hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a christian_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o reprove_v the_o false_a teacher_n and_o evil_a worker_n the_o great_a hinderer_n at_o present_a of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n not_o consider_v that_o their_o lust_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o if_o christ_n witness_n speak_v against_o they_o in_o faithfulness_n they_o be_v present_o brand_v as_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o faction_n and_o often_o suffer_v for_o it_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v their_o portion_n herein_o of_o travel_n and_o patience_n for_o their_o integrity_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n against_o these_o teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n in_o that_o primitive_a age_n so_o near_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o under_o the_o fall_n away_o and_o antichrist_n dominion_n christ_n faithful_a witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
deny_v the_o instrumentality_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v sure_a that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o zion_n such_o will_v erect_v a_o babel_n and_o be_v ignorant_a where_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v they_o will_v like_o idle_a shepherd_n either_o starve_v the_o sheep_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o at_o least_o poison_v they_o with_o unwholesome_a herbage_n and_o these_o i_o account_v as_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n by_o and_o to_o find_v they_o liar_n object_n but_o a_o objection_n may_v here_o arise_v from_o he_o that_o have_v the_o first_o call_v of_o ability_n from_o god_n that_o if_o i_o count_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o denominate_v he_o orthodox_n in_o his_o call_n to_o have_v the_o additional_a call_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o then_o say_v he_o to_o what_o church_n shall_v i_o repair_v to_o receive_v this_o call_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v pretender_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o alone_o ordain_v authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o other_o this_o be_v indeed_o locus_fw-la lubricus_fw-la a_o slippery_a question_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o deal_v with_o it_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o contrary_n mind_v by_o ventilate_v my_o judgement_n herein_o but_o i_o profess_v ingenious_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o party_n self_n interest_n nor_o by-affection_n that_o do_v lead_v i_o first_o to_o this_o undertake_n but_o only_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n move_v my_o heart_n with_o much_o singleness_n of_o spirit_n be_v clear_o unbiased_a and_o not_o so_o overmuch_o engage_v to_o any_o of_o the_o new_a party_n of_o these_o time_n but_o that_o i_o can_v reserve_v my_o judgement_n free_a to_o close_v with_o truth_n wheresoever_o i_o can_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o to_o prosecute_v my_o first_o intendment_n in_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scantle_v of_o my_o judgement_n not_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o cloud_n but_o in_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n though_o for_o my_o reward_n i_o may_v have_v his_o hire_n that_o trace_v truth_n so_o near_o at_o the_o heel_n that_o have_v his_o tooth_n dash_v out_o for_o his_o pain_n but_o if_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n herein_o yet_o be_v repute_v a_o fool_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n and_o if_o i_o suffer_v loss_n herein_o yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v consolate_v magnis_fw-la tamen_fw-la excidit_fw-la ausis_fw-la first_o then_o to_o the_o business_n understand_v that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o avoid_v all_o criticise_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v abundant_o be_v make_v good_a both_o by_o good_a authority_n and_o scripture_n now_o this_o church_n be_v either_o more_o improper_o first_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n or_o second_o more_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o invisible_a church_n comprehend_v only_o the_o elect_a and_o see_v their_o number_n to_o we_o be_v unknown_a therefore_o they_o be_v denominate_v invisible_a but_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o visible_a universal_a catholic_a church_n or_o second_o for_o a_o visible_a particular_a political_a church_n now_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o this_o last_o notion_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o invisible_a church_n as_o invisible_a have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o visible_a and_o outward_a ordinance_n neither_o second_o the_o visible_a universal_a church_n can_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o their_o representative_n convene_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o officer_n for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o conveniency_n or_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reasonableness_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o various_a and_o far_o distant_a corner_n and_o land_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o represent_v officer_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o catholic_a assembly_n for_o the_o dispose_n and_o confer_v of_o all_o mediate_a call_v and_o office_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o wise_a order_n and_o gubernation_n in_o and_o over_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n that_o every_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a body_n i_o mean_v every_o particular_a christian_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o every_o particular_a be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n a_o full_a power_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o her_o officer_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o office_n since_o the_o first_o apostle_n that_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a gift_v as_o to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_a authority_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o they_o may_v be_v account_v to_o have_v jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la fit_a to_o be_v officer_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o yet_o actual_a they_o have_v not_o before_o their_o particular_a call_v do_v invest_v they_o into_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n do_v to_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o catholic_a universal_a faith_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o church_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o result_v and_o conclusion_n of_o combine_a church_n provincial_a or_o national_a may_v be_v only_o admit_v as_o prudential_o bind_v and_o oblige_v as_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o canon_n but_o not_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o though_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a truth_n itself_o so_o that_o such_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v not_o sole_o virtute_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la convocation_n be_v sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la veritatis_fw-la propositae_fw-la which_o if_o the_o same_o conclusion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o particular_a christian_n political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n therein_o but_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o command_v and_o institute_n they_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o prudential_a ecclesiastic_a edict_n and_o ecclesiastic_a divine_a institution_n the_o one_o be_v humane_a and_o bind_v only_o prudential_o the_o other_o be_v divine_a and_o oblige_v conscientious_o these_o consideration_n be_v clear_v i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n to_o what_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v a_o candidate_n apply_v himself_o for_o a_o mediate_a authoritative_a call_n and_o mission_n to_o receive_v it_o right_o and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o answer_v and_o take_v leave_v here_o first_o to_o distinguish_v and_o take_v notice_n between_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o call_n there_o may_v be_v particular_a church_n which_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o to_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o true_a one_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n yet_o mix_v with_o much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n and_o as_o a_o leprous_a person_n be_v a_o man_n yet_o a_o sorry_a one_o so_o a_o church_n hold_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n thereof_o yet_o entertain_v much_o corruption_n and_o error_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o christian_n church_n but_o a_o sad_a one_o so_o the_o ministerial_a call_n do_v answer_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o offspring_n constitution_n do_v follow_v the_o parent_n temperature_n strong_a issue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v of_o sickly_a parent_n fort_n creantur_fw-la fortibus_fw-la &_o as_o seneca_n so_o in_o politic_a body_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v and_o healthy_a in_o the_o faith_n their_o off_o spring_n be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a also_o then_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n will_v be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o virtual_a if_o ootherwise_o be_v with_o they_o they_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o vigour_n life_n and_o virtue_n and_o
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
when_o they_o call_v themselves_o so_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a christian_n church_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n that_o christ_n will_v make_v those_o enemy_n of_o she_o the_o blaspheme_a jew_n to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o her_o foot_n that_o be_v will_v make_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o philadelphia_n which_o for_o her_o purity_n and_o soundness_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o who_o these_o carnal_a formal_a jew_n shall_v fall_v low_a and_o worship_n object_n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o shall_v they_o be_v make_v to_o worship_n i_o answer_v first_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o they_o have_v blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o philadelphia_n and_o the_o true_a church_n do_v honour_n and_o obey_v second_o they_o shall_v civil_o worship_v and_o reverence_n philadelphia_n and_o the_o true_a church_n for_o the_o honour_n that_o christ_n have_v put_v upon_o she_o and_o so_o will_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n indeed_o to_o come_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n worship_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o christian_n church_n and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v this_o say_v christ_n they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o always_o love_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o i_o now_o this_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n be_v never_o fulfil_v unto_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o full_a extent_n thereof_o only_o we_o read_v of_o some_o few_o of_o the_o malignant_a jew_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o other_o of_o that_o age_n but_o how_o this_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o latitude_n thereof_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o ever_o do_v those_o perverse_a jew_n that_o for_o their_o notorious_a malignity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v just_o call_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n come_v and_o worship_n or_o bow_v down_o before_o the_o foot_n of_o philadelphia_n or_o when_o do_v they_o submit_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n only_o but_o in_o some_o first_o fruit_n and_o that_o before_o this_o be_v write_v to_o philadelphia_n and_o when_o do_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n even_o to_o this_o day_n ever_o since_o become_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o some_o few_o scatter_a person_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n inconsiderable_a to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n or_o when_o do_v ever_o god_n make_v it_o it_o eminent_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o christian_n church_n be_v the_o only_o belove_a people_n and_o society_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n above_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n see_v those_o thing_n be_v never_o yet_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o fullness_n of_o this_o promise_n sure_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o universal_a call_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n into_o holy_a philadelphia_n or_o the_o christian_n church_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v to_o this_o present_a day_n a_o note_n hence_o will_v rise_v observe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o only_o make_v the_o natural_a obstinate_a jew_n but_o also_o their_o true_a counterpane_n the_o nominal_a seem_a christian_n to_o come_v and_o bow_v before_o the_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o latter_a day_n this_o be_v confirm_v from_o this_o verse_n wherein_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o worship_n before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n but_o towards_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o latter_a this_o be_v never_o as_o yet_o perform_v in_o the_o extensiveness_n of_o this_o scripture_n as_o be_v above_o manifest_v therefore_o as_o yet_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o true_a philadelphia_n the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o the_o natural_a jew_n shall_v come_v in_o submit_v and_o join_v to_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o formal_a birth_n christian_n shall_v also_o either_o come_v in_o and_o worship_n before_o this_o true_a church_n or_o else_o shall_v at_o least_o wise_a reverence_n this_o true_a holy_a church_n as_o the_o only_o belove_v of_o christ_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lamb_n will_v be_v upon_o she_o and_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o for_o her_o great_a honour_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v bring_v their_o glory_n and_o honour_n into_o it_o rev_n 21.23_o and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o god_n true_a church_n and_o people_n shall_v have_v a_o day_n too_o as_o well_o as_o their_o adversary_n have_v they_o we_o know_v how_o that_o the_o great_a and_o lofty_a one_o of_o the_o world_n have_v put_v all_o possible_a reproach_n and_o affliction_n on_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o church_n of_o the_o pure_a judgement_n but_o yet_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v and_o shall_v know_v the_o saint_n to_o be_v the_o only_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o stay_n of_o kingdom_n and_o then_o the_o great_a monarch_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o skirt_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o come_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o this_o holy_a church_n for_o their_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n quest._n and_o if_o any_o one_o ask_v when_o this_o shall_v be_v answ_n when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 11._o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v again_o for_o the_o restore_n of_o his_o kingdom_n than_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a dan._n 7.27_o then_o shall_v all_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o philadelphia_n the_o glorious_a new_a unite_a christian_n church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o true_a zion_n the_o dwell_a place_n of_o god_n glory_n whereunto_o all_o nation_n shall_v flock_v and_o worship_n before_o it_o and_o become_v one_o with_o it_o or_o otherwise_o shall_v be_v make_v bow_n unto_o the_o iron_n sceptre_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o fall_v and_o worship_n before_o his_o foot_n rev._n 19.15_o verse_n 10._o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o for_o which_o philadelphia_n be_v commend_v for_o by_o christ_n be_v for_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n this_o have_v either_o respect_n to_o christ_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n i_o have_v teach_v the_o world_n and_o with_o a_o like_a patience_n preach_v it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o else_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o cause_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o my_o gospel_n which_o enjoin_v and_o work_v patience_n either_o or_o both_o of_o these_o sense_n may_v apt_o be_v raise_v and_o entertain_v from_o these_o word_n without_o any_o prejudice_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o word_n or_o 2._o as_o respect_v the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n this_o word_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n which_o he_o teach_v patient_o the_o word_n be_v for_o many_o generation_n so_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o keep_v by_o she_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o which_o she_o have_v the_o reward_n of_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n quest_n but_o whither_o be_v philadelphia_n so_o save_v and_o keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o fall_v upon_o all_o other_o her_o sister_n church_n that_o she_o be_v so_o free_v that_o she_o be_v not_o touch_v by_o it_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o philadelphia_n go_v free_a when_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o persecution_n under_o the_o emperor_n
christ_n hate_v it_o and_o his_o church_n hate_v it_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o have_v some_o poisonous_a and_o pestilential_a quality_n in_o it_o sometime_o it_o amount_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defile_v both_o judgement_n and_o practice_v joint_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o this_o it_o most_o frequent_o do_v unless_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n will_v seem_v better_o with_o satan_n design_n for_o if_o the_o theoretique_n part_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o sound_a the_o practic_a can_v hardly_o be_v straight_o where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v darken_v our_o foot_n will_v soon_o stumble_v and_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o some_o make_v the_o will_v to_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o practic_a part_n of_o the_o judgement_n so_o near_o they_o be_v relate_v into_o oneness_n that_o the_o contagion_n of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o defilement_n of_o the_o other_o yet_o second_o satan_n be_v so_o serpentine_a and_o crafty_a that_o often_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o will_n and_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o set_v on_o a_o strict_a garb_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n then_o ordinary_a even_o unto_o a_o erenetique_a monastical_a conversation_n deny_v the_o lawful_a comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o society_n that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o great_a impression_n to_o deceive_v thereby_o as_o he_o do_v in_o some_o of_o the_o crafty_a deceive_a heretic_n of_o these_o day_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o but_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o crown_n to_o abominate_a and_o hate_v all_o such_o deed_n and_o mystery_n of_o satan_n even_o as_o they_o be_v abominate_v and_o hate_v by_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 7._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o taste_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n the_o ear_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n or_o organ_n by_o which_o we_o hear_v and_o the_o spirit_n set_v it_o here_o metonimical_o for_o hear_v itself_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o right_a understanding_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o rom._n 10.17_o as_o come_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o a_o sagacious_a and_o diligent_a prepend_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n stir_v up_o and_o warm_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o such_o a_o ear_n be_v here_o call_v as_o competent_o fit_a for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o prophecy_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v chief_o require_v a_o spiritualised_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n and_o a_o well_o order_v judgement_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n holy_a and_o good_a affection_n without_o sound_a knowledge_n will_v not_o reach_v it_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v understanding_n that_o must_v count_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 13.18_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a some_o one_o be_v excellent_a for_o a_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n another_o for_o prophecy_n another_o for_o exhortation_n another_o for_o a_o psalm_n another_o for_o gubernation_n and_o discipline_n another_o be_v excellent_a about_o justification_n another_o about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n other_o again_o be_v for_o unlock_v prophetical_a deep_n and_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n so_o every_o one_o have_v their_o variety_n of_o gift_n and_o excellency_n that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v complete_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o co-assistance_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o book_n be_v dark_a and_o difficult_a to_o the_o supine_n and_o lazy_a christian_n it_o be_v only_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v neither_o angel_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n personal_o consider_v for_o in_o the_o next_o immediate_a verse_n the_o same_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a now_o this_o must_v be_v christ_n who_o appear_v unto_o john_n not_o in_o his_o humanity_n but_o spiritual_o in_o his_o deity_n under_o the_o figure_n and_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n review_n v._n 13._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n to_o denote_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o only_o in_o property_n and_o quality_n with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o in_o essence_n also_o he_o have_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o precedent_a chapter_n v._o 4_o 8_o &_o 17._o who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o in_o vers_fw-la 18._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n all_o make_v up_o this_o harmonious_a conclusion_n and_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o everlasting_a father_n son_n and_o spirit_n our_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o observe_v another_o note_n from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o every_o wise_a and_o judicious_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_a intent_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o all_o his_o providential_a deal_n and_o discovery_n towards_o his_o church_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n what_o god_n speak_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v not_o of_o a_o private_a interpretation_n but_o of_o a_o public_a concernment_n unto_o all_o other_o if_o god_n have_v deal_v in_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n with_o those_o asiatic_a church_n and_o for_o their_o abound_a iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o have_v anathematise_v and_o utter_o unchurch_v they_o all_o think_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v free_a if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o transgression_n with_o they_o there_o be_v other_o church_n too_o as_o well_o as_o these_o once_o famous_a for_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n now_o become_v the_o den_n of_o dragon_n and_o habitation_n of_o all_o unclean_a spirit_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o divine_a judgement_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n how_o behoveful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o be_v sure_a if_o we_o run_v the_o same_o course_n of_o sin_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n of_o indignation_n with_o they_o also_o if_o we_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o repent_v not_o for_o god_n be_v the_o same_o immutable_a be_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o a_o hater_n of_o all_o iniquity_n today_o and_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v hold_v out_o against_o the_o spiritual_a assault_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n will_v i_o give_v say_v christ_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v the_o triumphant_a christian_a conqueror_n describe_v together_o with_o his_o crown_n and_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v the_o conqueror_n the_o reward_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v wherein_o shall_v a_o christian_n combatant_n overcome_v to_o denominate_v he_o a_o true_a conqueror_n and_o to_o overcome_v indeed_o i_o answer_v as_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o armoury_n from_o himself_o which_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n so_o we_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o he_o to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_n warfare_n here_o beneath_o we_o have_v not_o only_o to_o fight_v with_o our_o corruption_n within_o but_o we_o must_v meet_v with_o divers_a assault_n of_o satan_n also_o from_o without_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n to_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o if_o we_o comply_v not_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v his_o buffet_n from_o without_o in_o revile_n reproach_n affliction_n etc._n etc._n and_o often_o as_o paul_n do_v fight_v with_o unreasonable_a and_o bestial_a man_n as_o he_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n so_o that_o he_o that_o overcome_v to_o
than_o the_o approve_a presbyter_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o latter_a zeal_n be_v better_a â—egulated_v and_o more_o sober_a than_o the_o former_a when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n say_v paul_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o child_n i_o do_v as_o a_o child_n i_o understand_v as_o a_o child_n but_o when_o i_o become_v a_o man_n i_o put_v away_o childish_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o our_o first_o birth_n we_o be_v very_o childish_a and_o zealous_a of_o small_a thing_n external_a circumstance_n in_o worship_n we_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o great_a thing_n and_o if_o a_o paint_a window_n a_o cross_n a_o suâ—pless_a a_o cope_n etc._n etc._n stand_v in_o our_o way_n we_o present_o stumble_v at_o they_o and_o think_v it_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n we_o can_v perform_v to_o god_n either_o to_o burn_v they_o or_o break_v they_o to_o piece_n as_o antichristian_a trumpery_n again_o if_o we_o come_v a_o little_a high_o than_o we_o spend_v most_o or_o all_o our_o strength_n about_o the_o defence_n of_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o whether_o presbytery_n independency_n or_o the_o way_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n so_o call_v be_v the_o right_a way_n this_o humour_n too_o be_v most_o prevalent_a in_o the_o neophites_n but_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n be_v for_o the_o elder_n and_o strong_a sort_n the_o one_o think_v to_o catch_v heaven_n by_o tything_n mint_n and_o anniss_n by_o be_v very_o intense_a about_o the_o small_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o other_o â—ot_n leave_v the_o first_o undo_v fall_v upon_o the_o kernel_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v fit_a meat_n for_o strong_a man_n the_o grow_a christian_n grace_n excel_v the_o young_a as_o his_o love_n be_v more_o sound_n he_o love_v not_o for_o interest_n or_o opinion_n sake_n as_o many_o young_a one_o do_v but_o he_o love_v the_o brethren_n on_o this_o ground_n as_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a truth_n with_o himself_o second_o his_o service_n be_v more_o cordial_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v often_o meet_v god_n presence_n in_o his_o ordinance_n than_o the_o young_a christian_n have_v and_o therefore_o needs_o must_v his_o desire_n and_o affection_n excel_v unto_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n see_v he_o have_v ofâ—ner_o meet_v god_n therein_o as_o in_o a_o special_a habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n three_o a_o old_a christian_n faith_n be_v sound_a than_o the_o young_a he_o believe_v not_o because_o he_o have_v hear_v only_o with_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o believe_v because_o he_o have_v see_v taste_v and_o experience_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o other_o it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o have_v not_o attain_v too_o four_o his_o patience_n be_v more_o try_v more_o refine_v than_o the_o young_a five_o and_o last_o in_o effect_n all_o his_o grace_n be_v sound_a and_o better_o circumstantiate_v then_o those_o of_o the_o young_a christian_n for_o end_n for_o ground_n for_o manner_n for_o time_n and_o in_o all_o other_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o strive_v that_o our_o last_o work_n may_v be_v more_o than_o our_o first_o otherwise_o shame_n unto_o we_o as_o unprofitable_a servant_n verse_n 20._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n yet_o nevertheless_o o_o thou_o church_n of_o thyatira_n though_o i_o do_v approve_v and_o encourage_v thy_o gracious_a work_n of_o love_n faith_n service_n and_o patience_n and_o commend_v thou_o for_o thy_o proficiency_n in_o they_o yet_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n certain_a offence_n to_o lay_v in_o charge_n against_o thou_o hence_o note_v observe_v if_o our_o sin_n be_v few_o and_o great_a though_o our_o grace_n be_v many_o and_o eminent_a yet_o god_n will_v come_v against_o we_o for_o they_o few_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v as_o dead_a fly_n in_o precious_a ointment_n it_o will_v defile_v the_o whole_a box_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o inhabit_v quiet_o and_o at_o peace_n in_o one_o mansion_n with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n if_o ephraim_n will_v have_v idol_n god_n will_v let_v he_o alone_o and_o if_o israel_n will_v uphold_v wickedness_n though_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v abound_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o holy_a service_n yet_o that_o shall_v not_o privilege_v they_o from_o a_o babylonish_n captivity_n if_o his_o own_o select_a people_n will_v turn_v wild_a olive_n and_o cruciâ—â—e_v the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o his_o christ_n he_o can_v cut_v they_o off_o and_o make_v they_o a_o desolate_a and_o disperse_a people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n thyatira_n have_v many_o excellent_a grace_n and_o so_o have_v ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n the_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n jezabel_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n god_n come_v against_o they_o in_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o desolate_a if_o we_o conceive_v our_o grace_n of_o faith_n love_n service_n etc._n etc._n will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n though_o we_o admit_v antichristian_a doctrine_n of_o idolatry_n false_a and_o evil_a worship_n among_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v doubtless_o many_o of_o our_o former_a bishop_n be_v very_o godly_a man_n as_o jewel_n downham_n Ê‹sher_n hall_n davenant_n etc._n etc._n yet_o their_o real_a grace_n and_o holiness_n can_v not_o stop_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o go_v forth_o in_o wrath_n against_o the_o antichristian_a practice_n and_o false_a worship_n tolerate_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o engâ—_n 〈…〉_o only_o can_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o they_o themselves_o 〈◊〉_d main_a and_o the_o whole_a function_n shall_v smart_v for_o it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n indignation_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o pious_a man_n yet_o for_o their_o tolerate_n and_o connive_v at_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o themselves_o shall_v suffer_v in_o the_o common_a judgement_n but_o their_o pious_a and_o gracious_a soul_n shall_v be_v save_v so_o as_o by_o fire_n not_o that_o of_o purgatory_n first_o kindle_v in_o the_o pope_n kitchen_n but_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n sanctify_v unto_o they_o by_o that_o fire_n of_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v away_o our_o dross_n to_o wit_n god_n spirit_n and_o word_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v to_o it_o how_o we_o admit_v offence_n among_o we_o though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o they_o may_v draw_v god_n into_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o though_o they_o may_v not_o at_o present_a unchurch_n we_o yet_o if_o hold_v unrepented_a of_o they_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o come_v against_o we_o quick_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n o_o let_v no_o man_n plead_v for_o toleration_n of_o sin_n false_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o first_o church_n so_o as_o they_o sin_v first_o in_o these_o particular_n so_o they_o be_v make_v the_o first_o example_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sad_a say_n of_o some_o that_o their_o present_a church_n be_v as_o sound_v straight_o and_o holy_a as_o the_o primitive_a one_o they_o have_v their_o drunkard_n incestuous_a follower_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o nicolaitan_n and_o jezabel_n and_o we_o say_v they_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n have_v not_o worse_o alas_o they_o be_v now_o make_v unto_o we_o example_n of_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n for_o those_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o very_a habitation_n give_v unto_o the_o curse_a mahometan_n and_o their_o off_o spring_n turn_v barbarian_n and_o heathen_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o transgression_n with_o they_o o_o may_v we_o not_o fear_v the_o same_o desolate_v judgement_n let_v we_o not_o contemn_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n but_o speedy_o repent_v and_o do_v our_o first_o work_n so_o far_o shall_v we_o be_v from_o boast_v on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v unto_o we_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n but_o to_o proceed_v the_o charge_n against_o thyatira_n be_v that_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n who_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o deceive_v my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n this_o woman_n jezebel_n here_o mention_v doubtless_o
the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o david_n because_o he_o will_v have_v god_n vengeance_n against_o these_o wicked_a one_o plain_o manifest_v desire_v the_o lord_n to_o discover_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o portion_n right_a or_o part_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n nor_o worthy_a to_o be_v write_v or_o number_v among_o the_o righteous_a but_o that_o all_o may_v sensible_o discern_v they_o to_o be_v but_o reprobate_n and_o thus_o far_o david_n prayer_n be_v imitable_a as_o unto_o we_o quest_n but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v put_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o moses_n do_v exod._n 32.32_o i_o pray_v thou_o raze_v i_o out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o thou_o have_v write_v and_o as_o paul_n wish_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 9.3_o or_o second_o to_o pray_v that_o other_o man_n name_n though_o wicked_a may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n as_o david_n in_o psal_n 69.28_o pray_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o answ_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o command_n or_o promise_n annex_v to_o such_o a_o prayer_n but_o abundant_o to_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o sure_o such_o prayer_n must_v be_v most_o vain_a and_o sinful_a for_o neither_o moses_n nor_o paul_n be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n before_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n moses_n nor_o paul_n do_v pray_v so_o absolute_a but_o conditional_o like_v to_o that_o of_o christ_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o so_o they_o if_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o god_n will_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o he_o can_v desire_v and_o wish_v to_o be_v raze_v out_o and_o anathematise_v from_o the_o roll_n of_o god_n church_n and_o from_o life_n itself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v deliver_v their_o lose_a brethren_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o curse_n and_o damnation_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o impenitency_n this_o they_o do_v desire_n under_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a but_o whether_o moses_n or_o paul_n have_v so_o a_o eye_n and_o respect_n in_o these_o particular_a prayer_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v uncertain_a for_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o either_o moses_n or_o paul_n may_v be_v carry_v aside_o by_o a_o over_o mislead_v zeal_n to_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o say_v the_o apostle_n james_n cap._n 3._o 2._o 3._o last_o if_o david_n do_v pray_v unto_o god_n absolute_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ungodly_a may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n i_o think_v it_o not_o warrantable_a nor_o imitable_a in_o we_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n he_o well_o know_v against_o who_o he_o pray_v prophesy_v and_o imprecate_v and_o so_o his_o prayer_n and_o imprecation_n to_o this_o effect_n be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o prophetical_a denunciation_n and_o prediction_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n which_o be_v no_o pattern_n or_o example_n to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n even_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o most_o vile_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o their_o return_v but_o second_o though_o we_o may_v not_o pray_v absolute_o yet_o we_o may_v conditional_o with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_n against_o all_o his_o and_o our_o antichristian_a enemy_n that_o god_n will_v either_o convert_v they_o or_o bring_v they_o to_o shame_n and_o ruin_n that_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o saint_n peace_n and_o comfort_n may_v be_v more_o enlarge_v and_o multiply_v thereby_o but_o to_o proceed_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 christ_n have_v assure_v the_o overcome_a saint_n of_o sardis_n that_o they_o shall_v participate_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o majesty_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v undoubted_o assure_v they_o the_o confirmation_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o bless_a estate_n and_o their_o right_n thereunto_o in_o not_o blot_v out_o their_o name_n out_o of_o his_o bless_a roll_n and_o register_v of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o have_v promise_v not_o only_o to_o do_v all_o this_o good_a for_o they_o but_o will_v also_o acknowledge_v they_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v his_o by_o name_n before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v those_o who_o i_o present_v before_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o thy_o holy_a minister_a spirit_n clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n in_o innocency_n and_o majesty_n and_o which_o be_v from_o eternity_n register_v in_o thy_o book_n i_o avouch_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v of_o my_o own_o name_n member_n of_o my_o own_o body_n anoint_v with_o the_o same_o unction_n and_o spirit_n that_o i_o be_o of_o true_o christian_n faithful_a follower_n of_o i_o and_o my_o doctrine_n through_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o regeneration_n and_o new_a life_n which_o they_o have_v lead_v unto_o this_o present_a day_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o will_v public_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o faithful_a one_o at_o the_o last_o day_n before_o god_n his_o father_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n this_o he_o promise_v mat._n 10.32_o to_o confess_v and_o own_v they_o before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v faithful_o confess_v and_o own_v he_o here_o on_o earth_n christ_n call_v such_o here_o his_o sheep_n his_o friend_n his_o brethren_n his_o member_n yea_o himself_n by_o his_o own_o name_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v they_o john_n 20.17_o i_o ascend_v to_o your_o father_n and_o my_o father_n to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n and_o see_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n and_o their_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n sure_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o but_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o the_o godly_a or_o godlike_a christian_n that_o faithful_o own_a god_n and_o christ_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n this_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o we_o bold_o and_o with_o constancy_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o under_o the_o great_a defection_n to_o confess_v and_o own_v so_o worthy_a a_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n see_v we_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n by_o it_o but_o rather_o great_a gainer_n for_o before_o god_n and_o his_o angel_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v by_o name_n to_o confess_v we_o and_o to_o honour_v we_o as_o his_o own_o before_o so_o glorious_a a_o presence_n although_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v most_o unworthy_a creature_n who_o ever_o true_o honour_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o a_o open_a sincere_a profession_n and_o follow_v of_o their_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o honour_v both_o by_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v say_v god_n and_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v 1_o sam._n 2.30_o if_o we_o only_o lose_v our_o honour_n among_o man_n for_o our_o profession_n and_o among_o the_o base_a and_o vile_a sort_n for_o all_o scornful_a ungodly_a one_o be_v so_o to_o be_v account_v be_v they_o never_o otherwise_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n so_o great_a rich_a mighty_a or_o honourable_a and_o win_v honour_n with_o god_n if_o we_o be_v vilify_v on_o earth_n and_o among_o earthly_a mind_a man_n and_o be_v accept_v in_o heaven_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v discourage_v or_o murmur_v at_o our_o loss_n when_o christ_n own_v stephen_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o his_o ston_a act_v 7._o what_o loss_n do_v the_o three_o child_n sustain_v when_o they_o keep_v their_o conscience_n undefiled_a by_o not_o obey_v nebuchadnezzar_n command_n in_o worship_v his_o golden_a image_n but_o open_o profess_v and_o pray_v with_o their_o window_n open_a to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n dan._n 3._o do_v not_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o their_o faithful_a honour_v of_o he_o honour_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n with_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n and_o make_v they_o everliving_a example_n to_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o help_v in_o all_o extremity_n that_o fall_v on_o