satan_n law_n nor_o the_o second_o death_n can_v take_v hold_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v for_o he_o for_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v rise_v for_o their_o justification_n therefore_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o danger_n of_o miscarry_v and_o so_o may_v just_o triumph_v and_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n hell_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 15._o verse_n 12._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n write_v this_o say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n here_o follow_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n it_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n and_o in_o the_o 18._o vers_fw-la follow_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n the_o spirit_n herein_o clear_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o inscription_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o of_o the_o ephesian_a church_n and_o here_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n or_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o significant_a and_o latitude_n and_o therefore_o such_o place_n be_v very_o incongruous_o take_v up_o to_o prove_v a_o church_n of_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o though_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v the_o term_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v always_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n not_o that_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o pergamus_n be_v the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o in_o england_n of_o ephesus_z or_o in_o or_o at_o ephesus_n of_o pergamus_n or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o or_o at_o thyatira_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o safe_a to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o wholesome_a word_n in_o such_o expression_n write_v this_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n set_v himself_o forth_o unto_o each_o church_n in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n in_o a_o general_n and_o full_a appearance_n and_o discovery_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o full_a lustre_n and_o now_o he_o discover_v himself_o by_o part_n unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o several_a want_n and_o imperfection_n where_o by_o the_o way_n take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o christ_n discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o his_o church_n be_v always_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a condition_n to_o afflict_a and_o persecute_v faithful_a church_n as_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n be_v he_o appear_v as_o a_o god_n of_o protection_n and_o salvation_n unto_o they_o as_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n under_o the_o description_n of_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n for_o a_o comfortable_a discovery_n unto_o they_o write_z these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v first_o and_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a but_o now_o unto_o the_o more_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n his_o discovery_n be_v in_o another_o posture_n as_o one_o have_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n v._o 18._o a_o appearance_n of_o indignation_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n faithful_a afflict_a christian_n need_v discovery_n of_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n but_o unfound_a and_o corrupt_a one_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n preach_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o know_v not_o right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v no_o complete_a workman_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n he_o be_v a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a that_o know_v how_o to_o preach_v gospel_n and_o glad_a tiding_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n to_o poor_a humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n but_o hell_n and_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o threat_n be_v not_o contradictory_n be_v wise_o manage_v yet_o in_o this_o appearance_n of_o christ_n of_o have_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n there_o be_v much_o mercy_n in_o it_o for_o understand_v that_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v mean_v his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n confer_v with_o heb._n 4.12_o psal_n 148.6_o and_o 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o for_o that_o be_v two_o edge_a and_o cut_v two_o way_n first_o it_o cut_v off_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o its_o kindly_a operate_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o it_o cut_v confound_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a not_o through_o any_o innate_a quality_n in_o the_o word_n but_o by_o accident_n for_o by_o their_o refusal_n and_o contempt_n thereof_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o author_n and_o instituter_n thereof_o god_n go_v out_o with_o the_o other_o edge_n or_o side_n of_o his_o sword_n against_o they_o on_o his_o black_a and_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o god_n judgement_n towards_o his_o back-slidden_a church_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o mercy_n though_o christ_n appearance_n to_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v much_o in_o wrath_n for_o their_o defilement_n and_o backslide_n yet_o he_o add_v much_o grace_n and_o mercy_n thereunto_o both_o in_o approbation_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o defection_n christ_n give_v always_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n providence_n after_o providence_n and_o mercy_n after_o mercy_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n before_o he_o will_v take_v his_o last_o cause_n of_o judgement_n with_o we_o his_o heart_n be_v still_o towards_o our_o amendment_n though_o he_o be_v provoke_v high_o by_o our_o sin_n against_o we_o and_o who_o but_o a_o heart_n of_o adamant_n will_v not_o believe_v he_o when_o he_o swear_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o the_o very_a weapon_n that_o he_o use_v against_o sinner_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n with_o two_o edge_n it_o heal_v as_o well_o as_o wound_n the_o one_o edge_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o balm_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o other_o with_o the_o gall_n of_o judgement_n verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o helde_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n go_v on_o in_o the_o approbation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o know_v her_o work_n and_o that_o her_o habitation_n or_o domestical_a conversation_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v be_v in_o a_o place_n even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v or_o throne_n be_v as_o the_o orginal_a have_v it_o we_o know_v the_o seat_n or_o throne_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o place_n or_o ensign_n of_o dominion_n rule_n or_o sway_v as_o psal_n 1._o v._n 1._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a that_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o such_o scorner_n as_o go_v on_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o say_v their_o tongue_n be_v their_o own_o who_o shall_v we_o control_v as_o christ_n have_v his_o throne_n and_o seat_n so_o satan_n have_v he_o as_o christ_n go_v out_o as_o a_o absolute_a monarch_n in_o his_o kingdom_n have_v his_o royal_a law_n and_o command_n and_o the_o observer_n thereof_o therein_o so_o satan_n have_v also_o his_o kingdom_n and_o his_o throne_n set_v up_o therein_o where_o his_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o the_o childen_a of_o disobedience_n without_o control_n and_o therefore_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v be_v render_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o another_o variation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o satan_n dwell_v or_o do_v his_o household_n affair_n a_o man_n house_n
receive_v to_o and_o by_o soul_n before_o they_o can_v act_v towards_o god_n in_o the_o least_o acceptable_a service_n object_n but_o then_o again_o some_o one_o may_v say_v if_o the_o small_a remain_v of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o sardis_n be_v almost_o dead_a or_o ready_a to_o die_v do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o perish_v total_o answ_n grace_n may_v be_v very_o low_a and_o yet_o not_o dead_a it_o be_v as_o spark_n of_o fire_n under_o much_o ash_n with_o sardis_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v spark_n be_v as_o real_a fire_n though_o not_o as_o fervent_a and_o virtual_a as_o a_o flame_a one_o indeed_o it_o be_v low_a with_o sardis_n in_o her_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v most_o just_a with_o god_n when_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n against_o he_o that_o he_o hide_v much_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o we_o when_o by_o sin_n we_o quench_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n god_n may_v just_o quench_v its_o effect_n towards_o we_o but_o no_o soon_o shall_v we_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o renew_v by_o repentance_n but_o present_o god_n give_v a_o more_o enliven_a and_o effectual_a spirit_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o former_a withdrawing_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n not_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n and_o forsake_v second_o i_o answer_v person_n that_o be_v elect_a and_o have_v real_o taste_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o intercession_n can_v never_o utter_o fall_v away_o unless_o they_o will_v make_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o preordination_n of_o god_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o fallible_a and_o the_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n impotent_a and_o insufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v yet_o withal_o i_o assert_v though_o elect_a person_n can_v utter_o fall_v away_o as_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n unto_o christ_n and_o none_o such_o can_v be_v cast_v away_o be_v help_v by_o the_o mighty_a powâ—â—_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n yet_o election_n of_o a_o state_n of_o person_n may_v fail_v and_o perish_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o election_n thereof_o do_v obtain_v rom._n 11.7_o to_o wit_n those_o that_o do_v pertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o god_n in_o that_o nation_n do_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n yet_o at_o last_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o nation_n the_o election_n of_o god_n do_v fail_v as_o respect_v that_o state_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v unto_o the_o root_n and_o that_o good_a olive_n cut_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o wild_a olive_n or_o gentile_a nation_n graff_v in_o upon_o their_o stock_n obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n be_v their_o cut_n off_o and_o faith_n be_v the_o gentile_n incision_n and_o graft_n in_o as_o the_o one_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n so_o the_o other_o be_v graff_v in_o by_o faith_n rom._n 11.20_o those_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n that_o do_v hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n whilst_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o church_n may_v perish_v utter_o the_o first_o be_v mark_v and_o write_v in_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o life_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o can_v perish_v but_o after_o god_n have_v finish_v his_o work_n at_o sardis_n thyatira_n rome_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o call_v his_o elect_n out_o of_o they_o and_o secure_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n he_o can_v remove_v the_o current_n of_o his_o election_n to_o another_o people_n without_o any_o changeableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n in_o he_o and_o make_v those_o very_a people_n in_o their_o posterity_n the_o very_a seat_n and_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v once_o his_o beulah_n darling_n and_o belove_a one_o three_o there_o be_v guild_v formal_a hipocritical_a grace_n and_o believer_n and_o such_o may_v not_o be_v only_o ready_a to_o die_v but_o dead_a twice_o dead_a dead_a at_o the_o root_n and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o such_o be_v fall_v away_o perish_v and_o lose_v from_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v all_o their_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n only_o so_o demas_n simon_n magus_n judas_n ananias_n and_o saphira_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v never_o the_o truth_n of_o real_a grace_n in_o they_o all_o be_v but_o seem_v formal_a hypocritical_a and_o at_o best_a but_o historical_a which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v and_o for_o all_o this_o perish_v everlasting_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n for_o god_n to_o leave_v some_o remain_v of_o grace_n in_o a_o sinful_a church_n and_o people_n if_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n we_o have_v be_v worse_o than_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n small_a spark_n be_v blow_v and_o cherish_v may_v become_v a_o flame_n so_o little_a grace_n though_o like_o a_o mustardseed_n may_v become_v a_o great_a tree_n if_o god_n shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o spiritual_a death_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v go_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v soul-less_a and_o dead_a unto_o every_o good_a and_o spiritual_a work_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v life_n in_o we_o though_o it_o be_v infirm_a and_o weak_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o recovery_n but_o be_v once_o dead_a there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_n so_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o work_v but_o faint_o and_o weak_o by_o reason_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o come_v but_o to_o the_o first_o step_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a life_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o dead_a and_o carnal_a condition_n and_o to_o complain_v under_o it_o there_o be_v good_a hope_n of_o recovery_n unto_o such_o a_o soul_n and_o unto_o such_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v unto_o its_o comfort_n awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v observe_v 3._o though_o our_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o low_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o cherish_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o until_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n within_o ourselves_o unto_o perfection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o contemn_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n for_o he_o that_o improve_v but_o one_o talon_n well_o shall_v be_v make_v ruler_n of_o many_o talent_n the_o beast_n in_o the_o prophet_n always_o go_v forward_o ezek._n 1.11_o but_o grub_n that_o be_v backward_o be_v reckon_v among_o unclean_a creature_n leu._n 11.10_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n if_o we_o cherish_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o though_o in_o never_o so_o small_a a_o measure_n god_n will_v add_v a_o great_a and_o full_a supply_n unto_o we_o god_n will_v add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n unto_o virtue_n patience_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v all_o come_v hand_n in_o hand_n in_o consort_n as_o follow_v one_o the_o other_o as_o in_o a_o chorus_n or_o dance_n doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o be_v labour_n lose_v for_o sardis_n to_o strengthen_v and_o revive_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o expire_v within_o she_o though_o christ_n will_v be_v at_o hand_n to_o assist_v she_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o without_o her_o motion_n and_o improvement_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o austin_n though_o god_n make_v we_o without_o we_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o without_o we_o grace_n work_v most_o kind_o when_o it_o meet_v with_o improve_n heart_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o young_a samuel_n thy_o servant_n hear_v lord_n speak_v though_o god_n have_v ascertain_v and_o decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o duty_n of_o creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o second_o cause_n ezek._n 36.37_o jer._n 29.11_o 12._o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a we_o be_v to_o work_v for_o life_n as_o if_o life_n be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o work_v and_o doubtless_o the_o crown_n will_v be_v the_o more_o glorious_a where_o the_o great_a improument_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v the_o more_o grace_n the_o vessel_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o here_o
to_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o member_n thereof_o and_o be_v so_o just_o repute_v by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o denominate_v they_o saint_n call_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n now_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v out_o name_n name_n be_v put_v for_o person_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o only_o signify_v that_o god_n will_v manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v it_o know_v both_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o never_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o the_o state_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n nor_o never_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n under_o this_o negative_a promise_n unto_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v contain_v a_o strong_a affirmation_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o contrary_a blessing_n christ_n will_v not_o only_o not_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v confirm_v and_o continue_v his_o undoubted_a right_n and_o title_n unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o he_o will_v also_o manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o other_o his_o lawful_a title_n and_o interest_n according_a as_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o thereunto_o in_o his_o book_n of_o life_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o so_o the_o subsequent_a word_n do_v intimate_v i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n often_o in_o scripture_n thing_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v only_o manifest_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o that_o say_n res_fw-la tum_fw-la demum_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la fieri_fw-la cum_fw-la incipiantur_fw-la manifestari_fw-la reg._n petrum_fw-la as_o to_o instance_n by_o heb._n 1.5_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o scripture_n not_o intend_v that_o the_o son_n be_v not_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n before_o that_o day_n when_o that_o word_n be_v utter_v but_o that_o on_o that_o day_n he_o be_v more_o eminent_o declare_v and_o manifest_v to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n then_o former_o so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n will_v blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o only_o import_v that_o god_n will_v discover_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o their_o name_n be_v never_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n nor_o have_v any_o right_a or_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o election_n or_o salvation_n far_o than_o in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n from_o the_o word_n note_v observe_v that_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o god_n choose_a one_o be_v seal_v and_o secure_v by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o god_n decree_n of_o life_n and_o he_o will_v not_o blot_v they_o out_o for_o be_v once_o enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n election_n and_o among_o the_o catalogue_n of_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n invisible_a they_o can_v never_o be_v raze_v out_o for_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n continue_v sure_a rom._n 9.11_o and_o have_v a_o twofold_a seal_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o first_o god_n knowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o second_o his_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n which_o seal_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v blot_v out_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o enroll_v or_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o must_v be_v their_o sin_n and_o pollution_n that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n choose_a one_o can_v move_v the_o lord_n to_o raze_v we_o out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n for_o than_o the_o foresight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n will_v much_o more_o have_v hinder_v he_o from_o choose_v and_o enrol_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n see_v every_o one_o know_v that_o a_o less_o cause_n will_v hinder_v the_o choice_n of_o any_o then_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o person_n once_o choose_v nay_o rather_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v we_o therefore_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o will_v preserve_v we_o though_o not_o altogether_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o from_o final_o lie_v dormant_a and_o impenitent_a therein_o and_o as_o he_o have_v free_o choose_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o worthiness_n so_o also_o he_o will_v free_o execute_v this_o decree_n by_o give_v we_o all_o the_o good_a mean_n conduce_v to_o that_o end_n object_n but_o some_o may_v say_v though_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v secure_a and_o their_o name_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o this_o book_n yet_o this_o do_v intimate_v that_o other_o who_o name_n be_v write_v therein_o for_o their_o sinful_a pollution_n and_o iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o may_v be_v blot_v out_o according_a to_o that_o of_o exod._n 32.33_o whosoever_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o say_v god_n he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n and_o as_o david_n pray_v psal_n 69.28_o let_v they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a answ_n first_o this_o threaten_a be_v not_o against_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n who_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o those_o that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o and_o be_v only_a seem_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n member_n in_o show_n and_o not_o in_o truth_n branch_n in_o the_o vine_n by_o profession_n but_o not_o in_o practice_n and_o life_n of_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n but_o not_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n estimation_n second_o whereas_o god_n say_v he_o will_v blot_v such_o out_o of_o his_o book_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v thereby_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v they_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n unto_o life_n wherein_o they_o be_v never_o write_v or_o that_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v but_o that_o he_o will_v raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o life_n the_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o decree_n to_o wit_n the_o book_n and_o roll_n â—f_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_o declare_v that_o they_o who_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v write_v in_o both_o book_n or_o both_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o that_o of_o god_n decree_n which_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o invisible_a member_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o of_o that_o other_o book_n or_o roll_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n ever_o enroll_v in_o either_o far_o than_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o appearance_n only_o and_o last_o whereas_o david_n pray_v that_o the_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a be_v no_o more_o but_o as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v do_v not_o o_o lord_n write_v they_o down_o or_o reckon_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o thy_o faithful_a one_o or_o if_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o thy_o church_n and_o people_n and_o to_o be_v account_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n and_o external_a walk_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o discover_v such_o and_o display_v they_o that_o it_o may_v manifest_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v account_v among_o the_o righteous_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o child_n that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o regard_n that_o god_n decree_n of_o election_n be_v unsearchable_a to_o man_n those_o be_v say_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n who_o be_v outward_o call_v and_o add_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v themselves_o member_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o outward_a but_o not_o the_o infallible_a sign_n of_o god_n election_n because_o they_o be_v common_a both_o to_o hypocrite_n and_o sound_a believer_n and_o so_o likewise_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v person_n out_o of_o this_o book_n who_o sin_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v and_o so_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o
unwholesome_a stenche_n and_o savour_n so_o god_n emit_v his_o comfortable_a beam_n of_o providence_n towards_o we_o spread_v our_o table_n with_o good_a thing_n and_o our_o own_o base_a lust_n make_v they_o a_o snare_n unto_o we_o present_v we_o with_o object_n of_o beauty_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o our_o base_a heart_n and_o lust_n make_v they_o occasion_n to_o sin_n god_n give_v we_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n to_o cherish_v we_o and_o we_o turn_v they_o to_o drunkenness_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n dispose_v riches_n and_o honour_n on_o we_o for_o good_a end_n and_o we_o employ_v they_o on_o our_o lust_n usurpation_n and_o grind_v the_o poor_a all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a phisical_o consider_v and_o we_o tacit_o reflect_v on_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o sin_n when_o we_o lie_v the_o blame_n of_o our_o sin_n on_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o woman_n wine_n riches_n honour_n be_v excellent_a creature_n of_o god_n and_o for_o singular_a use_n and_o comfort_n unto_o man_n but_o the_o occasion_n that_o be_v take_v thereby_o to_o sin_n rise_v not_o from_o any_o innate_a quality_n in_o those_o object_n for_o they_o all_o be_v good_a but_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n consider_v that_o of_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n the_o world_n be_v the_o object_n lust_n be_v the_o cause_n the_o reason_n that_o man_n be_v covetous_a effeminate_a voluptuous_a drunkard_n sensual_a etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o riches_n gold_n wine_n woman_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o man_n most_o corrupt_a and_o naughty_a affection_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n which_o do_v as_o the_o spider_n or_o toad_n by_o their_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n turn_v the_o extraction_n of_o the_o sweet_a flower_n into_o poison_n object_n but_o again_o do_v not_o many_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n as_o gen._n 22.1_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n god_n tempt_v or_o move_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n 2_o sam._n 24.1_o god_n stir_v up_o pull_v king_n of_o assiria_n to_o carry_v away_o the_o jew_n captive_a 1_o chron._n 5.26_o and_o also_o psal_n 105.25_o he_o turn_v their_o heart_n to_o hate_v his_o people_n and_o to_o deal_v subtle_o with_o his_o servant_n thus_o also_o 1_o kin._n 22.22_o thou_o shall_v be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n go_v forth_o and_o do_v so_o and_o thou_o shall_v prevail_v it_o be_v also_o say_v rom._n 1.26_o 28._o that_o god_n deliver_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o to_o send_v strong_a delusion_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v say_v of_o joseph_n gen_n 45.5_o 8._o speak_v to_o his_o brethren_n be_v not_o grieve_v nor_o offend_v it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o it_o be_v not_o you_o but_o god_n or_o that_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o city_n but_o god_n be_v in_o it_o amos_n 3_o and_o many_o other_o place_n say_v that_o god_n deliver_v christ_n to_o be_v bruise_v and_o afflict_v by_o his_o unbelieve_a enemy_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a act_n therefore_o from_o those_o and_o the_o like_a place_n it_o may_v full_o be_v object_v that_o god_n tempt_v to_o evil_a and_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v between_o temptation_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o simple_o sinful_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o god_n may_v just_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n by_o call_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n isaac_n for_o he_o be_v the_o god_n and_o maker_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o injustice_n or_o sin_n can_v call_v for_o the_o life_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n god_n can_v lay_v affliction_n on_o job_n and_o who_o can_v question_v his_o righteousness_n for_o it_o god_n can_v chastise_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n with_o ten_o day_n of_o tribulation_n and_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o charge_n trial_n and_o temptation_n on_o this_o account_n be_v not_o simple_o evil_a neither_o be_v they_o absolute_o to_o be_v deprecate_v but_o with_o a_o submission_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o affliction_n at_o present_a seem_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a yet_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o be_v eternal_a life_n if_o our_o judgement_n be_v right_o enlighten_v we_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o the_o afflict_a hand_n of_o god_n or_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o cross_n a_o bitter_a thing_n consider_v the_o happy_a effect_n and_o consequent_n thereof_o even_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o god_n come_v with_o sharp_a correction_n and_o trial_n on_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v strong_a corruption_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o great_a trial_n our_o hope_n be_v the_o great_a and_o more_o sublime_a and_o indeed_o a_o faithful_a christian_n be_v of_o that_o heroic_a spirit_n that_o he_o can_v look_v upon_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a world_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o contempt_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o joy_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o so_o with_o moses_n can_v esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n better_a than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n and_o so_o often_o on_o this_o score_n god_n try_v his_o child_n and_o this_o be_v for_o their_o better_n not_o for_o their_o worse_a but_o second_o i_o answer_v when_o you_o read_v that_o god_n move_v or_o tempt_v to_o that_o act_n that_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v either_o permissive_o or_o judicial_o most_o common_o understand_v as_o when_o god_n move_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n it_o be_v on_o god_n part_n both_o permissive_o and_o judicial_o for_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o israel_n and_o he_o move_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n 2_o sam._n 24.1_o god_n suffer_v it_o and_o that_o judicial_o but_o satan_n do_v it_o malicious_o and_o destructive_o god_n suffer_v satan_n tempt_v god_n judicial_o permit_v it_o satan_n execute_v it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o chron._n 21.1_o satan_n stand_v up_o and_o provoke_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n so_o it_o be_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o pull_v of_o assyria_n to_o carry_v away_o a_o rebellious_a people_n the_o jew_n into_o captivity_n 1_o chron._n 5.26_o god_n only_o permit_v the_o lie_a spirit_n to_o go_v forth_o to_o deceive_v zedekiah_n 1_o king_n 22._o and_o so_o permit_v the_o egyptian_n to_o deal_v deceitful_o with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n psal_n 105.25_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v rise_v in_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n deliver_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n to_o harden_v the_o heart_n to_o blinden_v or_o send_v strong_a delusion_n god_n do_v it_o most_o just_o and_o judicial_o to_o punish_v evil_a with_o evil_n administer_v occasion_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o obstinate_a may_v be_v heighten_v and_o aggravate_v that_o their_o judgement_n may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o in_o the_o case_n of_o joseph_n that_o be_v wicked_o handle_v by_o his_o brethren_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n send_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_n do_v in_o the_o city_n but_o god_n be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o yea_o if_o it_o be_v rebellion_n itself_o as_o 1_o king_n 12.15_o first_o god_n preordains_a it_o intend_v and_o appoint_v it_o shall_v be_v next_o he_o permit_v it_o and_o that_o not_o by_o a_o idle_a permission_n but_o by_o a_o efficacious_a permission_n then_o he_o dispose_v the_o event_n thereof_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n according_a to_o his_o preordained_n purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o last_o god_n be_v say_v to_o deliver_v christ_n to_o bruise_v and_o afflict_v he_o that_o be_v god_n preordains_a he_o to_o that_o end_n and_o hinder_v it_o not_o but_o permit_v it_o by_o a_o providential_a assistance_n and_o co-operation_n by_o which_o every_o physical_a action_n of_o the_o creature_n come_v to_o pass_v for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v object_n but_o than_o it_o seem_v you_o make_v god_n to_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n or_o efficiency_n in_o and_o about_o sin_n i_o answer_v there_o will_v be_v no_o sin_n if_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o commandment_n if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n neither_o be_v it_o beside_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o against_o his_o will_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o he_o be_v not_o god_n omniscient_a or_o omnipotent_a neither_o can_v we_o without_o a_o continue_a concurrence_n and_o supportation_n of_o providence_n produce_v any_o action_n or_o work_n of_o we_o wherein_o there_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v a_o agency_n and_o concurrence_n in_o the_o action_n
wherein_o sin_n be_v but_o not_o in_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n as_o the_o sun_n that_o emit_v his_o efficacious_a beam_n upon_o a_o dunghill_n yet_o itself_o be_v undefiled_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o dunghill_n so_o god_n that_o have_v his_o hand_n and_o efficiency_n about_o sin_n be_v far_o from_o mix_v with_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o creature_n neither_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o direct_a author_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o next_o proper_a cause_n thereof_o sin_n be_v only_o a_o moral_n be_v or_o entity_n and_o it_o have_v subsistence_n alone_o in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o all_o our_o physical_a action_n be_v good_a wherein_o god_n have_v a_o concurrence_n and_o they_o become_v ill_a or_o sinful_a by_o our_o own_o depravity_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n be_v the_o mix_v proper_a author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o let_v god_n be_v justify_v and_o all_o man_n liar_n second_o yet_o i_o say_v god_n have_v his_o hand_n and_o efficiency_n about_o sin_n several_a manner_n of_o way_n and_o for_o distinct_a method_n sake_n i_o shall_v brief_o set_v they_o down_o 1._o god_n foresee_v and_o preordains_a it_o else_o as_o i_o say_v it_o can_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v see_v god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a to_o hinder_v it_o if_o he_o will_v act_v 2.23_o christ_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o fore_a knowledge_n and_o determinate_a counsel_n of_o god_n what_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o betray_v the_o innocent_a and_o that_o too_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v preordained_n of_o god_n and_o he_o mean_v to_o draw_v excellent_a good_a out_o of_o it_o and_o gen._n 15.19_o 20._o joseph_n tell_v his_o brethren_n as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a but_o god_n mean_v it_o for_o good_a to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n to_o save_v much_o people_n alive_a 2._o god_n permit_v it_o god_n decree_n imply_v a_o necessity_n that_o sin_n shall_v be_v but_o do_v not_o impel_v or_o enforce_v thereunto_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o free_a choice_n god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o hinder_v we_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n act_n 14.16_o and_o we_o be_v leave_v unto_o our_o own_o choice_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n we_o be_v sure_a to_o choose_v the_o worse_a part_n 3._o god_n have_v his_o concurrence_n in_o every_o action_n wherein_o sin_n be_v but_o not_o in_o the_o obliquity_n of_o it_o all_o our_o action_n and_o motion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 4._o god_n withdraw_v his_o prevent_a grace_n or_o suspend_v it_o from_o a_o sinner_n for_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o to_o law_n and_o condition_n unto_o we_o and_o he_o may_v do_v it_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n and_o he_o will_v do_v it_o sometime_o in_o wisdom_n to_o try_v we_o and_o see_v whether_o we_o will_v seek_v after_o he_o and_o keep_v close_o unto_o he_o as_o he_o do_v to_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 33.31_o god_n left_a hezekiah_n that_o he_o may_v know_v what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o sometime_o he_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n in_o justice_n and_o judgement_n psal_n 81.12_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n 5._o god_n give_v a_o concession_n and_o permission_n to_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o move_v to_o evil_a as_o 1_o king_n 22.22_o i_o will_v go_v forth_o and_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o abab_n prophet_n and_o god_n say_v go_v forth_o 6._o god_n wise_o dispose_v his_o providence_n that_o they_o become_v a_o snare_n unto_o the_o sinner_n and_o yet_o no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n for_o his_o act_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o be_v rather_o motive_n to_o holiness_n and_o duty_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v sound_a than_o temptation_n to_o sin_n yea_o his_o very_a mercy_n will_v become_v unto_o they_o a_o snare_n psal_n 69.22_o let_v their_o table_n become_v a_o snare_n and_o their_o welfare_n a_o trap._n a_o sinner_n like_o the_o sea_n will_v make_v all_o it_o receive_v brackish_a though_o ever_o so_o sweet_a that_o run_v into_o it_o 7._o god_n hand_n be_v conversant_a about_o sin_n as_o some_o of_o his_o judiciary_n punishment_n that_o he_o afflict_v the_o sinner_n with_o as_o rom._n 1.26_o 2_o thes_n 2.11_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o give_v they_o strong_a delusion_n when_o we_o leave_v god_n and_o his_o way_n just_o may_v he_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o perverse_a way_n in_o a_o judiciary_n way_n and_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n 8._o god_n limit_n sin_n thus_o far_o thou_o shall_v go_v and_o no_o far_o psal_n 76.10_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n shall_v praise_v thou_o and_o the_o remainder_n thereof_o shall_v thou_o restrain_v so_o far_o as_o god_n get_v glory_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o sin_n god_n will_v let_v the_o sinner_n take_v his_o swing_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o exceed_v its_o bound_n but_o can_v present_o destroy_v it_o or_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o it_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o so_o the_o remainder_n of_o wrath_n thou_o will_v restrain_v 9_o god_n dispose_v the_o event_n and_o end_n of_o all_o sin_n to_o his_o glory_n god_n will_v never_o permit_v sin_n if_o he_o can_v not_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o it_o rom._n 3.7_o adam_n sin_n as_o one_o witty_o say_v be_v a_o happy_a sin_n because_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o clear_o manifest_v unto_o the_o creature_n many_o of_o god_n attribute_n will_v never_o be_v so_o clear_o advance_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o sin_n to_o wit_n his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v justice_n in_o punish_v wisdom_n in_o order_v power_n in_o overrule_a it_o let_v we_o never_o therefore_o murmur_v against_o god_n for_o pre-ordaining_a and_o permit_v sin_n for_o though_o the_o wage_n thereof_o be_v death_n yet_o thank_v be_v god_n we_o have_v victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n observe_v 4._o another_o note_n from_o the_o word_n the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o in_o prison_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a comfort_n to_o know_v that_o their_o imprisonment_n and_o affliction_n come_v from_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n saint_n peter_n rule_n be_v 1_o pet._n 4.15_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o evil_a doer_n the_o comfort_n of_o suffering_n will_v be_v quite_o abate_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n neither_o must_v the_o saint_n suffering_n be_v voluntary_a and_o out_o of_o choice_n for_o unto_o such_o it_o may_v one_o day_n be_v say_v who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n there_o must_v be_v a_o just_a call_n unto_o afflication_n that_o must_v make_v they_o comfortable_a to_o we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fond_a presumption_n to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o imprisonment_n and_o tribulation_n satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n will_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o that_o we_o may_v true_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n have_v think_v we_o worthy_a to_o be_v martyr_n to_o his_o truth_n act_v 5.41_o matth._n 5.12_o and_o have_v give_v we_o so_o sure_a and_o strong_a a_o token_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o together_o with_o a_o sight_n of_o that_o glory_n of_o our_o interest_n which_o we_o then_o under_o that_o condition_n must_v virtual_o and_o strong_o enjoy_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n but_o such_o be_v very_o fond_a that_o will_v desire_v to_o fall_v into_o imprisonment_n and_o tribulation_n out_o of_o a_o affectation_n to_o martyrdom_n as_o many_o of_o the_o quaker_n of_o these_o day_n do_v and_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n and_o this_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v grievous_a and_o evil_a to_o fall_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v either_o the_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n or_o temptation_n of_o affliction_n or_o the_o cross_n for_o christ_n himself_o pray_v when_o his_o soul_n be_v trouble_v within_o he_o father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n and_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o john_n 12.27_o though_o christ_n submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o free_o choose_v death_n and_o suffering_n as_o our_o mediator_n yet_o as_o a_o private_a person_n he_o will_v manifest_v the_o same_o affection_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o deprecate_v the_o evil_n of_o suffering_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v therefore_o for_o we_o to_o desire_v or_o rush_v into_o they_o will_v be_v a_o mad_a zeal_n and_o irregular_a and_o not_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n sincere_o and_o live_v godly_a
to_o they_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o hear_v they_o as_o they_o you_o but_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v those_o christian_n society_n and_o church_n among_o you_o that_o be_v as_o lily_n shine_v in_o grace_n among_o those_o thorn_n and_o unfruitful_a nation_n and_o to_o retard_v our_o reformation_n in_o church_n and_o ordinance_n till_o all_o be_v square_v and_o hew_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n or_o before_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v all_o unto_o this_o work_n be_v a_o vain_a expectation_n see_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o that_o old_a leven_a of_o our_o ancestor_n national_a church_n national_a officer_n birth_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n on_o that_o account_n etc._n etc._n still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o among_o we_o that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o render_v the_o work_n of_o a_o full_a reformation_n in_o this_o generation_n most_o difficult_a but_o the_o attempt_n thereof_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o land_n but_o general_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a nation_n round_o about_o we_o witness_v the_o intemperate_a zeal_n of_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n who_o become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n in_o their_o irregular_a attempt_n about_o this_o work_n though_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o desire_v and_o aim_v at_o good_a and_o just_a thing_n yet_o they_o prosecute_v it_o not_o just_o for_o to_o denominate_v a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n the_o thing_n itself_o desire_v and_o attempt_v must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n in_o itself_o as_o a_o full_a reformation_n to_o god_n word_n be_v but_o it_o must_v have_v other_o honest_a circumstance_n in_o it_o also_o 1_o the_o time_n when_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o god_n and_o a_o clear_a providence_n call_v unto_o it_o 2_o the_o manner_n how_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v and_o promote_v as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o peace_n not_o with_o war_n tumult_n and_o rebellion_n against_o magistrate_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n so_o that_o the_o best_a action_n may_v lose_v its_o reward_n and_o the_o atempter_n thereof_o suffer_v just_o for_o the_o unjust_a prosecution_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n to_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v no_o evil_n that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o we_o be_v not_o to_o sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n unless_o case_n of_o inevitable_a necessity_n where_o god_n will_v rather_o have_v mercy_n then_o sacrifice_n to_o promote_v any_o just_a end_n or_o good_a whatsoever_o for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n command_n and_o precept_n not_o of_o event_n and_o providence_n therefore_o all_o you_o faithful_a one_o of_o this_o land_n be_v wise_a and_o sober_a in_o this_o your_o way_n of_o temptation_n stop_v not_o the_o current_n of_o god_n reformation_n by_o your_o precipitate_a and_o irregular_a act_n be_v you_o still_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n you_o see_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o this_o full_a work_n among_o we_o even_o the_o old_a leven_a of_o false_a worship_n derive_v and_o leave_v unto_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n god_n will_v remove_v this_o more_o and_o more_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o that_o more_o general_o and_o will_v enlarge_v the_o tent_n of_o jacob_n among_o we_o if_o we_o provoke_v not_o god_n by_o our_o sin_n towards_o he_o but_o to_o expect_v a_o total_a reformation_n never_o look_v for_o it_o until_o the_o day_n star_n shall_v arise_v with_o a_o incomparable_a glory_n in_o the_o interim_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o and_o sober_o like_o child_n of_o the_o light_n serve_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o than_o god_n will_v make_v they_o unto_o we_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n and_o most_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o have_v their_o portion_n and_o lot_n in_o such_o a_o land_n object_n but_o after_o all_o this_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v rise_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v those_o among_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o practise_v spiritual_a and_o corporal_a adultery_n so_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n thyatira_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n galathia_fw-la the_o jewish_a doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n and_o many_o other_o great_a corruption_n be_v among_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o drunkenness_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n incest_n eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o the_o obscenity_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n yet_o these_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n his_o seven_o candlestick_n his_o faithful_a one_o call_v and_o elect_a and_o be_v not_o then_o our_o parochial_a church_n our_o national_a church_n as_o true_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o be_v and_o be_v they_o not_o as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o those_o first_o primitive_a christian_n and_o church_n be_v and_o so_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o church_n of_o christ_n faithful_a elect_a and_o call_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 1_o i_o answer_v we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o all_o church_n if_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o plant_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n elect_v and_o call_v though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o envious_a one_o sow_v plentiful_o among_o the_o good_a wheat_n his_o tare_n and_o darnel_n as_o among_o those_o of_o corinth_n pergamus_n and_o other_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yet_o i_o believe_v christ_n have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n against_o they_o in_o respect_n what_o he_o have_v against_o we_o they_o be_v but_o corrupt_a in_o part_n we_o all_o leprous_a they_o lose_v but_o some_o member_n we_o the_o very_a vital_n for_o i_o much_o question_n whether_o our_o national_a church_n be_v of_o this_o gospel_n structure_n as_o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o seeing_z we_o read_v in_o history_n of_o their_o civil_a institution_n and_o beginning_n be_v so_o divide_v or_o ordain_v by_o the_o politic_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n yet_o withal_o i_o say_v we_o have_v the_o sincere_a faith_n of_o christ_n here_o preach_v among_o we_o present_o after_o if_o not_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n as_o historian_n testify_v this_o good_a seed_n be_v almost_o lose_v among_o we_o but_o again_o revive_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n but_o hold_v captive_a and_o low_a under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n yet_o doubtless_o god_n have_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o his_o invisible_a church_n and_o elect_a one_o our_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o cleave_v to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o we_o own_o a_o succession_n from_o they_o but_o not_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o church_n for_o so_o we_o have_v sail_v under_o the_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o tyranny_n over_o we_o and_o to_o plead_v that_o our_o parochial_a society_n be_v church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o at_o best_a to_o plead_v that_o our_o hundred_o or_o counties_n be_v churchdivision_n presbytery_n or_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o civil_a institution_n with_o the_o former_a but_o some_o write_v that_o dionysius_n pope_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o first_o divider_n and_o institutor_n of_o parish_n about_o anno_fw-la 267._o and_o bring_v into_o england_n by_o honorius_n bishop_n of_o canterbury_n as_o learned_a master_n selden_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr decimis_fw-la testify_v 2_o i_o answer_v if_o our_o church_n be_v right_a in_o their_o first_o institution_n gather_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o have_v as_o real_o lose_v the_o very_a be_v of_o our_o church_n under_o antichrist_n reign_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n pergamus_n ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o saracenical_a tyranny_n and_o mahometanism_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n to_o call_v our_o church_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o from_o antichristianisme_n as_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o miserable_a captivate_v asian_a church_n from_o turcism_n and_o mahometanism_n unless_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n have_v the_o keep_n and_o be_v the_o preserver_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a spouse_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o she_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n that_o many_o church_n pretend_v unto_o by_o succession_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a last_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o corruption_n in_o
mouth_n for_o this_o their_o sin_n have_v not_o god_n do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n with_o we_o here_o in_o england_n here_o of_o late_a for_o this_o hermaphrodical_a religion_n that_o be_v profess_v among_o we_o half_a popish_a half_o reform_v half_o rot_v half_a sound_n even_o spew_v it_o out_o root_n and_o branch_n never_o to_o be_v lick_v up_o more_o be_v it_o not_o also_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o same_o mongrel_n lukewarm_a condition_n be_v creep_v in_o upon_o we_o again_o what_o mean_v else_o the_o many_o vindication_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o of_o late_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o practice_n doctrine_n mission_n call_v hyerarchical_a superintendency_n national_a church_n and_o maintenancy_n and_o the_o like_a if_o christ_n have_v vomit_v they_o out_o as_o unholy_a thing_n he_o will_v not_o return_v again_o to_o take_v they_o up_o they_o be_v loathe_v of_o he_o for_o their_o mongrel_n temper_n and_o therefore_o spew_v out_o and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o endeavour_n to_o lick_v they_o up_o again_o they_o be_v dog_n i_o mean_v whelp_n of_o rome_n that_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o their_o vomit_n they_o be_v sow_n i_o mean_v unclean_a worldling_n that_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n that_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o antichristian_a foolery_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o if_o reformation_n according_a to_o gospel_n pattern_n be_v the_o way_n be_v zealous_a in_o it_o burn_v in_o it_o walk_v in_o it_o stout_o courageous_o as_o child_n of_o light_n but_o if_o rome_n be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n take_v her_o mark_n follow_v she_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o she_o for_o christ_n will_v not_o endure_v a_o middle_a temperature_n between_o both_o either_o be_v all_o romish_a or_o all_o reform_a there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n neither_o between_o true_a christian_n and_o antichristian_a either_o be_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o because_o thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v to_o thou_o as_o it_o do_v to_o laodicea_n christ_n will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n be_v wise_a therefore_o you_o child_n of_o light_n hold_v fast_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a have_v not_o your_o face_n or_o thought_n towards_o the_o onion_n and_o flesh_n pot_n of_o egypt_n again_o but_o let_v your_o face_n be_v to_o zion-ward_n to_o build_v up_o the_o breach_n thereof_o and_o be_v hot_a zealous_a fervent_a therein_o and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o then_o doubtless_o god_n will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o lead_v you_o into_o goshen_n into_o a_o land_n of_o peace_n and_o rest_n verse_n 17._o because_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a laodiceas_fw-la sin_n of_o lukewarmness_n have_v a_o twofold_a ground_n or_o rise_v 1._o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o her_o own_o worthiness_n 2._o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o own_o misery_n her_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o her_o own_o worth_n proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n and_o conceit_n of_o her_o great_a wealth_n and_o riches_n not_o only_o spiritual_a which_o she_o want_v and_o christ_n advise_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n but_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a she_o boast_v herself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o abound_v in_o riches_n of_o both_o sort_n but_o also_o to_o want_v nothing_o she_o have_v such_o a_o fullness_n that_o her_o contentation_n be_v complete_a many_o person_n may_v abound_v and_o be_v rich_a and_o yet_o want_v much_o of_o fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o contentation_n but_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n it_o seem_v abound_v to_o contentation_n in_o her_o own_o conceit_n which_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o riches_n for_o she_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o hence_o grow_v that_o sin_n of_o she_o lukewarmness_n and_o half_a christianity_n from_o hence_o note_n observe_v 1._o that_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o abound_a wealthy_a church_n be_v apt_a to_o become_v the_o more_o remiss_a moderate_a indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o church_n be_v poor_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v pure_a more_o zealous_a and_o eminent_a for_o truth_n and_o martyrdom_n but_o when_o the_o church_n be_v indulge_v and_o lull_v in_o the_o lap_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a she_o grow_v more_o remiss_a and_o as_o riches_n and_o preferment_n be_v heap_v on_o she_o she_o grow_v daily_o more_o lukewarm_a till_o at_o the_o last_o she_o become_v key-cold_a as_o unto_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o so_o short_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a when_o the_o great_a preferment_n of_o episcopal_a lordship_n deanery_n arch-deanries_a prebendary_n etc._n etc._n be_v on_o foot_n among_o we_o christ_n pastor_n become_v silken_a priest_n and_o where_o be_v then_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v drive_v into_o corner_n among_o some_o poor_a puritan_n brownist_n anabaptist_n so_o scornful_o call_v and_o the_o like_a but_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v but_o half_a christian_n a_o medley_n of_o moral_a civilian_o half_a romish_a half_o reform_v and_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n than_o adversity_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lukewarmness_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o do_v abound_v therein_o and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o often_o warn_v in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o lest_o when_o they_o be_v full_a and_o cloy_v with_o god_n blessing_n through_o over-fulness_n they_o shall_v forget_v the_o lord_n thou_o say_v thou_o be_v rich_a etc._n etc._n and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a etc._n etc._n the_o other_o cause_n of_o laodiceas_n sin_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o misery_n which_o she_o can_v not_o see_v and_o perceive_v by_o reason_n she_o be_v blind_v by_o her_o outward_a prosperity_n and_o riches_n from_o whence_o observe_v observe_v 2._o that_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o wretched_o miserable_a church_n be_v the_o most_o boast_a and_o high_a pretend_v to_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o grace_n do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o day_n vaunt_v that_o she_o be_v the_o only_a rich_a one_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v true_a if_o she_o only_o mean_v of_o worldly_a good_n she_o be_v most_o pompous_a and_o replete_a therein_o but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o she_o vaunt_v too_o of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n she_o call_v herself_o roma_n sancta_fw-la the_o only_a mother_n church_n the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o no_o salvation_n without_o her_o pale_n the_o only_a keeper_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o dispense_v they_o where_o she_o please_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o high_a claim_n and_o pretence_n who_o more_o true_o wretched_a miserable_a blind_a ignorant_a naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a grace_n than_o she_o laodicea_n be_v so_o vainglorious_a that_o she_o can_v boast_v of_o her_o riches_n and_o yet_o she_o be_v the_o poor_a of_o the_o seven_o of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n our_o english_a under_o episcopacy_n be_v wont_a to_o bear_v the_o bell_n for_o outward_a splendour_n and_o glory_v not_o only_o in_o her_o external_a riches_n but_o also_o of_o the_o magnificence_n of_o her_o worship_n beyond_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o among_o they_o all_o who_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o her_o sister_n rome_n then_o she_o she_o be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o return_v daughter_n to_o her_o mother_n harlot_n as_o the_o apostate_n bayly_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n of_o his_o book_n call_v end_n to_o controversy_n testify_v page_n 67._o where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o that_o the_o taper_n upon_o their_o altar_n want_v light_a and_o their_o altar_n priest_n and_o their_o ceremony_n purpose_n but_o the_o lord_n since_o have_v make_v a_o wide_a breach_n his_o name_n be_v praise_v for_o it_o and_o render_v she_o more_o irreconcilable_a to_o rome_n then_o ever_o heretofore_o and_o we_o trust_v never_o more_o to_o be_v make_v up_o between_o they_o for_o further_o describe_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o the_o high_o pretend_v church_n of_o rome_n which_o may_v be_v true_o parallel_v to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n in_o this_o particular_a of_o vain-glorying_a and_o boast_a she_o have_v here_o five_o degree_n ascribe_v to_o she_o the_o two_o first_o be_v as_o common_a