_o a_o man_n may_v profess_v any_o religion_n and_o have_v good_a meaning_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v one_o step_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o remain_v the_o vassal_n and_o slave_n of_o satan_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v outward_a civil_a justice_n and_o civil_a policy_n and_o mean_v well_o yet_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o see_v the_o child_n of_o god_n gain_v a_o privilege_n above_o all_o other_o 3_o for_o in_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n though_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o danger_n yet_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o see_v they_o be_v member_n of_o god_n church_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o from_o that_o place_n of_o darkness_n see_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n gain_v a_o church_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n 4._o we_o see_v the_o word_n have_v a_o divine_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n which_o have_v great_a power_n in_o earth_n then_o the_o devil_n except_o good_a angel_n yet_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n draw_v one_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o gather_v a_o church_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o kingdom_n see_v in_o pergamus_n 5._o where_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v god_n child_n be_v we_o see_v that_o god_n will_v have_v his_o servant_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o mingle_v with_o the_o vassal_n of_o the_o devil_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o do_v this_o for_o good_a cause_n first_o that_o their_o faith_n obedience_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v exercise_v second_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o many_o grievous_a sin_n into_o which_o else_o they_o will_v fall_v so_o when_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o israelite_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n he_o will_v not_o cast_v all_o their_o enemy_n out_o at_o once_o but_o they_o must_v be_v mingle_v and_o dwell_v with_o the_o canaanite_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v destroy_v they_o at_o once_o the_o wild_a beast_n may_v have_v destroy_v the_o land_n so_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mingle_v with_o evil_a man_n that_o the_o godly_a may_v be_v exercise_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o more_o grievous_a sin_n second_o he_o will_v have_v his_o child_n to_o dwell_v with_o wicked_a &_o ungodly_a man_n that_o their_o godly_a life_n may_v shine_v as_o light_n among_o they_o philip._n 2._o 17._o and_o so_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v most_o effectual_a to_o win_v man_n to_o christ._n three_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v show_v special_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n to_o they_o that_o when_o he_o bring_v his_o judgement_n on_o the_o wicked_a yet_o he_o defend_v they_o ezech._n 9_o 4._o he_o mark_v they_o which_o mourn_v that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o judgement_n which_o be_v bring_v on_o jerusalem_n then_o if_o any_o man_n dwell_v among_o such_o as_o contemn_v and_o hate_v religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v they_o be_v content_v see_v it_o be_v god_n will_v they_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o church_n on_o earth_n prove_v and_o exercise_v by_o they_o we_o see_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o man_n to_o dwell_v with_o and_o by_o such_o wicked_a man_n 6._o but_o they_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n but_o abstain_v from_o their_o wickedness_n as_o lot_n in_o sodom_n and_o noah_n dwell_v with_o the_o wicked_a man_n of_o the_o old_a world_n and_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n be_v erect_v for_o 1._o cor._n 7._o there_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o servant_n have_v a_o master_n which_o be_v a_o infidel_n may_v forsake_v he_o or_o not_o the_o answer_n be_v make_v he_o must_v dwell_v with_o he_o but_o so_o that_o thereby_o he_o deny_v not_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o religion_n but_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v how_o to_o answer_v that_o old_a objection_n of_o the_o papist_n where_o be_v our_o church_n fourscore_o year_n ago_o before_o luther_n preach_v when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n be_v in_o all_o europe_n by_o the_o like_a i_o ask_v where_o be_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v there_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o devil_n have_v erect_v his_o throne_n mighty_o in_o that_o place_n yet_o there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v spread_v his_o doctrine_n of_o wickedness_n in_o all_o europe_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o church_n among_o we_o in_o this_o and_o other_o land_n as_o appear_v in_o that_o ever_o there_o be_v some_o which_o both_o open_o and_o private_o oppugn_v his_o doctrine_n by_o word_n and_o writing_n in_o all_o age_n which_o show_v that_o though_o sin_v rule_v in_o this_o church_n many_o hundred_o year_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v professor_n though_o not_o so_o visible_a as_o now_o it_o be_v when_o man_n may_v profess_v open_o in_o every_o place_n without_o fear_n and_o
keep_v my_o name_n though_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v erect_v his_o throne_n yet_o thou_o maintaine_v my_o name_n and_o hold_v it_o fast_o so_o that_o neither_o fraud_n nor_o force_n of_o enemy_n can_v take_v it_o from_o thou_o my_o name_n that_o be_v my_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 9_o thou_o do_v constant_o hold_v and_o maintain_v it_o and_o my_o religion_n thou_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o my_o servant_n have_v deliver_v to_o thou_o so_o that_o in_o these_o word_n christ_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o constancy_n in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o use_v to_o hold_v believe_v and_o maintain_v religion_n but_o we_o must_v do_v it_o constant_o so_o the_o word_n signifiâ—s_v we_o must_v hold_v the_o same_o fast_o against_o all_o adversary_n not_o easy_o turn_v with_o any_o blast_n of_o man_n doctrine_n but_o so_o to_o hold_v religion_n that_o no_o enemy_n by_o force_n or_o fraud_n draw_v it_o from_o us._n when_o math._n 13._o the_o man_n find_v the_o pearl_n he_o sell_v all_o to_o buy_v the_o field_n and_o if_o a_o man_n among_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o field_n by_o his_o cunning_a and_o skill_n a_o golden_a mine_n he_o will_v not_o tell_v it_o to_o any_o but_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o he_o have_v &_o buy_v the_o ground_n that_o so_o he_o may_v enrich_v himself_o so_o we_o if_o we_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o make_v it_o we_o to_o have_v it_o make_v sure_a to_o we_o to_o sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o loose_a life_n itself_o rather_o then_o to_o forgo_v that_o precious_a pearl_n 1._o tim._n 3._o 9_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o precious_a jewel_n which_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o treasury_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o can_v be_v break_v into_o but_o must_v be_v strong_a in_o which_o store-house_n and_o treasury_n we_o must_v have_v true_a religion_n and_o faith_n lock_v that_o nothing_o get_v it_o from_o we_o but_o lose_v all_o we_o have_v even_o our_o life_n before_o we_o part_v with_o it_o for_o if_o that_o be_v sure_a all_o be_v well_o but_o if_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v lose_v all_o be_v go_v salvation_n be_v lose_v thy_o soul_n be_v perish_v now_o for_o her_o further_a commendation_n christ_n set_v out_o her_o constancy_n by_o two_o argument_n first_o that_o she_o hold_v religion_n without_o denial_n second_o that_o she_o hold_v it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n never_o deny_v religion_n or_o revolt_v from_o faith_n in_o christ_n she_o do_v not_o as_o many_o man_n who_o hold_v believe_v and_o maintain_v religion_n yet_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n they_o will_v revolt_v in_o this_o we_o must_v imitate_v she_o else_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v we_o grace_n to_o repent_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o we_o perish_v esaw_n sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o small_a thing_n a_o few_o red_a pottage_n but_o after_o he_o seek_v it_o with_o repentance_n and_o tear_n &_o can_v not_o get_v it_o we_o must_v then_o hold_v religion_n and_o not_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n revolt_v and_o deny_v it_o lest_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o no_o grace_n to_o repent_v which_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n that_o be_v i_o own_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_a religion_n religion_n be_v call_v christ_n first_o because_o christ_n with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v author_n of_o it_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v good_a be_v from_o above_o second_o because_o he_o reveal_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n three_o because_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o religion_n christ_n be_v the_o whole_a subject_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o christ_n set_v out_o her_o constancy_n be_v that_o she_o hold_v religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o persecute_v she_o be_v constant_a when_o antiphas_n be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o this_o antiphas_n be_v it_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v by_o any_o history_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v he_o be_v pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n who_o oppose_v himself_o and_o oppugn_v the_o doctrine_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o that_o city_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o point_n first_o he_o commend_v this_o martyr_n antiphas_n when_o he_o say_v that_o my_o servant_n my_o faithful_a servant_n antiphas_n he_o extol_v he_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o honour_n and_o commend_v martyr_n which_o die_v for_o christ_n cause_n and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o give_v they_o their_o due_a deserve_a honour_n and_o commendation_n as_o christ_n do_v to_o antiphas_n second_o by_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o conversation_n of_o life_n for_o this_o cause_n christ_n commend_v this_o good_a martyr_n that_o the_o people_n of_o pergamus_n may_v imitate_v he_o in_o his_o constancy_n not_o to_o honour_v he_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v with_o divine_a honour_n and_o invocation_n again_o he_o say_v that_o my_o faithful_a martyr_n not_o commend_v he_o for_o his_o death_n that_o he_o die_v but_o for_o the_o cause_n for_o not_o the_o death_n but_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o man_n may_v die_v for_o heresy_n and_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o martyr_n but_o antiphas_n he_o be_v a_o true_a martyr_n ergo_fw-la christ_n say_v that_o my_o servant_n nay_o that_o my_o faithful_a servant_n antiphas_n in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o author_n of_o this_o death_n of_o antiphas_n some_o among_o you_o some_o of_o pergamus_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n they_o be_v such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o reign_v and_o this_o he_o repeat_v to_o show_v that_o they_o which_o have_v contemn_v christ_n religion_n though_o they_o pretend_v good_a thing_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o they_o they_o be_v his_o hold_n and_o castle_n object_n but_o why_o do_v the_o devil_n dwell_v in_o the_o city_n of_o pergamus_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o city_n be_v gentile_n they_o hate_v and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n &_o so_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o must_v then_o take_v heed_n we_o never_o contemn_v the_o fame_n for_o in_o a_o family_n where_o they_o live_v in_o ignorance_n in_o injustice_n fraud_n and_o wickedness_n there_o the_o devil_n rule_v he_o have_v his_o throne_n that_o be_v a_o stable_n for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o then_o master_n of_o family_n and_o parent_n which_o govern_v family_n must_v see_v they_o love_v and_o embrace_v religion_n and_o teach_v it_o to_o their_o family_n else_o their_o house_n be_v but_o the_o stable_n of_o satan_n his_o place_n to_o dwell_v in_o ob._n but_o whether_o may_v not_o antiphas_n be_v minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n have_v flee_v answ._n persecution_n be_v double_a either_o direct_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n principal_o or_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o person_n he_o may_v fly_v safe_o if_o he_o get_v opportunity_n to_o preserve_v his_o life_n and_o have_v liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o fly_v but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o whole_a church_n then_o unless_o he_o have_v liberty_n grant_v by_o they_o he_o must_v stay_v and_o take_v part_n with_o they_o in_o their_o persecution_n now_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v antiphas_n persecution_n see_v he_o be_v so_o call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o he_o commend_v she_o before_o but_o here_o he_o rebuke_n she_o and_o this_o reproof_n be_v first_o general_o propound_v then_o in_o more_o particular_a in_o general_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o want_v zeal_n thou_o bear_v with_o they_o which_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o have_v these_o word_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n before_o and_o here_o repeat_v they_o again_o teach_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o search_v what_o be_v in_o they_o that_o christ_n may_v have_v against_o they_o to_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o strait_a reckon_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v do_v from_o their_o beginning_n to_o their_o end_n and_o all_o their_o life_n narrow_o to_o examine_v themselves_o
be_v excellent_a man_n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n hence_o arise_v two_o question_n first_o why_o some_o man_n be_v rather_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n then_o other_o some_o second_o whether_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v seduce_v for_o the_o first_o some_o say_v god_n will_v have_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n his_o servant_n &_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o make_v they_o so_o he_o call_v they_o redeem_v they_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o be_v his_o child_n reconcile_v they_o to_o himself_o so_o that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v now_o some_o will_v not_o for_o all_o this_o receive_v god_n grace_n but_o contemn_v his_o mercy_n though_o he_o call_v they_o redeem_v they_o and_o give_v they_o grace_n but_o this_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n to_o make_v god_n will_v in_o subjection_n &_o man_n will_n to_o rule_v to_o disgrace_n god_n and_o set_a man_n aloft_o to_o make_v god_n will_v to_o be_v order_v by_o man_n will_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n not_o all_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n in_o elect_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o for_o he_o elect_v not_o all_o to_o grace_n and_o glory_n but_o some_o only_a and_o these_o be_v his_o servant_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n act._n 13._o 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o life_n that_o be_v elect_v and_o redeem_v of_o god_n free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o believe_v the_o second_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v be_v seduce_v answ._n servant_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v only_o in_o appearance_n some_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n those_o be_v only_o in_o appearance_n which_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o outward_a seal_n but_o not_o the_o inward_a fruit_n and_o these_o be_v in_o our_o church_n the_o great_a part_n these_o may_v fall_v away_o final_o and_o whole_o as_o do_v the_o galatian_n and_o many_o other_o but_o those_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o may_v fall_v in_o part_n yet_o they_o can_v fall_v whole_o or_o final_o mat._n 16._o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v strive_v &_o show_v their_o strength_n against_o that_o rock_n of_o faith_n but_o shall_v not_o prevail_v so_o we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v let_v we_o never_o be_v whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n now_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n for_o it_o and_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o constant_a purpose_n to_o live_v in_o any_o on_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o preserve_v it_o in_o life_n and_o death_n ergo_fw-la a_o true_a believer_n can_v fall_v whole_o or_o final_o to_o come_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o discern_v they_o it_o be_v by_o commit_v fornication_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n she_o make_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o sin_n by_o these_o two_o sin_n and_o mean_n which_o show_v she_o be_v a_o maintainer_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n of_o who_o i_o speak_v before_o and_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v 21._o christ_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n before_o for_o suffer_v she_o here_o he_o reprove_v she_o for_o her_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o she_o will_v not_o repent_v of_o her_o sin_n time_n to_o repent_v that_o be_v though_o her_o sin_n deserve_v present_a death_n yet_o god_n suffer_v she_o to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n a_o space_n of_o time_n to_o see_v if_o she_o will_v repent_v now_o in_o her_o example_n he_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o use_v time_n while_o we_o live_v in_o the_o world_n namely_o see_v it_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o so_o to_o come_v to_o salvation_n we_o must_v use_v it_o so_o &_o repent_v while_o we_o have_v time_n for_o that_o cause_n he_o let_v some_o live_v twenty_o or_o forty_o year_n for_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n before_o we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n or_o after_o we_o go_v out_o therefore_o while_o we_o live_v in_o it_o we_o must_v repent_v then_o we_o must_v think_v of_o it_o earnest_o that_o we_o use_v it_o to_o repent_v in_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n receive_v to_o mercy_n and_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o damnable_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o day_n when_o man_n live_v in_o eat_v drink_v sport_v card_v &_o dice_v in_o spend_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n in_o get_v riches_n never_o think_v of_o the_o true_a end_n why_o they_o live_v which_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o come_v to_o salvation_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n he_o give_v they_o to_o repent_v other_o way_n the_o lord_n may_v cut_v they_o off_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v yet_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v to_o see_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v then_o if_o they_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n they_o increase_v their_o damnation_n and_o do_v as_o a_o man_n shall_v every_o day_n carry_v a_o faggot_n for_o ten_o year_n to_o one_o heap_n and_o be_v burn_v himself_o with_o they_o at_o the_o end_n i_o give_v she_o namely_o christ_n give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v no_o creature_n no_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v dispose_v of_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n but_o only_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n alone_o when_o one_o must_v repent_v or_o not_o then_o see_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n it_o be_v best_o for_o we_o to_o repent_v without_o delay_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n the_o young_a man_n take_v his_o swinge_n because_o he_o be_v young_a as_o though_o he_o can_v repent_v in_o old_a age_n or_o when_o he_o list_v but_o he_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n for_o he_o alone_o can_v dispose_v of_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n then_o take_v the_o present_a who_o know_v when_o the_o lord_n will_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o then_o his_o estate_n be_v miserable_a we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v repent_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o defer_v see_v he_o may_v die_v quiet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sickness_n yet_o may_v die_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o to_o who_o give_v christ_n this_o time_n to_o she_o that_o be_v jesabel_n a_o wicked_a woman_n here_o we_o see_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o offer_v mercy_n to_o jesabel_n a_o lewd_a wicked_a fornicator_n &_o idolater_n a_o blasphemous_a wretch_n father_v her_o sin_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o she_o have_v mercy_n offer_v so_o the_o lord_n deal_v not_o in_o justice_n to_o cut_v man_n off_o but_o give_v grievous_a sinner_n time_n to_o repent_v so_o do_v he_o to_o manaess_n a_o wizard_n and_o idolater_n who_o humble_v himself_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n solomon_n a_o idolater_n yet_o repent_v be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n ergo_fw-la a_o holy_a man_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 20._o isaiah_n 1_o the_o jew_n a_o sinful_a people_n as_o ill_o as_o they_o which_o be_v in_o hell_n the_o sodomite_n and_o gomorrhean_n they_o have_v mercy_n offer_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o red_a as_o crimson_a yet_o god_n will_v wash_v they_o as_o white_a as_o snow_n we_o may_v not_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o sin_n but_o they_o which_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n must_v not_o despair_v if_o they_o can_v repent_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n of_o her_o fornication_n she_o have_v sundry_a sin_n especial_o idolatry_n which_o can_v want_v company_n for_o no_o sin_n go_v alone_o christ_n call_v she_o to_o repent_v for_o that_o one_o sin_n of_o fornication_n because_o that_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a sin_n the_o head_n sin_n of_o that_o woman_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o repent_v we_o must_v begin_v with_o our_o great_a sin_n which_o most_o clog_v our_o conscience_n and_o by_o which_o we_o offend_v most_o again_o he_o which_o can_v repent_v true_o of_o one_o great_a sin_n he_o repent_v of_o all_o if_o he_o hate_v the_o great_a he_o will_v hate_v the_o lesser_a then_o we_o in_o repentance_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o repent_v in_o particular_a for_o it_o for_o confuse_a repentance_n be_v not_o true_a as_o to_o say_v i_o be_o a_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n but_o repentance_n in_o particular_a for_o particular_a sin_n begin_v at_o the_o head_n sin_n which_o most_o trouble_v we_o that_o be_v true_a repentance_n see_v christ_n say_v he_o give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v free_a will_n namely_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o repent_v for_o else_o this_o admonition_n be_v in_o vain_a but_o it_o follow_v not_o for_o god_n give_v
her_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o commandment_n to_o repent_v for_o other_o end_n first_o that_o then_o he_o may_v with_o the_o time_n give_v grace_n also_o to_o repent_v that_o so_o she_o and_o we_o may_v see_v what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o withal_o see_v our_o own_o want_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v as_o we_o be_v command_v and_o so_o to_o make_v we_o inexcusable_a and_o she_o repent_v not_o here_o jesabels_n sin_n be_v set_v down_o namely_o impenitency_n and_o go_v on_o in_o her_o sin_n of_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n concern_v which_o sin_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o where_o impenitency_n be_v forbid_v second_o how_o great_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v first_o where_o it_o be_v forbid_v ans._n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o the_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o two_o be_v sever_v and_o distinct_a neither_o can_v be_v mingle_v one_o with_o the_o other_o now_o the_o law_n command_v thing_n which_o we_o in_o that_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o which_o adam_n be_v can_v have_v fulfil_v but_o the_o gospel_n command_v thing_n above_o nature_n the_o law_n can_v command_v repentance_n see_v it_o reveal_v not_o repentance_n 2._o but_o the_o gospel_n command_v it_o and_o so_o by_o a_o evangelicall_a commandment_n this_o sin_n be_v forbid_v as_o for_o the_o second_o part_n how_o great_a this_o sin_n be_v know_v we_o that_o when_o man_n live_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n see_v by_o it_o man_n heap_v up_o sin_n and_o wrath_n to_o themselves_o some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o it_o be_v untrue_a for_o that_o be_v a_o blasphemy_n so_o be_v not_o impenitency_n that_o be_v in_o this_o life_n but_o impenitency_n proper_o be_v at_o death_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v again_o that_o a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n see_v he_o give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v but_o she_o will_v not_o ans._n she_o have_v free_a will_n to_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n have_v and_o so_o to_o be_v impenitent_a but_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o she_o have_v free_a will_n to_o do_v good_a &_o to_o repent_v without_o god_n special_a grace_n that_o which_o christ_n say_v of_o jesabel_n may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o church_n and_o most_o man_n among_o we_o he_o give_v we_o long_a time_n to_o repent_v ten_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o repute_n we_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n we_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o god_n true_o but_o lie_v in_o sin_n in_o ignorance_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n in_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n covetousness_n adultery_n idleness_n drink_v and_o eat_v so_o that_o our_o life_n tell_v plain_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o turn_n to_o god_n true_o now_o christ_n have_v reprove_v the_o church_n and_o jesabel_n from_o the_o 22._o to_o the_o 28._o verse_n he_o give_v special_a counsel_n to_o they_o both_o the_o end_n of_o his_o counsel_n be_v to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o avoid_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o concern_v the_o woman_n jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n the_o second_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n the_o counsel_n concern_v she_o be_v in_o the_o 22._o and_o 23._o verse_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v to_o repent_v thou_o jesabel_n and_o thy_o company_n and_o disciple_n repent_v of_o your_o sin_n this_o be_v not_o express_v but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o be_v the_o reason_n vers_fw-la 22._o 23._o the_o reason_n be_v this_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o repent_v i_o will_v punish_v thou_o with_o sundry_a judgement_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v punish_v with_o sundry_a judgement_n therefore_o repent_v behold_v i_o will_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n in_o which_o note_n two_o part_n first_o a_o threaten_a second_o a_o exception_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o work_n before_o the_o threaten_a christ_n set_v this_o note_n of_o attention_n this_o shall_v teach_v she_o &_o we_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o judgement_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n josias_n when_o the_o law_n be_v read_v his_o heart_n melt_v which_o be_v at_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o king_n 24._o so_o when_o peter_n preach_v the_o jew_n be_v prick_v in_o heart_n because_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o fearful_a judgement_n due_a to_o they_o for_o kill_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n act._n 2._o 37._o so_o shall_v we_o with_o josias_n be_v humble_v at_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o god_n threaten_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v move_v to_o repent_v and_o the_o cause_n why_o sin_n be_v so_o rife_a be_v because_o man_n think_v not_o earnest_o or_o else_o regard_v not_o god_n judgement_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n the_o threaten_a have_v three_o part_n according_a to_o three_o estate_n the_o first_o concern_v jesabel_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n we_o may_v gather_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n by_o those_o 2._o sam._n 13._o 5._o of_o jonadab_n to_o amnon_n lie_v down_o on_o thy_o bed_n and_o feign_v thyself_o sick_a so_o here_o i_o i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n that_o be_v strike_v she_o with_o some_o great_a sickness_n the_o place_n namely_o the_o bed_n put_v for_o the_o sickness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o man_n lie_v on_o the_o bed_n jesabel_n take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o bed_n by_o fornication_n who_o abuse_v the_o bed_n the_o lord_n to_o punish_v she_o in_o the_o bed_n according_o give_v her_o sickness_n in_o the_o same_o bed_n which_o she_o abuse_v here_o be_v god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n he_o punish_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v abuse_v jesabel_n abuse_v the_o bed_n to_o fornication_n the_o lord_n punish_v she_o in_o the_o bed_n with_o some_o great_a disease_n and_o sickness_n dives_fw-la abuse_v his_o tongue_n and_o taste_v in_o god_n creature_n &_o he_o be_v punish_v in_o they_o luke_n 16._o he_o ask_v a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n gamester_n take_v pleasure_n in_o abuse_v time_n and_o spend_v it_o in_o card_v and_o dice_v their_o punishment_n it_o bring_v many_o judgement_n on_o they_o they_o come_v to_o ruin_v and_o misery_n ahab_n to_o get_v the_o vineyard_n shed_v blood_n the_o lord_n shed_v he_o jesabels_n and_o his_o child_n and_o they_o which_o live_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o poor_a &_o draw_v it_o out_o of_o they_o be_v punish_v with_o the_o like_a for_o blood_n will_v have_v blood_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v punish_v man_n in_o those_o sin_n wherein_o they_o take_v most_o pleasure_n then_o this_o shall_v admonish_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n we_o abuse_v no_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o same_o to_o our_o punishment_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o that_o be_v strike_v she_o with_o some_o grievous_a sickness_n here_o we_o see_v the_o author_n of_o sickness_n it_o be_v not_o by_o chance_n but_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o man_n can_v learn_v this_o they_o will_v make_v better_a use_n of_o sickness_n if_o man_n can_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v cast_v i_o on_o my_o bed_n visit_v my_o body_n with_o sickness_n he_o have_v do_v it_o for_o some_o of_o my_o sin_n to_o humble_v i_o and_o make_v i_o repent_v then_o they_o will_v find_v in_o their_o recovery_n a_o blessing_n and_o live_v a_o new_a life_n isaiah_n 38._o hezekiah_n when_o he_o lie_v on_o his_o death_n bed_n know_v it_o come_v from_o the_o lord_n &_o therefore_o hear_v isaiah_n say_v he_o must_v die_v he_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v as_o for_o other_o thing_n so_o especial_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o crave_a pardon_n for_o they_o so_o jacob_n lie_v on_o his_o bed_n lean_v on_o his_o staff_n sit_v up_o and_o pray_v for_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o testify_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o god_n so_o shall_v we_o in_o our_o sickness_n show_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o pray_v for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n commit_v against_o he_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o threaten_a which_o concern_v her_o disciple_n and_o follower_n which_o receive_v her_o doctrine_n and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o and_o their_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o great_a affliction_n we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o not_o a_o trick_n or_o slip_v of_o youth_n as_o we_o call_v it_o see_v christ_n assign_v a_o great_a punishment_n to_o it_o again_o we_o see_v some_o cause_n why_o town_n city_n and_o country_n be_v afflict_v with_o much_o famine_n sword_n and_o pestilence_n namely_o because_o there_o be_v fornicator_n and_o maintainer_n of_o error_n and_o superstition_n for_o god_n
must_v hear_v and_o then_o be_v call_v in_o this_o last_o age_n only_o the_o word_n be_v send_v to_o all_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o former_a age_n 2._o again_o false_a it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v grace_n general_o to_o all_o man_n so_o that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v grace_n offer_v to_o salvation_n if_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o but_o god_n give_v not_o the_o word_n to_o all_o for_o all_o have_v not_o hear_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o have_v grace_n the_o second_o duty_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o this_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v of_o they_o second_o to_o practice_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n but_o of_o these_o before_o the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o repent_v that_o be_v though_o she_o repent_v before_o yet_o she_o must_v restore_v and_o renew_v her_o repentancce_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o begin_v but_o often_o renew_v our_o repentance_n and_o not_o only_o for_o great_a sin_n but_o for_o little_a slip_n and_o defect_n in_o grace_n as_o dulness_n of_o heart_n want_v of_o zeal_n coldness_n in_o practice_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n now_o because_o this_o church_n be_v ready_a to_o die_v christ_n add_v a_o reason_n to_o put_v life_n into_o she_o if_o she_o have_v any_o grace_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o renew_v thy_o repentance_n restore_v that_o grace_n decay_v in_o thou_o i_o will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n sudden_o and_o with_o speedy_a destruction_n that_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n or_o way_n to_o escape_v it_o note_v here_o that_o this_o threaten_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o with_o condition_n and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a commination_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n where_o christ_n threaten_v to_o pour_v out_o his_o whole_a wrath_n on_o a_o church_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n or_o mean_n to_o escape_v it_o then_o we_o have_v the_o same_o sin_n that_o she_o have_v use_v be_v dead_a in_o security_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o long_a prosperity_n we_o have_v need_n of_o this_o admonition_n to_o move_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n to_o restore_v god_n grace_n decay_v in_o we_o yet_o it_o seem_v we_o make_v light_a account_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n if_o a_o man_n have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n this_o will_v stir_v he_o up_o but_o if_o this_o most_o fearful_a commination_n will_v not_o move_v we_o than_o the_o end_n of_o all_o must_v needs_o follow_v even_o the_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n must_v lay_v hold_v on_o we_o and_o cast_v we_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n where_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o help_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o comfort_n if_o after_o a_o long_a time_n she_o shall_v get_v out_o but_o he_o must_v live_v there_o for_o ever_o without_o all_o end_n of_o pain_n when_o he_o have_v be_v there_o a_o thousand_o year_n his_o pain_n be_v still_o as_o great_a and_o as_o much_o nay_o no_o end_n he_o can_v have_v then_o we_o must_v awake_v from_o our_o sin_n repent_v for_o our_o sin_n our_o security_n dulness_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o shake_v off_o our_o ignorance_n and_o that_o because_o against_o these_o sin_n christ_n give_v out_o this_o most_o terrible_a and_o fearful_a commination_n vers._n 4._o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n before_o christ_n have_v reprove_v this_o church_n of_o hypocrisy_n now_o he_o commend_v she_o for_o a_o few_o which_o profess_v his_o name_n among_o they_o but_o christ_n have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a how_o then_o can_v this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n ans._n though_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n yet_o a_o few_o some_o of_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o testify_v their_o faith_n in_o obedience_n out_o of_o this_o coherence_n we_o have_v two_o instruction_n to_o learn_v first_o that_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v call_v a_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n and_o part_n and_o those_o which_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o better_a part_n which_o believe_v for_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v a_o number_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n believe_v in_o christ._n now_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o believe_v in_o christ._n those_o which_o believe_v not_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o as_o bad_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o body_n so_o these_o be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o church_n second_o we_o see_v a_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o church_n though_o all_o be_v call_v yet_o some_o call_v be_v dead_a some_o alive_a in_o christ_n and_o continue_v so_o now_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o from_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n rom._n 11._o 4._o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n fall_v to_o idolatry_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v seven_o thousand_o which_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o then_o his_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o some_o stand_n and_o some_o fall_n so_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n live_v some_o be_v dead_a be_v because_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o good_a pleasure_n leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o othersome_a he_o give_v his_o spirit_n this_o as_o before_o confute_v universal_a grace_n which_o derogate_v much_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o this_o why_o some_o stand_n some_o fall_n come_v from_o and_o high_a cause_n even_o from_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o and_o enable_v some_o to_o stand_v by_o his_o spirit_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n here_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o better_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o few_o person_n know_v to_o i_o by_o their_o name_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o thing_n clean_a and_o unclean_a not_o in_o themselves_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n now_o among_o the_o jew_n if_o a_o man_n with_o his_o hand_n or_o garment_n touch_v a_o thing_n unclean_a he_o be_v defile_v which_o ceremony_n signify_v to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v not_o only_o from_o sin_n but_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o that_o they_o may_v not_o touch_v any_o unclean_a thing_n no_o not_o with_o their_o garment_n then_o here_o christ_n will_v show_v there_o be_v sundry_a in_o sardis_n which_o do_v abstain_v both_o from_o sin_n and_o all_o occasion_n show_n and_o appearance_n of_o sin_n though_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a yet_o many_o in_o sardis_n make_v such_o conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o avoid_v the_o very_a occasion_n of_o sin_n hence_o we_o see_v use_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v few_o in_o number_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n but_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_n that_o they_o defile_v not_o their_o garment_n that_o be_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n christ_n prepare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o a_o little_a flock_n isaiah_n say_v only_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o jew_n must_v be_v save_v the_o rest_n harden_v and_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n be_v broad_a and_o easy_a and_o many_o run_v that_o way_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v contrary_a mark_n 7._o 7._o then_o see_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v few_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v the_o multitude_n but_o this_o sin_n carry_v many_o a_o man_n to_o hell_n and_o to_o sin_n when_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v as_o the_o most_o do_v to_o live_v as_o the_o most_o live_a we_o must_v rather_o follow_v the_o little_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o run_v after_o the_o multitude_n a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v person_n know_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o particular_a name_n they_o be_v call_v name_n because_o christ_n write_v their_o name_n in_o a_o bill_n then_o we_o see_v christ_n know_v his_o servant_n particular_o by_o their_o name_n luke_n 10._o he_o know_v all_o our_o hair_n much_o more_o our_o name_n john_n 10._o christ_n call_v his_o sheep_n by_o their_o name_n this_o be_v a_o special_a comfort_n for_o
thing_n to_o come_v namely_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n here_o christ_n foretell_v a_o thing_n not_o present_a but_o to_o come_v though_o not_o know_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n which_o prophesy_v of_o this_o persecution_n under_o trajan_n show_v that_o he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o property_n and_o privilege_n of_o god_n simple_o of_o by_z and_o from_o himself_o without_o help_n of_o any_o creature_n foresee_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o course_n to_o foretell_v a_o thing_n to_o come_v man_n can_v foretell_v any_o thing_n unless_o it_o be_v present_a in_o the_o cause_n not_o simple_o then_o here_o we_o must_v know_v the_o cause_n why_o this_o persecution_n come_v to_o they_o rather_o than_o peace_n and_o why_o christ_n foretell_v it_o rather_o than_o peace_n the_o cause_n why_o christ_n say_v this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n shall_v come_v be_v not_o any_o foreknowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o because_o he_o foretell_v it_o for_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v not_o because_o god_n foretell_v and_o know_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o he_o forsee_v they_o and_o foreknow_v they_o the_o cause_n then_o why_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v be_v the_o will_n good_a pleasure_n &_o decree_n of_o god_n act._n 2._o 23._o christ_n be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n not_o his_o foreknowledge_n or_o foresee_v that_o this_o persecution_n come_v on_o this_o church_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o high_a cause_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o give_v be_v to_o all_o other_o cause_n object_n then_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n answ._n as_o god_n will_v and_o decree_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o high_a place_n so_o must_v we_o distinguish_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o will_v for_o he_o will_v some_o thing_n which_o he_o effect_v himself_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n some_o thing_n he_o will_v and_o yet_o do_v not_o effect_v they_o but_o only_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o as_o sin_n and_o evil_a thing_n which_o though_o they_o come_v not_o from_o his_o will_n yet_o they_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n not_o against_o his_o will_n for_o his_o will_n dispose_v of_o sin_n and_o evil_a thing_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n good_a or_o evil_n his_o will_n dispose_v and_o set_v down_o the_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n of_o place_n time_n manner_n how_o the_o end_n etc._n etc._n then_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a use_v which_o hold_v that_o certain_a thing_n as_o sin_n come_v to_o pass_v god_n only_o foresee_v they_o not_o decree_a they_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o permit_v they_o now_o to_o give_v god_n a_o bare_a foresee_v without_o decree_a be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o godhead_n and_o to_o take_v from_o he_o his_o providence_n by_o 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be_v full_a of_o presumption_n before_o thou_o may_v know_v what_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o judge_v of_o thyself_o verse_n 11._o behold_v i_o come_v short_o here_o be_v christ_n commandment_n in_o it_o note_v first_o the_o occasion_n itself_o second_o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v it_o the_o commandment_n hold_v fast_o namely_o with_o both_o hand_n as_o for_o life_n and_o death_n if_o thou_o have_v receive_v a_o little_a measure_n of_o grace_n rather_o part_n with_o any_o thing_n then_o with_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o preserve_v it_o till_o death_n but_o of_o this_o before_o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v this_o commandment_n be_v two_o one_o before_o the_o other_o after_o the_o first_o behold_v i_o come_v short_o i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o either_o by_o general_a judgement_n or_o else_o by_o particular_a judgement_n by_o death_n now_o before_o it_o christ_n put_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n to_o show_v that_o this_o commandment_n be_v not_o to_o be_v light_o pass_v over_o of_o we_o but_o to_o be_v earnest_o and_o often_o remember_v now_o see_v christ_n teach_v we_o that_o he_o will_v come_v short_o to_o we_o in_o judgement_n general_a or_o particular_a we_o must_v believe_v he_o and_o often_o have_v it_o in_o memory_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o far_o off_o but_o will_v come_v to_o we_o short_o to_o show_v our_o estate_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n then_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o have_v it_o write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o not_o flatter_v ourselves_o we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o christ_n will_v defer_v his_o come_n he_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o be_v at_o the_o door_n he_o come_v short_o either_o by_o general_a judgement_n of_o all_o man_n or_o particular_a judgement_n to_o us._n hierome_n then_o happy_a be_v we_o if_o we_o can_v as_o that_o ancient_a father_n do_v think_v we_o hear_v his_o trumpet_n sound_v continual_o in_o our_o care_n and_o think_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o remember_v this_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v long_o but_o will_v come_v very_o short_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n &_o never_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o account_n be_v because_o man_n believe_v not_o and_o have_v not_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o christ_n will_v thus_o come_v short_o if_o man_n be_v thus_o persuade_v in_o hart_n christ_n will_v come_v to_o i_o short_o to_o judge_v i_o give_v i_o my_o reward_n in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n sure_o if_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n it_o will_v make_v they_o turn_v to_o he_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o break_v off_o their_o wicked_a life_n nay_o though_o a_o man_n be_v most_o desperate_a yet_o this_o will_v make_v he_o tremble_v to_o think_v how_o christ_n will_v come_v short_o to_o judge_v he_o yea_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o they_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n to_o labour_v to_o get_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n see_v they_o christ_n be_v to_o come_v to_o judge_v they_o short_o who_o will_v not_o repent_v who_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o christ_n unless_o he_o will_v cast_v his_o soul_n away_o then_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v to_o get_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o judge_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v prevent_v christ_n judgement_n again_o this_o very_a consideration_n will_v make_v a_o man_n constant_a in_o all_o christian_a duty_n and_o last_o it_o will_v comfort_v such_o as_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a their_o affliction_n shall_v not_o last_v always_o for_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judgement_n short_o and_o he_o will_v free_v they_o from_o all_o their_o cross_n and_o he_o will_v ere_o it_o be_v long_o give_v they_o deliverance_n now_o follow_v the_o reason_n after_o the_o commandment_n that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o that_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n word_n to_o use_v his_o sacrament_n reverent_o else_o he_o will_v take_v they_o from_o we_o put_v off_o our_o crown_n and_o make_v we_o a_o 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preciseness_n ready_a for_o they_o because_o they_o have_v care_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o profess_v in_o this_o very_a reproach_n they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v lukewarm_a their_o mouth_n proclaim_v it_o and_o their_o life_n profess_v it_o and_o they_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n ashamed_a of_o it_o whosoever_o open_v his_o mouth_n to_o fasten_v this_o reproach_n upon_o his_o neighbour_n he_o fasten_v upon_o himself_o this_o mark_n of_o luke-warmnesse_n without_o shame_n and_o so_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o defend_v it_o whereas_o these_o boast_n of_o it_o my_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o fasten_v this_o upon_o every_o man_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n more_o than_o any_o other_o well_o now_o use_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o our_o time_n yea_o our_o common_a sin_n a_o sin_n that_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o sort_n mark_v what_o follow_v they_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a case_n than_o the_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n be_v the_o common_a christian_a be_v worse_o in_o some_o case_n than_o they_o for_o christ_n prefer_v they_o before_o these_o a_o man_n may_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a estate_n for_o all_o that_o but_o you_o see_v christ_n judgement_n &_o sentence_n o_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n at_o all_o they_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a case_n which_o know_v god_n will_v and_o obey_v it_o not_o than_o they_o that_o never_o know_v it_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o then_o if_o we_o be_v but_o drowsy_a protestant_n we_o be_v worse_o than_o turk_n we_o boast_v of_o our_o estate_n and_o we_o despise_v the_o infidel_n but_o except_o thou_o join_v with_o knowledge_n purpose_n of_o obedience_n thou_o be_v more_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a than_o they_o publican_n and_o harlot_n shall_v come_v into_o heaven_n before_o thou_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v make_v the_o better_a than_o they_o but_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n for_o this_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o for_o all_o church_n that_o as_o lukewarm_a water_n trouble_v man_n stomach_n so_o do_v we_o trouble_v christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v like_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o even_o as_o that_o be_v we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o and_o think_v all_o be_v well_o as_o they_o do_v in_o noah_n time_n but_o know_v it_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o most_o grievous_a judgement_n namely_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n &_o to_o be_v make_v no_o people_n though_o we_o have_v no_o more_o sin_n but_o this_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o it_o and_o god_n can_v do_v this_o diverse_a way_n either_o by_o take_v his_o gospel_n from_o we_o or_o send_v in_o our_o enemy_n among_o us._n and_o by_o example_n of_o other_o country_n the_o lord_n set_v this_o before_o our_o eye_n daily_o how_o he_o can_v and_o will_v do_v this_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o stand_v upon_o any_o outward_a privilege_n but_o lay_v this_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sin_n the_o second_o vice_n follow_v in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n verse_n 17._o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o new_a reproof_n of_o a_o new_a fault_n and_o that_o be_v spiritual_a pride_n these_o word_n depend_v on_o the_o former_a as_o a_o reason_n and_o cause_n for_o before_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o lukewarmenesse_a now_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o be_v pride_n this_o be_v the_o mother_n that_o be_v the_o daughter_n thou_o say_v that_o be_v thou_o think_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o express_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n by_o speech_n and_o when_o man_n think_v thus_o and_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o say_v thus_o and_o thus_o because_o as_o manifest_v as_o our_o speech_n be_v to_o one_o another_o so_o manifest_a be_v our_o thought_n to_o christ._n in_o that_o christ_n do_v thus_o express_v man_n thought_n use_v we_o may_v gather_v that_o this_o book_n be_v canonical_a for_o man_n can_v set_v down_o in_o write_v what_o be_v their_o own_o thought_n much_o less_o other_o man_n and_o so_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n be_v set_v down_o even_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o the_o like_a can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o write_n of_o man_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o receive_v this_o book_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o can_v the_o apostle_n john_n by_o any_o art_n or_o learning_n come_v to_o know_v their_o thought_n no._n now_o i_o come_v the_o thought_n he_o express_v their_o pride_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o that_o be_v their_o thought_n and_o what_o be_v their_o thought_n i_o be_o rich_a that_o be_v i_o abound_v with_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o knowledge_n judgement_n understanding_n and_o memory_n by_o this_o thought_n christ_n describe_v their_o pride_n not_o outward_a but_o inward_a not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a whereby_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o much_o better_a case_n and_o state_n than_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o church_n against_o this_o sin_n of_o pride_n learn_v we_o that_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n but_o what_o be_v there_o any_o righteous_a since_o adam_n fall_n no_o but_o some_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a as_o do_v the_o proud_a pharisee_n which_o say_v as_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n here_o i_o be_o rich_a and_o paul_n bring_v in_o the_o corinthian_n say_v we_o shall_v reign_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o this_o have_v be_v a_o common_a sin_n and_o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n this_o opinion_n take_v place_n when_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n for_o temporal_a punishment_n by_o their_o work_n and_o that_o they_o can_v merit_v sufficient_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o among_o we_o this_o wretched_a thought_n find_v harbour_v we_o think_v we_o abound_v with_o knowledge_n none_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a or_o to_o want_v knowledge_n and_o therefore_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o will_v ask_v a_o question_n nay_o many_o therefore_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n because_o they_o know_v as_o much_o for_o substance_n as_o the_o preacher_n can_v tell_v they_o for_o all_o a_o man_n duty_n say_v they_o be_v but_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v god_n above_o all_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o what_o will_v you_o more_o thus_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o want_v no_o knowledge_n when_o they_o know_v not_o one_o principle_n of_o religion_n more_o than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o namely_o do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v to_o other_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v have_v ever_o since_o they_o can_v remember_v such_o a_o strong_a faith_n that_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n but_o this_o be_v no_o strong_a faith_n but_o a_o strong_a presumption_n and_o a_o strange_a faith_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v always_o join_v with_o doubt_v and_o distrust_v other_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o love_n and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o but_o they_o love_v god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n when_o they_o have_v neither_o knowledge_n faith_n nor_o love_n which_o appear_v thus_o let_v a_o man_n make_v relation_n of_o any_o bodily_a calamity_n and_o you_o be_v astonish_v but_o let_v the_o minister_n tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o spiritual_a judgement_n and_o who_o be_v afraid_a where_o be_v the_o person_n that_o tremble_v worldly_n news_n trouble_v you_o but_o the_o word_n never_o scare_n you_o the_o remembrance_n of_o your_o own_o damnable_a estate_n grieve_v you_o not_o let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o will_v of_o your_o soul_n state_n alas_o you_o regard_v it_o not_o but_o the_o drunkard_n will_v continue_v in_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o the_o adulterer_n and_o blasphemer_n in_o their_o wickedness_n 19_o and_o every_o man_n bless_v himself_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o say_v god_n love_v he_o and_o he_o love_v god_n i_o be_o rich_a in_o regard_n of_o god_n favour_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v our_o sin_n it_o stand_v we_o all_o in_o hand_n to_o labour_v to_o see_v it_o and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o increase_v in_o wealth_n or_o make_v rich_a this_o be_v add_v only_o for_o amplification_n to_o show_v the_o measure_n
he_o use_v mean_n to_o enter_v when_o they_o have_v bar_v he_o out_o mark_v the_o unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o christ_n they_o by_o their_o sin_n stop_v christ_n from_o enter_v yet_o he_o pursue_v they_o with_o mercy_n and_o offer_v mercy_n to_o they_o that_o refuse_v it_o and_o content_v themselves_o to_o lie_v and_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o flee_v from_o god_n the_o lord_n seek_v he_o out_o and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o he_o so_o isaiah_n 65._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o never_o seek_v he_o they_o that_o never_o dream_v of_o mercy_n sound_a mercy_n 15._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n that_o sheep_n which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o wild_a beast_n christ_n seek_v it_o up_o and_o bring_v it_o home_o all_o these_o place_n tend_v to_o one_o end_n to_o show_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o church_n yea_o in_o this_o of_o we_o if_o we_o have_v mercy_n we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o seek_v it_o nay_o when_o we_o refuse_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v this_o shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o magnify_v christ_n for_o his_o mercy_n we_o shall_v not_o let_v pass_v such_o consideration_n as_o these_o but_o rather_o break_v out_o into_o praise_n of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v a_o bottomless_a sea_n quest._n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o he_o knock_v answ._n the_o word_n precedent_n show_v the_o sense_n for_o these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o they_o he_o say_v before_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o then_o he_o give_v they_o counsel_n now_o by_o so_o sharp_a a_o rebuke_n they_o may_v have_v despair_v therefore_o he_o show_v that_o by_o this_o threaten_n and_o rebuke_v and_o counsel_n he_o knock_v that_o they_o may_v perceive_v they_o be_v not_o token_n of_o wrath_n but_o of_o mercy_n so_o then_o this_o knock_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reproof_n threaten_v and_o counsel_n use_v before_o he_o knock_v when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o make_v man_n see_v their_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n here_o than_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v the_o state_n of_o all_o people_n which_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o and_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v at_o every_o man_n heart_n all_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n reproof_n of_o sin_n exhortation_n admonition_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v so_o many_o knock_v of_o christ._n a_o great_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n that_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v do_v this_o now_o then_o do_v christ_n knock_v thus_o by_o preach_v promise_n and_o threaten_n etc._n etc._n then_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a dead_a and_o backward_o but_o show_v more_o zeal_n if_o any_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o calling_n knock_v at_o your_o door_n what_o stir_v be_v there_o that_o you_o may_v receive_v he_o as_o be_v meet_v then_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o when_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o deal_v thus_o merciful_o with_o we_o again_o in_o that_o christ_n come_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v our_o conversion_n it_o serve_v to_o admonish_v we_o to_o turn_v with_o all_o speed_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v stand_v and_o reach_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o ministry_n to_o beat_v upon_o our_o heart_n mark_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o a_o light_n and_o soft_a kind_n of_o knock_v but_o it_o go_v with_o cry_v he_o both_o knock_v and_o cry_v it_o be_v a_o earnest_a knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v fain_o enter_v see_v then_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n knocketh_v so_o earnest_o to_o save_v man_n soul_n we_o again_o ought_v to_o be_v earnest_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n he_o knock_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o we_o must_v according_o by_o god_n grace_v be_v as_o earnest_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n his_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o show_v by_o two_o sign_n first_o his_o wait_a second_o his_o knock_n and_o that_o join_v with_o cry_v if_o any_o man_n etc._n etc._n now_o follow_v the_o second_o token_n namely_o a_o promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v a_o little_a to_o set_v down_o the_o meaning_n mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n it_o be_v such_o as_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o action_n in_o his_o own_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v and_o receive_v christ._n so_o it_o attribute_n to_o man_n will_n a_o action_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o for_o my_o part_n stand_v and_o knock_v if_o therefore_o any_o man_n hear_v etc._n etc._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o such_o a_o action_n shall_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n but_o this_o speech_n be_v use_v for_o just_a cause_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o agent_n first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o the_o word_n three_o man_v will_n the_o principal_a agent_n and_o worker_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o change_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o will_n by_o nature_n will_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n second_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o work_v not_o now_o ordinary_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n and_o inspiration_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o heart_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o the_o will_n though_o it_o be_v dead_a by_o nature_n &_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o itself_o yet_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o move_v it_o it_o move_v itself_o and_o strive_v to_o be_v alter_v when_o god_n move_v it_o we_o must_v not_o think_v man_n will_n be_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n which_o have_v no_o action_n but_o only_o passive_o receive_v and_o impression_n but_o the_o will_n be_v dispose_v move_v and_o stir_v itself_o even_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v it_o burn_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v be_v fire_n so_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v grace_n the_o will_n move_v the_o mind_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v sin_n and_o the_o will_v incline_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v a_o strife_n against_o sin_n and_o make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n so_o much_o as_o he_o can_v so_o the_o will_n in_o the_o very_a first_o conversion_n have_v his_o action_n though_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n now_o consider_v these_o three_o action_n concur_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o sinner_n which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v as_o here_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n not_o that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o christ_n but_o when_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o a_o man_n have_v a_o free_a will_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n by_o grace_n as_o fire_n have_v some_o effect_n of_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v kindle_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v to_o impenitent_a person_n not_o because_o they_o can_v do_v it_o of_o themselves_o but_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o word_n they_o can_v turn_v and_o use_v good_a mean_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v a_o action_n to_o such_o person_n when_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o receive_v christ_n than_o it_o receive_v christ_n when_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n by_o that_o grace_n it_o be_v enable_v to_o receive_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n let_v we_o see_v how_o this_o text_n have_v be_v abuse_v first_o by_o papist_n which_o gather_v hereupon_o that_o a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n by_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v and_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o set_v open_v the_o heart_n wide_a to_o receive_v christ._n thus_o if_o you_o shall_v humble_v yourselves_o and_o acknowledge_v your_o unworthiness_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n with_o true_a faith_n and_o testify_v it_o by_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n then_o shall_v your_o heart_n be_v open_a indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v receive_v christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o condition_n it_o follow_v i_o