people_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o star_n but_o the_o last_o can_v be_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o first_o must_v be_v understand_v we_o conceive_v then_o as_o by_o church_n or_o candlestick_n be_v understand_v many_o professor_n or_o church_n for_o under_o church_n here_o such_o who_o thus_o plead_v will_v grant_v more_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v comprehend_v for_o say_v they_o they_o be_v diocesian_a church_n in_o a_o unite_a way_n of_o worship_v or_o government_n so_o by_o angel_n many_o church-guids_a in_o a_o unite_a way_n of_o govern_v may_v be_v understand_v minister_n be_v call_v star_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o to_o signify_v and_o point_v out_o the_o eminence_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o office_n that_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o shine_v office_n 2._o to_o point_v out_o what_o be_v the_o especial_a end_n of_o this_o office_n it_o be_v to_o give_v light_n as_o the_o use_n of_o star_n be_v to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o world_n so_o its_o minister_n main_a employment_n to_o shine_v and_o give_v light_a to_o other_o to_o make_v the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o dark_a night_n to_o be_v lightsome_a in_o which_o sense_n mat._n 5.14_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v but_o subservient_fw-fr light_n our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n that_o light_n that_o great_a light_n and_o minister_n be_v lesser_a light_n 4._o it_o be_v to_o point_v out_o the_o way_n how_o minister_n become_v lightsome_a star_n receive_v their_o light_n from_o the_o sun_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o borrow_a light_n be_v make_v lightsome_a so_o minister_n be_v make_v lightsome_a and_o shine_v to_o give_v other_o light_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o light_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n they_o be_v light_n but_o their_o light_n be_v star_n light_n a_o borrow_a light_n and_o eclipse_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o will_v darken_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o light_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o he_o this_o will_v learn_v minister_n and_o people_n a_o right_a uptake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o office_n and_o keep_v off_o contrary_a extreme_n that_o both_o respective_o be_v subject_n unto_o the_o second_o part_n be_v expound_v the_o seven_o candlestick_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n as_o before_o he_o expound_v the_o seven_o star_n to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n the_o church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o candlestick_n be_v that_o which_o proper_o the_o light_n be_v set_v into_o and_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o receive_v of_o light_n though_o it_o have_v none_o of_o its_o own_o so_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v that_o wherein_o christ_n jesus_n set_v his_o light_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o candlestick_n to_o the_o candle_n the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o minister_n after_o they_o 2._o though_o the_o candlestick_n give_v no_o light_n yet_o it_o make_v the_o light_n set_v on_o it_o to_o be_v the_o more_o useful_a to_o other_o as_o mat._n 5.14_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n a_o city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n can_v be_v hide_v neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n to_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n that_o it_o may_v give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n so_o minister_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o set_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o way_n whereby_o god_n preserve_v light_a ordinary_o and_o make_v it_o shine_v and_o so_o the_o excellent_a comely_a order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n kyth_n in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v like_o a_o city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n and_o hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n as_o on_o a_o pillar_n to_o make_v it_o kith_v the_o more_o and_o be_v see_v the_o further_a that_o other_o may_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o lay_v both_o these_o together_o the_o minister_n be_v light_n and_o the_o church_n candlestick_n it_o hold_v out_o a_o near_a and_o sib_a relation_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o people_n as_o if_o the_o people_n be_v dark_a without_o minister_n and_o the_o minister_n will_v not_o shine_v far_o nor_o be_v useful_a if_o they_o have_v not_o church_n to_o bear_v they_o up_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o strain_v this_o similitude_n too_o far_o as_o if_o church_n may_v be_v church_n without_o minister_n much_o less_o before_o minister_n be_v set_v in_o they_o as_o a_o candlestick_n still_o be_v a_o candlestick_n without_o a_o light_n but_o certain_o very_o dark_a that_o be_v not_o the_o scope_n but_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o in_o constitute_v church_n what_o be_v christ_n esteem_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o what_o be_v the_o mutual_a relation_n that_o stand_v betwixt_o they_o each_z to_z other_o we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n organise_v be_v but_o one_o body_n whereof_o the_o pastor_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n and_o that_o these_o derogate_v not_o to_o the_o other_o relation_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o people_n as_o to_o be_v father_n to_o they_o to_o beget_v they_o to_o nourish_v they_o as_o a_o nurse_n do_v in_o give_v suck_n to_o be_v mother_n travel_v in_o birth_n with_o they_o in_o which_o respect_n particular_a church_n and_o christian_n have_v their_o be_v from_o minister_n as_o such_o instrument_n who_o have_v beget_v they_o by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o golden_a candlestick_n 1._o to_o point_v out_o comparative_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n above_o all_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n and_o positive_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n as_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a mettle_n so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o choice_n and_o waill_v of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o it_o be_v god_n garden_n 2._o to_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v believer_n duty_n and_o what_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o gold_n that_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n and_o have_v no_o dross_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v thorough_o sincere_a as_o gold_n to_o be_v like_o every_o sort_n of_o mettle_n will_v not_o be_v enough_o quest._n how_o can_v these_o church_n be_v call_v gold_n see_v many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o so_o little_a worth_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o abide_v the_o trial_n as_o pergamos_n thyatira_n sardis_n etc._n etc._n and_o laodicea_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o she_o have_v no_o commendation_n at_o all_o answ._n our_o lord_n jesus_n design_v the_o visible_a church_n or_o church_n not_o according_a to_o the_o plurality_n but_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n and_o when_o there_o be_v any_o gold_n he_o count_v by_o it_o even_o as_o one_o may_v call_v a_o heap_n a_o heap_n of_o corn_n though_o the_o great_a part_n be_v chaff_n 3._o there_o be_v something_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a which_o make_v they_o get_v this_o denomination_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o comparative_a excellency_n beyond_o other_o that_o be_v without_o and_o jesus_n christ_n look_v not_o to_o what_o they_o be_v but_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n he_o call_v they_o golden_a candlestick_n even_o as_o he_o call_v the_o minister_n star_n though_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o of_o little_a worth_n as_o that_o angel_n of_o laodicea_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v so_o so_o the_o church_n write_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o holy_a in_o so_o far_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o church-state-relation_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n they_o be_v so_o 3._o he_o design_v they_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o let_v they_o see_v what_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v this_o be_v a_o main_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v a_o holy_a people_n not_o for_o any_o great_a holiness_n that_o often_o be_v among_o they_o all_o but_o because_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o other_o people_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o he_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7._o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o personal_a holiness_n but_o of_o a_o holiness_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o federall_n or_o covenant_n relation_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o a_o external_a right_n to_o
persevere_v so_o then_o their_o labour_n as_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o points_z at_o their_o painfulness_n and_o here_o it_o respect_v their_o singleness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o self-seeking_a but_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v constant_a and_o continue_a they_o be_v carry_v on_o without_o interruption_n in_o prosecute_a their_o zealous_a intention_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v here_o how_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n or_o do_v count_v themselves_o not_o subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o these_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostle_n behove_v to_o do_v can_v be_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o by_o church_n trial_n and_o censure_n especial_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n answ._n 1._o there_o be_v no_o apostle_n nor_o angel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v altogether_o above_o trial_n they_o be_v as_o such_o above_o err_v in_o doctrine_n yet_o may_v and_o shall_v their_o doctrine_n be_v try_v according_a to_o the_o word_n act._n 17.11_o gal._n 1.8_o because_o even_o apostle_n be_v but_o ambassador_n and_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n but_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o etc._n etc._n second_o apostle_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o a_o constitute_v church_n oftentimes_o use_v not_o their_o extraordinary_a authority_n as_o act_v by_o themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o infallibility_n but_o joint_o with_o other_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n clear_v and_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o god_n call_v warrant_v they_o in_o that_o particular_a as_o appear_v by_o peter_n apology_n act._n 11._o and_o paul_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o proceed_n act._n 15._o in_o which_o two_o respect_n it_o be_v suitable_a for_o believer_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o three_o we_o say_v that_o no_o presumptuous_a title_n assume_v by_o one_o self_n nor_o any_o irregular_a walk_n as_o belong_v to_o no_o church_n or_o not_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v exempt_v any_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o trial_n and_o if_o need_v require_v from_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n where_o such_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v reside_v which_o we_o shall_v confirm_v from_o these_o reason_n 1._o not_o from_o trial_n because_o in_o so_o far_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o their_o membership_n and_o their_o office_n behove_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n be_v subject_a to_o trial_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o as_o be_v say_v yea_o 2._o neither_o from_o censure_n suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v err_v and_o they_o actual_o to_o have_v err_v as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o paul_n supposition_n gal._n 1.8_o if_o i_o preach_v another_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o by_o paul_n open_a rebuke_v of_o peter_n when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v gal._n 2.14_o 3._o this_o same_o practice_n may_v confirm_v it_o the_o church_n ruler_n of_o ephesus_n be_v not_o scare_v by_o that_o title_n nor_o yet_o by_o their_o not_o have_v membership_n among_o they_o as_o it_o seem_v such_o can_v not_o have_v be_v ready_o stranger_n and_o thereby_o have_v the_o great_a access_n to_o give_v out_o themselves_o for_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o go_v on_o to_o try_v and_o censure_n which_o be_v particular_o commend_v in_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n 4._o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v from_o that_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church-officer_n for_o edification_n and_o for_o preserve_v the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o from_o infection_n which_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v defective_a if_o man_n have_v liberty_n under_o the_o former_a pretext_n to_o vent_v error_n and_o commit_v scandalous_a practice_n for_o the_o ensnare_a of_o other_o in_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o member_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o simple_o such_o person_n be_v not_o under_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o such_o a_o church_n yet_o eatenus_fw-la and_o in_o that_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o that_o church_n to_o have_v these_o person_n try_v and_o censure_v they_o do_v fall_v under_o their_o authority_n and_o warrantable_o it_o be_v put_v forth_o for_o put_v some_o note_n on_o they_o for_o the_o prevent_n and_o remove_v of_o offence_n from_o the_o people_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a by_o which_o any_o member_n thereof_o if_o no_o particular_a thing_n impede_fw-la may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n by_o communion_n in_o public_a ordinance_n of_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o whatsoever_o church_n though_o he_o be_v no_o particular_a member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o shall_v fall_v to_o be_v see_v that_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o be_v in_o themselves_o reciprocal_a and_o though_o some_o profane_a wretch_n renounce_v his_o own_o privilege_n yet_o that_o make_v not_o the_o church_n to_o loss_n she_o but_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o long_o be_v he_o under_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o particular_a congregation_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v from_o the_o absurdity_n that_o otherwise_o will_v follow_v as_o 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o scandalous_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n who_o can_v not_o be_v reach_v by_o church-censure_n 2._o one_o christian_n may_v offend_v and_o stumble_v another_o and_o tell_v to_o the_o church_n will_v be_v no_o remedy_n to_o it_o mat._n 18._o if_o no_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n over_o such_o a_o one_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n scope_n 3._o a_o door_n will_v be_v open_v to_o a_o loose_a liberty_n within_o christ_n house_n for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n man_n can_v neither_o be_v censure_v nor_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a way_n be_v compel_v to_o take_v on_o church-membership_a or_o live_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n by_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o christian_n sick_a and_o need_v this_o cure_n of_o discipline_n to_o who_o it_o can_v not_o be_v apply_v by_o this_o the_o ordinance_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n all_o which_o be_v absurd_a observe_v 1._o christ_n will_v have_v we_o always_o walk_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o omniscience_n which_o make_v he_o begin_v all_o these_o epistle_n with_o this_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n a_o profitable_a but_o a_o difficult_a truth_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n 2._o christ_n be_v a_o unprejudged_a witness_n and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v so_o by_o his_o church_n he_o bear_v testimony_n unto_o they_o as_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o good_a as_o well_o as_o their_o evil_n 3._o such_o as_o christ_n never_o call_v may_v take_v on_o they_o high_o title_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v confident_o to_o a_o most_o immediate_a call_n carry_v fair_a and_o gain_v respect_n and_o have_v some_o gift_n for_o that_o end_n as_o it_o seem_v these_o have_v who_o call_v themselves_o apostles_n 4._o that_o diligence_n in_o duty_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o often_o go_v together_o to_o do_v and_o to_o bear_v be_v often_o join_v two_o thing_n that_o in_o our_o resolution_n and_o practice_n we_o will_v not_o sunder_v and_o if_o it_o be_v believe_v we_o will_v not_o scare_v at_o the_o very_a shadow_n of_o suffer_v in_o or_o follow_v upon_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o do_v 5._o patience_n in_o suffering_n and_o impatience_n against_o corruption_n and_o corrupt_a man_n can_v well_o stand_v together_o this_o people_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v and_o suffer_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o their_o patient_a suffering_n or_o bear_v in_o the_o one_o word_n relate_v to_o their_o endure_v of_o cross_n and_o their_o not_o bear_v or_o suffer_v in_o the_o other_o word_n relate_v to_o corrupt_v man_n and_o their_o zeal_n against_o they_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o knit_v these_o two_o together_o not_o to_o let_v our_o zeal_n wear_v away_o our_o patience_n nor_o our_o patience_n prejudge_v our_o zeal_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o zeal_n that_o put_v folk_n always_o to_o do_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v shun_v suffer_v that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o there_o
understand_v than_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v as_o then_o in_o be_v as_o the_o other_o officer_n that_o be_v mention_v and_o to_o have_v have_v their_o beginning_n immediate_o after_o christ_n ascension_n the_o second_o plaâ—e_n be_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o lord_n institute_v teacher_n in_o his_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o other_o officer_n and_o what_o can_v these_o teacher_n be_v but_o such_o as_o we_o account_v ordinary_a minister_n their_o title_n bear_v out_o their_o office_n especial_o to_o be_v in_o teach_v a_o three_o place_n be_v rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o where_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o be_v require_v to_o wait_v upon_o their_o office_n and_o certain_o can_v but_o be_v understand_v of_o ordinary_a pastor_n who_o special_a duty_n consist_v in_o these_o and_o consider_v the_o doctor_n paraphrase_n upon_o these_o verse_n we_o conceive_v that_o either_o there_o he_o expound_v they_o of_o such_o as_o teach_v for_o the_o time_n which_o do_v confirm_v what_o we_o say_v or_o do_v make_v it_o a_o direction_n to_o such_o as_o afterward_o may_v be_v call_v to_o that_o office_n whereby_o he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o be_v for_o the_o time_n this_o be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o exhort_v and_o teach_v as_o present_a duty_n of_o some_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o show_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n be_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o ground_n from_o scripture_n be_v such_o place_n as_o hold_v forth_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v place_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n as_o act._n 14.23_o now_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o diocesian_a church_n or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o the_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o ordinary_a presbyter_n or_o pastor_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o very_o considerable_a city_n as_o that_o in_o cenchrea_n rom._n 16.1_o which_o yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o want_v officer_n as_o also_o these_o of_o judea_n and_o galatia_n and_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o any_o village_n or_o part_n of_o the_o country_n beside_o many_o church_n be_v mention_v to_o be_v in_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o and_o certain_o all_o have_v teacher_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o they_o be_v all_o diocesian_a bishop_n they_o must_v therefore_o be_v understand_v of_o ordinary_a pastor_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o scripture_n be_v these_o that_o speak_v of_o many_o elder_n in_o one_o city_n as_o in_o ephesus_n act._n 20.17_o 28._o and_o philippâ—_n philip._n 1.1_o in_o jerusalem_n in_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o beside_o the_o extraordinary_a officer_n that_o be_v there_o there_o be_v also_o many_o ordinary_a teacher_n and_o presbyter_n i_o know_v that_o author_n will_v repel_v this_o easy_o by_o assert_v that_o all_o these_o be_v metropolitan_a church_n and_o that_o these_o other_o presbyter_n be_v inferior_a bishop_n and_o that_o these_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o these_o particular_a town_n which_o be_v mention_v only_o but_o to_o all_o the_o country_n whereof_o these_o be_v metropolitan_a city_n and_o church_n but_o to_o this_o we_o oppose_v 1._o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n where_o neither_o the_o word_n metropolitan_a nor_o the_o thing_n be_v hard_a of_o 2._o this_o make_v two_o sort_n of_o prelatical_a bishop_n when_o yet_o whatever_o be_v understand_v by_o bishop_n in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v clear_a they_o be_v but_o of_o one_o degree_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o rule_n for_o ordination_n for_o qualification_n trial_n and_o ever_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_o give_v for_o all_o 3._o this_o contrare_v the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n to_o say_v that_o when_o he_o write_v to_o philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n he_o write_v to_o all_o macedonia_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o inscription_n put_v great_a difference_n between_o his_o write_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o city_n and_o his_o writing_n to_o several_a church_n in_o a_o country_n as_o by_o his_o direction_n to_o corinth_n philippi_n coloss_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o one_o case_n and_o his_o direction_n not_o to_o any_o church_n in_o a_o particular_a town_n but_o to_o the_o church_n in_o galatia_n and_o to_o all_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o other_o case_n be_v clear_a which_o be_v do_v to_o show_v that_o the_o one_o respect_v a_o particular_a town_n and_o the_o christian_n in_o it_o and_o the_o other_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o whole_a country_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o will_v mark_v how_o he_o distinguish_v thessalonica_n from_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n 1_o thes._n 1.7_o and_o how_o coloss._n 4.16_o he_o command_v to_o read_v that_o epistle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o far_o from_o this_o town_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o understand_v the_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v name_v yet_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v more_o bishop_n in_o philippi_n and_o more_o minister_n in_o thessalonica_n as_o 1_o epist._n chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 12._o now_o to_o put_v his_o gloss_n upon_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n say_v he_o thessalonica_n be_v a_o metropolis_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o bishop_n in_o macedonia_n be_v write_v unto_o when_o thessalonica_n be_v write_v unto_o how_o then_o shall_v vers_n 7_o and_o 8._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n be_v paraphrase_a so_o that_o you_o be_v example_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n this_o will_v be_v the_o meaning_n you_o christian_n of_o macedonia_n be_v example_n to_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o macedonia_n which_o be_v absurd_a yea_o himself_o do_v paraphrase_n it_o thus_o and_o this_o in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n that_o your_o example_n have_v a_o happy_a influence_n raise_v a_o emulation_n in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o other_o city_n in_o macedonia_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o particular_a city_n and_o that_o as_o distinct_a from_o other_o particular_a city_n in_o macedonia_n last_o there_o be_v diverse_a minister_n of_o coloss_n for_o colos._n 4.12_o epaphras_n be_v mention_v as_o one_o of_o their_o number_n who_o certain_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o again_o vers_fw-la 17._o archippus_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o plurality_n of_o minister_n in_o one_o place_n what_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o these_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o philip._n 4.15_o etc._n etc._n who_o preach_v christ_n some_o sincere_o and_o some_o out_o of_o envy_v these_o it_o seem_v be_v all_o in_o rome_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n pleaded-for_a a_o four_o sort_n of_o scripture_n be_v these_o that_o give_v direction_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o call_n and_o try_v of_o the_o qualification_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o these_o same_o direction_n warrant_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n in_o all_o aftertime_n and_o if_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n ought_v now_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o the_o same_o qualification_n to_o be_v inquire_v for_o in_o ordinary_a minister_n etc._n etc._n by_o virtue_n of_o these_o rule_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o presbyter_n in_o these_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o ordinary_a minister_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a except_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o any_o direction_n be_v give_v at_o all_o for_o try_v and_o ordain_v minister_n in_o the_o scripture_n beside_o the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o lay_v down_o these_o rule_n be_v to_o direct_v officer_n how_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o all_o other_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n a_o four_o consideration_n which_o we_o propose_v be_v that_o this_o denial_n of_o preaching-presbyters_a be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o false_a supposition_n for_o it_o supponeth_n 1._o the_o number_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v be_v few_o 2._o that_o a_o office_n may_v be_v afterward_o institute_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o institute_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n now_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o reason_n 1._o if_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v so_o numerous_a in_o many_o place_n as_o in_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v feed_v sufficient_o by_o one_o bishop_n it_o
direct_v against_o minister_n as_o be_v in_o his_o esteem_n the_o short_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n from_o the_o world_n 3._o by_o public_a edict_n all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o worship_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v discharge_v so_o trajan_n begin_v not_o forbid_v christianity_n but_o condemn_v all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o pastor_n be_v banish_v public_a assembly_n desert_v and_o people_n leave_v without_o the_o public_a mean_n baron_n vol._n 2._o page_n 5._o 4._o consider_v in_o these_o persecution_n the_o many_o banishment_n and_o great_a spoiling_n of_o good_n use_v during_o that_o time_n it_o be_v mark_v in_o history_n that_o then_o they_o endeavour_v the_o undo_n of_o christian_n by_o banishment_n not_o only_o to_o have_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n but_z that_o by_o fore_o travel_n and_o spoil_v of_o all_o they_o have_v they_o may_v be_v weaken_v and_o debilitate_a at_o one_o time_n trajan_n have_v try_v who_o will_v own_o christianity_n in_o his_o army_n and_o find_v ten_o thousand_o christian_a soldier_n adhere_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o banish_v they_o all_o with_o many_o minister_n into_o barren_a island_n beside_o some_o be_v purposely_o martyr_a by_o starve_a as_o be_v record_v of_o one_o hyacinâ—bus_n one_o of_o trajan's_n own_o chamber_n plunder_v and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n be_v rise_v particular_o under_o severus_n whereby_o no_o question_n much_o poverty_n and_o great_a strait_n follow_v on_o the_o church_n baron_n vol._n 2._o pag._n 27.44_o etc._n etc._n and_o other_o writter_n make_v it_o clear_a 5._o consider_v beside_o all_o these_o outward_a trial_n the_o church_n be_v distract_v and_o overwhelm_v with_o error_n heresy_n and_o corruption_n that_o creep_v in_o such_o as_o the_o marcionits_n basilides_n corprocratii_fw-la valentinian_o prisciâ—ianists_n montanist_n cataphrygian_o appollinarist_n with_o thousand_o more_o vent_v most_o gross_a and_o vile_a error_n and_o foolry_n whereby_o both_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n be_v obscure_v and_o even_o in_o all_o a_o great_a decline_a from_o the_o primitive_a simplicity_n under_o the_o pretext_n of_o reverence_n to_o martyr_n and_o follow_v of_o tradition_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v special_o mark_v to_o have_v begin_v about_o that_o time_n of_o trajan_n beginning_n to_o reign_v euseb._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 26._o &_o lib._n 4._o cap._n 11._o more_o large_o observe_v cent._n magd._n in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o second_o centurie_n 6._o consider_v that_o there_o be_v even_o fail_n in_o and_o difference_n among_o good_a man_n and_o great_a light_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o what_o time_n she_o be_v free_a from_o outward_a persecution_n it_o be_v spend_v in_o intestine_a division_n and_o debate_n as_o be_v regret_v by_o euseb._n lib._n cap._n 1._o papias_n bring_v in_o chiliasme_n wherewith_o ireneus_fw-la justin_n martyr_n lactantius_n and_o many_o other_o be_v infect_v tertullian_n after_o great_a appear_v for_o christ_n become_v a_o montanist_n and_o many_o great_a man_n begin_v to_o cry_v up_o freewill_n 7._o in_o worship_n much_o of_o their_o former_a simplicity_n be_v lose_v the_o multiply_a of_o holy_a day_n inordinate_a reverence_v of_o martyr_n at_o first_o honest_o intend_v be_v bring_v in_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n observe_v by_o the_o cent._n magd._n cent._n 2._o 8._o upon_o these_o follow_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n when_o man_n drive_v their_o own_o device_n and_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n they_o break_v on_o these_o particular_o then_o break_v up_o the_o long_a last_a schism_n betwixt_o the_o east_n church_n and_o west_n concern_v the_o keep_n of_o easter_n the_o church_n in_o the_o west_n for_o the_o most_o part_n drive_v to_o have_v it_o keep_v on_o the_o sabbath_n follow_v its_o ordinary_a day_n move_v thereunto_o as_o they_o allege_v by_o tradition_n and_o that_o difference_n may_v be_v put_v betwixt_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o day_n the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n again_o press_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v on_o its_o ordinary_a day_n allege_v johns_n example_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o though_o ireneus_fw-la and_o polycarp_n who_o be_v johns_n disciple_n take_v much_o pain_n to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v these_o division_n and_o for_o a_o time_n keep_v these_o church_n in_o communion_n together_o notwithstanding_o of_o that_o difference_n yet_o afterward_o it_o break_v out_o by_o undiscreet_a censure_v and_o condemn_v of_o one_o another_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o church-authority_n and_o render_v of_o the_o church_n contemptible_a before_o other_o which_o though_o rise_v from_o such_o a_o small_a ground_n yet_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o these_o two_o church_n be_v never_o hearty_o unite_v afterward_o which_o consideration_n certain_o show_v the_o growth_n of_o famine_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o faint_a of_o her_o spiritual_a life_n be_v join_v to_o persecution_n while_n as_o it_o be_v amos_n 8_o 9_o her_o sun_n be_v go_v down_o at_o noon_n and_o the_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n come_v to_o that_o height_n which_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a that_o the_o virgin_n be_v make_v to_o faint_v for_o thirst_n vers_fw-la 13._o all_o which_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o type_n 9_o add_v to_o these_o the_o many_o reproach_n and_o slanderous_a calumny_n that_o upon_o these_o occasion_n be_v cast_v upon_o the_o church_n both_o by_o heretic_n and_o heathen_n who_o charge_v all_o the_o evil_n which_o any_o bear_n the_o name_n of_o christianity_n commit_v upon_o the_o church_n as_o witness_v celsus_n his_o bitter_a write_n answer_v by_o origen_n the_o vindication_n of_o christian_n by_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o other_o in_o their_o apology_n who_o reject_v these_o slander_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o gnostic_n saturninian_n and_o other_o of_o that_o stamp_n 10._o if_o we_o consider_v several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n outward_a persecution_n we_o will_v find_v it_o not_o unfit_o resemble_v by_o this_o type_n as_o especial_o in_o the_o actor_n and_o way_n follow_v by_o they_o the_o actor_n be_v not_o commâ—dus_n and_o heliogabolus_n profane_a wretch_n the_o church_n have_v peace_n under_o they_o but_o man_n for_o civil_a justice_n and_o excellency_n of_o part_n such_o as_o the_o world_n never_o have_v better_a aâ—_n trâ—janus_n who_o stile_n be_v princeps_fw-la optimus_fw-la so_o that_o the_o salutation_n to_o the_o new_a emperor_n after_o he_o become_v this_o i_o wish_v you_o may_v be_v felicior_fw-la augusto_fw-la &_o â—elior_fw-la trâ—jano_n hadriaâ—â—s_n have_v this_o encomium_fw-la restaurator_n orbis_fw-la the_o two_o antonini_n the_o first_o be_v style_v pius_n the_o other_o philosophus_fw-la sâ—verus_n be_v a_o most_o severe_o just_a man_n again_o their_o way_n of_o persecute_v be_v not_o tumultuary_a by_o rage_a violence_n join_v with_o outward_a dissoluteness_n and_o tyranny_n in_o their_o other_o carriage_n as_o be_v in_o nero_n and_o domitian_n but_o by_o make_v good_a law_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o en-acting_a law_n against_o christian_n they_o pursue_v they_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n as_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n under_o pretext_n of_o christian_n opposition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n or_o as_o a_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o many_o slander_n impute_v to_o they_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o these_o actor_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o former_a weigh_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o hand_n in_o a_o balance_n psal._n 58._o 11._o all_o these_o persecution_n though_o be_v at_o their_o height_n very_o terrible_a yet_o be_v they_o almost_o all_o one_o way_n or_o other_o restrain_v which_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o limitation_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o type_n that_o persecution_n raise_v by_o trajan_n be_v stay_v by_o plinius_n secundus_fw-la proconsul_n of_o bythinia_n who_o thus_o write_v to_o trajan_n that_o he_o suppose_v it_o unmeet_a to_o kill_v such_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a man_n who_o law_n as_o he_o call_v it_o lead_v they_o to_o such_o strictness_n as_o to_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n wherewith_o they_o be_v slander_v but_o that_o they_o use_v to_o meet_v and_o sing_v psalm_n etc._n etc._n as_o may_v be_v at_o further_a length_n see_v in_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o apud_fw-la euseb._n &_o conâ—_n magd._n to_o which_o trajan_n return_v answer_v that_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v seek_v for_o to_o be_v punish_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v present_v and_o accuse_v that_o sentence_n shall_v pass_v upon_o they_o euseb._n ibid._n this_o answer_n be_v just_o tax_v by_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o itself_o that_o christian_n as_o innocent_a shall_v not_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o yet_o if_o present_v as_o guilty_a shall_v be_v punish_v for_o say_v he_o if_o guilty_a
rather_o to_o make_v but_o three_o step_n in_o these_o persecution_n and_o so_o to_o include_v that_o last_o and_o most_o horrid_a massacre_n by_o dioclesian_n under_o this_o seal_n and_o to_o take_v the_o seal_n follow_v as_o express_v no_o new_a matter_n but_o add_v for_o explication_n and_o consolation_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o forego_v sad_a event_n and_o therefore_o differ_v in_o the_o type_n common_a to_o the_o first_o four_o seal_n as_o will_v be_v more_o particular_o clear_a in_o the_o open_n of_o it_o this_o seal_n than_o contain_v the_o sad_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o last_o persecution_n of_o dioclesian_n take_v in_o with_o it_o the_o former_a interval_n after_o the_o persecution_n of_o decius_n 1._o because_o in_o this_o time_n persecution_n come_v to_o its_o height_n the_o church_n have_v now_o all_o her_o former_a trial_n lie_v upon_o she_o and_o new_a degree_n add_v to_o the_o former_a partly_o because_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n immediate_o go_v before_o the_o change_n of_o the_o church_n persecute_v condition_n the_o cry_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o comfortable_a answer_n in_o the_o seal_n follow_v be_v the_o result_n of_o this_o sad_a condition_n partly_o because_o the_o story_n in_o the_o event_n and_o particular_n of_o that_o persecution_n will_v be_v find_v exceed_o answerable_a to_o this_o type_n which_o we_o shall_v consider_v 1._o in_o general_a and_o then_o 2._o in_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n thereof_o 1._o in_o the_o general_a the_o church_n after_o decius_n his_o persecution_n almost_o except_o in_o that_o of_o gâ—llus_n and_o aurelianus_n have_v peace_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o outward_a persecution_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o four_o year_n together_o but_o during_o that_o time_n have_v fall_v from_o the_o simple_a purity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o jar_n division_n and_o strive_n among_o themselves_o as_o euseb._n lib._n 8._o cap._n 1._o and_o many_o other_o observe_v by_o which_o god_n be_v provoke_v and_o the_o church_n make_v contemptible_a upon_o which_o follow_v this_o horrid_a persecution_n begin_v in_o the_o ninteenth_fw-mi year_n of_o dioclesian_n about_o the_o three_o hundred_o year_n this_o dioclesian_n be_v engage_v in_o many_o war_n choose_v for_o a_o colleague_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o empire_n one_o herculâ—us_n maximianus_n and_o while_o their_o war_n increase_v every_o one_o of_o they_o choose_v a_o helper_n to_o themselves_o who_o be_v call_v caesar_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o stile_n of_o augustus_n as_o the_o emperor_n have_v dioclesian_n choose_v one_o maximinus_n to_o help_v he_o in_o the_o east_n who_o be_v also_o call_v iâ—vius_n maximianus_n choose_v constantiâ—s_v governor_n of_o britan_n he_o be_v constantins_n father_n and_o a_o good_a man_n these_o emperor_n set_v themselves_o together_o to_o root_n out_o christianity_n out_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n join_v together_o craft_n and_o violence_n for_o that_o end_n 1._o put_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o soldier_n and_o officer_n to_o sacrifice_n with_o they_o to_o idol_n or_o to_o quit_v their_o service_n 2._o make_v that_o same_o offer_n to_o magistrate_n with_o promise_n to_o both_o if_o they_o shall_v obey_v 3._o by_o throw_v down_o all_o church_n 4._o inhibit_v all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o like_a and_o when_o these_o wrought_v not_o their_o end_n they_o fall_v to_o open_a violence_n give_v out_o public_a edict_n against_o christian_n stir_v up_o all_o against_o they_o and_o follow_v their_o cruelty_n so_o hot_o with_o a_o profane_a emulation_n who_o shall_v go_v beyond_o other_o in_o persecute_v save_o constantiâ—s_n who_o be_v still_o friendly_a to_o christian_n that_o almost_o no_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n be_v free_a and_o the_o number_n of_o martyr_n be_v by_o all_o during_o that_o time_n count_v innumerable_a to_o make_v out_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o event_n with_o this_o type_n take_v these_o particular_a consideration_n which_o will_v evidence_n the_o horridnesse_n of_o this_o persecution_n which_o be_v call_v turbo_n persecutionis_fw-la 1._o that_o it_o be_v universal_a through_o all_o the_o empire_n and_o execute_v by_o so_o many_o prime_a persecuter_n combine_v together_o in_o several_a part_n for_o that_o end_n 2._o for_o length_n of_o time_n it_o continue_v full_a ten_o year_n in_o this_o heat_n 3._o particular_a instance_n of_o some_o place_n may_v give_v we_o to_o conjecture_v at_o the_o whole_a in_o particular_a place_n often_o there_o will_v be_v hundreth_n in_o a_o day_n whole_a church_n full_a burn_v at_o once_o some_o whole_a city_n refuse_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n be_v burn_v whole_a legion_n of_o christian_a soldier_n be_v in_o number_n six_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o be_v put_v to_o death_n one_o legion_n be_v instance_a who_o after_o a_o most_o godly_a oratiâ—â—â—â—_n maximianus_n by_o mauritius_n their_o commander_n with_o he_o be_v kill_v because_o they_o â—â—fused_v to_o act_v in_o persecute_v christian_n even_o after_o they_o twice_o be_v decimate_n for_o that_o cause_n though_o they_o willing_o yield_v to_o serve_v against_o all_o public_a enemy_n in_o some_o place_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o slay_v of_o itself_o make_v little_a brook_n and_o colour_a great_a river_n as_o it_o be_v in_o foxâ—_n pag._n 103._o and_o euseb._n lib._n 8._o chap._n 11_o and_o 12._o also_o chap._n 10._o who_o affirm_v he_o have_v see_v the_o actor_n of_o that_o persecution_n so_o outwearied_a and_o their_o sword_n so_o blunt_v with_o kill_v that_o they_o behoove_v to_o be_v relieve_v with_o fresh_a actor_n in_o one_o month_n of_o that_o time_n seventeen_o thousand_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v kill_v and_o by_o mâ—dâ—_n in_o locum_fw-la out_o of_o famous_a writer_n that_o in_o egypt_n alone_o which_o be_v but_o one_o little_a province_n of_o many_o belong_v to_o the_o empire_n there_o be_v one_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o martyr_n which_o may_v give_v a_o hint_n of_o what_o great_a number_n the_o whole_a put_v together_o may_v draw_v to_o 4._o the_o diversity_n of_o death_n use_v by_o these_o persecuter_n on_o the_o christian_n may_v be_v gather_v first_o froâ—_n the_o many_o engine_n purposely_o make_v for_o â—hat_n end_n as_o iron_n grate_v to_o â—osâ—_n on_o brazen_a bull_n iron_n pike_n in_o barrel_n and_o such_o like_a never_o hear_v of_o before_o second_o the_o many_o way_n use_v to_o kill_v they_o draw_v with_o horse_n cleave_v with_o tree_n cast_v to_o wild_a beast_n send_v to_o sea_n in_o boat_n without_o any_o provision_n and_o thousand_o of_o this_o kind_a to_o be_v see_v in_o fox_n his_o table_n of_o these_o torture_n and_o in_o euseb._n lib._n 8._o who_o affirm_v there_o be_v a_o emulation_n among_o the_o wicked_a people_n who_o may_v invent_v the_o moâ—â—â—â—â—ouring_a death_n unto_o christian_n 5._o this_o cruelty_n may_v appear_v by_o this_o that_o none_o of_o whatsoever_o relation_n be_v spare_v friend_n neice_n child_n be_v put_v to_o death_n yea_o this_o dâ—â—â—â—siaâ—_n put_v his_o own_o wife_n sirena_n to_o death_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o as_o no_o natural_a relation_n so_o no_o good_a office_n of_o the_o most_o faithful_a friend_n find_v place_n to_o divert_v that_o rage_n it_o be_v report_v of_o one_o eustacâ—ius_n who_o have_v return_v victor_n over_o these_o enemy_n against_o who_o he_o be_v send_v that_o on_o the_o day_n of_o his_o triumph_n and_o entry_n to_o the_o city_n he_o and_o his_o family_n be_v put_v to_o death_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o sacrifice_v with_o the_o emperor_n at_o his_o entry_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_a unto_o the_o emperor_n who_o out_o of_o honour_n to_o he_o have_v go_v forth_o to_o meet_v he_o 6._o add_v to_o these_o the_o great_a mortality_n and_o death_n that_o be_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o this_o dioclesian_n time_n it_o be_v record_v by_o euseb._n lib._n 8._o cap._n 10_o that_o man_n die_v fast_o than_o the_o live_n be_v able_a to_o bury_v they_o by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o dog_n be_v so_o accustom_v to_o eat_v dead_a man_n flesh_n that_o they_o become_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o live_n lest_o they_o shall_v eat_v they_o also_o which_o make_v they_o in_o all_o place_n endeavour_v the_o kill_n of_o all_o dog_n as_o be_v record_v by_o he_o 7._o consider_v that_o many_o excellent_a minister_n step_v out_o at_o this_o time_n to_o comfort_v god_n people_n and_o to_o draw_v their_o mind_n upward_o to_o a_o creature-contemning_a and_o spiritual_a walk_n as_o arnobius_n and_o cyprian_a who_o upon_o a_o very_a like_o occasion_n write_v his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr mortalitate_fw-la under_o the_o nine_o persecution_n from_o all_o which_o consideration_n we_o may_v see_v a_o event_n answerable_a to_o the_o type_n which_o may_v be_v well_o call_v death_n with_o such_o a_o convoy_n commission_n and_o
he_o as_o chap._n 13._o the_o opposition_n be_v clear_a they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o whore_n be_v now_o turn_v to_o christ._n 3._o they_o be_v the_o lord_n as_o family_n and_o city_n in_o the_o act_n be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v church_n as_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o paul_n at_o ephesus_n i_o have_v much_o people_n in_o this_o place_n that_o be_v a_o flourish_a numerous_a church_n to_o be_v convert_v here_o by_o thy_o ministry_n who_o be_v gather_v become_v a_o church_n revel_v 2.1_o and_o so_o a_o people_n be_v the_o lord_n be_v their_o become_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v equivalent_a as_o to_o say_v that_o nation_n be_v a_o church_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o these_o in_o ephesus_n be_v write_v unto_o rev._n 2.1_o out_o of_o all_o which_o may_v be_v conclude_v if_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v that_o nation_n shall_v be_v the_o lord_n and_o nation_n shall_v be_v church_n then_o the_o scripture_n do_v assert_v national_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o as_o consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n administration_n but_o as_o a_o evident_a commendation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a from_o this_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o last_o also_o for_o a_o song_n be_v give_v to_o god_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o objection_n to_o be_v remove_v the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o national_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yea_o where_o sundry_a family_n and_o church_n of_o one_o nation_n be_v convert_v they_o be_v style_v church_n and_o not_o one_o church_n so_o may_v it_o be_v here_o answ._n 1._o it_o will_v not_o be_v safe_a in_o some_o thing_n to_o stick_v literal_o to_o word_n so_o as_o none_o other_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o what_o be_v express_o in_o the_o letter_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o its_o infancy_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o no_o whole_a nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v convert_v and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n see_v that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v prime_a part_n be_v long_o after_o that_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o though_o a_o minor_a part_n be_v call_v by_o church_n and_o not_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n see_v the_o nation_n and_o church_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v not_o national_a ans._n 2._o yet_o the_o equivalent_a be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n two_o way_n 1._o when_o many_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n corinth_n which_o be_v more_o than_o one_o congregation_n and_o may_v it_o not_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v give_v to_o many_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o well_o compare_v 1_o corinth_n 1.2_o with_o 14.34_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o one_o church_n have_v more_o in_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v equivalent_a when_o many_o church_n of_o one_o people_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n count_v as_o one_o and_o call_v one_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o the_o hebrew_n be_v all_o when_o they_o be_v write_v to_o call_v one_o house_n hâ—b_n 3.6_o yet_o have_v many_o officer_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o be_v the_o object_n of_o writing_n and_o by_o peter_n one_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v call_v one_o lump_n chap._n 5._o and_o write_v unto_o in_o common_a to_o cut_v off_o they_o that_o trouble_v they_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o grow_a of_o a_o rent_n among_o they_o which_o certain_o show_v we_o that_o church_n in_o one_o nation_n have_v danger_n common_a to_o they_o all_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o other_o and_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o respective_o and_o rent_n and_o strive_n wherewith_o they_o peculiar_o be_v bite_v and_o devour_v it_o show_v also_o there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a unity_n to_o be_v rend_v some_o great_a â—ye_z and_o union_n that_o make_v they_o as_o one_o lump_n to_o be_v in_o hazard_n and_o some_o ground_n give_v they_o accuse_v to_o go_v united_o about_o these_o duty_n which_o otherwise_o be_v impossible_a to_o they_o some_o way_n peculiar_a to_o they_o in_o that_o one_o nation_n more_o than_o with_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o answ._n 3._o the_o scripture_n express_o call_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n by_o one_o church_n which_o apparent_o be_v that_o same_o with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v the_o same_o officer_n for_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o all_o the_o believer_n reckon_v in_o jerusalem_n dwell_v in_o the_o town_n but_o it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o church_n which_o paul_n persecute_v be_v one_o church_n act_v 8.3_o but_o that_o be_v especial_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o they_o but_o all_o that_o call_v on_o christ_n name_n act_v 9.1.2.14_o wherever_o they_o be_v all_o of_o that_o way_n 9.21_o especial_o jew_n wherefore_o he_o have_v letter_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o high_a priest_n which_o reach_v not_o to_o gentile_n for_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o he_o enter_v in_o synagogue_n to_o persecute_v yet_o that_o church_n which_o he_o persecute_v be_v the_o church_n in_o judea_n who_o upon_o his_o conversion_n from_o persecution_n be_v say_v immediate_o to_o have_v rest_n chap._n 9.31_o compare_v with_o it_o act_n 26.9_o 10.11_o etc._n etc._n yea_o from_o that_o we_o may_v argue_v the_o church_n which_o paul_n do_v persecute_v be_v one_o church_n chap._n 8.3_o but_o that_o comprehend_v all_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o way_n and_o the_o church_n of_o all_o judea_n samaria_n and_o gaâ—ilie_n as_o appear_v vers_n 1_o 2_o 31._o chap._n 9_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o church_n or_o thus_o if_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n may_v be_v one_o there_o may_v be_v a_o national_a church_n but_o they_o be_v one_o these_o who_o have_v rest_n by_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o same_o who_o be_v trouble_v by_o his_o persecution_n for_o that_o chap._n 9.31_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o paul_n conversion_n but_o these_o who_o have_v â—â—st_n be_v many_o church_n and_o these_o who_o be_v persecute_v be_v but_o one_o ergo_fw-la these_o many_o be_v one_o and_o that_o one_o be_v many_o take_v one_o other_o place_n gal._n 1._o compare_v vers_fw-la 13_o 22_o 23_o 25._o there_o be_v one_o church_n speak_v of_o vers_n 13._o there_o be_v church_n of_o judea_n speak_v of_o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o yet_o both_o be_v one_o therefore_o it_o must_v mean_v as_o much_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n these_o church_n of_o judea_n be_v many_o church_n to_o who_o paul_n be_v unknown_a but_o these_o church_n be_v these_o who_o paul_n persecute_v say_v they_o vers_fw-la 23._o he_o that_o persecute_v we_o that_o be_v we_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la that_o one_o church_n who_o he_o persecute_v vers_fw-la 13._o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n include_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n neither_o will_v it_o be_v of_o force_n to_o say_v this_o make_v the_o church_n national_a as_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o jew_n because_o for_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n differ_v from_o make_v the_o church_n national_a or_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o that_o nation_n which_o be_v the_o jew_n privilege_n beyond_o all_o nation_n neither_o be_v it_o good_a reason_n person_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nation_n and_o stock_n therefore_o of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o follow_v that_o seed_n be_v what_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v doubt_v if_o israel_n be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v good_a reason_n such_o a_o nation_n have_v give_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o christ_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o church_n again_o in_o that_o respect_n a_o city_n or_o family_n be_v not_o more_o consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o church_n than_o a_o whole_a nation_n for_o no_o particular_a city_n or_o family_n have_v promise_n beyond_o other_o under_o the_o gospel_n yet_o any_o city_n or_o family_n become_v christian_n become_v a_o church_n and_o all_o their_o member_n be_v church-member_n and_o what_o more_o be_v pleaded-for_a or_o can_v be_v deny_v unto_o nation_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v except_v that_o a_o nation_n be_v many_o for_o many_o professor_n be_v promise_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o reign_n by_o their_o multitude_n as_o their_o purity_n or_o holiness_n be_v another_o when_o join_v together_o hence_o also_o second_o we_o may_v from_o the_o former_a ground_n argue_v for_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n thus_o if_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n
restraint_n within_o the_o pit_n which_o he_o know_v be_v abide_v he_o and_o ere_o long_o in_o respect_n of_o eternity_n or_o that_o time_n he_o have_v before_o he_o be_v to_o get_v that_o sentence_n execute_v on_o he_o so_o that_o the_o world_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o be_v secure_a and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o earth_n drink_v up_o the_o flood_n which_o be_v by_o he_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o woman_n be_v the_o accidental_a effect_n or_o consequent_a wherein_o this_o woe_n consist_v it_o be_v like_o that_o word_n mat._n 18._o wo_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o all_o these_o ill_n which_o he_o now_o multiply_v fall_v upon_o the_o poor_a earthly_a professor_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o watch_v against_o they_o for_o the_o church_n fly_v which_o follow_v have_v safety_n with_o it_o to_o these_o who_o be_v she_o true_a seed_n but_o it_o be_v a_o woe_n to_o the_o earth_n from_o who_o she_o flee_v because_o then_o the_o devil_n have_v all_o left_a to_o he_o without_o that_o public_a opposition_n that_o a_o stand_a church_n make_v to_o he_o it_o be_v no_o lâ—ttle_a mercy_n when_o there_o be_v a_o public_a church-state_n and_o no_o little_a curse_n when_o she_o be_v not_o so_o discernible_a hence_o observe_v 1._o when_o the_o church_n seem_v weak_a like_o a_o poor_a woman_n travel_v and_o enemy_n seem_v strong_a like_o a_o great_a red_a dragon_n even_o than_o the_o church_n be_v strong_a and_o have_v more_o for_o her_o tâ—an_n against_o she_o if_o she_o see_v they_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n 2_o king_n 6.16_o 2._o in_o the_o church_n weak_a time_n she_o loss_v no_o battle_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o strong_a time_n never_o prevail_v nay_o when_o his_o instrument_n be_v take_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v but_o pull_v down_o their_o own_o throne_n and_o establish_n christ_n better_o be_v a_o single_a soldier_n on_o christ_n side_n than_o a_o commander_n of_o a_o whole_a army_n against_o he_o 3._o see_v what_o sort_n of_o enemy_n the_o church_n have_v to_o do_v with_o and_o what_o cause_n she_o have_v to_o watch_v 4._o from_o the_o song_n observe_v the_o sad_a conflict_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v joyful_a outgate_n there_o be_v a_o excellent_a song_n here_o on_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o dragon_n persecution_n as_o chap._n 11._o before_o and_o it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o believer_n there_o be_v a_o delivery_n attend_v every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o day_n after_o the_o dark_a night_n a_o fair_a sunshine_n after_o every_o shower_n a_o long_a eternity_n of_o joy_n after_o a_o temporary_a affliction_n bear_v your_o trial_n the_o better_a and_o wait_v for_o a_o outgate_n when_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v it_o and_o if_o he_o delay_v think_v it_o not_o long_o it_o be_v come_v when_o or_o how_o he_o know_v in_o who_o hand_n be_v time_n and_o season_n which_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v lecture_n iii_o vers._n 13._o and_o when_o the_o dragon_n see_v that_o he_o be_v cast_v unto_o the_o earth_n he_o persecute_v the_o woman_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o man-child_n 14._o and_o to_o the_o woman_n be_v give_v two_o wing_n of_o a_o great_a eagle_n that_o she_o may_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n into_o her_o place_n where_o she_o be_v nourish_v for_o a_o time_n and_o time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o serpent_n 15._o and_o the_o serpent_n cast_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n water_n as_o a_o flood_n after_o the_o woman_n that_o he_o may_v cause_v she_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o of_o the_o flood_n 16._o and_o the_o earth_n help_v the_o woman_n and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v up_o the_o flood_n which_o the_o dragon_n cast_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n 17._o and_o the_o dragon_n be_v wrâ—th_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o go_v to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n which_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n contain_v a_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v obscure_a yet_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_a 1._o that_o as_o to_o the_o time_n thereof_o it_o do_v succeed_v and_o that_o immediate_o to_o her_o first_o trial_n and_o her_o travel_v under_o heathenish_a persecution_n be_v over_o and_o do_v precede_v the_o open_a appear_v of_o antichrist_n which_o follow_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v continue_v the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n from_o constantin_n come_v to_o the_o empire_n about_o the_o year_n 310._o until_o the_o year_n 606._o or_o thereby_o which_o in_o the_o five_o trumpet_n chap._n 9_o be_v clear_v to_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o it_o be_v from_o this_o clear_a that_o it_o must_v contemporate_a with_o the_o first_o four_o trumpet_n chap._n 8._o and_o so_o must_v in_o the_o event_n be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v more_o short_o and_o general_o set_v down_o here_o because_o it_o be_v more_o large_o insist_v on_o in_o these_o and_o because_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o vision_n be_v especial_o to_o describe_v antichrist_n kingdom_n which_o be_v more_o obscure_o and_o short_o point_v at_o by_o the_o five_o trumpet_n chap._n 9_o and_o what_o follow_v thereon_o chap._n 11._o and_o so_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o part_n be_v to_o continue_v the_o series_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n between_o her_o open_a suffering_n under_o the_o dragon_n and_o heathen_a persecuter_n and_o the_o open_a appear_v of_o the_o beast_n or_o antichrist_n for_o though_o that_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o vision_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o beast_n kingdom_n yet_o because_o that_o do_v not_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o former_a and_o the_o church_n decline_v be_v not_o instant_o at_o its_o height_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v never_o idle_a therefore_o here_o be_v show_v a_o interveen_a exercise_n whereby_o the_o devil_n assay_v either_o utter_o to_o undo_v she_o or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o beast_n advancement_n which_o can_v not_o without_o forego_v preparation_n be_v expect_v to_o have_v such_o universal_a welcome_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o john_n be_v the_o more_o short_a in_o set_v down_o this_o so_o may_v we_o be_v in_o explicate_v of_o it_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o it_o on_o chap._n 8._o in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o devil_n design_n be_v lay_v down_o vers_n 13._o 2._o the_o church_n safety_n be_v express_v vers_fw-la 14._o 3._o a_o new_a mean_v use_v by_o he_o to_o pursue_v his_o design_n be_v foretell_v vers_fw-la 15._o 4._o the_o church_n preservation_n from_o that_o and_o the_o mean_v thereof_o follow_v vers_fw-la 16._o and_o last_o the_o devil_n grand_a design_n which_o he_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n accomplish_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n be_v hint_v vers_fw-la 17._o so_o that_o every_o verse_n have_v a_o new_a material_a step_n of_o the_o church_n exercise_n wherein_o the_o devil_n uncessant_a malice_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o lord_n gracious_a care_n and_o sovereignty_n on_o the_o other_o do_v in_o this_o contest_v eminent_o appear_v the_o first_o be_v set_v forth_o vers_fw-la 13._o in_o two_o 1._o the_o devil_n design_n and_o work_v he_o persecute_v the_o woman_n which_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o man-child_n this_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o vers_n 4._o although_o that_o be_v persecution_n also_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o in_o the_o object_n who_o he_o persecute_v it_o be_v the_o woman_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o man-child_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v the_o man-child_n itself_o vers_fw-la 4._o the_o party_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n the_o same_o but_o the_o church_n consider_v in_o she_o complex_fw-la nature_n as_o a_o associate_v body_n with_o ordinance_n of_o word_n sacrament_n discipline_n or_o government_n be_v call_v the_o woman_n because_o as_o such_o she_o bring_v forth_o and_o be_v a_o mother_n again_o as_o she_o be_v consider_v in_o her_o particular_a member_n and_o professor_n these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v her_o child_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v that_o former_o the_o devil_n endeavour_v immediate_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o professor_n that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n by_o heathenish_a persecution_n seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o church_n in_o her_o member_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o professor_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n here_o again_o see_v that_o fail_v he_o and_o he_o can_v no_o long_o command_v man_n to_o take_v the_o life_n of_o particular_a christian_n on_o that_o account_n he_o do_v not_o now_o war_n direct_o against_o they_o but_o
of_o discipline_n most_o dexterous_o faithful_o condescend_o and_o indefatigable_o discharge_v by_o he_o towards_o about_o fifteen_o hundred_o soul_n of_o who_o he_o alone_o as_o minister_n have_v the_o oversight_n yet_o in_o the_o whole_a series_n and_o contexture_n thereof_o thou_o will_v notwithstanding_o find_v as_o much_o solidity_n sobriety_n and_o modesty_n much_o quickness_n and_o sagacity_n and_o very_o much_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n consider_v the_o obscurity_n comparatiuè_n i_o mean_v of_o this_o scripture_n which_o be_v rare_a sweet_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v each_o other_o so_o likewise_o thou_o wâ—lt_v discover_v beside_o a_o clear_a explication_n of_o the_o text_n of_o this_o book_n and_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n his_o be_v that_o antichrist_n a_o main_a scope_n of_o it_o even_o to_o the_o awaken_n of_o the_o lamentable_o decay_a zeal_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o that_o beast_n drink_v with_o the_o blond_n of_o saint_n after_o who_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o that_o to_o the_o great_a offence_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v alas_o still_o wonder_v thou_o will_v i_o say_v beside_o those_o discover_v vast_a lecture_n in_o history_n great_a light_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o very_o deep_a reach_n in_o the_o profound_a and_o most_o intricate_a thing_n in_o theology_n to_o a_o public_a profession_n whereof_o in_o this_o university_n of_o glasgow_n he_o be_v sometime_o to_o wit_n a_o little_a before_o his_o be_v appoint_v to_o attend_v the_o king_n family_n by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n authorize_v for_o visit_v the_o say_a university_n most_o unanimous_o and_o solemn_o design_v and_o call_v to_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o refreshment_n of_o many_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o especial_o of_o famous_a and_o worthy_a mr._n dickson_n to_o who_o the_o precious_a author_n be_v choose_v to_o succeed_v in_o that_o profession_n he_o be_v call_v to_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o the_o university_n of_o edinburgh_n as_o one_o of_o the_o able_a and_o best_a furnish_v man_n all_o thing_n be_v consider_v â—n_v our_o church_n that_o be_v not_o already_o engage_v in_o such_o employment_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o fill_v mr._n dickson_n room_n but_o his_o work_n will_v speak_v for_o itself_o and_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o gate_n and_o no_o doubt_n provoke_v the_o reader_n as_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o he_o so_o to_o lament_v the_o church_n great_a loss_n in_o the_o removal_n of_o such_o a_o useful_a instrument_n in_o the_o very_a flower_n prime_a and_o vigour_n of_o his_o grace_n gift_n and_o age_n be_v but_o about_o six_o and_o thirty_o year_n which_o loss_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a that_o he_o be_v eminent_o and_o beyond_o many_o as_o several_a other_o way_n so_o through_o the_o heal_a disposition_n and_o great_a moderation_n of_o spirit_n give_v unto_o he_o fit_v to_o deal_v in_o the_o edification-obstructing_a difference_n of_o this_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d and_o divide_a church_n as_o may_v further_o afterward_o appear_v by_o a_o piece_n of_o his_o concern_v scandal_n short_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o be_v publish_v i_o will_v not_o detain_v thou_o much_o long_o from_o peruse_v of_o this_o work_n only_o i_o shall_v in_o short_a give_v thou_o a_o account_n leave_v his_o way_n of_o write_v shall_v be_v mistake_v by_o any_o because_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o other_o especial_o of_o late_a have_v follow_v to_o the_o no_o small_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o the_o reason_n induce_v the_o author_n as_o he_o be_o pass_o show_v i_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n to_o insert_v these_o question_n that_o be_v by_o way_n of_o digression_n more_o large_o handle_v in_o this_o book_n 1._o the_o importunity_n of_o some_o friend_n 2._o his_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soundness_n and_o inoffensivenesse_a of_o the_o matter_n wherein_o though_o he_o have_v here_o and_o there_o differ_v from_o some_o great_a man_n yet_o have_v he_o carry_v the_o difference_n with_o so_o much_o meekness_n and_o so_o few_o irritate_v or_o reflect_v expression_n deal_v only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o simple_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v cast_v a_o copy_n worthy_a to_o be_v follow_v by_o other_o in_o this_o eristick_a age_n 3._o some_o apprehension_n that_o to_o not_o a_o few_o that_o way_n of_o touch_v upon_o some_o question_n may_v be_v more_o please_a and_o take_v 4._o to_o prevent_v drown_v as_o it_o be_v in_o follow_v the_o series_n and_o tract_n of_o the_o story_n and_o commentary_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o several_a learned_a and_o worthy_a man_n in_o their_o write_n upon_o the_o scripture_n 5._o because_o the_o clear_n of_o some_o place_n along_o the_o book_n itself_o do_v call_v for_o several_a of_o they_o 6._o that_o if_o they_o may_v any_o way_n at_o all_o be_v useful_a they_o shall_v not_o altogether_o perish_v there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o convenient_a way_n for_o the_o publish_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v a_o pity_n to_o have_v smother_v and_o keep_v they_o from_o see_v the_o light_n for_o i_o have_v sometime_o hear_v he_o in_o his_o sickness_n profess_v that_o however_o fectlesse_a they_o be_v as_o he_o have_v peace_n in_o his_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o new_a uncouth_a or_o strange_a thing_n in_o they_o so_o he_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o sometime_o in_o they_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o book_n he_o have_v find_v god_n sensible_o assist_v and_o carry_v he_o through_o beyond_o his_o own_o expectation_n now_o desire_v that_o these_o labour_n of_o the_o author_n which_o be_v intermix_v with_o much_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o all_o the_o while_o he_o be_v a_o lecture_a upon_o this_o scripture_n and_o since_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o day_n every_o week_n extraordinary_o set_v apart_o for_o prayer_n as_o for_o other_o cause_n so_o no_o doubt_n for_o seek_v god_n help_v in_o that_o work_n desire_v i_o say_v that_o these_o prayer-full_a labour_n of_o he_o may_v be_v rich_o blessed_v of_o god_n to_o thou_o for_o make_v thou_o read_v the_o revelation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v have_v lyen_fw-we by_o thou_o for_o most_o of_o it_o at_o least_o as_o a_o seal_a book_n hitherto_o with_o more_o understanding_n edification_n and_o comfort_n than_o ever_o and_o desire_v withal_o that_o the_o bright_a and_o morningstar_n who_o hold_v the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n may_v illuminate_v and_o fix_v many_o star_n of_o such_o magnitude_n and_o keep_v they_o long_o bright_o shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o direction_n guidance_n and_o comfort_n thereof_o in_o these_o cloudy_a and_o sad_a time_n i_o be_o at_o least_o will_v be_v christian_n glasgow_n the_o 23._o of_o september_n 1658._o thy_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n carstair_n reader_n be_v desire_v to_o speak_v my_o knowledge_n of_o this_o subsequent_a work_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_v one_o who_o frequent_o encourage_v the_o author_n to_o let_v it_o go_v abroad_o for_o however_o he_o have_v no_o time_n to_o polish_v it_o and_o what_o be_v here_o almost_o all_o be_v take_v from_o his_o month_n by_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o ordinary_a hearer_n yet_o i_o be_o assure_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o i_o hear_v it_o week_o deliver_v be_v so_o preci_fw-la we_o as_o can_v but_o be_v very_o welcome_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o world_n of_o believer_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o gracious_a design_n which_o some_o worthy_a brethren_n among_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o have_v now_o far_o advance_v to_o the_o good_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o have_v a_v of_o the_o fiâ—st_a fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n of_o make_v the_o body_n of_o holy_a scripture_n plain_a and_o useful_a to_o vulgar_a capacity_n be_v not_o a_o little_a further_v by_o this_o piece_n for_o albeit_o with_o great_a length_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o book_n of_o necessity_n do_v require_v than_o these_o brethren_n design_n of_o â—hortuesse_n do_v admit_v yet_o it_o make_v very_o plain_a and_o useful_a that_o without_o all_o question_n hard_a of_o all_o scripture_n this_o i_o can_v say_v thâ—t_o diverse_a of_o the_o most_o obscure_a text_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n which_o i_o understand_v little_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o lecture_n before_o he_o close_v his_o exercise_n be_v make_v to_o i_o so_o clear_a that_o i_o judge_v his_o exposition_n may_v well_o be_v aquiesce_v into_o without_o much_o more_o debate_n that_o wit_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a weak_a which_o dare_v promise_n from_o the_o pen_n of_o any_o man_n a_o clear_a and_o certain_a exposition_n of_o all_o the_o revelation_n before_o the_o day_n of_o performance_n oâ—_n these_o very_a deep_a and_o mysterious_a prophecy_n it_o be_v
the_o church_n in_o judea_n so_o corinth_n take_v in_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n 2._o consider_v those_o church_n as_o once_o give_v to_o idolatry_n ephesus_n be_v famous_a or_o rather_o infamous_a for_o that_o act_v 19_o yet_o now_o christ_n esteem_v they_o all_o church_n bestow_v a_o epistle_n upon_o they_o hold_v out_o 1._o his_o love_n 2._o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o gospel_n 3._o the_o sovereignty_n and_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n break_v in_o on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n among_o they_o and_o that_o christ_n can_v win_v in_o church_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o most_o profane_a heathennish_a and_o idolatrous_a city_n and_o people_n 3._o consider_v these_o city_n be_v respect_v by_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v city_n but_o because_o they_o be_v church_n that_o which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o be_v the_o church_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v place_n carry_v respect_n with_o jesus_n christ_n more_o than_o all_o the_o glance_a victory_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o consider_v they_o as_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o more_o some_o of_o they_o less_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v call_v less_o or_o more_o church_n ephesus_z where_o be_v many_o thousand_o be_v but_o a_o church_n as_o smyrna_n and_o other_o lesser_a town_n be_v the_o reason_n be_v the_o scripture_n go_v not_o upon_o multitude_n and_o external_a consideration_n of_o that_o kind_n but_o upon_o the_o unity_n that_o be_v among_o minister_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v not_o astrict_v to_o one_o particular_a congregation_n and_o where_o it_o be_v it_o make_v a_o union_n among_o many_o as_o among_o few_o and_o among_o few_o as_o among_o many_o 5._o consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o where_o the_o member_n do_v inhabit_v which_o show_v that_o parochial_a march_n by_o bound_n or_o town_n in_o convenient_a lie_v be_v not_o unsuitable_a but_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n wherefore_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o of_o any_o certain_a place_n include_v all_o the_o professor_n live_v there_o they_o be_v account_v of_o that_o church_n and_o no_o other_o as_o providence_n have_v put_v they_o together_o and_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v as_o they_o live_v sundry_a no_o indweller_n of_o ephesus_n be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n or_o contrary_o order_n in_o this_o be_v well_o consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o will_v not_o find_v mention_n make_v in_o scripture_n of_o two_o church_n in_o one_o place_n what_o ever_o the_o number_n be_v save_o when_o they_o be_v after_o subdivide_v as_o 1_o cor._n 14._o so_o we_o will_v not_o find_v any_o saint_n speak_v of_o as_o belong_v to_o any_o congregation_n but_o as_o they_o dwell_v and_o the_o church_n at_o such_o a_o place_n and_o saint_n of_o such_o a_o place_n be_v still_o take_v to_o be_v of_o a_o like_a extent_n 6._o consider_v some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o corrupt_a other_o of_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a yet_o he_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o they_o all_o some_o have_v a_o name_n that_o they_o be_v live_v when_o they_o be_v dead_a some_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n some_o have_v in_o they_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n some_o be_v lukewarm_a etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o own_a as_o church_n and_o write_v to_o 1._o because_o our_o lord_n look_v on_o they_o as_o have_v that_o which_o make_v they_o to_o have_v the_o essence_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o so_o far_o he_o give_v they_o the_o name_n though_o many_o defect_n be_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o entitle_v they_o so_o he_o stand_v not_o to_o give_v laodicea_n the_o title_n of_o a_o church_n to_o he_o which_o many_o it_o may_v be_v will_v scarce_o count_v worthy_a the_o name_n of_o christian_n 2._o because_o our_o lord_n way_n be_v not_o at_o first_o to_o give_v up_o with_o church_n and_o person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o he_o in_o church-relation_n but_o to_o press_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v forthcoming_a to_o their_o obligation_n he_o say_v not_o you_o be_v no_o church_n but_o reckon_v they_o church_n and_o on_o that_o ground_n find_v his_o promise_n threaten_n and_o direction_n and_o give_v they_o reproof_n for_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o his_o advice_n to_o amend_v the_o same_o a_o excellent_a way_n of_o deal_v to_o have_v church_n answerable_a to_o their_o obligation_n and_o not_o to_o cast_v they_o off_o rejection_n be_v the_o last_o thing_n use_v when_o neither_o threaten_n promise_n reproof_n nor_o direction_n have_v place_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o we_o may_v say_v it_o on_o the_o bye_n it_o be_v christ_n prerogative_n to_o remove_v candlestick_n and_o dissolve_v tie_n between_o he_o and_o churches_n 7._o consider_v these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v now_o compare_v they_o with_o what_o they_o be_v once_o golden-candlestick_n now_o den_n for_o mahomet_n the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n once_o write_v of_o to_o they_o now_o trample_v on_o which_o show_v 1._o how_o doleful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o despise_v warning_n 2._o to_o what_o a_o hight_v church_n defection_n may_v come_v to_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o heal_n in_o time_n when_o fall_v from_o the_o first_o love_n be_v not_o take_v heed_n to_o it_o may_v come_v to_o make_v a_o church_n no_o church_n these_o church_n be_v once_o as_o glorious_a as_o ever_o glasgow_n be_v and_o more_o paul_n write_v to_o sundry_a of_o they_o and_o here_o john_n to_o they_o all_o yet_o for_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n break_v the_o stay_v of_o beauty_n and_o band_n and_o they_o be_v no_o church_n to_o he_o tremble_v to_o think_v upon_o it_o 8._o consider_v that_o john_n now_o in_o prison_n write_v the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o johns_n imprisonment_n we_o now_o have_v more_o write_n by_o the_o apostle_n epistle_n from_o their_o prison_n than_o we_o have_v from_o their_o liberty_n god_n make_v this_o good_a use_n of_o man_n malice_n 9_o he_o repeat_v his_o commission_n not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o to_o every_o church_n as_o their_o peculiar_a message_n be_v that_o he_o may_v bear_v out_o his_o commission_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o warrant_n they_o have_v to_o hear_v he_o neither_o minister_n ought_v to_o speak_v or_o people_n to_o hear_v except_o they_o be_v warrand_v there_o be_v a_o unwarrantableness_n in_o hear_v as_o there_o be_v in_o speak_v prov._n 19.27_o and_o people_n will_v make_v conscience_n in_o hear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o do_v indifferent_o and_o there_o will_v not_o be_v indifferent_a access_n for_o all_o to_o preach_v nor_o for_o hear_v but_o as_o the_o lord_n warrant_n lecture_n vi._n vers._n 12._o and_o i_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n 13._o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n and_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n 14._o his_o head_n and_o his_o hair_n be_v white_a like_o wool_n as_o white_a as_o snow_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n 15._o and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n as_o if_o they_o burn_v in_o a_o furnace_n the_o second_o circumstance_n or_o step_v of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n be_v what_o john_n do_v vers_fw-la 12._o or_o his_o carriage_n when_o he_o hear_v the_o voice_n speak_v of_o before_o vers_n 10._o i_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v a_o voice_n be_v not_o proper_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n but_o it_o be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v understand_v 1._o either_o john_n turn_v he_o that_o be_v give_v pain_n more_o clear_o to_o perceive_v and_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v for_o seeing_z in_o scripture_n be_v often_o so_o take_v for_o a_o more_o clear_a up-taking_a and_o understanding_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v john_n have_v hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o he_o he_o lend_v to_o his_o ear_n to_o take_v it_o up_o better_a or_o 2._o it_o may_v look_v to_o john_n desire_n to_o see_v he_o that_o speak_v and_o so_o he_o turn_v not_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n but_o the_o speaker_n and_o on_o the_o back_n of_o this_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n be_v represent_v to_o he_o and_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n follow_v what_o john_n see_v upon_o his_o turn_n about_o he_o get_v this_o vision_n folk_n that_o go_v about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n serious_o mind_v edification_n they_o ready_o profit_v
they_o be_v faithful_a or_o defective_a in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o which_o do_v certain_o show_v not_o only_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n but_o also_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o faithful_o exercise_v as_o be_v a_o special_a mean_a and_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o edification_n thereof_o and_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o her_o officer_n to_o exerce_fw-la or_o forbear_v at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o be_v discharge_v as_o they_o will_v have_v christ_n commendation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o as_o they_o will_v eschew_v his_o sharp_a reproof_n on_o the_o other_o and_o as_o they_o will_v prevent_v the_o offence_n and_o destruction_n and_o promove_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n over_o who_o they_o watch_v as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o all_o age_n either_o seek_v to_o oppose_v or_o corrupt_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_a of_o the_o church_n edification_n he_o begin_v even_o under_o heathen_a emperor_n to_o traduce_v this_o government_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o civil_a authority_n and_o do_v provoke_v persecutor_n by_o nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v account_v a_o king_n by_o christian_n and_o that_o according_o they_o do_v keep_v distinct_a court_n under_o he_o which_o the_o politician_n of_o the_o world_n do_v account_v inconsistent_a with_o government_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o primitive_a time_n and_o the_o apology_n of_o christian_n particular_o of_o origen_n against_o celsus_n wherein_o he_o do_v particular_o and_o full_o insist_v upon_o this_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v vindicate_v his_o ordinance_n of_o government_n with_o all_o his_o other_o ordinance_n the_o devil_n set_v himself_o to_o corrupt_v the_o same_o and_o to_o pervert_v it_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o divert_v it_o in_o its_o exercise_n from_o the_o appoint_a end_n of_o edify_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o she_o and_o tyranny_n over_o she_o by_o the_o many_o debate_n concern_v precedency_n which_o he_o stir_v up_o after_o the_o church_n freedom_n from_o heathenish_a persecution_n till_o at_o last_o he_o bring_v antichrist_n to_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v either_o make_v the_o government_n hurtful_a or_o odious_a unto_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o other_o even_o as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o do_v endeavour_v the_o corrupt_v thereof_o by_o error_n when_o he_o can_v not_o altogether_o suppress_v the_o same_o again_o when_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o public_a at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o antichrist_n tyranny_n be_v by_o many_o casten_z off_z he_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o effectuate_v one_o of_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n that_o either_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v no_o distinct_a government_n at_o all_o or_o that_o at_o least_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o another_o form_n and_o of_o another_o nature_n than_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v such_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o government_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o even_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o not_o and_o although_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o do_v not_o profess_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o intend_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o have_v it_o with_o it_o no_o little_a advantage_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o prejudice_n to_o christ_n for_o 1._o by_o this_o mean_v satan_n obscure_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o draw_v man_n to_o undervalue_v the_o same_o as_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o refine_a piece_n of_o civil_a policy_n as_o but_o subservient_fw-fr to_o politic_a end_n and_o the_o uphold_v of_o temporal_a greatness_n of_o man_n in_o place_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o will_v find_v the_o most_o worldly-wise_a and_o politic_a man_n that_o be_v least_o zealous_a ordinary_o in_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o great_a favourer_n and_o abettor_n of_o this_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n see_v christ_n way_n of_o government_n even_o as_o his_o doctrine_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n it_o be_v observable_a also_o that_o where_o this_o opinion_n have_v place_n there_o be_v little_a account_n of_o any_o other_o ordinance_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v prostitute_v promiscuous_o to_o all_o the_o ministry_n be_v either_o account_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o minister_n make_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o arbitrary_o to_o be_v put_v out_o or_o in_o as_o they_o be_v please_v or_o displease_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v special_o intend_v to_o curb_v free_a faithful_a speak_n and_o to_o be_v a_o snare_n to_o make_v they_o flatter_v magistrate_n and_o power_n all_o which_o show_v the_o undervalue_a principle_n that_o this_o opinion_n do_v proceed_v from_o 2._o this_o opinion_n have_v ordinary_o with_o it_o more_o licentiousness_n and_o that_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n for_o necessary_o one_o of_o these_o two_o do_v follow_v either_o many_o error_n and_o scandal_n in_o practice_n be_v account_v light_a and_o not_o censurable_a at_o all_o or_o if_o that_o in_o way_n of_o reason_n be_v grant_v yet_o in_o practice_n it_o be_v never_o perform_v and_o can_v it_o ever_o be_v make_v out_o in_o any_o practice_n past_a or_o possible_o to_o come_v that_o offence_n in_o people_n or_o minister_n have_v be_v so_o exact_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o restrain_v or_o remove_v where_o church-government_n have_v be_v deny_v as_o where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o exercise_n 3._o although_o such_o magistrate_n may_v be_v find_v as_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n exact_o yet_o their_o meddle_v with_o it_o further_v not_o spiritual_a edification_n so_o as_o the_o way_n of_o church-government_n do_v for_o at_o best_o it_o will_v make_v man_n but_o civil_a and_o make_v religion_n look_v like_o the_o way_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o press_v the_o rectify_v of_o nature_n whereas_o a_o church_n reproof_n or_o censure_n have_v both_o more_o edification_n to_o other_o and_o more_o convince_a shame_n to_o the_o party_n themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sin_n thereof_o as_o flow_v more_o immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o more_o direct_o represent_v to_o they_o his_o authority_n and_o their_o reckon_n to_o he_o who_o more_o singulary_o bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o by_o his_o officer_n be_v bind_v on_o earth_n and_o we_o conceive_v that_o even_o the_o profane_v in_o experience_n will_v find_v this_o true_a that_o a_o verbal_a church-censure_n which_o consider_v of_o itself_o be_v but_o light_a will_v yet_o have_v more_o impression_n as_o to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a than_o sentence_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o in_o themselves_o may_v be_v heavy_a and_o this_o will_v be_v even_o when_o the_o party_n in_o their_o outward_a carriage_n will_v seem_v to_o reverence_v the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o contemn_v the_o church_n 4._o although_o it_o shall_v be_v yet_o say_v that_o magistrate_n can_v make_v thing_n more_o effectual_a as_o in_o censure_v of_o corrupt_a minister_n and_o such_o like_a which_o indeed_o be_v a_o benefit_n in_o itself_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o consider_v this_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o especial_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o perform_v thereof_o by_o the_o church_n own_o authority_n it_o prove_v more_o disparage_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o if_o minister_n and_o church-member_n shall_v be_v apt_a to_o fall_v in_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o what_o be_v extrinsic_a for_o the_o remede_n thereof_o then_o be_v she_o apt_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sufferer_n of_o profanity_n and_o as_o a_o nest_n to_o unclean_a person_n of_o herself_o if_o by_o the_o magistrate_n course_n be_v not_o take_v with_o she_o and_o although_o by_o his_o mean_n such_o shall_v be_v purge_v out_o yet_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o natural_a man_n this_o imputation_n stick_v to_o the_o church_n as_o if_o such_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v well_o consistent_a with_o her_o profession_n and_o like_v of_o by_o her_o special_a officer_n and_o member_n now_o censure_v of_o these_o by_o she_o own_o authority_n do_v full_o and_o only_o vindicate_v she_o and_o they_o from_o these_o aspersion_n which_o be_v frequent_a upon_o the_o out-breaking_n of_o such_o scandal_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o profane_a man_n and_o this_o revenge_a of_o disobedience_n and_o vindicate_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o end_n of_o this_o church-authority_n which_o by_o no_o
other_o power_n can_v be_v attain_v and_o no_o question_n the_o devil_n love_v to_o have_v scandal_n break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o her_o officer_n which_o do_v once_o put_v a_o blot_n upon_o she_o and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o all_o he_o have_v rather_o that_o some_o other_o do_v it_o than_o the_o church_n herself_o because_o so_o the_o commendation_n become_v they_o and_o the_o blot_n stick_v to_o she_o and_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v he_o proclaim_v to_o all_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n will_v these_o church-officer_n and_o church-member_n be_v for_o all_o their_o profession_n if_o they_o be_v not_o even_o as_o other_o man_n by_o some_o other_o hand_n restrain_v and_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v reflect_v on_o as_o if_o he_o have_v approven_v corrupt_a man_n design_n who_o love_n to_o have_v a_o blot_n on_o the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o have_v she_o vindicate_v from_o it_o because_o by_o this_o the_o church_n be_v capable_a to_o give_v offence_n but_o in_o a_o incapacity_n to_o remove_v they_o or_o to_o vindicate_v herself_o from_o they_o which_o stand_v not_o with_o that_o zeal_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o the_o punish_n of_o fault_n simple_o that_o vindicate_v the_o church_n holiness_n but_o it_o be_v the_o censure_v of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o evidence_v the_o church_n abhorrencie_n thereof_o that_o do_v it_o otherwise_o christian_n and_o heathen_n live_v under_o one_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o same_o indignation_n at_o scandalous_a ill_n and_o so_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o church_n authority_n if_o it_o do_v not_o permit_v fault_n to_o be_v unpunished_a at_o least_o all_o yet_o it_o seclude_v such_o a_o way_n of_o censure_v they_o as_o may_v vindicate_v the_o church_n and_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n thereof_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n and_o if_o we_o may_v so_o say_v put_v she_o yea_o the_o lord_n himself_o in_o their_o reverence_n whether_o she_o shall_v be_v free_a of_o corrupt_a teacher_n and_o member_n or_o not_o or_o whether_o she_o shall_v lie_v under_o that_o blot_n or_o not_o 5._o by_o the_o deny_v of_o this_o ordinance_n the_o other_o ordinance_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v be_v make_v weak_a and_o obstruct_a in_o their_o exercise_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v clear_a for_o by_o this_o the_o rail_v whereby_o it_o be_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n separate_v be_v break_v down_o many_o office_n of_o the_o church_n as_o these_o of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v make_v void_a and_o that_o of_o preach_v make_v contemptible_a or_o maim_v for_o public_a authoritative_a rebuke_v of_o all_o and_o sometime_o of_o some_o in_o particular_a be_v a_o special_a part_n thereof_o now_o where_o church-government_n be_v deny_v either_o the_o minister_n must_v do_v it_o abitrary_o by_o himself_o and_o so_o he_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o a_o snare_n and_o the_o party_n reprove_v to_o be_v stumble_v as_o have_v only_o to_o do_v with_o the_o minister_n who_o may_v partial_o proceed_v therein_o or_o it_o must_v be_v forbear_v and_o so_o his_o ministry_n be_v make_v obnoxious_a to_o despise_v which_o by_o his_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v prevent_v and_o every_o way_n plainness_n and_o freedom_n even_o in_o preach_v especial_o towards_o these_o in_o place_n be_v so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v restrain_v 6._o by_o this_o the_o devil_n aim_v still_o either_o to_o make_v religion_n to_o suffer_v as_o a_o thing_n that_o man_n may_v carve_v on_o according_a to_o their_o interest_n as_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o policy_n therefore_o he_o mix_v all_o together_o or_o he_o do_v continual_o lay_v ground_n of_o jealousy_n and_o difference_n between_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n thereby_o to_o make_v that_o minister_n and_o these_o who_o will_v be_v faithful_a shall_v either_o sinful_o connive_v at_o what_o may_v prejudge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o their_o testify_v against_o the_o same_o make_v themselves_o more_o odious_a to_o the_o ruler_n for_o lay_v this_o once_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church-government_n but_o what_o the_o magistrate_n have_v then_o either_o the_o minister_n must_v say_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o civil-government_n but_o such_o as_o both_o for_o skill_n and_o conscience_n be_v fit_a to_o manage_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o civil_a state_n will_v not_o always_o be_v content_a with_o neither_o often_o be_v it_o possible_a or_o they_o must_v account_v any_o man_n who_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o manage_v civil_a thing_n fit_a also_o to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o christ_n house_n which_o in_o conscience_n can_v always_o be_v do_v whereby_o necessary_o they_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o top_n with_o magistrate_n except_o we_o say_v that_o either_o unskilful_a magistrate_n use_v not_o to_o be_v in_o place_n or_o that_o such_o may_v yet_o be_v tender_a and_o dexterous_a in_o the_o manage_v of_o every_o church_n matter_n that_o come_v before_o they_o and_o on_o the_o by_o we_o may_v say_v that_o see_v qualification_n fit_v one_o for_o any_o place_n and_o government_n be_v simple_o call_v for_o in_o these_o who_o shall_v supply_v the_o same_o though_o sometime_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la they_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v and_o see_v special_a qualification_n be_v require_v for_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o require_v in_o these_o that_o govern_v a_o civil_a state_n and_o will_v not_o be_v account_v simple_o necessary_a to_o they_o it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n these_o two_o government_n be_v not_o conjoin_v in_o one_o person_n see_v he_o have_v not_o always_o conjoin_v the_o qualification_n that_o be_v requisite_a for_o both_o we_o shall_v insist_v no_o more_o in_o this_o the_o read_n of_o these_o epistle_n will_v sufficient_o show_v how_o concern_v this_o truth_n be_v and_o although_o this_o controversy_n be_v abundant_o clear_v by_o the_o write_n of_o many_o worthy_a man_n that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v say_v therein_o yet_o have_v such_o occasion_n from_o these_o epistle_n we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o touch_v some_o thing_n concern_v church-government_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o therein_o whereby_o we_o will_v find_v it_o clear_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o church-government_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a 2._o wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o 3._o who_o be_v the_o subject_n thereof_o and_o 4._o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o conclusion_n or_o observation_n concern_v the_o same_o as_o they_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o text._n 1._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o government_n and_o authority_n within_o herself_o for_o the_o order_n of_o her_o own_o affair_n try_v and_o censure_v of_o her_o own_o member_n and_o that_o immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o any_o civil_a government_n on_o earth_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o government_n and_o authority_n in_o she_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o 1._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o try_v and_o censure_v of_o false_a apostle_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o authority_n and_o government_n 2._o this_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v commend_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v no_o usurpation_n in_o they_o 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n we_o will_v find_v the_o angel_n reprove_v that_o they_o have_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v suppose_v authority_n in_o they_o even_o to_o have_v censure_v and_o cut_v off_o these_o from_o their_o society_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o if_o iâ—_n have_v not_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o reprove_v they_o for_o commit_v it_o 4._o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v reprove_v also_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v his_o servant_n which_o do_v imply_v a_o authority_n and_o government_n fit_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o have_v mar_v and_o hinder_v she_o preach_v and_o somewhat_o to_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v do_v which_o be_v not_o do_v by_o they_o otherwise_o our_o lord_n jesus_n will_v not_o have_v to_o reprove_v they_o the_o make_v out_o of_o these_o three_o will_v confirm_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o thing_n commend_v in_o ephesus_n and_o desiderated_a in_o the_o other_o two_o church_n do_v imply_v authority_n and_o power_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a
such_o society_n and_o exclude_v other_o from_o they_o though_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v do_v unjust_o yet_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o a_o magistrate_n may_v privilege_v any_o with_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_a or_o by_o his_o authority_n un-church_n any_o the_o parallel_n therefore_o can_v be_v universal_a in_o these_o 3._o all_o other_o society_n as_o such_o be_v part_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o together_o make_v up_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o common_a government_n but_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n be_v no_o essential_a or_o integrall_a part_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v therefore_o not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o their_o subordination_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o except_v and_o say_v that_o a_o authority_n may_v be_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o not_o derive_v and_o yet_o be_v by_o he_o appoint_v to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o be_v instance_a in_o that_o power_n that_o a_o husband_n have_v over_o the_o wife_n or_o a_o parent_n over_o his_o child_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o may_v be_v question_v if_o a_o parent_n as_o a_o parent_n be_v subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n although_o as_o a_o man_n and_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n he_o be_v for_o he_o may_v command_v his_o child_n without_o any_o authority_n from_o he_o yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o magistrate_n and_o in_o some_o case_n warrantable_o suppose_v in_o their_o marry_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v the_o magistrate_n increase_v or_o diminish_v their_o power_n although_o they_o may_v strengthen_v they_o or_o mar_v they_o actual_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o yea_o suppose_v a_o parent_n to_o incline_v to_o match_v son_n or_o daughter_n in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o sinful_a or_o inconvenient_a and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o command_v they_o to_o give_v obedience_n and_o again_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v they_o otherways_o to_o match_v the_o magistrat_n command_n here_o will_v not_o loose_v the_o child_n from_o the_o parent_n authority_n because_o although_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v the_o magistrat_n subject_n yet_o their_o obedience_n be_v call_v for_o in_o reference_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n only_o hence_o that_o case_n of_o a_o magistrat_n require_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o parent_n command_v of_o another_o to_o the_o same_o child_n be_v by_o divine_n solve_v by_o this_o distinction_n that_o in_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o magistrat_n command_n the_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o in_o what_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o subject_n but_o in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n proper_o he_o be_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o father_n whatever_o the_o magistrate_n command_v which_o show_v that_o simple_o the_o command_n of_o a_o father_n as_o a_o father_n be_v not_o subordinate_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o person_n there_o may_v be_v two_o supreme_a power_n upon_o divers_a consideration_n who_o may_v command_v without_o subordination_n one_o to_o another_o and_o yet_o their_o authority_n be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a together_o 2._o we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o authority_n of_o father_n and_o husband_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o weaken_v this_o consequence_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n then_o can_v it_o not_o be_v subordinate_a to_o he_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o parent_n husband_n etc._n etc._n be_v personal_a and_o natural_a that_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v derive_v by_o nature_n to_o parent_n husband_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o do_v not_o make_v a_o body_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v member_n of_o another_o great_a body_n whereas_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o incorporation_n complete_a in_o itself_o and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o found_v on_o nature_n but_o by_o god_n positive_a grant_n and_o foundation_n be_v such_o and_o therefore_o authority_n must_v be_v immediate_o derive_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_a to_o wit_n of_o a_o positive_a grant_n by_o which_o its_o be_v as_o a_o church_n be_v derive_v and_o can_v it_o be_v instance_a that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o wit_n a_o complete_a incorporation_n have_v immediate_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o itself_o and_o shut_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n without_o any_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o yet_o be_v subordinate_v to_o his_o power_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o subject_n and_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v subject_a to_o he_o but_o it_o will_v no_o way_n follow_v that_o the_o authority_n or_o government_n wherewith_o she_o be_v furnish_v as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o he_o neither_o can_v this_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o a_o church_n judicatory_a consider_v as_o such_o shall_v be_v account_v independent_a as_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n see_v we_o must_v either_o say_v that_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o ministerial_a and_o pastoral_a duty_n act_v by_o a_o authority_n immediate_o from_o christ_n without_o any_o dependency_n on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o yet_o ready_o can_v be_v admit_v in_o any_o other_o case_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o person_n shall_v command_v without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o the_o minister_n preach_v and_o act_v in_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o magistrate_n name_n mediate_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n or_o by_o none_o at_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v affirm_v and_o what_o great_a inconsistency_n be_v it_o with_o civil_a power_n to_o have_v distinct_a authoritative_a court_n than_o to_o have_v ruler_n distinct_o and_o authoritative_o command_v person_n especial_o themselves_o 3._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n where_o much_o be_v commend_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o notwithstanding_o and_o reproof_n cast_v in_o upon_o this_o account_n because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n that_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n this_o suffering_n can_v be_v no_o defect_n in_o respect_n of_o civil_a authority_n for_o that_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n or_o be_v it_o any_o defect_n of_o any_o personal_a or_o private_a duty_n because_o none_o such_o can_v imp_v other_o person_n teach_v if_o wilful_o they_o will_v set_v themselves_o to_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o be_v think_v defective_a in_o thâ—t_n that_o be_v so_o commend_v for_o faith_n charity_n work_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o thrive_a and_o grow_v in_o their_o private_a condition_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o suffering_n of_o she_o in_o so_o far_o as_o by_o church_n authority_n she_o be_v not_o censure_v and_o restrain_v that_o thereby_o the_o seduce_a of_o christ_n servant_n may_v be_v prevent_v who_o edification_n be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v furnish_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o reference_n to_o her_o own_o affair_n and_o member_n 2._o this_o will_v also_o be_v clear_a by_o consider_v these_o who_o be_v primary_o in_o this_o respect_n commend_v and_o reprove_v in_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o private_a christian_n but_o the_o church-officer_n as_o peculiar_o distinguish_v from_o they_o so_o that_o these_o threaten_n and_o reproof_n do_v otherwise_o belong_v to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o church_n as_o we_o will_v find_v in_o the_o progress_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n give_v of_o this_o but_o because_o these_o fault_n be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o right_v they_o and_o do_v it_o not_o which_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a afterward_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n 3._o these_o act_n be_v either_o act_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o personal_a act_n of_o minister_n and_o church-officer_n both_o which_o be_v already_o overturn_v by_o the_o forementioned_a reason_n or_o it_o must_v be_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a act_n as_o peter_n smite_v of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n or_o it_o must_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o ordinary_a power_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n conceivable_a but_o none_o of_o the_o first_o three_o can_v be_v say_v not_o one_o of_o the_o first_o two_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v not_o the_o three_o because_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o look_v upon_o these_o officer_n as_o furnish_v with_o that_o gift_n nor_o be_v it_o ordinary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o ordinary_a officer_n such_o as_o
can_v their_o authority_n have_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o formal_a remove_n of_o they_o as_o in_o civil_a case_n be_v hâ—nted_v three_o to_o make_v out_o the_o argument_n we_o say_v that_o this_o distinct_a independent_a power_n here_o mention_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o any_o one_o time_n as_o suppose_v because_o the_o church_n want_v christian_a magistrate_n at_o this_o time_n it_o have_v be_v lawful_a to_o exercise_v authority_n independent_a from_o they_o which_o in_o other_o case_n where_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v therefore_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v attribute_v to_o these_o church_n here_o agree_v to_o they_o as_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o all_o church_n at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o duty_n be_v common_a and_o the_o hazard_n be_v common_a to_o church_n at_o all_o time_n therefore_o this_o remedy_n of_o church-discipline_n must_v be_v perpetual_a also_o it_o be_v the_o cure_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o disease_n and_o that_o often_o repeat_v word_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n do_v speak_v in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n alswell_o as_o then_o 2._o if_o all_o other_o direction_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o epistle_n be_v perpetual_a and_o bind_v to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o must_v be_v so_o also_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o this_o be_v to_o be_v account_v temporary_a more_o than_o the_o other_o especial_o consider_v that_o christ_n send_v of_o this_o revelation_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o servant_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o especial_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o these_o epistle_n as_o the_o forcit_v close_o do_v confirm_v it_o must_v then_o be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n mind_n to_o scâ—ape_v out_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v government_n as_o not_o belong_v to_o his_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n 3._o if_o the_o ground_n require_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o church_n during_o this_o time_n be_v perpetual_a agree_v to_o all_o age_n than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v astrict_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n be_v under_o heathen_a magistrate_n alone_o but_o the_o ground_n be_v perpetual_a for_o that_o be_v not_o because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o heathen_a but_o that_o the_o person_n offend_v may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o the_o seduce_a of_o other_o may_v be_v prevent_v now_o these_o end_n be_v perpetual_a which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o study_v in_o all_o time_n and_o see_v church_n authority_n and_o government_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o attain_v of_o these_o end_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o the_o church_n also_o although_o these_o truth_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v partly_o exception_n partly_o objection_n insist_v on_o by_o adversary_n which_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o intend_a purpose_n will_v permit_v a_o forcited_a author_n pag._n 545._o do_v confident_o undervalue_v all_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o deny_v all_o distinctnesse_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o power_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o do_v 1._o assert_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o power_n whatsoever_o be_v supreme_o in_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o heathen_a or_o christian_n by_o that_o place_n rom._n 13.2_o he_o heap_v up_o with_o many_o big_a word_n several_a absurdity_n that_o accompany_v as_o he_o allege_v that_o opinion_n of_o a_o distinct_a church-government_n which_o he_o call_v invidious_o the_o build_n of_o a_o empire_n within_o a_o empire_n yet_o 3._o he_o grant_v that_o where_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o maintain_v it_o not_o in_o that_o case_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n the_o church_n come_v to_o have_v a_o authority_n or_o somewhat_o equivalent_a in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whereby_o she_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o order_n of_o what_o concern_v her_o member_n during_o that_o case_n of_o such_o a_o magistracy_n allanerly_a and_o deny_v any_o other_o authority_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n during_o the_o time_n that_o these_o epistle_n be_v write_v but_o what_o be_v by_o voluntary_a confederacy_n and_o association_n of_o member_n among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o say_v that_o they_o have_v and_o exercise_v no_o less_o authority_n during_o that_o time_n in_o civil_a thing_n for_o which_o end_n he_o make_v use_v of_o that_o place_n 1_o corinth_n 6.1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n in_o reference_n to_o all_o which_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o authority_n can_v be_v deny_v here_o however_o it_o be_v derive_v see_v it_o be_v a_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o exauthorate_a officer_n and_o member_n which_o they_o assume_v as_o he_o speak_v pag._n 654._o yea_o a_o power_n equivalent_a to_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n because_o it_o be_v a_o power_n adequate_a for_o the_o time_n to_o this_o end_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n pag._n 545._o and_o therefore_o we_o say_v if_o this_o confederate_n or_o up-making_a of_o this_o government_n be_v a_o thing_n jure_v call_v for_o and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o assert_v also_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o be_v what_o place_n or_o person_n be_v to_o associate_v together_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o christian_a prudence_n but_o if_o it_o mean_v of_o a_o voluntary_a association_n and_o confederacy_n such_o as_o trade_n and_o craft_n use_v in_o their_o society_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o power_n this_o we_o altogether_o deny_v because_o 1._o if_o that_o confederate_a be_v call_v for_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n than_o it_o be_v not_o voluntary_a and_o free_a and_o this_o authority_n be_v not_o ground_v mere_o upon_o voluntary_a confederate_n because_o as_o it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a to_o a_o convert_a christian_n to_o be_v baptise_a or_o not_o so_o be_v baptise_a it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a to_o he_o whether_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n or_o not_o and_o be_v join_v submit_v to_o its_o government_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o it_o become_v not_o authority_n to_o he_o because_o he_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o he_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v authority_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o these_o false_a apostle_n or_o jezebel_n or_o the_o nicolaitan_n have_v never_o consent_v to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o these_o church_n as_o by_o their_o take_v such_o name_n of_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v like_a they_o do_v never_o yet_o notwithstanding_o have_v these_o church_n authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o church_n have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v equivalent_a to_o what_o the_o magistrate_n have_v and_o may_v exercise_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o equivalent_a to_o this_o than_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o such_o magistrate_n will_v not_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o their_o church-state_n and_o well-being_n as_o otherways_o which_o can_v be_v say_v without_o wrong_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o church_n destitute_a of_o inward_a power_n when_o she_o have_v least_o outward_a protection_n but_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n it_o can_v be_v arbitrary_a and_o mere_o ground_v upon_o the_o confederacy_n but_o must_v be_v authoritative_a upon_o a_o other_o account_n and_o may_v authoritative_o enjoin_v one_o to_o confederate_n and_o so_o confederate_v be_v not_o the_o ground_n that_o constitute_v the_o power_n but_o a_o mean_a make_v way_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o 3._o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o evidence_n or_o proof_n can_v be_v give_v of_o such_o voluntary_a confederate_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o time_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o show_v that_o universal_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v such_o formal_a compact_n actual_o agree_v upon_o and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v government_n and_o authority_n in_o they_o all_o be_v evident_a 4._o suppose_v confederacy_n to_o have_v be_v yet_o can_v they_o never_o have_v constitute_v a_o authority_n and_o government_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a supreme_a power_n especial_o while_o the_o supreme_a power_n oppose_v the_o same_o as_o suppose_v to_o keep_v the_o similitude_n propon_v
that_o many_o chirurgeon_n and_o tradesman_n of_o any_o kind_n do_v live_v under_o a_o magistrate_n and_o law_n which_o will_v admit_v no_o such_o by_o their_o authority_n to_o live_v and_o confederate_a under_o they_o will_v any_o say_v that_o in_o that_o case_n by_o voluntary_a confederate_n they_o can_v assume_v a_o authority_n to_o themselves_o and_o censure_v any_o person_n especial_o against_o their_o will_n without_o wrong_v and_o encroach_a upon_o that_o authority_n under_o which_o they_o live_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o a_o church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o magistrate_n because_o it_o in_o nothing_o lessen_v his_o authority_n or_o withdraw_v any_o thing_n from_o his_o cognition_n which_o former_o use_v to_o belong_v unto_o he_o but_o as_o the_o arise_v of_o a_o new_a church_n within_o a_o nation_n have_v with_o it_o new_a case_n action_n and_o consideration_n of_o person_n and_o deed_n so_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v with_o it_o a_o new_a authority_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o 5._o if_o the_o church_n have_v another_o kind_n of_o interest_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a offence_n than_o in_o reference_n to_o civil_a debate_n than_o this_o confederacy_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o authority_n this_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v according_a to_o the_o former_a principle_n which_o do_v parallel_v both_o these_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o make_v this_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a but_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o church-authority_n do_v far_o otherways_o reach_v church-member_n in_o spiritual_a offence_n than_o in_o civil_a thing_n which_o may_v thus_o be_v make_v out_o 1._o they_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o un-church_n for_o spiritual_a offence_n and_o for_o disobedience_n in_o these_o if_o a_o brother_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o ofttimes_o they_o do_v so_o but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o if_o a_o brother_n have_v be_v disobedient_a to_o a_o arbitrary_a decree_n in_o civil_a thing_n that_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o will_v have_v proceed_v against_o he_o to_o excommunication_n and_o constrain_v he_o to_o have_v submit_v sure_o we_o be_v it_o be_v never_o put_v in_o practice_n at_o least_o till_o antichrist_n arise_v 2._o in_o that_o chapter_n 1_o cor._n 6.7_o and_o 8._o the_o apostle_n reason_v for_o submission_n to_o this_o and_o exhort_v christian_n so_o wrong_v to_o suffer_v the_o wrong_n rather_o than_o to_o pursue_v it_o before_o infidel_n which_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o furnish_v with_o authority_n to_o redress_v civil_a wrong_n as_o she_o be_v to_o redress_v scandal_n and_o therefore_o matth._n 18._o our_o lord_n give_v order_n to_o proceed_v in_o case_n of_o non-satisfaction_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o on_o the_o by_o we_o may_v say_v it_o be_v a_o odd_a thing_n to_o expound_v that_o place_n of_o matthew_n by_o this_o place_n of_o paul_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v only_o there_o warrant_v a_o man_n to_o pursue_v injury_n before_o heathen_a judge_n when_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o church-member_v see_v express_o paul_n enjoin_v they_o rather_o to_o suffer_v wrong_a than_o to_o make_v the_o gospel_n contemptible_a before_o infidel_n by_o the_o contention_n of_o christian_n which_o yet_o that_o exposition_n of_o matth._n 18._o will_v approve_v of_o which_o show_v that_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o church-offence_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o suffer_v and_o bear_v with_o they_o be_v condemnable_a as_o we_o see_v in_o these_o epistle_n 3._o if_o what_o the_o church_n do_v in_o civil_a thing_n be_v common_a to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o any_o rank_n or_o condition_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o christian_n in_o any_o time_n and_o case_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v submit_v their_o difference_n to_o some_o and_o these_o to_o who_o they_o be_v submit_v may_v decide_v and_o upon_o the_o other_o side_n if_o what_o the_o church_n exerce_v in_o reference_n to_o ecclesiastic_a offence_n and_o censure_n be_v not_o common_a but_o so_o that_o no_o submission_n to_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o power_n can_v warrant_v one_o to_o draw_v forth_o such_o censure_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v yea_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n which_o we_o oppose_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o do_v so_o now_o in_o civil_a thing_n for_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o do_v now_o in_o church-thing_n as_o these_o do_v at_o that_o time_n then_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v not_o equal_a in_o civil_a thing_n as_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o so_o consequent_o no_o confederacy_n can_v warrantable_o ground_v this_o church_n authority_n but_o the_o former_a we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a therefore_o etc._n etc._n 4._o it_o may_v be_v clear_a by_o this_o that_o the_o church_n do_v never_o exact_v civil_a mulct_n or_o inflict_v bodily_a punishment_n which_o show_v abundant_o that_o she_o do_v not_o exerce_fw-la authority_n in_o civil_a thing_n equal_o as_o in_o spiritual_a and_o yet_o have_v her_o authority_n be_v only_o ground_v on_o the_o voluntary_a confederacy_n she_o may_v have_v inflict_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o 5._o suppose_v a_o church-member_n have_v wrong_v a_o heathen_a by_o his_o miscarriage_n no_o question_n church-discipline_n will_v have_v reach_v he_o which_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o 1_o cor._n 6._o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o power_n alone_o 6._o that_o direction_n matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n be_v give_v before_o this_o be_v write_v see_v then_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a association_n as_o be_v pretend_v that_o of_o matth._n 18._o must_v be_v of_o another_o kind_n 7._o this_o opinion_n will_v infer_v the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o civil_a power_n in_o civil_a thing_n where_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o christian_n yet_o that_o be_v never_o assert_v by_o any_o 8._o the_o adversary_n themselves_o grant_v that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v do_v much_o more_o in_o church-matter_n than_o in_o civil_a because_o that_o the_o magistrate_n do_v allow_v his_o power_n to_o rectify_v civil_a thing_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v make_v both_o equal_o lawful_a 9_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n have_v repeal_v a_o sentence_n pass_v in_o civil_a thing_n no_o question_n it_o have_v bind_v they_o though_o it_o have_v be_v unjust_a yet_o suppose_v he_o have_v repeal_v one_o of_o their_o church_n censure_n and_o declare_v excommunication_n void_a it_o have_v not_o do_v so_o nor_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v yea_o have_v he_o inhibit_v they_o to_o decide_v a_o particular_a in_o civil_a thing_n they_o will_v not_o have_v proceed_v but_o when_o he_o do_v inhibit_v censure_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v proceed_v and_o actual_o do_v suffer_v martyrdom_n upon_o that_o account_n which_o in_o a_o civil_a action_n i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v 10._o that_o 1_o cor._n 6._o admit_v any_o to_o be_v judge_n that_o man_n submit_v unto_o or_o have_v wisdom_n but_o church-thing_n be_v govern_v only_o by_o these_o who_o by_o office_n be_v ruler_n all_o which_o do_v show_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o assertion_n that_o they_o equal_o meddle_v with_o both_o kind_n and_o yet_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o evert_v this_o authority_n add_v that_o 1_o cor._n 6._o the_o party_n offend_v be_v reprove_v for_o go_v to_o he_o here_o the_o church-officer_n for_o not_o censure_v these_o that_o offend_v which_o suppose_v a_o power_n to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o the_o angel_n have_v be_v so_o censurable_a have_v they_o not_o decide_v civil_a business_n as_o for_o this_o beside_o pag._n 548._o he_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o civil_a thing_n which_o yet_o clear_o be_v here_o assert_v in_o these_o church_n censure_n whereas_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o the_o church_n authority_n during_o this_o time_n be_v only_o build_v upon_o this_o voluntary_a confederacy_n that_o after_o supreme_a magistrate_n become_v christian_a they_o do_v intermeddle_v with_o all_o church_n power_n without_o any_o contradiction_n pag._n 544._o it_o be_v either_o a_o mere_a mistake_n or_o a_o untruth_n a_o mistake_n in_o this_o that_o it_o account_v their_o meddle_v in_o a_o civil_a way_n with_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n still_o meddled-with_a as_o former_o and_o add_v of_o their_o civil_a sanction_n thereto_o for_o strengthen_v not_o for_o diminish_v the_o church_n power_n to_o be_v a_o assume_v of_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v thing_n most_o distinct_a even_o as_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v command_v the_o son_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o his_o parent_n do_v command_v
he_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n do_v not_o yet_o be_v the_o parent_n be_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o his_o son_n no_o less_o than_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v heathen_a because_o the_o magistrate_n command_v be_v not_o privative_a but_o cumulative_a to_o the_o parent_n authority_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o christian_n do_v cease_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o constantine_n become_v a_o christian_a than_o to_o say_v that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n and_o a_o christian_a master_n do_v expire_v at_o that_o time_n and_o see_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o church_n power_n and_o parentall_a power_n be_v both_o immediate_o from_o god_n without_o any_o mediate_a derivation_n by_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o equal_a duration_n and_o continuance_n also_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o church_n continue_v to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n which_o former_o she_o do_v and_o also_o that_o the_o magistrate_n concur_v in_o his_o station_n for_o the_o strengthen_n thereof_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n for_o any_o delegation_n after_o that_o more_o than_o former_o but_o that_o now_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o civil_a authority_n the_o church_n have_v access_n to_o do_v that_o for_o which_o before_o that_o time_n she_o be_v persecute_v even_o as_o there_o be_v full_a liberty_n give_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o former_o be_v inhibit_v yet_o none_o will_v say_v that_o that_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n for_o what_o be_v allege_v of_o the_o emperor_n call_v of_o counsel_n that_o will_v prove_v he_o to_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n but_o not_o that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o more_o than_o when_o before_o that_o time_n provincial_a counsel_n be_v call_v by_o some_o eminent_a bishop_n it_o will_v prove_v that_o their_o call_n do_v authorise_v they_o but_o rather_o both_o these_o call_n do_v suppose_v authority_n to_o be_v before_o in_o these_o that_o be_v call_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n that_o if_o constantine_n have_v call_v other_o than_o church-officer_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o difference_n ecclesiastical_o he_o can_v not_o have_v derive_v authority_n to_o they_o so_o as_o to_o have_v make_v they_o equal_o ruler_n and_o with_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v church-member_n and_o officer_n which_o yet_o may_v have_v be_v do_v if_o their_o authority_n have_v reside_v in_o he_o alone_o beside_o he_o command_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n also_o as_o be_v say_v whence_o we_o may_v see_v that_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v not_o meddle_v with_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o former_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n neither_o ever_o be_v it_o hear_v of_o that_o a_o magistrate_n do_v excommunicate_a authorize_v or_o ordain_v a_o minister_n and_o such_o like_a wherein_o church-power_n be_v exercise_v and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n mediate_o by_o put_v the_o church_n to_o it_o and_o by_o call_v church-officer_n to_o consult_v in_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v confirm_v by_o his_o authority_n even_o as_o he_o do_v govern_v other_o society_n as_o physician_n lawyer_n etc._n etc._n by_o authorise_v some_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o manage_v what_o concern_v such_o calling_n and_o function_n in_o which_o respect_n say_v some_o the_o function_n be_v different_a from_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o the_o lawyer_n nor_o the_o physician_n more_o than_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n but_o the_o authority_n be_v on_o he_o alone_o to_o this_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o parallel_n be_v most_o unequal_a because_o although_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o by_o his_o station_n a_o physician_n or_o lawyer_n yet_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v skill_n he_o may_v lawful_o do_v any_o act_n incumbent_a to_o these_o station_n which_o do_v indeed_o show_v that_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o act_n do_v reside_v in_o he_o but_o suppose_v he_o have_v the_o theory_n of_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n and_o skill_n in_o they_o yet_o he_o may_v not_o stepâ—_n to_o himself_o to_o act_v the_o act_n of_o a_o ministerial_a function_n nor_o as_o a_o magistrate_n to_o sentence_n with_o church_n sentence_n administer_v sacrament_n as_o he_o may_v do_v in_o the_o sentence_n of_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o court_n which_o do_v show_v that_o that_o authority_n do_v not_o reside_v in_o he_o 2._o we_o grant_v that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o govern_v mediate_o as_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o teach_v and_o preach_v mediate_o for_o he_o ought_v to_o provide_v for_o that_o but_o that_o will_v not_o infer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o preach_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o yet_o no_o way_n do_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o controversy_n so_o much_o lie_v on_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o church_n or_o magistrate_n do_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o by_o what_o right_a and_o warrant_v they_o do_v what_o they_o do_v this_o last_o assertion_n therefore_o although_o make_v out_o can_v prove_v nothing_o without_o the_o former_a nor_o will_v the_o instance_n of_o exorbitancy_n in_o church-governors_n infer_v any_o nullity_n of_o that_o power_n more_o than_o the_o enumerate_n of_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a place_n will_v enervate_v that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yea_o we_o be_v sure_a much_o ill_o have_v come_v by_o magistrate_n intrusion_n in_o this_o church_n power_n and_o many_o have_v miscarry_v in_o it_o much_o less_o will_v heap_n of_o slander_n against_o most_o faithful_a man_n do_v it_o who_o god_n eminent_o countenance_v and_o who_o singular_o by_o suffer_v be_v honour_v to_o testify_v for_o he_o such_o as_o mr._n welsh_a mr._n melvil_n mr._n davidson_n and_o other_o who_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o the_o great_a day_n will_v be_v as_o bold_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o be_v approven_v in_o their_o station_n as_o any_o of_o their_o opposer_n or_o traducer_n on_o this_o account_n this_o way_n of_o writing_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o proceed_v from_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v so_o little_a respect_n to_o such_o who_o eminent_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o let_v these_o traducer_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o servant_n prepare_v for_o give_v account_n for_o both_o to_o he_o to_o which_o we_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o absurdity_n wherewith_o he_o do_v load_v this_o truth_n they_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o which_o often_o have_v be_v full_o wipe_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o either_o they_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o 2._o not_o such_o as_o the_o ground_n acknowledge_v by_o he_o will_v infer_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n simple_o that_o a_o man_n in_o diverse_a consideration_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o diverse_a coordinate_a power_n as_o a_o son_n be_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o his_o parent_n as_o a_o child_n and_o member_n of_o the_o family_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o former_o hint_v at_o he_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o parent_n that_o no_o command_n of_o a_o superior_a can_v loose_v he_o from_o it_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n that_o therein_o the_o parent_n authority_n have_v no_o place_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v in_o wife_n who_o in_o some_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n command_n and_o no_o authority_n can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v otherwise_o 2._o we_o say_v that_o this_o same_o absurdity_n may_v have_v be_v instance_a in_o these_o church_n that_o the_o lord_n write_v to_o suppose_v as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v appoint_v some_o who_o the_o church_n have_v call_v to_o her_o synod_n as_o for_o example_n to_o that_o mention_v act_v 15._o to_o some_o other_o civil_a employment_n as_o they_o be_v subject_n will_v not_o the_o same_o absurdity_n of_o the_o interfere_v of_o the_o two_o authority_n have_v follow_v he_o must_v either_o than_o say_v that_o such_o a_o case_n be_v not_o conceivable_a in_o these_o time_n or_o he_o must_v say_v the_o absurdity_n must_v be_v evit_v or_o it_o will_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o way_n approven_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o church_n govern_v of_o herself_o distinct_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v at_o least_o during_o such_o a_o case_n and_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o vindicate_v his_o own_o concession_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o answer_v his_o objection_n 3._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o
that_o a_o minister_n may_v independent_o command_v a_o magistrate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o a_o other_o private_a subject_n may_v do_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n and_o authority_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o reporter_n to_o tell_v what_o be_v truth_n but_o a_o messenger_n and_o herald_n authorize_v to_o charge_v all_o hearer_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v herod_n who_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v subject_a to_o herod_n as_o in_o other_o respect_v herod_n be_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o reference_n to_o particular_a governor_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v absurd_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n by_o which_o these_o govern_v supreme_a church-power_n then_o and_o supreme_a civil-power_n in_o distinct_a person_n can_v be_v absurd_a and_o we_o suppose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o authoritative_a officer_n that_o upon_o any_o civil_a account_n can_v so_o independent_o command_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n church-power_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regulate_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o the_o civil_a be_v it_o be_v strange_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o a_o magistrate_n to_o receive_v ministerial_a injunction_n or_o not_o as_o he_o please_v or_o at_o lest_o no_o more_o than_o a_o sick_a person_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o physician_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o send_v minister_n can_v have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o physician_n in_o give_v direction_n for_o health_n or_o will_v it_o be_v think_v equal_o sinful_a or_o lawful_a to_o disobey_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o even_o lay_v aside_o the_o matter_n or_o shall_v every_o one_o skilful_a in_o divinity_n be_v count_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o a_o minister_n as_o the_o counsel_n of_o one_o that_o be_v skilful_a in_o medicine_n be_v to_o be_v count_v of_o the_o same_o weight_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o graduate_n physician_n if_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o weighty_a or_o be_v there_o any_o exception_n of_o some_o more_o than_o other_o from_o ministerial_a power_n because_o of_o any_o outward_a place_n or_o grandouâ—_n these_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v without_o wrong_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n 4._o it_o be_v think_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o blind_o to_o act_v according_a to_o church_n conclusion_n and_o determination_n but_o deliberate_o to_o try_v his_o own_o act_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n thereof_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o what_o command_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v lay_v on_o he_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o duty_n if_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n subsequent_a judgement_n do_v demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v supreme_a in_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n the_o same_o will_v prove_v the_o magistrate_n judgement_n in_o the_o case_n foresay_a to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o minister_n that_o therefore_o be_v no_o absurdity_n 5._o a_o ambassador_n from_o one_o king_n to_o another_o or_o to_o some_o inferior_a magistrate_n be_v in_o his_o personal_a carriage_n subject_a to_o the_o authority_n within_o who_o bound_n he_o be_v but_o as_o a_o ambassador_n in_o the_o follow_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o instruction_n and_o as_o such_o he_o be_v only_o countable_a to_o these_o that_o send_v he_o and_o never_o be_v it_o hear_v that_o one_o subject_v his_o ambassador_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v even_o among_o man_n but_o that_o be_v reserve_v at_o least_o for_o some_o other_o appoint_v for_o that_o end_n by_o he_o neither_o do_v a_o magistrate_n account_v a_o ambassador_n independency_n on_o he_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o authority_n now_o minister_n be_v ambassador_n send_v by_o christ_n to_o magistrate_n as_o to_o other_o we_o must_v either_o say_v these_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v must_v judge_v when_o they_o faithful_o exerce_fw-la their_o commission_n or_o not_o in_o their_o master_n name_n which_o be_v absurd_a among_o man_n and_o can_v not_o but_o look_v partial_a like_o or_o we_o must_v say_v they_o be_v not_o countable_a or_o censurable_a on_o earth_n or_o that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o ambassador_n and_o church_n officer_n with_o this_o power_n of_o censure_a man_n who_o shall_v walk_v unworthy_a of_o their_o trust._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o ambassador_n be_v no_o magistrate_n and_o have_v but_o a_o instruct_a power_n answ._n yet_o be_v it_o a_o power_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n such_o as_o church-officer_n have_v and_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o ambassador_n for_o a_o king_n or_o state_n within_o the_o dominion_n of_o another_o instruct_v to_o act_v joint_o for_o his_o affair_n and_o to_o censure_v any_o of_o their_o own_o number_n or_o retinue_n that_o shall_v walk_v unworthy_a of_o their_o place_n will_v any_o magistrate_n think_v that_o these_o wrong_v his_o power_n if_o they_o shall_v some_o from_o their_o fellowship_n without_o his_o warrant_n or_o can_v he_o claim_v to_o recognosce_fw-la their_o deed_n although_o in_o a_o criminal_a case_n he_o only_o may_v have_v access_n to_o punish_v even_o their_o member_n in_o that_o place_n for_o that_o qualification_n of_o his_o concession_n which_o be_v to_o allow_v this_o confederate_a authority_n only_o to_o the_o church_n that_o live_v under_o such_o a_o magistrate_n as_o do_v not_o undertake_v the_o care_n thereof_o we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o free_v it_o of_o absurdity_n if_o this_o distinct_a government_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v perpetual_a for_o 1._o do_v not_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o place_n all_o authority_n in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o require_v absolute_a obedience_n from_o his_o subject_n to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n belong_v to_o any_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o his_o subject_n under_o he_o and_o particular_o that_o place_n rom._n 13._o and_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o assume_v that_o power_n and_o put_v it_o in_o exercise_n yet_o if_o ecclesiastic_a power_n be_v in_o that_o same_o gift_n commit_v to_o the_o magistrate_n with_o the_o civil_a power_n no_o private_a person_n can_v upon_o any_o pretext_n meddle_v therewith_o for_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v abstain_v to_o punish_v some_o kind_n of_o murder_n witchcraft_n etc._n etc._n no_o private_a person_n can_v confederate_a themselves_o to_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o punish_v these_o because_o civil_a power_n to_o punish_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o magistrate_n if_o then_o the_o church_n may_v censure_v scandal_n without_o encroach_a upon_o these_o scripture_n at_o that_o time_n why_o may_v it_o not_o do_v so_o even_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a this_o church_n power_n then_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o magistrate_n commission_n see_v paul_n be_v exercise_v it_o even_o while_o he_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o utmost_a the_o magistrate_n commission_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o quarrel_a christian_n for_o encroach_a upon_o any_o thing_n due_a to_o he_o and_o no_o question_n he_o know_v best_o the_o extent_n of_o these_o direction_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n who_o will_v profess_o disclaim_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o any_o people_n although_o in_o practice_n many_o of_o they_o prove_v negligent_a of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v if_o this_o necessity_n of_o confederate_v for_o exercise_v of_o church-authority_n dothâ—ly_o upon_o the_o church_n only_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v profess_o heathen_a or_o if_o also_o when_o erroneous_a or_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a or_o in_o practice_n negligent_a and_o careless_a like_a gallio_n in_o what_o concern_v the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v astrict_v to_o the_o first_o because_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o a_o erroneous_a magistrate_n then_o to_o a_o profane_a and_o careless_a magistrate_n though_o he_o be_v not_o profess_o a_o heretic_n or_o erroneous_a if_o that_o authority_n be_v not_o improven_v for_o they_o and_o so_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n the_o church_n be_v to_o confederate_a and_o exercise_n authority_n within_o herself_o even_o then_o which_o will_v come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v call_v to_o assume_v this_o authority_n except_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o magistrate_n do_v take_v it_o on_o he_o and_o exercise_v it_o for_o her_o good_a for_o if_o he_o exercise_v it_o to_o her_o hurt_n it_o be_v better_a to_o want_v it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v turn_v near_o to_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assume_v this_o power_n save_v where_o the_o magistrate_n
be_v godly_a and_o according_a to_o conscience_n do_v exercise_v his_o power_n for_o her_o good_a and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v suppose_v that_o the_o magistrate_n profess_v willingness_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v judge_v whether_o such_o and_o such_o a_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o govern_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o assume_v government_n to_o themselves_o it_o will_v come_v to_o this_o that_o it_o must_v rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n of_o these_o private_a christian_n whether_o they_o will_v admit_v the_o magistrate_n to_o govern_v or_o not_o and_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o author_n if_o they_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o light_n to_o be_v one_o that_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v assume_v that_o power_n to_o themselves_o for_o elsewhere_o he_o affirm_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o be_v the_o great_a decider_n and_o that_o a_o man_n have_v better_o do_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o a_o err_a conscience_n than_o against_o it_o yea_o 3._o according_a to_o his_o ground_n they_o may_v not_o only_o assume_v power_n in_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n but_o equal_o in_o civil_a thing_n also_o and_o will_v he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o france_n may_v take_v power_n in_o civil_a thing_n as_o they_o do_v in_o ecclesiastic_a and_o not_o wrong_v the_o magistrate_n or_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o the_o magistrate_n which_o make_v he_o so_o to_o depend_v both_o in_o thing_n ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a upon_o a_o people_n estimation_n of_o he_o 4._o by_o these_o ground_n either_o a_o church_n shall_v never_o assume_v power_n under_o any_o magistrate_n however_o careless_a and_o profane_a and_o so_o as_o be_v grant_v wrong_v herself_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o assume_v power_n they_o declare_v that_o they_o account_v the_o magistrate_n a_o heathen_a erroneous_a or_o atheistical_a etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o great_a irritation_n and_o probable_a occasion_n of_o division_n betwixt_o the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n than_o to_o continue_v this_o power_n distinct_a under_o all_o magistrate_n equal_o and_o true_o it_o look_v not_o like_o god_n ordinance_n that_o put_v his_o church_n oftentimes_o in_o this_o strait_a that_o it_o must_v either_o suffer_v prejudice_n or_o disclaim_v and_o provoke_v the_o magistrate_n so_o as_o to_o account_v he_o a_o atheist_n unworthy_a of_o government_n but_o to_o have_v forfeit_v so_o much_o of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n and_o suppose_v a_o profane_a â—on_n succeed_v in_o the_o magistracy_n to_o a_o gracious_a father_n or_o profane_a man_n be_v choose_v to_o succeed_v other_o who_o bare_a rule_n before_o they_o even_o in_o church-affair_n which_o case_n be_v often_o incident_a what_o straight_o will_v it_o be_v to_o the_o church_n either_o to_o continue_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o magistrate_n as_o former_o or_o with_o so_o much_o disadvantage_n upon_o personal_a consideration_n to_o assume_v a_o power_n which_o former_o they_o do_v not_o 5._o either_o the_o church_n assume_v that_o power_n contrary_a to_o the_o magistrate_n command_n and_o so_o there_o be_v clear_a ground_n of_o a_o persecution_n and_o war_n or_o it_o be_v with_o his_o good_a will_n or_o at_o least_o permission_n and_o that_o must_v presuppose_v this_o that_o he_o do_v account_v himself_o heathen_a erroneous_a or_o profane_a which_o can_v easy_o be_v expect_v especial_o from_o a_o man_n not_o so_o deny_v and_o mortify_v as_o such_o a_o magistrate_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v for_o delegated_a it_o can_v be_v see_v in_o that_o case_n this_o assume_v of_o authority_n be_v not_o call_v for_o 6._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o degree_n of_o erroneousnesse_n profanity_n or_o carelessness_n in_o a_o magistrate_n may_v warrant_v a_o church_n to_o assume_v this_o power_n see_v even_o among_o heathen_n there_o be_v degree_n and_o if_o so_o then_o how_o shall_v that_o be_v judge_v suppose_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n shall_v neglect_v church_n affair_n otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o which_o respect_n heathen_n do_v own_v they_o or_o suppose_v he_o shall_v own_v some_o sentence_n punish_v some_o scandal_n which_o it_o seem_v aurelian_a do_v in_o expelling_a samosatenâ—s_n and_o severus_n in_o command_v to_o give_v again_o to_o the_o church_n a_o place_n where_o they_o use_v to_o meet_v that_o some_o rogue_n have_v violent_o put_v they_o from_o say_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v there_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v employ_v for_o such_o a_o use_n now_o what_o be_v call_v for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v be_v a_o debate_n whether_o may_v not_o such_o heathen_n be_v account_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o become_v not_o these_o primitive_a christian_n to_o have_v retain_v power_n during_o their_o reign_n or_o what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o do_v no_o more_o and_o it_o may_v be_v less_o than_o these_o whether_o be_v these_o to_o be_v retain_v or_o not_o 7._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v in_o such_o case_n whether_o be_v explicit_a confederate_n for_o that_o end_n necessary_a or_o not_o and_o suppose_v some_o will_v not_o submit_v willing_o how_o can_v they_o be_v compel_v or_o if_o so_o be_v they_o liable_a to_o no_o censure_n because_o of_o their_o obstinacy_n it_o be_v good_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_v if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o be_v a_o practicable_a thing_n and_o often_o to_o be_v practise_v it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o the_o church_n great_a hazard_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n of_o churchman_n and_o not_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o experience_n show_v therefore_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o give_v they_o power_n answ._n so_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o error_n be_v from_o church_n teacher_n shall_v they_o therefore_o have_v no_o teacher_n so_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o tyranny_n to_o a_o state_n in_o civil_a thing_n be_v from_o a_o civil_a government_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v allow_v yea_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o corrupt_a church-officer_n wrong_v the_o church_n most_o and_o that_o both_o in_o government_n and_o doctrine_n because_o in_o both_o they_o come_v near_a her_o heart_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o miscarry_v it_o can_v be_v but_o worse_o than_o when_o a_o authority_n more_o extrinsic_a do_v miscarry_v and_o by_o their_o power_n they_o have_v ever_o great_a access_n to_o do_v her_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o this_o rather_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v that_o proper_o the_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o she_o and_o have_v need_v to_o be_v well_o manage_v because_o corruptio_fw-la optimi_fw-la est_fw-la pessima_fw-la but_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o church_n authority_n well_o manage_v do_v hurt_v to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n either_o under_o what_o ever_o magistrate_n it_o follow_v only_o that_o the_o abuse_n of_o church_n power_n be_v ill_a but_o no_o more_o 2._o we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v wherein_o this_o authority_n be_v exercise_v which_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o these_o epistle_n give_v ground_n and_o we_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o these_o four_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o trial_n thou_o have_v try_v they_o that_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n which_o trial_n infer_v authority_n to_o cite_v and_o warn_v party_n to_o call_v and_o examine_v witness_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o to_o take_v oath_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o trial_n and_o witness_v as_o that_o alone_a which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o strife_n among_o man_n heb._n 6._o therefore_o mat._n 18._o the_o lord_n give_v the_o same_o rule_n concern_v procedor_fw-la by_o witness_v in_o the_o church_n which_o moses_n give_v in_o reference_n to_o all_o court_n that_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n etc._n etc._n shall_v every_o matter_n be_v establish_v this_o show_v also_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o complaint_n of_o offend_a brethren_n as_o be_v in_o mat._n 18._o keep_v meeting_n for_o that_o end_n lead_v inquiry_n upon_o the_o cry_a fame_n of_o offence_n as_o be_v like_a they_o do_v in_o this_o case_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o a_o word_n do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o complete_n trial_n for_o where_o the_o end_n be_v approven_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n thereof_o must_v be_v approven_v also_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o power_n here_o to_o judge_v and_o determine_v thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n which_o do_v respect_v these_o two_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o offence_n they_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o error_n otherways_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v
such_o dispute_n teach_v man_n to_o do_v and_o the_o question_n here_o come_v if_o in_o reason_n a_o church-member_n may_v disclaim_v church-authority_n and_o censure_n simple_o or_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la though_o by_o power_n or_o violence_n they_o may_v do_v so_o de_fw-mi facto_fw-la yea_o this_o do_v indeed_o prove_v church-government_n to_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a because_o it_o be_v not_o arm_v with_o worldly_a power_n and_o strength_n as_o other_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o lord_n christ_n say_v of_o his_o kingdom_n joh._n 18._o yet_o be_v he_o still_o a_o king_n and_o it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o high_a guilt_n to_o mar_v this_o either_o by_o overturning_a of_o it_o altogether_o or_o by_o encroach_a on_o it_o and_o thereby_o to_o mar_v its_o freedom_n or_o enervat_fw-la its_o power_n or_o by_o refuse_v to_o submit_v unto_o acknowledge_v or_o authorise_v the_o sentence_n thereof_o as_o man_n place_n call_v they_o to_o do_v we_o may_v therefore_o propose_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o magistrate_n in_o refâ—ference_n to_o this_o 1._o let_v magistrate_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n consider_v what_o they_o do_v lest_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o this_o guilt_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v hard_a to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n and_o although_o some_o will_v make_v encroachment_n on_o this_o government_n to_o be_v a_o sweet_a thing_n which_o man_n easy_o admit_v in_o their_o own_o person_n without_o any_o restraint_n yet_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v bitterness_n and_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v if_o such_o counsel_n tend_v to_o commend_v religion_n and_o further_a it_o or_o not_o which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o to_o mould_n and_o restrain_v it_o so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o own_o greatness_n and_o end_n as_o in_o henry_n the_o 8._o of_o england_n do_v appear_v 2._o they_o will_v consider_v if_o conscience_n put_v they_o to_o it_o or_o if_o the_o most_o zealous_a press_v it_o or_o if_o some_o other_o thing_n drive_v it_o on_o and_o to_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o design_n be_v most_o savoury_a if_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o the_o most_o profane_a or_o otherways_o erroneous_a and_o shall_v magistrate_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o such_o 3._o they_o will_v consider_v the_o absurdity_n and_o consequent_n allege_v if_o they_o be_v hindrance_n or_o ill_n to_o religion_n and_o godliness_n or_o but_o to_o their_o own_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o that_o in_o pretext_n only_o be_v it_o because_o they_o will_v more_o zealous_o or_o profitable_o do_v it_o themselves_o or_o because_o they_o have_v rather_o it_o be_v not_o do_v at_o all_o nor_o do_v by_o they_o and_o such_o like_a if_o it_o be_v the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o own_o power_n more_o than_o of_o christ_n that_n move_v they_o for_o it_o have_v often_o be_v a_o miserable_a mistake_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o seek_v the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o government_n by_o their_o enervate_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o overturning_a of_o their_o own_o if_o magistrate_n can_v in_o conscience_n clear_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o can_v but_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o encroachment_n on_o christ_n ordinance_n which_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o his_o kingdom_n 4._o consider_v the_o consequent_n when_o thing_n be_v mar_v and_o lie_v undo_v or_o when_o misguided_a by_o undiscreet_a hand_n who_o love_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o make_v ordinance_n despicable_a for_o if_o indeed_o a_o distinct_a government_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o civil_a than_o a_o distinct_a incorporation_n as_o a_o church_n be_v must_v be_v inconsistent_a even_o in_o its_o be_v with_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o if_o church-government_n be_v needless_a because_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o civil_a ruler_n that_o be_v incumbent_n to_o it_o a_o ministry_n also_o will_v be_v needless_a because_o civil_a man_n that_o have_v knowledge_n may_v supply_v that_o and_o seldom_o be_v any_o find_v that_o reject_v the_o one_o but_o he_o be_v at_o least_o exceed_o lax_v in_o the_o other_o 5._o suppose_v it_o be_v obtain_v that_o this_o government_n be_v bear_v down_o what_o do_v the_o magistrate_n gain_v thereby_o it_o be_v but_o either_o that_o such_o thing_n that_o church-discipline_n take_v notice_n of_o shall_v altogether_o be_v slight_v that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a advantage_n or_o it_o be_v that_o the_o burden_n may_v be_v double_v on_o he_o who_o have_v it_o heavy_a enough_o before_o and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v more_o immediate_o liable_a for_o all_o the_o defect_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o most_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a in_o the_o outward_a duty_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o the_o outward_a man_n yet_o do_v never_o that_o come_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v as_o it_o do_v by_o christ_n ordinance_n of_o discipline_n for_o man_n be_v but_o punish_v as_o man_n and_o not_o as_o christian_n and_o fault_n be_v but_o censure_v as_o in_o other_o state_n and_o not_o as_o in_o christ_n church_n 6._o let_v they_o consider_v that_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o power_n as_o distinct_a from_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v they_o upon_o the_o matter_n from_o have_v access_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v edify_v the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o oversee_v the_o spread_a of_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o the_o restrain_v of_o false_a doctrine_n error_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o every_o other_o thing_n conduce_v to_o the_o end_n of_o edification_n in_o the_o way_n suitable_a to_o their_o place_n only_o it_o bound_v they_o here_o that_o pure_a doctrine_n be_v preach_v by_o christ_n orderly_a call_v minister_n and_o not_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o upon_o their_o mere_a command_n and_o so_o that_o order_n be_v preserve_v and_o discipline_n and_o censure_n be_v exerce_v and_o make_v effectual_a in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o method_n and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o restrain_v they_o in_o government_n and_o incapacitate_v they_o for_o edify_v the_o church_n in_o their_o place_n more_o than_o by_o refuse_v they_o power_n to_o preach_v authoritative_o and_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n as_o christ_n ambassador_n or_o more_o than_o a_o father_n be_v incapacitate_v to_o exerce_fw-la his_o fatherly_a power_n on_o a_o unruly_a child_n because_o a_o magistrate_n or_o church-judicatory_a do_v concur_v with_o he_o 7._o they_o be_v no_o way_n weaken_v in_o civil_a thing_n for_o what_o ever_o the_o magistrate_n former_o possess_v before_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o church_n or_o what_o ever_o magistrate_n in_o other_o state_n where_o no_o church_n be_v do_v possess_v that_o be_v still_o allow_v to_o he_o where_o this_o distinct_a government_n be_v erect_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o do_v encroach_v on_o he_o for_o what_o case_n do_v flow_v from_o a_o state_n as_o a_o state_n be_v still_o leave_v untouched_a by_o this_o authority_n only_a what_o case_n flow_v from_o it_o as_o a_o church_n or_o from_o the_o member_n thereof_o consider_v as_o christian_n these_o only_o be_v meddle_v with_o by_o it_o to_o wit_n trial_n of_o gift_n admission_n of_o minister_n censure_v of_o church-officer_n and_o member_n and_o that_o with_o church_n censure_n other_o than_o have_v be_v or_o be_v use_v in_o any_o mere_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o such_o like_a etc._n etc._n and_o see_v none_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n former_o and_o do_v but_o flow_v from_o this_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v a_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o keep_n of_o power_n distinct_a in_o these_o can_v no_o way_n be_v say_v to_o encroach_v on_o the_o magistrate_n power_n see_v he_o possess_v still_o what_o ever_o any_o magistrate_n possess_v yea_o see_v by_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o new_a relation_n arise_v from_o what_o former_o be_v it_o seem_v convenient_a and_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a distinct_a way_n of_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o same_o else_o suppose_v that_o a_o magistrate_n have_v under_o he_o both_o christian_n and_o heathen_n in_o the_o same_o incorporation_n he_o be_v either_o not_o to_o censure_v christian_n otherways_o for_o their_o fault_n than_o heathen_n which_o be_v absurd_a see_v the_o fault_n of_o a_o christian_a have_v a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o same_o fault_n in_o a_o heathen_a to_o wit_n it_o be_v a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o that_o the_o person_n commit_v it_o be_v a_o church-member_n and_o so_o by_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o reflect_v more_o on_o their_o head_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o
from_o and_o punish_v of_o they_o for_o hurt_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o dishonour_v of_o his_o name_n in_o which_o christian_n prudence_n will_v make_v difference_n 1._o between_o error_n that_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v call_v damnable_a 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n and_o other_o error_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o foundation_n although_o they_o be_v as_o hay_n or_o stubble_n build_v thereon_o 2._o difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o error_n that_o be_v simple_o doctrinal_a such_o as_o these_o that_o be_v about_o the_o object_n of_o predestination_n order_n of_o god_n decree_n or_o such_o like_a wherein_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o right_a and_o a_o wrong_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o intolerable_a as_o error_n that_o imply_v a_o schism_n in_o practice_n to_o the_o rent_v of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n as_o these_o error_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n be_v 3._o difference_n also_o be_v to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o a_o man_n who_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o a_o other_o who_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o be_v who_o not_o only_o after_o admonition_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o also_o do_v persist_v to_o vent_v and_o propagat_v the_o same_o to_o the_o hurt_n and_o offence_n of_o other_o 4._o although_o he_o that_o be_v seduce_v be_v guilty_a as_o the_o seducer_n be_v yet_o reason_n will_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o he_o that_o active_o teach_v and_o seduce_v and_o he_o that_o be_v out_o of_o weakness_n seduce_v and_o be_v but_o a_o follower_n of_o such_o a_o leader_n 5._o there_o may_v be_v a_o censure_v in_o some_o degree_n either_o by_o civil_a or_o church-authority_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o procedure_n to_o any_o high_a degree_n in_o either_o and_o thus_o the_o censure_v in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v distinguish_v not_o only_o from_o forbearance_n and_o negligence_n but_o also_o from_o such_o censure_n as_o may_v appear_v rigid_a or_o unseasonable_a thus_o paul_n sometime_o reprove_v and_o threaten_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galatian_n when_o yet_o he_o will_v neither_o altogether_o forbear_v they_o nor_o pass_v the_o high_a sentence_n upon_o they_o christian_n prudence_n be_v to_o lay_v weight_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o consideration_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o such_o a_o authority_n but_o still_o so_o as_o nothing_o extinguish_v that_o zeal_n which_o magistrate_n and_o church-officer_n ought_v to_o have_v for_o exercise_v of_o their_o respective_a authority_n in_o restrain_v of_o such_o a_o evil_a but_o we_o will_v insist_v no_o more_o on_o this_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o lord_n quarrel_n both_o in_o respect_n to_o jezebel_n and_o to_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v two_o relate_v to_o both_o 1._o she_o seduce_v christ_n servant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a guilt_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o her_o practice_n and_o also_o to_o their_o suffering_n of_o she_o 2._o it_o be_v aggrege_v from_o this_o vers_n 21._o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o she_o have_v continue_v for_o a_o time_n in_o her_o practice_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o god_n forbearance_n have_v not_o amend_v therefore_o her_o sinful_a practice_n and_o their_o neglective_a forbearance_n become_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a concern_v the_o first_o aggravation_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o who_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o this_o title_n christ_n servant_n 2._o why_o they_o get_v this_o title_n in_o this_o place_n to_o the_o first_o we_o say_v by_o christ_n servant_n be_v not_o understand_v man_n indifferent_o for_o heathen_n and_o those_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n get_v not_o this_o name_n but_o it_o be_v peculiar_o apply_v to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n leu._n 25.55_o and_o so_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o to_o christian_n and_o church-member_n so_o jezebel_n aim_v not_o to_o seduce_v pagan_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o her_o error_n but_o christian_n and_o church-member_n 2._o it_o may_v respect_v some_o more_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n nor_o other_o for_o part_n or_o profession_n and_o so_o among_o church-member_n she_o aim_v most_o to_o seduce_v these_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o infect_v with_o no_o error_n and_o these_o that_o be_v clean_o in_o their_o conversation_n and_o free_a of_o gross_a scandal_n rather_o than_o such_o as_o be_v gross_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o carriage_n both_o these_o be_v clear_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o experience_n and_o by_o proportion_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o as_o heretic_n upon_o their_o own_o consideration_n seek_v to_o infect_v church-member_n rather_o than_o these_o that_o be_v without_o so_o among_o church-member_n they_o will_v seek_v rather_o to_o engage_v these_o who_o be_v eminent_a for_o part_n blameless_a in_o their_o carriage_n or_o appear_v to_o be_v gracious_a than_o other_o who_o be_v not_o of_o such_o esteem_n for_o the_o second_o to_o wit_n why_o christ_n give_v they_o this_o title_n in_o this_o place_n who_o be_v seduce_v we_o may_v give_v these_o reason_n for_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v to_o aggrege_n the_o guilt_n of_o both_o as_o have_v be_v say_v 2._o it_o be_v to_o give_v the_o alarm_n and_o warning_n unto_o these_o that_o be_v his_o own_o people_n see_v even_o his_o servant_n may_v be_v seduce_v 3._o it_o be_v to_o show_v his_o own_o resentment_n of_o the_o success_n of_o error_n in_o his_o church_n the_o more_o that_o it_o draw_v away_o these_o that_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v diminish_v the_o number_n of_o his_o family_n and_o servant_n for_o further_o open_v of_o this_o aggravation_n these_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o if_o any_o true_o gracious_a may_v be_v engage_v by_o false_a teacher_n and_o seduce_v to_o error_n 2._o what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v the_o devil_n aim_v at_o the_o seduction_n of_o christ_n servant_n rather_o than_o other_o 3._o why_o christ_n do_v so_o express_o aggrege_n this_o guiltiness_n upon_o this_o account_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n we_o say_v first_o that_o these_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a be_v not_o so_o ready_o and_o frequent_o seduce_v to_o error_n at_o least_o to_o be_v leader_n therein_o and_o promoter_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v unto_o gross_a practical_a offence_n for_o 1._o we_o will_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n so_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o rare_a thing_n for_o a_o opposer_n to_o get_v repentance_n 2_o tim._n 2.25_o 26._o and_o therefore_o the_o believer_n yea_o even_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o conversion_n can_v be_v say_v frequent_o to_o fall_v in_o this_o evil_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o ill_a that_o be_v follow_v with_o more_o deliberation_n and_o come_v not_o from_o the_o surprise_v of_o some_o particular_a tentation_n as_o other_o gross_a evil_n do_v therefore_o can_v be_v so_o consistent_a with_o gracious_a principle_n and_o a_o spiritual_a walk_n as_o particular_a outbreaking_n wherein_o a_o person_n be_v captivate_v 4._o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o error_n be_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n jer._n 28._o and_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o promoter_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o 15._o which_o at_o first_o appear_v to_o be_v abominable_a unto_o any_o of_o a_o gracious_a principle_n and_o more_o than_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n 5._o also_o the_o promise_n seem_v especial_o to_o relate_v to_o god_n guide_v of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v simple_o to_o all_o yet_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v further_a than_o in_o reference_n to_o practical_a scandal_n yet_o second_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o for_o these_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a to_o be_v seduce_v to_o error_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v promise_n indeed_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o from_o total_a and_o final_a apostasy_n and_o impenitency_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o ill_n but_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o a_o believer_n otherways_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o any_o ill_a incident_a to_o one_o that_o be_v unrenewed_a 2._o even_o believer_n have_v corruption_n and_o so_o have_v much_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o much_o perverseness_n in_o their_o inclination_n and_o affection_n it_o can_v be_v think_v strange_a then_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o a_o tentation_n to_o error_n there_o be_v
be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thousand_o as_o have_v be_v abundant_o make_v out_o by_o that_o rich_a piece_n learned_a mr._n rutherfurd_n his_o dueright_a of_o presbytery_n and_o that_o acute_a piece_n juâ—divinum_fw-la regiminis_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la where_o also_o the_o plurality_n of_o officer_n be_v abundant_o evince_v wherefore_o there_o need_v no_o more_o of_o this_o only_o we_o may_v observe_v from_o act_n 13.1_o that_o in_o antioch_n beside_o extraordinary_a officer_n there_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o ordinary_a teacher_n which_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o bishop_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v what_o the_o case_n of_o these_o church_n will_v have_v be_v when_o one_o pastor_n be_v absent_a from_o they_o as_o oftentimes_o it_o be_v by_o be_v send_v in_o message_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o otherways_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o church_n be_v without_o preaching-officer_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n all_o that_o time_n yet_o that_o must_v be_v say_v except_o we_o say_v there_o be_v other_o preaching-officer_n labour_v among_o they_o 3._o be_v it_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o all_o church_n be_v of_o one_o measure_n so_o as_o to_o be_v serve_v with_o one_o man_n or_o that_o where_o some_o few_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v convert_v and_o do_v combine_v among_o themselves_o they_o behove_v either_o to_o be_v a_o diocesian_a church_n which_o be_v impossible_a or_o to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o i_o ask_v if_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v more_o perfect_a with_o presbyter_n than_o without_o they_o if_o it_o be_v more_o perfect_a with_o they_o than_o it_o must_v be_v say_v the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a form_n which_o will_v be_v against_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v more_o perfect_a without_o they_o than_o they_o be_v unreasonable_o bring_v and_o keep_v into_o the_o church_n both_o which_o be_v absurd_a a_o five_o consideration_n be_v that_o the_o deny_v of_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n in_o this_o ordinary_a notion_n to_o have_v be_v institute_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n do_v go_v near_o to_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n of_o christianity_n and_o overturn_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o great_a work_n of_o conversion_n in_o the_o church_n have_v be_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o such_o presbyter_n â—_o and_o this_o assertion_n do_v at_o once_o remove_v the_o same_o for_o 1._o it_o deny_v they_o to_o have_v be_v institute_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o a_o mean_a for_o convert_v of_o soul_n and_o what_o more_o can_v be_v say_v to_o overturn_v they_o 2._o see_v he_o deny_v this_o institution_n to_o have_v be_v when_o john_n write_v this_o revelation_n chap._n 4._o annotation_n what_o warrant_n can_v be_v afterward_o give_v for_o their_o institute_n yea_o it_o can_v be_v show_v from_o history_n or_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n when_o or_o how_o they_o be_v first_o institute_v and_o therefore_o in_o sum_n they_o come_v to_o be_v a_o humane_a institution_n and_o so_o such_o a_o excellent_a mean_n of_o edification_n be_v overturn_v a_o six_o consideration_n be_v that_o this_o assertion_n seem_v to_o destroy_v itself_o and_o to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o preaching-bishop_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n to_o preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o same_o then_o either_o he_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o same_o the_o congregarion_n not_o be_v numerous_a and_o so_o he_o discharge_v ministerial_a duty_n without_o have_v jurisdiction_n over_o any_o other_o preaching-presbyte_a of_o which_o there_o be_v none_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n or_o over_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o so_o he_o be_v the_o very_a person_n who_o we_o call_v a_o ordinary_a pastor_n or_o apostolic_a bishop_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v no_o other_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n and_o be_v so_o understand_v this_o prelatical_a or_o diocesian-bishop_n have_v power_n over_o many_o particular_a congregation_n must_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o this_o bishop_n have_v a_o charge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o one_o man_n to_o deal_v with_o or_o have_v christian_n and_o officer_n in_o diverse_a place_n and_o church_n subject_a to_o he_o which_o will_v also_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o same_o author_n now_o if_o it_o implicate_v not_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o diocesian_a bishop_n and_o yet_o have_v rule_v but_o over_o one_o congregation_n and_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o preaching-officer_n and_o so_o be_v not_o a_o preaching-officer_n of_o the_o low_a degree_n and_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o other_o inferior_a preaching-officer_n which_o necessary_o imply_v that_o that_o bishop_n be_v of_o the_o low_a degree_n if_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n implicate_v not_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o do_v for_o the_o one_o thing_n say_v he_o have_v none_o under_o he_o the_o other_o say_v he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o low_a neither_o will_v any_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o inferior_a order_n to_o be_v institute_v after_o the_o apostle_n day_n over_o which_o these_o bishop_n be_v to_o govern_v for_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v make_v out_o that_o there_o be_v a_o appointment_n in_o the_o word_n for_o institute_v of_o such_o a_o officer_n which_o be_v not_o then_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o will_v yet_o follow_v that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o bishop_n do_v discharge_v the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n and_o so_o be_v the_o low_a preaching-officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o contradiction_n will_v have_v be_v still_o obvious_a in_o that_o time_n and_o they_o have_v be_v liable_a unto_o this_o same_o argument_n 3._o if_o they_o have_v then_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n it_o behove_v to_o be_v a_o non-ens_a while_o they_o have_v no_o be_v and_o that_o for_o many_o year_n which_o look_v not_o like_o christ_n way_n in_o give_v talent_n to_o man_n and_o indeed_o when_o all_o be_v consider_v see_v these_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o allow_v ordinary_a minister_n to_o do_v and_o have_v the_o same_o qualification_n appoint_v for_o they_o and_o the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v next_o before_o to_o deacon_n and_o have_v only_a charge_n of_o particular_a congregation_n and_o such_o like_a it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o conclude_v they_o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o former_o we_o lay_v down_o and_o so_o we_o leave_v any_o further_a consideration_n of_o this_o author_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n and_o of_o a_o sinner_n obtain_v justification_n before_o he_o this_o last_o epistle_n direct_v to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n do_v contain_v a_o short_a sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o god_n way_n of_o engage_v sinner_n to_o he_o it_o will_v therefore_o be_v meet_a to_o take_v some_o more_o particular_a consideration_n thereof_o for_o here_o 1._o we_o have_v man_n describe_v in_o his_o sinful_a condition_n â—s_v miserable_a naked_a poor_a and_o withal_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o same_o 2._o we_o have_v the_o remedy_n propose_v to_o wit_n gold_n and_o white_a raiment_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o mid_n lead_v to_o the_o enjoy_v of_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o this_o be_v offer_v that_o be_v believe_v express_v under_o the_o term_n of_o buy_v open_v to_o he_o hear_v his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n 4._o there_o be_v motive_n whereby_o the_o acceptance_n of_o this_o offer_n upon_o such_o term_n be_v press_v and_o that_o both_o from_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o and_o hazard_n if_o it_o be_v slight_v and_o from_o the_o many_o advantage_n that_o do_v accompany_v the_o accept_n thereof_o 5._o we_o have_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v called-for_a upon_o this_o acceptance_n to_o wit_n â—â—al_a and_o repentance_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o this_o do_v hold_v forth_o god_n way_n of_o covenant_v with_o a_o sinful_a person_n whereby_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o curse_n follow_v thereupon_o be_v remove_v which_o we_o may_v conceive_v in_o this_o order_n 1._o man_n be_v suppose_v not_o only_o to_o be_v sinful_a but_o also_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o appearance_n before_o god_n justice_n to_o have_v that_o sentence_n stand_v against_o he_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n
great_a vessel_n make_v for_o use_n and_o ornament_n and_o according_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o house_n of_o great_a man_n and_o be_v particular_o mention_v among_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o ceremonial_a worship_n as_o be_v former_o mark_v and_o be_v especial_o for_o wash_v or_o bathe_v thereinto_o now_o these_o consideration_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o world_n as_o express_v the_o vanity_n and_o worthlesnesse_n thereof_o neither_o will_v there_o be_v any_o just_a analogy_n find_v betwixt_o the_o two_o whereby_o the_o one_o may_v be_v find_v to_o resemble_v or_o to_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o other_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v here_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o glorious_a train_n be_v four_o beast_n which_o be_v large_o insist_v on_o vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o and_o 8._o that_o these_o beast_n be_v mention_v immediate_o after_o the_o sea_n of_o glass_n it_o show_v that_o by_o the_o sea_n of_o glass_n must_v be_v understand_v something_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o his_o church_n see_v it_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o other_o commendation_n for_o that_o these_o beast_n be_v mention_v to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n can_v be_v question_v the_o word_n render_v beast_n be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o may_v be_v well_o translate_v live_v creature_n as_o it_o be_v ezek._n 1._o or_o live_v wight_n by_o these_o be_v not_o understand_v angel_n as_o in_o ezek._n 1._o and_o 10._o because_o chap._n 5.10_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v among_o the_o redeem_a and_o vers_fw-la 11._o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o indeed_o their_o follow_a description_n be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o these_o live_a wight_n or_o cherubim_n ezek._n 1._o there_o will_v be_v find_v a_o great_a difference_n nor_o second_o by_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v any_o of_o the_o glorify_a triumphant_a church_n because_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v give_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o also_o reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n chap._n 5.10_o and_o the_o scope_n be_v by_o they_o to_o express_v something_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a we_o conceive_v therefore_o by_o these_o beast_n so_o describe_v be_v understand_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v distinguish_v from_o professor_n who_o be_v call_v elder_n and_o as_o be_v describe_v like_o angel_n to_o show_v their_o eminency_n in_o some_o respect_n beyond_o the_o other_o for_o 1._o these_o beast_n or_o live_a creature_n for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v like_a to_o man_n do_v ever_o go_v before_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o guide_n to_o they_o therein_o 2._o because_o they_o do_v invite_v excite_v and_o inform_v other_o to_o and_o in_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o say_v come_v and_o see_v chap._n 6._o vers_fw-la 3.5.7_o 3._o they_o be_v describe_v as_o these_o cherubim_n or_o angel_n be_v ezek._n 1._o and_o yet_o be_v such_o angel_n as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n they_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n see_v these_o be_v ordinary_o design_v by_o the_o title_n angel_n in_o this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o more_o likely_a that_o they_o be_v describe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o angel_n even_o as_o they_o get_v their_o name_n 4._o we_o will_v find_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o description_n to_o be_v pertinent_o applicable_a to_o they_o as_o 1._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beast_n or_o live_a creature_n to_o show_v a_o special_a activity_n and_o fitness_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o even_o beyond_o other_o 2._o their_o number_n be_v four_o which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o professor_n be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o lord_n message_n to_o all_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o all_o side_n of_o the_o lord_n throne_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o oversight_n of_o his_o people_n as_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n march_v with_o four_o standard_n on_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o ark._n 3_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a of_o eye_n before_o and_o behind_o they_o have_v not_o one_o eye_n but_o many_o eye_n because_o they_o have_v many_o to_o watch_v over_o and_o many_o snare_n to_o give_v they_o warning_n of_o they_o have_v eye_n before_o that_o be_v to_o show_v their_o dependence_n on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a leader_n and_o captain_n that_o go_v before_o his_o people_n these_o that_o be_v under-guides_a have_v their_o eye_n on_o he_o for_o direction_n in_o the_o way_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o lead_v their_o people_n in_o and_o thus_o their_o eye_n before_o be_v mention_v before_o their_o eye_n behind_o to_o show_v that_o ere_o they_o give_v any_o direction_n to_o the_o flock_n that_o follow_v they_o they_o will_v look_v to_o the_o master_n for_o his_o order_n and_o so_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o servant_n look_v unto_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o master_n for_o observe_v of_o their_o direction_n psal._n 123._o 2._o they_o be_v also_o full_a of_o eye_n behind_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v watchful_a over_o these_o commit_v to_o they_o by_o point_v out_o that_o way_n to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v discover_v from_o god_n and_o by_o watchful_a observe_n how_o they_o follow_v the_o same_o as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 32._o vers_fw-la 8._o i_o will_v instruct_v thou_o and_o teach_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n which_o thou_o shall_v go_v i_o will_v guide_v thou_o with_o my_o eye_n which_o be_v to_o express_v the_o most_o tender_a way_n of_o direction_n and_o instruction_n also_o these_o expression_n serve_v well_o to_o show_v their_o particular_a watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o who_o have_v eye_n before_o they_o that_o import_v tenderness_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o eye_n behind_o which_o respect_v their_o tender_a observation_n of_o their_o bypass_a fail_n 4._o these_o beast_n be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o round_o about_o the_o same_o it_o may_v seem_v strange-like_a to_o say_v they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o about_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o the_o scripture-language_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v near_o it_o or_o to_o be_v full_o upon_o it_o and_o this_o part_n of_o the_o description_n show_v their_o nearness_n to_o god_n and_o their_o dignity_n beyond_o other_o for_o the_o elder_n have_v throne_n and_o crown_n but_o these_o beast_n and_o minister_n have_v the_o same_o throne_n with_o the_o lord_n as_o be_v near_o to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o service_n and_o as_o be_v of_o more_o eminent_a dignity_n because_o they_o be_v ambassador_n for_o he_o and_o act_n in_o his_o stead_n and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o they_o be_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n also_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v so_o without_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o throne_n but_o it_o be_v to_o show_v the_o lord_n wise_a way_n of_o dispose_v his_o minister_n unto_o all_o quarter_n for_o his_o church_n edification_n so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o together_o or_o upon_o any_o one_o side_n of_o the_o throne_n but_o they_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o upon_o all_o quarter_n thereof_o for_o edify_v of_o the_o elder_n or_o his_o people_n set_v out_o by_o they_o which_o be_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n as_o we_o former_o hear_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n we_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a description_n of_o the_o several_a shape_n of_o these_o beast_n which_o be_v the_o five_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v describe_v the_o first_o beast_n be_v like_o a_o lion_n the_o second_o beast_n like_o a_o calf_n the_o three_o beast_n have_v a_o face_n as_o a_o man_n the_o four_o beast_n be_v like_o a_o fly_a eagle_n by_o this_o diversity_n of_o form_n or_o shape_n be_v set_v forth_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o furnitour_n which_o the_o one_o holy_a spirit_n use_v to_o dispense_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n as_o 1_o corinth_n 12.4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o hereby_o the_o lord_n show_v that_o as_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v more_o eminent_a in_o some_o grace_n than_o other_o so_o minister_n be_v some_o of_o they_o eminent_a in_o one_o gift_n some_o of_o they_o in_o another_o as_o the_o lord_n mind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v barsabas_n the_o son_n of_o consolation_n with_o bâ—â—nerges_n the_o son_n
before_o another_o be_v open_v and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n etc._n etc._n no_o that_o be_v not_o mean_v for_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o the_o first_o seal_n and_o the_o red_a horse_n in_o the_o second_o be_v still_o ride_v as_o we_o will_v see_v chap._n 19_o in_o the_o time_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o vial_n but_o it_o look_v especial_o to_o the_o rise_v 〈◊〉_d these_o as_o the_o white_a horse_n go_v before_o the_o red_a and_o the_o red_a before_o the_o black_a and_o the_o seal_n before_o the_o trumpet_n and_o so_o forth_o although_o the_o event_n signify_v by_o the_o white_a horse_n may_v continue_v after_o the_o red_a be_v come_v and_o so_o in_o other_o event_n also_o it_o look_v to_o these_o event_n mention_v as_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n as_o for_o example_n when_o we_o say_v the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o open_a persecution_n and_o the_o trumpet_n error_n the_o meaning_n be_v they_o â—old_a out_o these_o to_o be_v at_o a_o height_n more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o to_o be_v the_o predominant_a state_n or_o evil_a of_o the_o church_n during_o that_o time_n respective_o 2._o we_o will_v be_v advertise_v that_o one_o of_o those_o may_v well_o agree_v and_o be_v apply_v to_o another_o time_n and_o occasion_n by_o proportion_n and_o analogy_n bot_n not_o simple_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o white_a horse_n come_v first_o out_o under_o the_o first_o seal_n aâ—d_v ere_o long_o the_o red_a horse_n follow_v this_o may_v hold_v doctrinal_o in_o the_o general_a from_o it_o that_o where_o ever_o the_o gospel_n come_v ere_o long_o the_o devil_n stir_v up_o man_n to_o persecute_v it_o or_o wherever_o christ_n send_v the_o gospel_n it_o hold_v forth_o that_o his_o carand_n be_v there_o to_o conquer_v yet_o look_v on_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v prophetical_a they_o hold_v forth_o the_o first_o spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o conquest_n and_o persecution_n that_o follow_v it_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o this_o book_n which_o be_v prophetical_a and_o any_o other_o which_o be_v doctrinal_a see_v the_o general_a dispensation_n which_o befall_v the_o church_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o both_o alike_o neither_o will_v it_o make_v for_o christ_n scope_n which_o be_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n to_o come_v for_o arm_v of_o they_o against_o they_o prep_n 2._o the_o first_o two_o prophecy_n hold_v forth_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o church_n that_o of_o the_o vial_n the_o ruin_n of_o her_o enemy_n 1._o that_o the_o seal_n at_o least_o second_o three_o and_o four_o hold_v forth_o sad_a thing_n to_o the_o church_n appear_v 1._o from_o the_o five_o seal_n chap._n 6._o in_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o many_o martyr_n kill_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n which_o must_v be_v under_o the_o former_a seal_n 2._o in_o that_o they_o desire_v revenge_n on_o their_o persecuter_n for_o their_o blood_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o till_o that_o time_n they_o have_v be_v bear_v down_o by_o persecuter_n as_o unrevenged_a which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o former_a seal_n contain_v judgement_n on_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o trumpet_n hold_v forth_o a_o tear_a and_o waste_v condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n by_o they_o give_v the_o alarm_n thereof_o be_v evident_a 1._o by_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n chap._n 11._o and_o the_o beast_n prevail_v against_o the_o saint_n chap._n 13._o which_o contemporate_v with_o the_o trumpet_n and_o 2._o by_o this_o that_o when_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n sound_v chap._n 11.17_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o he_o his_o great_a power_n and_o reign_v as_o if_o under_o the_o former_a six_o his_o power_n have_v lyen_fw-we by_o because_o his_o church_n be_v under_o affliction_n 3._o that_o the_o vial_n bring_v judgement_n on_o the_o enemy_n appear_v 1._o from_o the_o song_n chap._n 11._o when_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n sound_v and_o chap._n 16_o â—_o and_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o shed_n of_o their_o blood_n who_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o it_o be_v on_o the_o beast_n his_o follower_n and_o throne_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o god_n take_v order_n with_o particular_a persecurer_n yet_o such_o a_o remarkable_a change_n as_o that_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o a_o stand_a persecution_n or_o to_o speak_v so_o with_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o former_a two_o prâ—p_n 3._o though_o both_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n hold_v out_o trouble_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o do_v they_o hold_v forth_o different_a trouble_n not_o only_o in_o time_n but_o in_o nature_n and_o from_o different_a enemy_n the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o bloody_a cruelty_n from_o heathen_n the_o trumpet_n deceitful_a heresy_n and_o trouble_n from_o false_a christian_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o gather_v 1._o concern_v the_o seal_n they_o be_v bloody_a to_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o five_o seal_n where_o they_o cry_v for_o vengeance_n against_o the_o shedder_n of_o their_o blood_n 2._o that_o under_o the_o seal_v the_o saint_n be_v mere_o passive_a and_o patient_a in_o bear_v out_o their_o cause_n with_o suffering_n towards_o their_o enemy_n and_o prayer_n towards_o god_n but_o under_o the_o trumpet_n it_o be_v different_a 1._o god_n give_v they_o warning_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v active_a in_o prepare_v for_o that_o storm_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v represent_v as_o strive_v not_o only_o in_o suffer_v and_o prayer_n as_o to_o outward_a enemy_n but_o chap._n 11._o by_o prophesy_v which_o agree_v better_o to_o the_o vindicate_a of_o truth_n against_o false_a brethren_n than_o towards_o these_o who_o be_v altogether_o without_o 3._o the_o enemy_n be_v diverse_o describe_v under_o the_o trumpet_n come_v the_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o locust_n in_o a_o secret_a manner_n carry_v on_o their_o design_n 4._o the_o effect_n be_v different_a the_o seal_n shed_v blood_n and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o all_o professor_n by_o the_o trumpet_n again_o the_o cleaâ—_n waterâ—_n of_o life_n be_v embitter_v and_o truth_n corrupt_v star_n make_v to_o fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o especial_o the_o prophet_n persecute_v and_o insult_v over_o chap._n 11._o 5._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o god_n prepare_v his_o own_o against_o the_o trumpet_n chap._n 7._o more_o than_o against_o the_o seal_n chap._n 6._o of_o which_o difference_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o kill_a sword_n but_o will_v guard_v they_o from_o soul-murthering_a error_n as_o by_o chap._n 7._o compare_v with_o chap._n 9_o and_o 4._o be_v clear_a 6._o it_o be_v most_o clear_a by_o compare_v the_o explicatory_a prophecy_n chap._n 12._o and_o 13._o which_o be_v contemporary_a to_o these_o of_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n from_o which_o may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o that_o the_o church_n have_v trouble_n during_o that_o time_n but_o also_o that_o these_o trouble_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v either_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o dragon_n who_o wait_v to_o devour_v the_o child_n chap._n 12._o which_o contemporate_v with_o the_o seal_n or_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o beast_n chap._n 13._o which_o have_v horn_n like_o the_o lamb_n but_o indeed_o speak_v like_o the_o dragon_n and_o succee_v he_o in_o his_o seat_n which_o contemporate_v with_o the_o trumpet_n from_o which_o we_o may_v conclude_v 1._o that_o the_o first_o period_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v fix_v at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o great_a persecution_n by_o heathen_n and_o her_o meeting_n with_o new_a storm_n from_o within_o by_o the_o devil_n raise_v up_o false_a teacher_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n with_o great_a patron_n to_o they_o both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a which_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o yet_o of_o as_o great_a concernment_n to_o she_o therefore_o least_o be_v free_a of_o the_o former_a she_o shall_v now_o think_v herself_o free_a of_o all_o the_o lord_n sound_v a_o trumpet_n and_o give_v she_o the_o alarm_n of_o this_o storm_n which_o time_n will_v fall_v about_o the_o three_o hundred_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n or_o thereby_o when_o at_o first_o the_o church_n enjoy_v peace_n by_o public_a authority_n under_o constâ—â—tine_n which_o peace_n be_v immediate_o mar_v by_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n and_o other_o follow_v it_o unto_o which_o the_o trumpet_n give_v warning_n this_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o church_n want_v heresy_n under_o the_o seal_n or_o persecution_n under_o the_o trumpet_n no_o the_o contrary_a be_v clear_a but_o this_o we_o mean_v 1._o that_o under_o the_o seal_n persecution_n by_o blood_n have_v its_o height_n and_o be_v more_o constant_a under_o the_o trumpet_n again_o
etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o or_o where_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o more_o ready_a way_n to_o convince_v and_o threaten_v and_o a_o great_a facility_n to_o take_v with_o conviction_n and_o to_o tremble_v at_o threaten_n when_o the_o natural_a conscience_n can_v neither_o say_v against_o the_o truth_n itself_o or_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o they_o but_o again_o where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v for_o a_o time_n man_n be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n like_a laodicea_n or_o be_v satisfy_v with_o formality_n for_o remove_v of_o challenge_n for_o grosser_n evil_n or_o with_o presumption_n in_o misapply_v the_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o alarm_n they_o with_o their_o hazard_n reason_n 3._o god_n intention_n and_o purpose_n in_o send_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o people_n or_o place_n be_v to_o conquer_v and_o his_o way_n of_o conquer_a be_v to_o catch_v as_o it_o be_v whole_a draught_n by_o his_o net_n at_o once_o as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o many_o thousand_o act._n 2.3_o and_o 4._o that_o be_v gain_v by_o one_o preach_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o never_o send_v the_o gospel_n but_o where_o he_o have_v some_o to_o gather_v so_o to_o speak_v he_o keep_v the_o tide_n and_o send_v where_o and_o at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o have_v many_o together_o have_v as_o it_o be_v fit_v and_o try_v they_o for_o that_o end_n as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o mat._n 9.37_o 38._o the_o field_n be_v first_o ripen_v than_o labourer_n be_v send_v to_o the_o harvest_n every_o time_n be_v not_o harvest-time_n and_o therefore_o not_o a_o ripen_a time_n but_o when_o he_o have_v ripen_v a_o kingdom_n town_n or_o parish_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o ordinary_o thrust_v he_o out_o his_o labourer_n who_o speedy_o cut_v down_o the_o ripen_a grain_n but_o as_o the_o harvest_n do_v not_o always_o continue_v so_o neither_o do_v this_o ripen_n for_o a_o minister_n success_n be_v not_o always_o according_a to_o his_o pain_n but_o according_a to_o the_o ripnesse_n of_o the_o field_n he_o labour_v in_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v when_o the_o harvest_n be_v past_a be_v at_o more_o pain_n in_o the_o glean_v of_o a_o reap_a field_n than_o at_o first_o to_o gather_v whole_a sheaf_n reason_n 4._o because_o then_o ordinary_o people_n be_v in_o more_o capacity_n to_o profit_n by_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o in_o a_o less_o incapacity_n than_o when_o without_o fruit_n they_o have_v live_v for_o a_o time_n under_o it_o for_o when_o it_o edifi_v they_o not_o through_o their_o corruption_n they_o grow_v more_o hard_a and_o cold_a more_o secure_a and_o presumptuous_a in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o more_o prejudge_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o word_n and_o the_o carrier_n of_o it_o and_o can_v abide_v freedom_n less_o patient_o than_o before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n who_o at_o first_o receive_v paul_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n chap._n 4.14_o and_o so_o far_o he_o prevail_v with_o they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o profession_n to_o christ_n with_o much_o seem_a zeal_n vers_fw-la 15._o yet_o afterward_o these_o same_o galatian_n be_v christian_n take_v worse_o paul_n freedoom_v vers_fw-la 16._o and_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o even_o by_o he_o bring_v over_o a_o fault_n in_o christianity_n to_o be_v single_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v christian_n this_o be_v ordinary_a where_o the_o word_n come_v and_o better_v not_o folk_n condition_n the_o long_o they_o live_v under_o it_o the_o great_a will_v be_v their_o incapacity_n of_o get_v good_a by_o it_o isa._n 55._o reason_n 5._o which_o follow_v upon_o this_o god_n give_v up_o a_o people_n judicial_o that_o they_o who_o have_v love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v though_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v give_v up_o as_o it_o be_v isa._n 6._o to_o see_v and_o not_o perceive_v to_o hear_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v which_o be_v to_o have_v mean_n and_o not_o to_o profit_v by_o they_o or_o as_o it_o be_v isa._n 29.10_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n so_o that_o all_o vision_n become_v as_o a_o seal_a book_n unto_o they_o this_o cause_n have_v divers_a step_n in_o some_o less_o and_o in_o some_o more_o according_a as_o they_o continue_v to_o thwart_v with_o the_o light_n of_o god_n and_o to_o imprison_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o hearer_n have_v need_v to_o advert_v what_o use_n they_o make_v of_o this_o gospel_n many_o sad_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v among_o they_o young_a one_o and_o beginner_n have_v need_v to_o be_v watchful_a if_o they_o thrive_v not_o at_o their_o entry_n by_o this_o word_n before_o the_o scroof_n grow_v over_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o experience_n if_o ever_o it_o do_v they_o good_a minister_n at_o their_o entry_n to_o a_o place_n and_o the_o people_n with_o who_o they_o enter_v have_v need_n to_o be_v busy_a every_o time_n of_o the_o year_n will_v not_o be_v harvest-time_n to_o they_o 7._o from_o the_o order_n that_o the_o lord_n keep_v when_o judgement_n and_o sad_a dispensation_n be_v come_v you_o may_v see_v though_o there_o be_v three_o sad_a for_o one_o comfortable_a yet_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o comfortable_a offer_n of_o his_o grace_n hence_o observe_v that_o in_o god_n order_n the_o offer_n of_o grace_n come_v first_o he_o be_v content_a to_o do_v folk_n good_a if_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o the_o white_a horse_n go_v before_o the_o red_a or_o any_o other_o this_o be_v his_o way_n to_o sinner_n first_o to_o offer_v peace_n before_o war_n which_o be_v his_o practice_n to_o you_o and_o so_o it_o be_v now_o the_o time_n of_o your_o visitation_n lecture_n iii_o vers._n 3._o and_o when_o he_o have_v open_v the_o second_o seal_n i_o hear_v the_o second_o beast_n say_v come_v and_o see_v 4._o and_o there_o go_v out_o another_o horse_n that_o be_v red_a and_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v thereon_o to_o take_v peace_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v kill_v one_o another_o and_o there_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o great_a sword_n follow_v now_o the_o open_n of_o the_o second_o seal_n which_o have_v the_o same_o type_n to_o wit_n a_o horse_n and_o a_o rider_n as_o the_o former_a but_o very_o diverse_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o particular_n as_o by_o compare_v they_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o and_o the_o two_o follow_v do_v hold_v forth_o sad_a dispensation_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v by_o these_o who_o consider_v the_o description_n of_o they_o the_o main_a thing_n to_o clear_v then_o be_v 1._o whether_o these_o hard_a thing_n do_v principal_o point_v at_o judgement_n on_o the_o world_n for_o despise_v of_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n make_v under_o the_o former_a seal_n or_o 2._o persecution_n stir_v and_o move_v by_o the_o world_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christ_n or_o 3._o god_n judgement_n on_o persecuter_n these_o three_o in_o their_o cause_n and_o in_o the_o event_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o one_o of_o they_o be_v not_o long_o without_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a inconsistence_n to_o take_v in_o all_o the_o world_n despise_v grace_n god_n plague_v it_o for_o that_o the_o heathen_n blame_v the_o christian_n for_o those_o evil_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o devil_n against_o they_o as_o the_o only_a troubler_n of_o the_o world_n and_o contemner_n of_o their_o god_n which_o put_v they_o to_o persecute_v and_o then_o the_o lord_n let_v loose_v all_o sort_n of_o judgement_n on_o they_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o yet_o more_o especial_o consider_v the_o scope_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v in_o the_o text_n we_o think_v it_o special_o set_v out_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o same_o type_n in_o all_o with_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n a_o horse_n differ_v only_o in_o accidental_n as_o colour_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v most_o like_a than_o that_o they_o set_v forth_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n but_o as_o she_o be_v diverse_o affect_v according_a to_o the_o diverse_a description_n of_o circumstance_n 2._o the_o five_o seal_n clear_v this_o for_o they_o suffer_v here_o who_o cry_v for_o vengeance_n there_o but_o that_o be_v the_o church_n who_o be_v suppon_v by_o that_o cry_v to_o have_v be_v long_o under_o suffer_v before_o that_o which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o suffering_n hold_v out_o by_o these_o seal_n 3._o it_o agree_v best_a with_o that_o contemporary_a
usual_a to_o the_o prophet_n who_o expression_n john_n often_o follow_v to_o set_v out_o the_o church_n and_o her_o trouble_n under_o that_o name_n because_o she_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o all_o the_o world_n therefore_o do_v they_o account_v it_o sad_a to_o all_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v sad_a to_o she_o &_o contra_fw-la see_v isa._n 24.1_o 4_o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n where_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v as_o appear_v from_o vers_n 5._o and_o therefore_o the_o former_a exposition_n do_v agree_v well_o with_o this_o expression_n we_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o this_o exposition_n agree_v well_o with_o the_o scope_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o church_n condition_n immediate_o after_o the_o gospel_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o her_o suffering_n then_o that_o it_o agree_v well_o also_o with_o the_o description_n of_o the_o horse_n in_o his_o colour_n rider_n commission_n and_o weapon_n we_o be_v therefore_o 3._o to_o consider_v how_o it_o do_v agree_v unto_o the_o event_n which_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o will_v find_v answerable_a none_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o know_v how_o soon_o persecution_n especial_o kill_v with_o the_o sword_n follow_v after_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n mention_v it_o of_o stephen_n act._n 7._o of_o james_n act._n 12._o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n paul_n frequent_a reckon_n of_o persecution_n and_o particular_o by_o the_o sword_n rom._n 8.35_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 2_o cor._n 4_o and_o chap._n 12._o 2_o tim._n 3.10_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n make_v it_o evident_a this_o also_o be_v in_o general_n make_v out_o by_o the_o ten_o several_a persecution_n which_o be_v for_o their_o cruelty_n and_o universality_n famous_a if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o in_o all_o church-history_n beside_o what_o particular_a murder_n be_v commit_v in_o several_a place_n at_o all_o time_n so_o that_o the_o event_n answer_v well_o both_o to_o the_o type_n and_o to_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o more_o particular_o we_o think_v this_o part_n of_o the_o pprophecy_n look_v especial_o unto_o the_o first_o two_o persecution_n to_o wit_n the_o first_o raise_v by_o nero_n which_o begin_v near_o or_o about_o the_o year_n 66._o of_o our_o lord_n the_o second_o follow_v with_o some_o interval_n under_o domitian_n who_o persecution_n begin_v anno._n 97._o these_o be_v the_o first_o who_o by_o public_a edict_n stir_v up_o the_o heathen_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n against_o they_o to_o kill_v murder_n and_o torture_v at_o their_o pleasure_n by_o those_o persecution_n suffer_v almost_o all_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n cleaâ—eth_v and_o many_o other_o famous_a champion_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o come_v to_o that_o height_n that_o christian_n be_v account_v all_o the_o day_n long_o as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n rom._n 8.36_o and_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a dwell_n place_n in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o we_o apply_v it_o especial_o to_o these_o two_o first_o persecution_n because_o 1._o it_o agree_v best_a with_o the_o order_n of_o time_n former_o lay_v down_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o second_o seal_n be_v next_o immediate_o unto_o the_o first_o 2._o because_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o persecution_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o a_o bloody_a cruel_a and_o open_a manner_n drive_v on_o by_o these_o two_o beast_n one_o of_o who_o paul_n call_v the_o liâ—u_n 2_o tim._n 4_o 17._o do_v suit_n best_o with_o the_o type_n former_o expound_v though_o proportional_o the_o follow_a persecution_n in_o their_o nature_n be_v describe_v here_o as_o they_o be_v bloody_a in_o which_o respect_n we_o will_v find_v kill_v with_o the_o sword_n again_o to_o be_v mention_v vers_fw-la 8._o under_o the_o four_o seal_n this_o be_v the_o exposition_n of_o this_o type_n as_o it_o be_v prophetical_a we_o shall_v now_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a doctrine_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v say_v and_o further_o confirm_v it_o 1._o from_o renew_v this_o exhortation_n come_v and_o see_v observe_v that_o every_o passage_n reveal_v by_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o they_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o second_o beast_n which_o be_v now_o make_v use_n of_o when_o the_o church_n be_v suffer_v obs._n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v minister_n fit_v for_o suffering_n as_o well_o as_o for_o action_n he_o have_v they_o who_o be_v like_o lion_n to_o spread_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o preacher_n or_o reformer_n in_o a_o land_n be_v eminent_o furnish_v ordinary_o with_o boldness_n and_o zeal_n dare_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o difficult_a task_n again_o he_o have_v they_o who_o be_v patient_a like_o calf_n when_o he_o call_v for_o suffer_v obs._n 3_o that_o fitness_n for_o patient_a suffering_n be_v a_o gift_n necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o qualification_n become_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o less_o than_o the_o former_a boldness_n and_o have_v work_v and_o use_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a have_v though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o so_o shine_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o any_o obs._n 4._o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n time_v and_o try_v minister_n qualification_n according_a to_o the_o task_n which_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v for_o do_v or_o suffer_v he_o have_v they_o according_o qualify_v 1._o he_o send_v out_o as_o it_o be_v lion_n because_o than_o he_o be_v to_o triumph_v over_o difficulty_n then_o come_v as_o it_o be_v calf_n after_o they_o because_o their_o great_a work_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o gain_v new_a ground_n as_o to_o maintain_v what_o the_o former_a have_v gain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v calf_n to_o endure_v suffer_v yet_o both_o sort_n be_v employ_v for_o one_o end_n to_o preach_v one_o gospel_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n â—_o more_o particular_o from_o that_o which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o type_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o former_a seal_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o a_o flourish_a gospel_n in_o the_o world_n or_o in_o a_o land_n be_v not_o long_o without_o a_o persecute_v sword_n on_o the_o back_n of_o it_o or_o ordinary_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a connexion_n betwixt_o a_o conquer_a gospel_n and_o sad_a trial_n upon_o the_o professor_n thereof_o luk._n 12.49_o 50_o 51._o i_o come_v to_o send_v fire_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o what_o will_v i_o if_o it_o be_v already_o kindle_v etc._n etc._n scripture_n and_o experience_n do_v abundant_o confirm_v this_o we_o may_v only_o ask_v how_o it_o come_v that_o persecution_n follow_v so_o at_o the_o heel_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o connexion_n this_o may_v be_v answ._n we_o will_v find_v a_o threefold_a connexion_n between_o these_o the_o first_o be_v meritorious_a procure_v by_o the_o church_n walk_v unworthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n for_o many_o despise_v and_o reject_v it_o other_o walk_v unworthy_a of_o it_o the_o most_o part_n sit_v down_o under_o a_o formal_a and_o lukewarm_a profession_n and_o so_o by_o not_o welcome_v kind_o the_o white_a horse_n they_o do_v procure_v this_o red_a horse_n to_o be_v send_v out_o upon_o they_o for_o punish_v their_o hypocrisy_n this_o be_v give_v for_o a_o cause_n of_o these_o first_o persecution_n by_o some_o of_o the_o bless_a martyr_n particular_o by_o cyprian_a who_o lay_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o persecution_n do_v name_n worldliness_n emulation_n division_n etc._n etc._n as_o sin_n among_o christian_n just_o provoke_v god_n so_o to_o exercise_v they_o account_v that_o a_o chastisement_n as_o from_o god_n which_o be_v persecution_n as_o from_o man_n see_v cyprian_n in_o his_o four_o epist._n of_o his_o four_o book_n which_o be_v the_o 8._o epist._n pag._n 15._o edit_fw-la pamelii_n and_o frequent_o see_v euseb._n lib._n 8._o cap._n 1._o the_o second_o connexion_n be_v final_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n purpose_n who_o by_o these_o persecution_n intend_v the_o bring_n about_o of_o good_a end_n as_o to_o make_v his_o truth_n more_o manifest_a to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o professor_n to_o evidence_n the_o honesty_n of_o other_o many_o will_v rejoice_v for_o a_o time_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o when_o persecution_n come_v like_o the_o seed_n sow_v in_o stony_a ground_n mat._n 13._o by_o and_o by_o will_v stumble_v therefore_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o wisdom_n let_v a_o sword_n pierce_v through_o many_o of_o his_o most_o precious_a servant_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o many_o heart_n may_v be_v reveal_v which_o reason_n be_v give_v luk._n 2.34_o 35._o the_o three_o
invite_v to_o come_v and_o see_v and_o the_o event_n foretell_v by_o the_o type_n but_o there_o can_v be_v none_o between_o the_o three_o beast_n and_o famine_n literal_o understand_v which_o yet_o may_v well_o consist_v if_o figurative_o it_o be_v consider_v conclusion_n 3._o the_o event_n here_o foretell_v must_v fall_v within_o the_o first_o period_n lay_v down_o to_o wit_n after_o the_o first_o persecution_n and_o before_o the_o vengeance_n execute_v upon_o heathen_a persecuter_n yea_o it_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o middle_a sort_n of_o persecution_n between_o the_o rise_v thereof_o under_o the_o second_o seal_n and_o its_o height_n under_o the_o seal_n follow_v by_o this_o type_n then_o in_o sum_n we_o understand_v the_o church_n sad_a condition_n after_o the_o first_o two_o persecution_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o any_o particular_a sort_n of_o trial_n on_o she_o whether_o from_o without_o only_a in_o respect_n of_o persecution_n or_o within_o only_a in_o respect_n of_o division_n error_n and_o heresy_n in_o herself_o but_o a_o concurrence_n of_o both_o and_o what_o deny_v both_o in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o this_o type_n whereby_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n former_o glorious_a be_v now_o mar_v and_o more_o obscure_v and_o darken_v than_o it_o be_v by_o the_o precede_a violence_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o former_a persecuter_n this_o exposition_n and_o application_n we_o will_v find_v to_o suit_n well_o with_o the_o type_n in_o its_o colour_n sign_n word_n of_o explication_n qualification_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o invit_v to_o come_v and_o see_v and_o with_o the_o event_n draw_v from_o story_n 1._o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o in_o ezek._n 24._o to_o set_v down_o sad_a judgement_n of_o any_o sort_n under_o these_o four_o plague_n sword_n famine_n pestilence_n and_o beast_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o particular_o astrict_n this_o type_n to_o one_o sort_n of_o plague_n but_o general_o comprehend_v all_o these_o sad_a calamity_n which_o come_v upon_o the_o church_n even_o as_o by_o sword_n under_o the_o former_a seal_n be_v not_o only_o understand_v one_o plague_n but_o all_o persecution_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_v the_o church_n be_v bring_v low_a and_o make_v bloody_a and_o consider_v that_o the_o follow_a type_n can_v be_v literal_o understand_v wherein_o also_o this_o plague_n of_o famine_n be_v include_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o effect_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n sad_a condition_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o event_n hold_v forth_o to_o be_v black_a than_o any_o particular_a mean_v to_o be_v pitch_v upon_o whereby_o that_o be_v bring_v about_o we_o do_v incline_v to_o take_v it_o more_o large_o as_o comprehend_v the_o church_n sad_a condition_n in_o general_a and_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v instrumental_a in_o bring_v that_o about_o 2._o famine_n also_o be_v figurative_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n as_o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o famine_n not_o of_o bread_n but_o of_o the_o word_n amos_n 8.11_o and_o this_o famine_n more_o peculiarly_a and_o proper_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n 3._o famine_n be_v sometime_o mention_v as_o a_o particular_a affliction_n of_o the_o saint_n even_o as_o sword_n and_o prison_n be_v so_o in_o rom._n 8.35_o 2_o corinth_n 11.27_o that_o be_v a_o famine_n and_o strait_a even_o of_o outward_a thing_n occasion_v by_o the_o world_n imprison_v banish_v forefeit_v and_o spoil_v of_o god_n people_n of_o their_o good_n as_o heb._n 10.34_o and_o 11.37_o 38._o this_o famine_n agree_v to_o the_o church_n in_o her_o persecute_a state_n and_o as_o the_o sword_n be_v so_o be_v this_o make_a use_n of_o by_o persecuter_n against_o she_o now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v whether_o this_o famine_n express_v by_o the_o type_n be_v to_o be_v take_v literal_o or_o figurative_o as_o it_o more_o general_o comprehend_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o her_o outward_a and_o inward_a condition_n according_a to_o the_o three_o acception_n mention_v we_o answer_v figurative_o on_o these_o consideration_n 1._o the_o famine_n here_o mention_v be_v some_o sad_a condition_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n 2._o because_o it_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o trouble_n as_o man_n be_v instrumental_a in_o and_o therefore_o be_v liable_a to_o god_n vengeance_n for_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o five_o seal_n follow_v 3._o more_o particular_o the_o consider_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o type_n will_v make_v this_o out_o 1._o it_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o type_n for_o blackness_n on_o the_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n both_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o outward_a persecution_n from_o other_o and_o inward_a carelessness_n and_o division_n from_o which_o two_o ground_n the_o church_n cant._n 1.5_o 6._o do_v derive_v her_o blackness_n upon_o the_o one_o side_n her_o mother_n child_n be_v angry_a with_o she_o and_o on_o the_o other_o she_o have_v not_o keep_v the_o vineyard_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o she_o which_o two_o have_v bring_v on_o blackness_n as_o sun-burning_a do_v in_o these_o hot_a country_n 2._o this_o will_v agree_v well_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o pair_n of_o balance_n whereby_o open_a persecution_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v do_v by_o seem_a authority_n by_o sentence_n proscription_n and_o the_o like_a man_n as_o it_o be_v weigh_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o hand_n psal._n 58.2_o as_o if_o violence_n can_v be_v cover_v with_o pretext_n of_o justice_n this_o also_o agree_v well_o to_o error_n abuse_v the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n for_o the_o cover_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o agree_v well_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o three_o beast_n who_o qualification_n of_o prudence_n learning_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v try_v and_o put_v to_o exercise_v by_o this_o sort_n of_o famine_n 4._o it_o speak_v such_o a_o famine_n as_o have_v a_o reservation_n so_o that_o though_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v mar_v by_o it_o and_o many_o thing_n corrupt_v yet_o the_o main_a fundamental_a and_o soul-refreshing_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o marrow_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v the_o fine_a of_o the_o wheat_n honey_n wine_n and_o oil_n psal._n 81.16_o isa._n 25._o be_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n keep_v free_a for_o the_o refresh_n of_o god_n people_n by_o which_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o overflow_n of_o heresy_n under_o the_o trumpeâ—â—_n where_o some_o person_n be_v exempt_v but_o no_o truth_n keep_v free_a from_o these_o wind_n chap._n 7._o but_o every_o green_a thing_n make_v to_o wither_v more_o particular_o yet_o to_o make_v it_o out_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o applicable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n during_o the_o second_o centurie_n after_o domitian_n death_n which_o put_v a_o close_a to_o the_o second_o persecution_n to_o wit_n under_o trajan_n hadrian_n antonium_n pius_fw-la antoninus_n philus_n commodus_n pertinax_n maximius_n and_o severiâ—_n which_o take_v in_o five_o several_a persecution_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o this_o time_n be_v 1._o it_o suit_v well_o with_o the_o series_n former_o say_v down_o if_o the_o former_a seal_n hold_v forth_o the_o first_o two_o persecution_n under_o the_o first_o centurie_n as_o be_v say_v then_o this_o follow_a seal_n must_v hold_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n immediate_o succeed_v the_o former_a 2._o because_o during_o this_o time_n though_o the_o church_n trouble_v continue_v yet_o begin_v they_o after_o domitian_n death_n to_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o the_o former_a and_o to_o look_v like_v this_o type_n as_o we_o will_v see_v by_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n during_o that_o time_n 1._o after_o domitian_n bloody_a rage_n the_o church_n have_v but_o a_o little_a time_n breathe_v for_o a_o year_n than_o follow_v a_o three_o persecution_n under_o trajan_n which_o continue_v under_o hadrian_n and_o the_o first_o antoninus_n all_o which_o time_n be_v account_v but_o one_o persecution_n by_o some_o because_o not_o interrupt_v some_o interval_n again_o there_o be_v under_o commodus_n though_o a_o more_o gross_a man_n than_o any_o of_o the_o former_a then_o persecution_n again_o break_v out_o under_o antoninus_n philos._n maximinus_n and_o other_o so_o that_o the_o church_n condition_n be_v always_o suffer_v even_o under_o these_o emperor_n who_o do_v not_o active_o persecute_v yet_o because_o they_o restrain_v it_o not_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o vent_v their_o malice_n against_o christian_n 2._o these_o persecution_n be_v most_o especial_o follow_v against_o minister_n thereby_o increase_v the_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n clement_n be_v almost_o the_o first_o martyr_n under_o trajan_n during_o that_o time_n also_o suffer_v ignatius_n onesimus_n polycarpus_n and_o many_o faithful_a minister_n and_o that_o persecution_n of_o maximinus_n be_v especial_o
why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v seek_v for_o if_o innocent_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v punish_v yet_o do_v this_o occasion_n much_o calmness_n to_o christian_n especial_o in_o these_o part_n the_o persecution_n stir_v by_o hadrian_n be_v stay_v by_o the_o apology_n which_o quadratus_n and_o aristides_n present_v to_o he_o anton._n pius_n be_v make_v to_o relent_v by_o that_o apology_n of_o justin_n martyr_n anton._n philosophus_fw-la by_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n be_v change_v and_o make_v to_o befriend_v christian_n which_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o marcâ—manick_n war_n he_o and_o his_o army_n be_v bring_v to_o great_a strait_n be_v overpower_v with_o the_o enemy_n and_o enclose_v among_o mountain_n without_o water_n so_o that_o he_o and_o they_o be_v like_a to_o perish_v for_o thirst_n a_o legion_n of_o christian_a soldier_n who_o then_o be_v in_o the_o army_n do_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n and_o before_o they_o all_o fall_v down_o to_o prayer_n they_o obtain_v from_o the_o lord_n not_o only_a water_n in_o abundance_n but_o a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o enemy_n the_o lord_n cause_v it_o to_o rain_v with_o such_o fire_n and_o thunder_n upon_o the_o enemy_n as_o make_v they_o to_o give_v back_n this_o legion_n upon_o this_o occasion_n be_v by_o he_o call_v legio_n fulminatrix_fw-la and_o this_o miracle_n prevail_v so_o with_o the_o emperor_n that_o present_o he_o give_v out_o a_o edict_n most_o favourable_a to_o christian_n ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v neither_o be_v seek_v for_o nor_o punish_v if_o present_v but_o that_o their_o accuser_n shall_v be_v punish_v see_v that_o his_o safety_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o empire_n depend_v upon_o their_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o mark_v that_o so_o many_o persecution_n together_o be_v restrain_v by_o god_n during_o this_o time_n for_o it_o make_v it_o the_o more_o applicable_a unto_o therestraint_n insinuate_v in_o this_o seal_n which_o can_v be_v find_v in_o persecution_n at_o no_o other_o time_n 12._o we_o may_v add_v that_o in_o no_o age_n the_o church_n have_v more_o well_o qualify_v man_n nor_o at_o any_o time_n have_v more_o appear_v for_o she_o against_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n as_o may_v be_v witness_v by_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o foresay_a quadratus_n aristides_n apollonius_n melito_n asiâ—nus_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o sundry_a other_o bold_o and_o learned_o plead_v the_o christian_n cause_n against_o persecuter_n and_o be_v present_v to_o several_a emperor_n there_o be_v also_o much_o dispute_v with_o heathen_n as_o origen_n contra_fw-la celsum_fw-la with_o jew_n as_o justin_n dialog_n cum_fw-la trâ—phâ—ne_n and_o tertullian_n adversus_fw-la gentes_fw-la &_o â—udâ—os_fw-la so_o also_o against_o many_o heretic_n as_o witness_v ireneus_fw-la his_o write_n and_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr prescription_n adversus_fw-la hereticos_fw-la yea_o many_o able_a and_o holy_a man_n appear_v also_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v schism_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o ireneus_fw-la and_o polycarp_n their_o pain_n and_o travel_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a understanding_n between_o the_o church_n in_o the_o east_n and_o in_o the_o west_n not_o only_o by_o write_v serious_a exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o and_o in_o reprove_v the_o vehemency_n of_o some_o too_o fervent_o advance_v their_o own_o judgement_n with_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o also_o by_o their_o travel_v from_o east_n to_o west_n to_o compose_v their_o difference_n who_o labour_n for_o a_o time_n god_n blessed_v till_o about_o anno_fw-la 200._o when_o victor_n excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n which_o rash_a deed_n be_v condemn_v by_o many_o vide_fw-la apud_fw-la euseb._n cent._n magd._n baron_fw-fr in_o the_o history_n belong_v to_o that_o time_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o as_o there_o be_v never_o more_o to_o do_v with_o well_o qualify_a minister_n so_o be_v the_o church_n well_o furnish_v with_o they_o which_o do_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o three_o beast_n represent_v like_o a_o man_n in_o the_o type_n as_o be_v say_v by_o these_o christian_a religion_n be_v preserve_v from_o heathen_n without_o and_o vindicate_v from_o heretic_n within_o and_o the_o substantial_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v keep_v from_o hurt_n the_o white_a horse_n be_v still_o conquer_a and_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o heathen_n idolatrous_a templ_n be_v almost_o desolate_a no_o man_n haunt_v they_o nor_o buy_v their_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o same_o plinius_n in_o the_o forcited_a place_n complean_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o place_n almost_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o and_o though_o all_o other_o monarchy_n have_v their_o bound_n and_o be_v limit_v yet_o this_o dominion_n of_o christ_n have_v none_o but_o spread_v over_o all_o and_o therefore_o behoove_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o tertul._n at_o length_n prove_v apol._n cap._n 37._o etc._n etc._n yea_o christian_n do_v so_o increase_v that_o as_o the_o same_o author_n affirm_v have_v they_o but_o withdraw_v from_o their_o town_n and_o country_n they_o have_v leave_v they_o almost_o desolate_a and_o terrible_a to_o the_o indweller_n that_o remain_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v without_o humane_a force_n and_o help_v but_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o alone_a voice_n of_o he_o who_o throne_n be_v among_o the_o four_o beast_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unanswerable_a to_o the_o type_n nor_o any_o strain_n of_o the_o scope_n thus_o to_o apply_v it_o see_v this_o seal_n do_v especial_o speak_v out_o these_o four_o agree_v better_a to_o the_o event_n of_o this_o time_n than_o any_o other_o as_o 1._o a_o decay_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o thing_n worse_o than_o the_o former_a whereby_o she_o become_v black_a 2._o a_o remarkable_a restraint_n upon_o the_o instrument_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o sad_a decay_n 3._o a_o sort_n of_o seem_a justice_n in_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o these_o evil_n 4._o with_o a_o sober_a improve_n of_o part_n and_o ability_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n oppose_v themselves_o to_o these_o evil_n all_o which_o we_o have_v find_v in_o the_o event_n and_o therefore_o conceive_v it_o not_o unfit_o to_o be_v resemble_v by_o this_o type_n as_o differ_v both_o from_o the_o seal_n precede_v and_o the_o other_o follow_v and_o from_o it_o thus_o understand_v we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o more_o sort_n of_o trial_n than_o one_o and_o when_o one_o come_v there_o be_v ready_o a_o second_o that_o follow_v before_o the_o outgate_n of_o that_o and_o the_o last_o trial_n be_v ordinary_o the_o sad_a and_o bring_v the_o church_n low_a obs._n 2._o that_o man_n may_v be_v good_a civil_a and_o moral_a man_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o yet_o be_v exceed_v great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o part_n if_o they_o be_v not_o sanctify_v be_v often_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n the_o church_n have_v peace_n under_o commodus_n and_o heliogabolus_n but_o suffer_v by_o trajan_n severus_n hadrian_n and_o antoninus_n pius_n who_o government_n be_v excellent_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o make_v many_o in_o that_o time_n without_o force_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o roman_n yet_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o concern_v the_o church_n there_o be_v none_o great_a enemy_n to_o they_o which_o proceed_v partly_o fâ—om_o the_o nature_n of_o fleshly_a wisdom_n which_o rom._n 8.7_o be_v enmity_n to_o god_n partly_o because_o man_n of_o that_o temper_n have_v more_o settle_a principle_n of_o persecution_n within_o they_o not_o act_v by_o profane_a fury_n as_o other_o but_o from_o delude_a zeal_n this_o make_v they_o more_o eager_a more_o constant_a and_o more_o vehement_a in_o the_o pursue_v of_o christian_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o profanity_n use_v to_o do_v as_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n who_o in_o his_o blind_a zeal_n further_v persecution_n more_o than_o many_o other_o 3._o because_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o civil_a one_o be_v without_o religion_n the_o more_o foolish_a do_v religion_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o the_o more_o furnish_n have_v he_o to_o persecute_v with_o 4._o the_o person_n of_o such_o man_n have_v more_o weight_n with_o other_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o their_o practice_n and_o to_o abhor_v as_o a_o gross_a ill_n the_o thing_n they_o persecute_v it_o be_v nothing_o think_v of_o to_o see_v nero_n and_o domitian_n persecute_v christian_n but_o when_o trajan_n antoninus_n pius_n and_o such_o like_a oppose_v christianity_n that_o make_v man_n abhor_v it_o while_o such_o man_n otherwise_o blameless_a cry_v out_o upon_o it_o
cloud_n and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o give_v her_o light_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o which_o place_n the_o prophet_n after_o their_o manner_n be_v aggrege_v temporal_a judgement_n by_o such_o expression_n again_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o effect_n of_o the_o star_n fall_v from_o their_o place_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o island_n their_o move_a be_v upon_o the_o matter_n the_o same_o with_o isa._n 34.1_o the_o lord_n make_v the_o earth_n empty_a and_o turn_v it_o upside_o down_o etc._n etc._n with_o vers_fw-la 3._o and_o 4._o with_o jerem._n 4.24_o psal._n 18.7_o habak_v 3.6_o etc._n etc._n the_o other_o sort_n of_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o â—_o e._n expression_n of_o terror_n use_v isa._n 2.19_o they_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o into_o the_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o part_n of_o those_o effect_n we_o will_v find_v hos._n 10.8_o they_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o mountain_n cover_v we_o and_o to_o the_o hill_n fall_v on_o we_o etc._n etc._n which_o word_n be_v by_o our_o lord_n luk._n 23.30_o apply_v to_o set_v out_o the_o terriblnesse_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o little_a after_o at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n from_o which_o place_n put_v together_o it_o will_v appear_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o description_n and_o expression_n thereof_o to_o apply_v this_o event_n to_o some_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o confirm_v whereof_o further_o we_o may_v 2._o consider_v that_o this_o event_n can_v be_v understand_v principal_o and_o primary_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o something_o go_v before_o that_o it_o be_v true_a the_o complete_n of_o vengeance_n to_o speak_v so_o will_v be_v then_o at_o its_o height_n and_o by_o proportion_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o terrible_a expression_n use_v to_o hold_v forth_o god_n wrath_n in_o a_o temporal_a judgement_n the_o unconceivable_a dreadfulness_n of_o the_o last_o day_n which_o will_v be_v exceed_o beyond_o the_o most_o terrible_a temporal_a event_n yet_o we_o conceive_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o place_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o day_n but_o some_o particular_a judgement_n wherein_o god_n wrath_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n manifest_v for_o 1._o the_o seven_o seal_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v open_v which_o contain_v event_n in_o time_n posterior_n to_o the_o six_o as_o be_v show_v lect._n 1._o on_o this_o chapter_n 2._o no_o mention_n have_v hitherto_o be_v make_v of_o antichrist_n either_o of_o his_o rise_n reign_n or_o ruin_v and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o immediate_a dependence_n which_o each_o of_o the_o former_a seal_n have_v one_o upon_o another_o to_o say_v that_o this_o six_o seal_n leap_v from_o the_o heathenish_a persecution_n over_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o all_o the_o interveen_a event_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 3._o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v only_a terror_n against_o christ_n enemy_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o as_o mediator_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v as_o comfortable_a to_o his_o friend_n as_o terrible_a to_o his_o enemy_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n it_o agree_v therefore_o better_a to_o some_o particular_a judgement_n than_o to_o that_o general_a appearance_n 4._o if_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n principal_o longed-for_a by_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o former_a seal_n then_o there_o need_v not_o have_v be_v so_o many_o argument_n to_o press_v quietness_n during_o the_o suspension_n of_o that_o suit_n if_o it_o be_v so_o instant_o and_o immediate_o fulfil_v 5._o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v be_v prophesy_v of_o and_o describe_v before_o any_o temporal_a judgement_n on_o enemy_n be_v hear_v of_o especial_o see_v they_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o same_o pprophecy_n but_o concern_v this_o see_v more_o in_o the_o first_o and_o seven_o lecture_n on_o this_o chapter_n 3._o we_o say_v this_o event_n prophesy_v of_o here_o can_v be_v understand_v as_o contain_v sad_a thing_n to_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o enemy_n and_o persecuter_n thereof_o which_o be_v clear_a 1._o by_o the_o former_a consideration_n compare_v with_o the_o person_n on_o who_o this_o judgement_n fall_v it_o be_v on_o king_n captains_z and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o during_o the_o heathenish_a persecution_n under_o the_o former_a seal_n unto_o which_o this_o immediate_o succee_v there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n as_o these_o 2._o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o terror_n accompany_v this_o judgement_n which_o make_v they_o in_o their_o practice_n flee_v from_o christ_n and_o in_o their_o word_n cry_v out_o against_o it_o as_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v with_o against_o their_o will_n and_o as_o apprehend_v certain_o wrath_n to_o themselves_o from_o his_o appear_v as_o in_o the_o parallel_a place_n hos._n 10.8_o luke_n 23.30_o be_v evident_a all_o which_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o saint_n frame_v of_o spirit_n especial_o under_o affliction_n who_o be_v cry_v how_o long_o o_o lord_n as_o under_o the_o former_a seal_n and_o be_v describe_v by_o this_o that_o they_o love_v christ_n appear_v and_o be_v joyful_a of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o day_n of_o their_o redemption_n 3._o persecution_n on_o the_o church_n can_v breed_v no_o such_o terror_n on_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o be_v here_o prophesy_v of_o 4._o we_o say_v this_o type_n can_v hold_v forth_o defection_n in_o churchman_n as_o if_o that_o be_v typify_v by_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n darken_v of_o the_o sun_n etc._n etc._n for_o darken_v of_o light_n or_o defection_n of_o churchman_n can_v not_o breed_v such_o terror_n on_o the_o king_n and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o be_v here_o they_o be_v not_o usual_o much_o trouble_v with_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o terror_n flow_v as_o a_o effect_n from_o this_o sad_a judgement_n typify_v and_o express_v by_o these_o former_a expression_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n this_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v divide_v as_o if_o by_o the_o first_o part_n thereof_o be_v hold_v out_o defection_n in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o last_o judgement_n upon_o enemy_n see_v this_o last_o part_n do_v clear_o hold_v forth_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o former_a and_o do_v more_o full_o explicate_v the_o same_o thing_n 5._o we_o do_v also_o assert_v that_o here_o can_v be_v understand_v any_o trouble_n bring_v upon_o persecuter_n by_o heathen_n nor_o any_o trouble_n bring_v upon_o the_o empire_n while_o emperor_n and_o ruler_n be_v christian_n by_o these_o who_o be_v heathen_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o goth_n and_o these_o inundation_n of_o barbarous_a nation_n which_o after_o the_o four_o hundred_o year_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o empire_n for_o 1._o the_o series_n of_o time_n will_v not_o agree_v to_o that_o this_o seal_n follow_v immediate_o the_o church_n suffering_n by_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o great_a mutation_n on_o the_o empire_n when_o it_o become_v christian_n shall_v be_v omit_v 2._o this_o judgement_n speak_v out_o especial_o the_o wrath_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o so_o palpable_o as_o his_o hand_n be_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n acknowledge_v in_o it_o than_o the_o prevail_a of_o heathen_n against_o heathen_n will_v ready_o produce_v this_o conviction_n as_o will_v seem_v of_o christ_n be_v acknowledge_v in_o it_o flow_v main_o from_o the_o instrument_n employ_v and_o own_a by_o he_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o this_o terror_n that_o fall_v on_o they_o be_v not_o that_o terror_n as_o it_o seize_v on_o all_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o general_a judgement_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v chap._n 1.7_o nor_o that_o which_o affect_v man_n simple_o by_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n greatness_n as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v two_o way_n qualify_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o terror_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n that_o be_v of_o god_n as_o he_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v hold_v forth_o chap._n 4._o v._n 5._o and_o so_o distinguish_v from_o the_o mediator_n so_o now_o by_o this_o judgement_n on_o enemy_n for_o persecute_v his_o church_n he_o make_v they_o know_v that_o he_o rule_v and_o have_v a_o throne_n particular_o in_o jacob_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o saint_n prayer_n be_v psal._n 59.13_o 2._o it_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n appear_v as_o mediator_n and_o befriend_v his_o church_n which_o the_o more_o surprise_v they_o that_o former_o they_o despise_v both_o now_o they_o find_v they_o both_o
in_o their_o top_n own_v the_o despise_a church_n and_o make_v it_o know_v that_o their_o idol_n which_o they_o worship_v have_v not_o the_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a government_n of_o affair_n but_o the_o god_n who_o the_o christian_n worship_v 3._o this_o judgement_n fall_v especial_o and_o in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o expression_n bear_v but_o judgement_n execute_v by_o heathen_n particular_o and_o especial_o these_o bring_v on_o by_o the_o goth_n vandal_n etc._n etc._n lie_v as_o heavy_a if_o not_o more_o heavy_a upon_o the_o sound_a and_o best_a christian_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o 4._o the_o mutation_n bring_v on_o by_o this_o judgement_n be_v so_o universal_a upon_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o sudden_a be_v contain_v under_o one_o seal_n that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v parallel_v by_o any_o particular_a event_n of_o such_o a_o invasion_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o upon_o these_o ground_n it_o be_v why_o we_o conceive_v this_o seal_n to_o differ_v from_o the_o first_o four_o in_o these_o two_o 1._o the_o type_n be_v not_o a_o horse_n and_o a_o rider_n 1._o because_o the_o object_n be_v not_o the_o same_o these_o first_o four_o concern_v the_o church_n immediate_o this_o concern_v its_o enemy_n 2._o because_o though_o the_o lord_n order_v judgement_n upon_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n by_o his_o providence_n yet_o this_o type_n hold_v forth_o judgement_n in_o a_o more_o boundless_a way_n without_o such_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n as_o the_o former_a dispensation_n towards_o the_o church_n typify_v by_o horse_n and_o rider_n with_o their_o several_a commission_n do_v admit_v 2._o in_o this_o seal_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o advertisement_n to_o come_v and_o see_v as_o be_v in_o the_o former_a four_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n send_v not_o minister_n unto_o not_o allow_v warning_n upon_o his_o enemy_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o his_o people_n to_o conclude_v then_o we_o say_v this_o seal_n relate_v not_o first_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o 2._o to_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n under_o antichrist_n and_o 3._o nor_o to_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o goth_n vandal_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o heathen_a nation_n these_o invasion_n be_v not_o state_v palpable_o on_o christ_n account_n as_o manifest_o own_v his_o interest_n such_o as_o this_o seal_n import_v it_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o some_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a change_n on_o the_o roman_n empire_n and_o its_o heathen_a emperor_n whereby_o it_o become_v quite_o another_o thing_n persecution_n put_v to_o a_o end_n persecuter_n bring_v unto_o judgement_n and_o that_o by_o such_o instrument_n as_o maintain_v christ_n quarrel_n against_o they_o and_o with_o such_o success_n as_o shall_v extort_v the_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o from_o the_o persecuter_n themselves_o all_o which_o character_n as_o they_o be_v now_o clear_o imply_v in_o this_o seal_n so_o will_v we_o find_v they_o remarkable_o fulfil_v in_o that_o great_a change_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a about_o the_o year_n 310._o and_o afterward_o which_o come_v immediate_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o last_o persecution_n and_o so_o agree_v well_o to_o the_o time_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o heathenish_a empire_n be_v change_v and_o as_o heathenish_a be_v overturn_v so_o that_o in_o effect_n the_o world_n become_v another_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v which_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o type_n persecuter_n be_v visible_o punish_v and_o take_v with_o their_o hand_n hot_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o by_o such_o instrument_n as_o particular_o state_v the_o quarrel_n upon_o christ_n account_n and_o therefore_o carry_v the_o cross_n in_o their_o ensign_n many_o emperor_n and_o great_a man_n be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v christ_n hand_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o the_o church_n have_v freedom_n from_o outward_a persecution_n christianity_n become_v in_o request_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o christian_n seem_v now_o to_o enjoy_v in_o part_n the_o return_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o these_o that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o all_o which_o be_v so_o evident_o fulfil_v in_o that_o time_n and_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o this_o type_n in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n we_o conceive_v that_o the_o foretell_v of_o this_o very_a event_n be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o seal_n for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v whereof_o we_o shall_v add_v further_o these_o consideration_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o the_o prophet_n their_o express_v of_o horrible_a judgement_n as_o we_o observe_v at_o the_o entry_n it_o will_v be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o to_o john_n who_o follow_v they_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o some_o temporal_a thing_n especial_o upon_o enemy_n 2._o consider_v that_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o pprophecy_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o of_o thing_n befalling_a it_o as_o of_o change_n and_o event_n befalling_a all_o the_o world_n so_o luke_n 2.1_o it_o be_v say_v that_o augustus_n decree_v that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v that_o be_v all_o the_o empire_n rev._n 3.10_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o a_o strict_a these_o expression_n to_o change_n within_o this_o empire_n 3._o consider_v that_o the_o change_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o empire_n in_o its_o nature_n ordinance_n custom_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o different_a religion_n in_o its_o room_n be_v ordinary_o express_v in_o such_o term_n as_o hold_v forth_o a_o universal_a change_n upon_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o heaven_n earth_n sun_n moon_n sea_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o all_o be_v overturn_v and_o yet_o the_o change_n be_v not_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o itself_o but_o upon_o religion_n if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o in_o the_o world_n because_o that_o change_n have_v such_o alteration_n with_o it_o as_o if_o the_o world_n become_v another_o thing_n and_o because_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a and_o remarkable_a change_n be_v reckon_v according_o as_o it_o go_v with_o it_o hence_o we_o will_v find_v three_o eminent_a change_n and_o period_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o book_n and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o such_o expression_n as_o bear_v forth_o at_o the_o first_o view_n a_o total_a and_o universal_a change_n upon_o all_o the_o world_n the_o first_o be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o world_n from_o heathenish_a idolatry_n to_o christianity_n this_o change_n be_v set_v out_o as_o a_o new_a world_n in_o this_o seal_n because_o as_o it_o be_v that_o heathenish_a world_n wherein_o heathen_n bare_a rule_n and_o idolatry_n be_v public_o countenance_v and_o authorize_v be_v overturn_v and_o another_o world_n come_v in_o its_o room_n this_o change_n of_o the_o world_n be_v from_o heathenish_a to_o christian._n the_o second_o great_a change_n of_o religion_n be_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n unto_o the_o darkness_n and_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n this_o change_n under_o the_o trumpet_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o smite_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o sea_n by_o darken_v of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o mutation_n be_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n this_o change_n be_v of_o a_o christian_a world_n into_o a_o antichristian_a the_o three_o great_a change_n be_v under_o the_o vial_n when_o antichrist_n kingdom_n again_o be_v bring_v down_o chap._n 16._o it_o be_v express_v by_o a_o mutation_n upon_o the_o earth_n sea_n sun_n etc._n etc._n when_o yet_o the_o judgement_n fall_v but_o on_o the_o beast_n his_o worshipper_n and_o the_o pendicles_a and_o superstition_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o may_v be_v call_v the_o antichristian_a world_n and_o this_o mutation_n be_v the_o overturning_a of_o the_o antichristian_a and_o the_o inbr_n of_o a_o christian_a world_n again_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o this_o way_n be_v keep_v in_o express_v all_o the_o other_o change_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v the_o more_o warrantable_o apply_v this_o here_o as_o be_v say_v only_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n the_o other_o change_v of_o religion_n under_o the_o trumpet_n and_o vial_n be_v bring_v about_o by_o step_n under_o several_a trumpet_n and_o vial_n this_o change_n be_v set_v out_o by_o one_o seal_n together_o because_o that_o alteration_n be_v instant_o and_o universal_o at_o one_o time_n bring_v to_o pass_v which_o in_o the_o other_o change_n be_v not_o so_o sudden_a 4._o the_o consider_v of_o that_o event_n more_o particular_o in_o its_o several_a circumstance_n do_v so_o full_o answer_v this_o
type_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v take_v in_o and_o account_v as_o a_o universal_a change_n upon_o the_o world_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v these_o two_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n 1._o what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o before_o this_o change_n 2._o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n become_v immediate_o thereafter_o 1._o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o constantine_n government_n be_v for_o outward_a persecution_n under_o the_o extreme_a suffering_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o be_v hint_v at_o in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o four_o seal_n among_o the_o four_o chief_a governor_n that_o then_o be_v to_o wit_n dioclesian_n maximianus_n herculeus_n galerius_n maximinus_n call_v also_o jovius_n and_o constantius_n constantine_n father_n only_o this_o last_o have_v a_o favour_n to_o christian_n the_o other_o three_o being_n most_o cruel_a persecuter_n about_o constantius_n death_n start_v up_o maxentius_n to_o usurp_v the_o empire_n at_o rome_n who_o for_o a_o time_n prevail_v and_o continue_v as_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o against_o this_o maxentius_n jovius_n send_v one_o severus_n who_o he_o call_v cesar_n who_o be_v overthrow_v by_o he_o after_o who_o he_o prefer_v one_o maximinus_n his_o nephew_n who_o in_o persecute_v be_v nothing_o behind_o any_o of_o the_o former_a a_o little_a after_o licinius_n who_o be_v constitute_v cesar_n in_o his_o room_n who_o for_o a_o time_n have_v counterfit_o befriend_v christian_n for_o fear_n of_o constantine_n yet_o afterward_o fall_v into_o most_o gross_a blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n all_o of_o these_o have_v this_o for_o their_o aim_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n by_o cruelty_n and_o subtlety_n leave_v nothing_o undo_v to_o accomplish_v it_o their_o cruelty_n vent_v in_o these_o persecution_n and_o their_o subtlety_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o law_n we_o find_v enact_v against_o the_o church_n in_o these_o time_n as_o 1._o that_o all_o the_o bibles_n cup_n and_o church-furniture_n shall_v be_v deliver_v up_o and_o destroy_v it_o be_v from_o this_o give_v up_o of_o the_o bible_n that_o christian_n who_o make_v defection_n be_v call_v after_o that_o traditores_fw-la that_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n etc._n etc._n be_v account_v recede_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o 2._o that_o man_n and_o woman_n shall_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o religious_a exercise_n but_o man_n apart_o and_o woman_n apart_o 3._o that_o none_o shall_v teach_v woman_n but_o woman_n 4._o that_o no_o meeting_n shall_v be_v keep_v within_o the_o circuit_n of_o town_n but_o in_o the_o field_n upon_o the_o pretext_n of_o healthfulness_n 5._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o meeting_n of_o minister_n or_o correspondence_n among_o they_o in_o synod_n or_o otherways_o which_o be_v prohibit_v as_o a_o thing_n dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n 6._o that_o all_o the_o old_a temple_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o all_o the_o meeting-place_n of_o the_o christian_n destroy_v 7._o that_o no_o minister_n shall_v be_v permit_v but_o where_o ever_o find_v they_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n which_o law_n at_o last_o end_v in_o open_a persecution_n against_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a be_v a_o most_o horrid_a crime_n unto_o these_o law_n afterward_o julian_n who_o be_v eminent_o teach_v of_o the_o devil_n to_o undermine_v christianity_n after_o it_o have_v flourish_v for_o a_o time_n in_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n add_v these_o four_o or_o more_o plain_o and_o crafty_o form_v they_o out_o of_o what_o be_v before_o he_o 1._o that_o no_o christian_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o any_o trust_n civil_a or_o military_a but_o he_o who_o first_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n this_o be_v observe_v former_o under_o dioclesian_n 2._o that_o the_o child_n of_o no_o christian_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o school_n of_o learning_n or_o be_v educate_v in_o humane_a science_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o may_v bring_v in_o ignorance_n among_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o less_o able_a to_o vindicate_v christianity_n and_o may_v be_v the_o less_o thought-of_a among_o other_o 3._o that_o no_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o allowance_n of_o maintenance_n for_o before_o he_o in_o constantius_n time_n they_o have_v allowance_n settle_v by_o public_a authority_n intend_v thereby_o to_o overturn_v the_o church_n know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v consist_v without_o the_o ministry_n neither_o a_o ministry_n without_o it_o be_v maintain_v his_o four_o device_n to_o undo_v christianity_n be_v in_o despite_n of_o it_o to_o give_v way_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n by_o public_a tolerate_n of_o they_o therefore_o in_o his_o time_n be_v the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o apollo_n at_o delphus_n intend_v and_o the_o jew_n encourage_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o destroy_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n both_o which_o be_v miraculous_o by_o earthquake_n impede_v and_o his_o practice_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o be_v observe_v chap._n 2._o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n from_o which_o particular_n with_o what_o be_v say_v in_o open_v the_o four_o seal_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v when_o constantine_n begin_v to_o govern_v let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o it_o become_v within_o some_o few_o year_n thereafter_o the_o estate_n which_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v unto_o after_o that_o time_n be_v short_o thus_o after_o constantius_n death_n constantine_n be_v declare_v emperor_n while_o he_o be_v in_o britain_n continue_v in_o these_o part_n for_o a_o time_n while_o the_o forementioned_a persecuter_n especial_o maxentius_n who_o live_v at_o rome_n be_v become_v hateful_a to_o all_o not_o so_o much_o for_o their_o persecute_v of_o christian_n as_o by_o their_o tyranny_n adultery_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o vile_a cruelty_n upon_o every_o sort_n of_o person_n whereupon_o constantine_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o his_o colour_n be_v encourage_v to_o march_v towards_o rome_n have_v before_o he_o as_o his_o end_n the_o liberate_v of_o the_o empire_n from_o such_o tyranny_n of_o so_o many_o tyrant_n and_o be_v doubtful_a what_o religion_n to_o follow_v at_o the_o noon_n day_n or_o a_o little_a after_o there_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o heaven_n a_o fiery_a cross_n with_o this_o inscription_n in_o legible_a letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n in_o hoc_fw-la vince_n in_o this_o overcome_v this_o vision_n be_v see_v by_o many_o other_o with_o he_o as_o socrates_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 1._o affirm_v by_o which_o sign_n he_o be_v not_o only_o animate_v to_o go_v to_o rome_n while_o he_o be_v hesitate_v but_o also_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christ._n in_o sign_n whereof_o he_o always_o carry_v the_o cross_n with_o that_o inscription_n for_o his_o colour_n and_o set_v it_o up_o at_o rome_n when_o he_o enter_v victor_n in_o it_o this_o story_n euseb._n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la constantini_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 22._o affirm_v he_o hear_v constantine_n himself_o assert_v to_o be_v truth_n with_o a_o oath_n after_o this_o he_o with_o his_o army_n march_v towards_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o way_n have_v discover_v to_o he_o the_o treachery_n of_o maximinianus_fw-la his_o own_a father_n in_o law_n by_o god_n mercy_n he_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o &_o it_o return_v upon_o the_o author_n when_o he_o come_v to_o rome_n god_n deliver_v the_o tyrant_n maxentius_n into_o his_o hand_n maxentius_n and_o his_o chief_a officer_n be_v put_v to_o flight_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o river_n tiber_n be_v necessitate_v to_o return_v by_o a_o bridge_n per_fw-la pontem_fw-la milvium_n as_o they_o call_v it_o whereupon_o he_o have_v make_v device_n in_o a_o secret_a way_n to_o have_v drown_v constantine_n by_o which_o he_o and_o these_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o river_n upon_o which_o occasion_n as_o eusebius_n report_v lib._n 9_o cap._n 8._o christian_n take_v occasion_n to_o sing_v that_o word_n in_o the_o 9_o psalm_n vers_fw-la 16._o the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o that_o word_n psal._n 7.15_o he_o make_v a_o pit_n and_o dig_v it_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o etc._n etc._n after_o this_o constantine_n have_v the_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o the_o west_n have_v afterward_o two_o difficulty_n the_o first_o from_o maximinus_n aim_v to_o drive_v on_o persecution_n and_o the_o death_n of_o constantine_n together_o euseb._n lib._n 1._o de_fw-la vita_fw-la constantini_n cap._n 40._o the_o second_o be_v from_o licinius_n emperor_n of_o the_o east_n with_o who_o constantine_n have_v make_v
peace_n and_o have_v give_v his_o sister_n to_o he_o in_o marriage_n who_o for_o a_o time_n do_v counterfeit_a christianity_n yet_o within_o five_o year_n become_v a_o most_o cruel_a enemy_n to_o constantine_n and_o all_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o many_o of_o the_o former_a cruel_a edict_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o former_a place_n of_o eusebius_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 43_o 44_o 45_o 46_o etc._n etc._n against_o these_o also_o constantine_n set_v himself_o not_o only_o by_o arm_n but_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o fast_v over_o who_o god_n give_v he_o glorious_a victory_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v ibid._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 51._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n after_o which_o follow_v a_o most_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o euseb._n have_v it_o lib._n 2._o cap._n 19_o out_o of_o which_o general_n we_o may_v gather_v and_o observe_v these_o particular_n for_o make_v out_o the_o answerablnesse_n of_o this_o event_n unto_o this_o type_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n from_o what_o be_v before_o as_o 1._o this_o judgement_n be_v upon_o many_o great_a man_n as_o dioclesian_n maximianus_n galerius_n maximinus_n maxentius_n licinius_n all_o which_o have_v the_o title_n of_o emperor_n or_o caesar_n beside_o what_o come_v on_o many_o great_a captain_n under_o they_o as_o particular_o on_o pontetius_fw-la culianus_fw-la theotimus_n and_o many_o other_o remarkable_o plague_v of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o forecited_a story_n 2._o christianity_n that_o be_v before_o destroy_v be_v now_o public_o by_o authority_n countenance_v idolatry_n that_o be_v before_o countenance_v be_v now_o abhor_a by_o all_o idol-temple_n every_o where_o be_v destroy_v or_o shut_v up_o and_o christian_a church_n build_v and_o minister_n provide_v rather_o more_o sumptuous_o than_o spare_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o euseb._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 47._o 49._o 52_o 53_o 56_o etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o law_n be_v just_a contrary_n to_o what_o they_o be_v none_o but_o christian_n be_v admit_v to_o office_n and_o though_o constantine_n take_v not_o the_o way_n of_o discover_v his_o servant_n which_o his_o father_n constantius_n do_v who_o give_v out_o as_o jebu_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o to_o serve_v he_o but_o such_o as_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n but_o afterward_o expel_v the_o sacrificer_n and_o keep_v the_o refuser_n say_v they_o will_v not_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o who_o have_v never_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n yet_o be_v he_o zealous_a in_o have_v faithful_a man_n about_o he_o and_o to_o have_v religious_a worship_n not_o only_o in_o public_a but_o particular_o in_o his_o own_o family_n school_n be_v appoint_v minister_n encourage_v martyr_n or_o confessor_n rather_o who_o be_v in_o exile_n be_v bring_v back_o these_o who_o have_v be_v put_v from_o office_n be_v restore_v synod_n be_v convocat_n and_o countenance_v by_o constantin_n own_o presence_n as_o that_o of_o niece_n be_v heresy_n be_v condemn_v toleration_n of_o other_o religion_n or_o of_o schism_n among_o christian_n be_v not_o suffer_v and_o many_o such_o like_a law_n and_o practice_n just_a opposite_a to_o what_o be_v before_o 4._o consider_v the_o great_a victory_n he_o obtain_v over_o enemy_n and_o the_o account_n upon_o which_o he_o pursue_v they_o his_o first_o war_n against_o maxentius_n be_v undertake_v as_o particular_o call_v unto_o it_o by_o christ_n himself_o his_o last_o war_n against_o licinius_n be_v not_o occasion_v out_o of_o any_o temporal_a design_n to_o advance_v his_o own_o greatness_n for_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o he_o but_o to_o restrain_v his_o persecution_n by_o force_n when_o all_o other_o fair_a mean_n attempt_v by_o he_o have_v be_v frustrate_v god_n give_v many_o singular_a evidence_n of_o his_o own_v he_o in_o these_o victory_n 5._o consider_v the_o time_n when_o these_o persecuter_n be_v surprise_v it_o be_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o actual_a opposition_n to_o christ_n while_o profess_o they_o have_v state_v persecution_n against_o his_o servant_n and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o but_o go_v on_o contemptuous_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o they_o call_v novitius_fw-la in_o opposition_n to_o the_o old_a plurality_n of_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v 6._o consider_v the_o remarkablnesse_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o these_o persecuter_n and_o the_o terrible_a effect_n both_o in_o deed_n and_o word_n which_o they_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o but_o also_o to_o the_o convince_a of_o themselves_o that_o christ_n be_v their_o party_n such_o terror_n of_o conscience_n seize_v on_o they_o as_o be_v palpable_a before_o the_o world_n dioclesian_n and_o maximianus_n herculeus_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o greatness_n and_o heat_n of_o persecution_n both_o in_o one_o day_n devest_v themselves_o of_o the_o imperial_a dignity_n choose_v rather_o to_o live_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o authority_n a_o thing_n unheard-of_a before_o in_o the_o world_n this_o partly_o proceed_v from_o displeasure_n that_o they_o attain_v not_o their_o end_n in_o destroy_v christianity_n but_o rather_o find_v it_o to_o grow_v under_o they_o partly_o from_o terror_n of_o conscience_n arise_v from_o that_o as_o if_o they_o have_v gather_v clear_o that_o they_o be_v contend_v with_o god_n in_o that_o thereafter_o both_o of_o they_o put_v violent_a hand_n in_o themselves_o dioclesian_n be_v send_v for_o by_o constantine_n upon_o suspicion_n choose_v rather_o to_o poison_v himself_o than_o to_o see_v he_o maximianus_n herculeus_n endeavour_v again_o to_o recover_v his_o authority_n be_v discover_v in_o his_o design_n by_o his_o daughter_n constantine_n wife_n he_o be_v pursue_v and_o besiege_v by_o he_o and_o be_v either_o kill_v or_o dure_v the_o siege_n hang_v himself_o as_o be_v diverse_o report_v by_o writer_n the_o three_o maxentius_n be_v remarkable_o drown_v as_o be_v say_v before_o with_o many_o of_o his_o chief_a officer_n which_o make_v the_o christian_n compare_v his_o destruction_n in_o the_o water_n with_o pâ—araoh's_n drown_v in_o the_o red-sea_n maximinus_fw-la jovius_n through_o intemperance_n become_v corpulent_a be_v smite_v with_o bile_n in_o the_o secret_a part_n out_o of_o which_o issue_v abundance_n of_o vermin_n in_o a_o most_o loathsome_a disease_n so_o that_o physician_n be_v either_o suffocate_v by_o his_o smell_n or_o be_v kill_v by_o he_o because_o they_o can_v not_o cure_v he_o one_o of_o his_o physician_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v god_n judgement_n on_o he_o for_o persecution_n which_o no_o man_n can_v remove_v at_o last_o the_o conviction_n be_v so_o bear_v in_o upon_o himself_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v his_o wrong_n do_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o plague_n and_o therefore_o be_v strike_v with_o terror_n give_v out_o edict_n that_o the_o persecution_n shall_v cease_v church_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o that_o in_o their_o meeting_n prayer_n shall_v be_v put_v up_o for_o he_o as_o former_o use_v to_o be_v which_o edict_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o eusâ—bius_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 28_o 29._o where_o the_o end_n also_o of_o dioclesian_n and_o herculius_n be_v set_v down_o the_o other_o tyrant_n in_o the_o east_n to_o wit_n maximinus_n who_o be_v call_v cesar_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o invent_v torture_n for_o christian_n especial_o to_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n be_v at_o last_o defeat_n and_o in_o a_o base_a habit_n make_v to_o hide_v himself_o and_o thereafter_o pursue_v by_o sickness_n which_o make_v both_o his_o eye_n to_o leap_v out_o by_o which_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o confess_v that_o only_o the_o god_n of_o christian_n be_v god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o god_n who_o he_o choose_v to_o worship_v all_o which_o he_o have_v find_v to_o be_v truth_n by_o experience_n itself_o which_o word_n be_v utter_v by_o he_o be_v even_o expire_a as_o eusebius_n testify_v de_fw-la vita_fw-la constantius_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 52._o ljoinius_fw-la again_o who_o can_v not_o be_v fear_v from_o persecution_n by_o any_o of_o these_o example_n though_o in_o some_o thereof_o himself_n have_v be_v actor_n while_o he_o be_v in_o confederatie_n with_o constantine_n be_v after_o many_o defect_n and_o flight_n convince_v of_o his_o folly_n and_o make_v to_o vent_v his_o indignation_n against_o these_o idolatrous_a priest_n who_o have_v make_v he_o disdain_v constantin_n god_n and_o put_v confidence_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o old_a god_n as_o they_o call_v they_o so_o that_o he_o and_o his_o chief_a associate_n be_v take_v and_o bring_v to_o punishment_n by_o constantius_n be_v make_v to_o understand_v how_o great_a and_o admirable_a the_o god_n
destruction_n of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o world_n be_v clear_o intend_v by_o the_o vial_n so_o this_o world_n which_o be_v overturn_v here_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n on_o who_o ruin_n that_o antichristian_a world_n be_v erect_v see_v the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n infer_v the_o deface_a of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o step_n and_o in_o the_o same_o method_n as_o his_o ruin_n follow_v by_o the_o vial_n neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o other_o reason_n give_v of_o the_o accurate_a resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o trumpet_n and_o vial_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v without_o reason_n neither_o can_v there_o be_v a_o overturning_a of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n till_o it_o be_v build_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v build_v but_o under_o the_o trumpet_n to_o wit_n after_o the_o heathenish_a world_n be_v past_a and_o the_o christian_a build_v yea_o after_o the_o christian_a world_n begin_v to_o decay_v all_o which_o fall_v under_o the_o trumpet_n for_o two_o of_o those_o world_n can_v stand_v together_o yet_o still_o one_o of_o they_o follow_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o other_o so_o as_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o heathenish_a world_n supponeth_n christianity_n to_o succeed_v and_o as_o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n by_o the_o vial_n suppose_v purity_n to_o succeed_v so_o here_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n suppose_v the_o antichristian_a to_o succeed_v all_o which_o be_v put_v together_o 1._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o decline_a of_o the_o church_n from_o purity_n and_o that_o the_o rise_v and_o discovery_n of_o antichrist_n be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o these_o trumpet_n 2._o that_o we_o must_v expound_v earth_n mountain_n water_n sun_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v something_o in_o the_o church_n bear_v a_o analogy_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 8._o yet_o we_o say_v these_o trumpet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o bound_v as_o if_o the_o first_o be_v contemporary_a with_o antichrist_n discovery_n and_o sensible_a rise_n which_o be_v in_o the_o five_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a void_a in_o the_o pprophecy_n in_o pass_v over_o many_o considerable_a event_n in_o the_o church_n during_o the_o second_o three_o hundred_o year_n wherein_o truth_n and_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v much_o concern_v which_o we_o conceive_v can_v not_o be_v omit_v in_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o yet_o no_o where_o else_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v set_v down_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o they_o hold_v out_o the_o church_n first_o storm_n after_o the_o world_n become_v christian_n and_o whereby_o she_o be_v exercise_v during_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n secret_a and_o unseen_a work_n who_o take_v occasion_n from_o all_o these_o to_o fix_v himself_o and_o by_o all_o which_o the_o world_n be_v by_o degree_n dispose_v to_o receive_v he_o who_o after_o the_o first_o four_o trumpet_n be_v find_v to_o step_v out_o under_o the_o five_o and_o this_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o first_o four_o trumpet_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o last_o three_o which_o contain_v the_o story_n of_o antichrist_n after_o his_o full_a manifestation_n from_o which_o consideration_n we_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o these_o trumpet_n denote_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o some_o order_n of_o time_n there_o be_v certain_o order_n in_o the_o three_o last_o trumpet_n in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o which_o precede_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o they_o to_o expound_v they_o of_o kind_n of_o heresy_n in_o a_o confusion_n as_o agree_v to_o any_o time_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o principal_o intend_v temporal_a change_n on_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o the_o object_n of_o these_o mutation_n or_o as_o vindictive_a on_o they_o for_o their_o former_a persecution_n though_o these_o spiritual_a ill_n be_v set_v out_o in_o expression_n suit_v temporal_a judgement_n even_o as_o the_o church_n dispute_v with_o heretic_n be_v set_v out_o by_o fight_n and_o such_o like_a for_o the_o saint_n and_o witness_n especial_o suffer_v temporal_o here_o when_o all_o the_o world_n otherwise_o rejoice_v chap._n 11._o it_o remain_v then_o that_o the_o object_n be_v the_o church-visible_a the_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v spiritual_a principal_o as_o be_v say_v before_o with_o temporal_a exercise_n on_o the_o church_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o empire_n the_o order_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o trumpet_n than_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o the_o four_o first_o trumpet_n which_o comparative_o with_o the_o other_o three_o follow_v be_v the_o lesser_a woe_n hold_v forth_o the_o church_n decline_v and_o weaken_v from_o under_o constantine_n as_o be_v touch_v before_o about_o the_o three_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o when_o antichrist_n have_v his_o work_n under_o ground_n till_o his_o discovery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o five_o trumpet_n about_o the_o year_n six_o hundred_o and_o some_o odds_o hold_v out_o in_o these_o step_n 1._o what_o be_v set_v upon_o in_o all_o these_o beast_n and_o in_o what_o order_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_n 3._o with_o what_o success_n and_o fruit_n 1._o enemy_n public_o set_v upon_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n without_o which_o a_o man_n be_v no_o christian_a as_o if_o christ_n be_v by_o nature_n god_n if_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o opposition_n to_o arius_n of_o the_o same_o essence_n with_o the_o father_n though_o a_o different_a person_n which_o who_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v just_o account_v no_o christian._n this_o be_v do_v by_o discover_v and_o open_a heretic_n such_o as_o arius_n macedonius_n eutyches_n nestorius_n etc._n etc._n strike_v all_o of_o they_o at_o the_o person_n and_o nature_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n this_o be_v a_o violent_a storm_n strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o take_v away_o many_o professor_n of_o all_o sort_n yet_o the_o earth_n itself_o stand_v like_o a_o rock_n though_o tree_n on_o it_o be_v burn_v up_o all_o these_o heresy_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o church_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o first_o four_o famous_a general_a counsel_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v convene_v at_o nice_a by_o constantine_n about_o the_o year_n 325._o wherein_o be_v condemn_v the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n who_o deny_v the_o godhead_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o that_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n god_n as_o the_o father_n be_v though_o he_o account_v he_o more_o than_o a_o man_n and_o so_o differ_v from_o photinus_n the_o second_o be_v at_o constantinople_n by_o gratian_n and_o theodosius_n anno_fw-la 380._o in_o this_o be_v condemn_v the_o heresy_n of_o macedonius_n who_o deny_v the_o personality_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n his_o follower_n therefore_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i.e._n fighter_n against_o the_o spirit_n the_o three_o be_v at_o ephesus_n under_o theodosius_n the_o second_o anno_fw-la 431._o it_o condemn_v nestorius_n who_o make_v christ_n to_o have_v person_n as_o two_o nature_n the_o four_o be_v at_o chalcedon_n under_o martianus_n anno_fw-la 451._o this_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o eutyches_n who_o in_o opposition_n to_o nestorius_n attribute_v to_o christ_n but_o one_o nature_n thus_o confound_v his_o nature_n as_o the_o former_a have_v divide_v his_o person_n in_o the_o computation_n of_o these_o time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o peremptory_a there_o be_v some_o little_a difference_n among_o author_n according_a to_o their_o various_a time_v of_o event_n yet_o without_o any_o material_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n this_o be_v the_o first_o trumpet_n 2._o this_o storm_n be_v by_o discover_v enemy_n satan_n come_v not_o so_o good_a speed_n he_o assay_v next_o the_o corrupt_a of_o government_n by_o remove_v of_o which_o he_o may_v have_v fair_a access_n to_o what_o he_o please_v or_o intend_v to_o bring_v in_o afterward_o to_o effectuate_v this_o he_o inflame_v the_o churchman_n with_o pride_n and_o from_o it_o for_o precedency_n waken_v contention_n as_o once_o he_o do_v among_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v much_o retard_v and_o poor_a soul_n stumble_v and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n especial_o government_n corrupt_v who_o will_v see_v this_o may_v read_v plessaeus_n mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o the_o four_o hundred_o year_n and_o what_o deal_v there_o be_v with_o the_o east_n church_n and_o falsify_v of_o vote_n of_o synod_n as_o that_o of_o nice_n prove_v from_o authentic_a copy_n for_o that_o end_n seek_v and_o find_v by_o the_o father_n of_o africa_n may_v be_v see_v câ—nt_n magdeburg_n yea_o also_o in_o baronius_n this_o prevail_v the_o
to_o be_v as_o a_o city_n set_v on_o a_o mountain_n or_o hill_n matth._n 5._o these_o be_v mountain_n for_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n as_o civil_a governor_n or_o government_n be_v in_o the_o state_n 2._o this_o mountain_n be_v say_v to_o be_v burn_v which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v kindle_v with_o pride_n and_o contention_n flow_v therefrom_o as_o christ_n say_v he_o come_v to_o send_v fire_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v already_o kindle_v which_o be_v to_o be_v expound_v variance_n among_o these_o in_o near_a relation_n so_o also_o fire_n it_o be_v take_v for_o contention_n in_o jothams_n parable_n judg._n 9_o compare_v vers_fw-la 20._o with_o vers_n 23._o which_o be_v the_o more_o clear_a here_o that_o it_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a trumpet_n as_o take_z fire_n from_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o church-governor_n that_o be_v kindle_v by_o it_o this_o fire_n have_v kindle_v within_o their_o bowel_n break_v out_o and_o infect_v other_o and_o spread_v this_o division_n under_o this_o trumpet_n at_o the_o back_n of_o the_o former_a heresy_n and_o sad_a state_n which_o the_o church_n be_v in_o have_v to_o do_v not_o only_o with_o open_a heretic_n but_o with_o pride_n and_o contention_n among_o churchman_n themselves_o whereby_o exceed_o the_o church_n be_v wrong_v and_o way_n be_v make_v for_o the_o inbringing_a of_o more_o corruption_n and_o antichrist_n rise_v 2._o the_o object_n it_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 1._o by_o the_o sea_n in_o scripture_n among_o the_o prophet_n be_v understand_v a_o numerous_a people_n as_o to_o fit_v on_o many_o water_n revel_v 17.15_o by_o this_o than_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o though_o this_o infection_n begin_v among_o the_o churchman_n yet_o be_v it_o cast_v in_o the_o sea_n that_o be_v spread_v far_o off_o among_o the_o people_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o time_n and_o so_o it_o use_v to_o be_v 2._o by_o sea_n be_v understand_v in_o scripture_n nation_n beyond_o sea_n often_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o be_v by_o the_o sea_n divide_v from_o judea_n as_o by_o the_o earth_n or_o land_n be_v understand_v the_o east_n parâ—_n isa._n 60.5_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o it_o may_v well_o here_o look_v to_o rome_n africa_n and_o the_o west_n upon_o which_o this_o storm_n main_o do_v fall_v as_o the_o first_o do_v fall_v on_o the_o church_n in_o the_o east_n chief_a which_o be_v call_v the_o earth_n 3._o by_o sea_n in_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v understand_v the_o ordinance_n in_o discipline_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n because_o in_o these_o and_o by_o these_o christian_n in_o this_o world_n of_o the_o church_n do_v converse_v together_o traffic_n one_o with_o another_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o as_o man_n do_v by_o sea_n and_o ship_n who_o otherways_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n so_o chap._n 18._o in_o the_o antichristian_a world_n their_o churchman_n be_v compare_v to_o man_n in_o ship_n or_o merchant_n who_o among_o other_o thing_n trade_n for_o man_n soul_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o no_o other_o but_o their_o churchman_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o their_o go_v about_o their_o superstition_n be_v compare_v to_o trade_v in_o ship_n and_o sea_n whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o here_o especial_o a_o storm_n upon_o ordinance_n worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v signify_v as_o in_o the_o former_a the_o doctrine_n be_v set_v upon_o yet_o discipline_n and_o counsel_n be_v in_o some_o vigour_n both_o have_v some_o authority_n from_o without_o by_o constantine_n unity_n and_o respect_n from_o within_o as_o at_o nice_a foundnesse_n and_o solidity_n in_o proceed_v but_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n all_o be_v change_v first_o emperor_n become_v arian_n counsel_n become_v heterodox_n unity_n be_v break_v partly_o by_o schism_n among_o themselves_o partly_o by_o the_o pelagian_n and_o donatist_n which_o at_o this_o time_n come_v to_o a_o height_n separation_n from_o church_n flow_v from_o pride_n under_o the_o pretext_n of_o the_o unholinesse_n of_o the_o church_n member_n begin_v and_o continue_v long_o trouble_v especial_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o former_o be_v free_a and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v foist_v with_o humane_a invention_n by_o man_n who_o be_v not_o heretic_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n spoil_v break_a dissolve_v and_o burn_v pride_n consume_v all_o and_o make_v it_o contemptible_a so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o babylon_n jer._n 21.25_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o burn_a mountain_n when_o the_o dissolution_n of_o her_o authority_n be_v prophesy_v of_o 3._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o mountain_n cast_v in_o the_o sea_n record_v here_o be_v two_o the_o one_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o other_o 1._o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n show_v they_o be_v corrupt_v that_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o allude_v to_o the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n exod._n 7.19_o which_o show_v that_o by_o that_o forego_v rend_v discipline_n be_v weaken_v ordinance_n corrupt_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o alter_v they_o be_v before_o useful_a now_o they_o be_v hurtful_a as_o be_v abuse_v by_o this_o fiery_a mountain_n fall_v into_o they_o so_o the_o synod_n counsel_n and_o ministry_n in_o many_o place_n become_v such_o as_o be_v rather_o for_o destruction_n than_o edification_n and_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v and_o stumbling_n lay_v before_o poor_a people_n whereby_o the_o second_o effect_n follow_v that_o be_v as_o in_o water_n turn_v to_o blood_n fish_n can_v live_v so_o by_o these_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o both_o now_o continue_v together_o poor_a soul_n be_v destroy_v simplicity_n of_o worship_n corrupt_v with_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n and_o all_o church_n man_n almost_o who_o trade_n in_o these_o ship_n be_v undo_v and_o destroy_v with_o this_o ambition_n for_o blood_n signify_v any_o death_n even_o spiritual_a death_n ezek._n 3.18_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v his_o spiritual_a kill_n of_o they_o and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v their_o be_v kill_v with_o self-seeking_a and_o pride_n and_o so_o to_o be_v dead_a while_o they_o be_v alive_a 1_o tim._n 5.6_o and_o deadly_a to_o other_o also_o in_o sum_n then_o by_o the_o second_o trumpet_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o government_n and_o governor_n who_o heighten_v their_o place_n beyond_o christ_n order_n and_o exercise_v that_o power_n not_o for_o edification_n but_o for_o destruction_n contrary_a to_o its_o nature_n in_o fiery_a contention_n flow_v from_o their_o pride_n and_o ambition_n by_o which_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v dissolve_v in_o its_o authority_n and_o become_v low_a as_o a_o mountain_n do_v which_o be_v consume_v by_o fire_n from_o within_o whereby_o many_o dreadful_a effect_n tend_v both_o to_o the_o wrong_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o exceed_v hurtful_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v under_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o so_o the_o church_n life_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o great_a hazard_n than_o under_o open_a heretic_n for_o application_n of_o this_o we_o will_v find_v it_o suit_n well_o with_o the_o contention_n that_o follow_v on_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o then_o burst_v out_o among_o churchman_n exceed_v hurtful_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o clear_v whereof_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o story_n of_o that_o time_n 1._o division_n and_o contention_n abound_v as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o many_o complaint_n of_o emperor_n and_o father_n especial_o gregoriâ—â—_n next_fw-la who_o therefore_o take_v a_o prejudice_n at_o counsel_n because_o so_o much_o contention_n follow_v that_o of_o nice_n as_o also_o by_o the_o many_o contrary_a synod_n and_o contest_v for_o precedency_n in_o they_o among_o churchman_n who_o continue_v till_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n carry_v away_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o under_o the_o five_o trumpet_n 2._o the_o time_n of_o these_o contention_n will_v agree_v to_o this_o for_o this_o fire_n of_o pride_n be_v kindle_v and_o the_o foundation_n lay_v for_o carry_v on_o these_o contest_v to_o that_o height_n from_o the_o former_a heresy_n some_o act_n be_v make_v whereby_o some_o bishop_n especial_o they_o of_o rome_n be_v prefer_v to_o other_o because_o they_o be_v more_o free_a of_o that_o infection_n and_o be_v more_o able_a to_o help_v the_o truth_n and_o these_o who_o be_v persecute_v for_o it_o in_o the_o east_n as_o particular_o that_o seven_o canon_n at_o sardica_n overture_v by_o osius_n for_o that_o end_n from_o which_o rome_n take_v advantage_n afterward_o 3._o in_o these_o counsel_n upon_o this_o occasion_n
consideration_n describe_v from_o all_o which_o consideration_n we_o may_v gather_v 1._o that_o each_o of_o these_o trumpet_n do_v not_o contain_v the_o story_n of_o a_o equal_a time_n or_o number_n of_o year_n for_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o last_o three_o trumpet_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o long_a continuance_n than_o all_o the_o first_o four_o which_o add_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o former_a four_o as_o the_o great_a woe_n 2._o it_o appear_v also_o that_o by_o the_o five_o and_o six_o trumpet_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v different_a evil_n and_o enemy_n and_o so_o they_o can_v both_o be_v applicable_a either_o to_o antichrist_n only_o or_o mahometan_n only_o 3._o we_o may_v gather_v also_o that_o this_o kingdom_n and_o army_n with_o the_o furniture_n wherewith_o they_o be_v provide_v and_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v upon_o their_o tyranny_n be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o external_a battle_n and_o bodily_a evil_n but_o figurative_o as_o represent_v some_o great_a spiritual_a hurt_n on_o the_o church_n and_o her_o ordinance_n these_o expression_n they_o be_v like_o horse_n and_o have_v breastplate_n as_o it_o be_v breastplate_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o be_v express_o difference_v from_o the_o trumpet_n follow_v wherein_o expression_n that_o be_v proper_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v use_v and_o do_v intimate_v this_o 4._o suppose_v which_o afterward_o from_o chap._n 11.13_o and_o 17._o will_v be_v more_o clear_a that_o the_o roman_a hierarchy_n complex_o take_v be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o the_o delude_n of_o the_o world_n by_o they_o be_v the_o very_a delusion_n prophesy_v of_o 2_o thess._n 2._o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o romish_a antichristian_a kingdom_n whereby_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v long_o bring_v in_o bondage_n be_v the_o very_a same_o set_v forth_o by_o this_o trumpet_n to_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o description_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n we_o will_v find_v it_o many_o way_n insist_v upon_o 1._o a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o become_v earthly_a upon_o that_o again_o follow_v corruption_n of_o doctrine_n whereupon_o do_v arise_v a_o rabble_n of_o superstitious_a churchman_n who_o work_n be_v to_o propagate_v and_o support_v the_o dominion_n of_o their_o king_n as_o his_o care_n be_v to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v they_o there_o be_v such_o mutual_a concernment_n in_o the_o stand_n or_o fall_v of_o each_o to_o other_o vers._n 1._o the_o first_o particular_a describe_v be_v the_o fountain_n and_o great_a instrument_n of_o all_o this_o spiritual_a plague_n that_o be_v i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n unto_o the_o earth_n that_o by_o star_n be_v mean_v some_o person_n the_o word_n after_o do_v clear_a to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o the_o star_n be_v give_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o must_v be_v some_o churchofficer_n be_v also_o clear_a from_o chap._n 1.20_o from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o own_o exposition_n and_o consider_v what_o power_n this_o star_n have_v in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v hold_v forth_o some_o eminent_a churchofficer_n by_o heaven_n be_v understand_v here_o as_o frequent_o in_o this_o book_n the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o heaven_n wherein_o christ_n have_v place_v apostle_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o star_n to_o give_v light_n because_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o heavenly_a privilege_n heavenly_a light_n of_o doctrine_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o heavenly_a conversation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o earth_n be_v understand_v earthliness_n or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o church_n which_o the_o opposition_n clear_v and_o thus_o earth_n signify_v worldly_a design_n worldly_a grandour_n corrupt_a doctrine_n like_a to_o that_o of_o heathen_n than_o that_o of_o christ_n carnalnesse_n in_o conversation_n and_o such_o like_a for_o this_o earth_n be_v something_o contradistinguish_v from_o and_o oppose_v to_o the_o heaven_n former_o mention_v to_o fall_v here_o from_o heaven_n unto_o earth_n signify_v a_o decline_a from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o in_o sum_n the_o meaning_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n will_v be_v i_o foresee_v the_o defection_n of_o some_o eminent_a churchofficer_n who_o once_o have_v pláce_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n from_o christian_n simplicity_n purity_n and_o holiness_n in_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n to_o a_o religion_n and_o way_n of_o live_v by_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o external_a pomp_n become_v rather_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o like_a their_o way_n than_o a_o minister_n of_o christ._n by_o this_o phrase_n also_o i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v etc._n etc._n be_v imply_v 1._o not_o only_o a_o decline_a and_o defection_n but_o such_o a_o decline_a as_o make_v he_o that_o be_v before_o a_o star_n in_o heaven_n to_o cease_v from_o be_v consider_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o afterward_o to_o be_v account_v as_o but_o eminent_a among_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n because_o of_o their_o worldly_a earthly-like_a religion_n and_o worship_n upon_o which_o ground_n the_o follower_n of_o this_o antichristian_a kingdom_n be_v call_v gentile_n chap._n 11.2_o 2._o this_o phrase_n import_v a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a step_n of_o this_o defection_n the_o star_n be_v not_o now_o fall_v as_o be_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n but_o it_o be_v fall_v and_o i_o see_v it_o fall_v say_v john_n imply_v a_o observablnesse_n in_o it_o 3._o it_o import_v that_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o this_o star_n and_o defection_n of_o this_o eminent_a churchofficer_n he_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o account_n of_o a_o star_n among_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v call_v a_o star_n even_o after_o his_o fall_n though_o indeed_o and_o in_o john_n account_n he_o be_v but_o a_o fall_v star_n and_o earthly_a as_o have_v indeed_o forfeit_v his_o former_a church-relation_n the_o second_o thing_n describe_v be_v the_o power_n give_v unto_o this_o fall_a star_n and_o to_o he_o be_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n key_n signify_v in_o scripture_n authority_n and_o power_n by_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n be_v mean_v hell_n as_o be_v unquestionable_a chap._n 1.18_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n that_o do_v signify_v his_o supreme_a authority_n chap._n 13.2_o 4._o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o have_v power_n and_o to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o beast_n because_o in_o god_n secret_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o part_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o he_o be_v employ_v as_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o wicked_a therein_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o throne_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n here_o this_o star_n partake_v of_o this_o authority_n not_o as_o christ_n have_v it_o for_o now_o be_v fall_v from_o heaven_n he_o have_v lose_v relation_n to_o he_o nor_o in_o that_o same_o degree_n as_o the_o devil_n do_v but_o as_o deputy_n and_o leiu-tennant_n to_o he_o who_o in_o god_n secret_a justice_n furnish_v he_o with_o this_o power_n as_o from_o chap._n 13._o 2_o 4._o be_v clear_a in_o a_o word_n while_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o exerce_v christ_n authority_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o be_v fall_v he_o continue_v to_o exercise_v authority_n and_o to_o retain_v a_o key_n but_o of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o to_o serve_v another_o master_n to_o wit_n the_o devil_n as_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n tend_v now_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o ignorance_n darkness_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v assist_v with_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n for_o that_o end_n for_o as_o christ_n minister_n be_v say_v to_o have_v key_n from_o he_o and_o when_o they_o warrantable_o exerce_fw-la they_o it_o be_v the_o open_n of_o heaven_n so_o promover_v of_o heresy_n be_v minister_n of_o satan_n 2_o cor._n 11._o though_o they_o think_v it_o not_o of_o who_o antichrist_n be_v the_o chief_a he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o pit_n that_o be_v a_o authority_n not_o allow_v by_o christ_n nor_o from_o above_o and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o pit_n with_o the_o key_n be_v the_o put_n of_o that_o assume_v power_n in_o execution_n such_o be_v spread_v of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n call_v therefore_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o and_o authorise_v man_n to_o propagate_v these_o without_o christ_n call_n who_o be_v
prophet_n and_o blasphemous_o apply_v some_o scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n he_o allege_v that_o his_o write_n to_o wit_n what_o he_o call_v his_o alfurca_n and_o alcoran_n be_v give_v he_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v without_o error_n and_o therefore_o join_v the_o old_a testament_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o alcoran_n together_o he_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n but_o that_o the_o refuser_n of_o the_o alcoran_n be_v to_o be_v persecute_v with_o the_o sword_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v persecute_v for_o his_o religion_n to_o the_o receiver_n of_o the_o alcoran_n be_v promise_v many_o great_a thing_n and_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o victory_n from_o the_o lord_n he_o assert_v one_o only_a true_a god_n and_o deny_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o absurd_o assert_v a_o twofold_a personality_n of_o the_o godhead_n he_o be_v against_o all_o idol_n and_o image_n and_o allege_v himself_o to_o be_v special_o commissionated_a against_o idol-worship_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o god_n have_v purpose_v he_o indeed_o to_o scourge_v that_o sin_n have_v also_o wise_o order_v that_o partly_o to_o make_v he_o the_o more_o instrumental_a in_o pursue_v that_o sin_n partly_o the_o more_o to_o convince_v and_o shame_n christian_n that_o shall_v be_v addict_v to_o it_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v more_o full_o gather_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o and_o these_o who_o write_v of_o it_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o monstrous_a absurdity_n become_v take_v to_o many_o and_o he_o himself_o to_o have_v great_a temporal_a power_n especial_o on_o this_o occasion_n heraclius_n the_o emperor_n in_o his_o war_n against_o the_o persian_n have_v a_o considerable_a army_n of_o arabian_n in_o his_o service_n who_o be_v dimit_v after_o the_o war_n with_o reproachful_a speech_n from_o their_o officer_n in_o stead_n of_o pay_n do_v fall_v to_o mutiny_v upon_o these_o this_o mahomet_n so_o insinuate_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v receive_v to_o be_v their_o head_n from_o this_o come_v the_o name_n of_o saracen_n for_o these_o arabian_n be_v indeed_o ishmaelit_v and_o hagarens_n but_o account_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o be_v descend_v of_o the_o bondwoman_n hagar_n to_o hide_v that_o they_o claim_v title_n to_o sarah_n and_o so_o assume_v her_o name_n after_o this_o mahomet_n and_o they_o have_v prevail_v in_o arabia_n and_o settle_v in_o mecha_n for_o a_o time_n he_o leave_v it_o and_o invade_v syria_n settle_v the_o head_n of_o their_o dominion_n in_o damascus_n from_o this_o forward_a they_o speedy_o prevail_v and_o do_v overrun_v many_o kingdom_n under_o the_o name_n of_o saracen_n yet_o be_v restrain_v from_o have_v footting_a in_o europe_n till_o after_o the_o turk_n victory_n over_o they_o they_o become_v of_o one_o religion_n under_o one_o head_n for_o the_o further_o strengthen_v of_o their_o union_n since_o that_o time_n their_o dominion_n have_v mighty_o increase_v under_o the_o name_n of_o turk_n so_o that_o now_o they_o be_v not_o restrain_v in_o the_o east_n as_o former_o but_o do_v possess_v almost_o all_o the_o grecian_a empire_n and_o part_n of_o the_o western_a empire_n also_o yet_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o overrun_v italy_n it_o be_v like_o that_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o piece_n of_o service_n of_o darken_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o another_o time_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v here_o against_o this_o application_n that_o these_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n over_o which_o the_o turk_n have_v prevail_v be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v least_o submissive_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o therefore_o this_o plague_n of_o the_o turk_n may_v rather_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o judgement_n on_o they_o for_o break_v unity_n with_o he_o than_o as_o a_o plague_n upon_o he_o ans._n this_o be_v indeed_o harp_v upon_o by_o some_o of_o the_o papist_n particular_o by_o bellarmin_n be_v his_o preface_n ad_fw-la libros_fw-la de_fw-la pontifice_fw-la but_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o consider_v 1._o that_o once_o these_o church_n be_v profess_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o under_o he_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v admirer_n and_o worshipper_n of_o the_o beast_n chap._n 13.8_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n as_o they_o themselves_o use_v to_o boast_v now_o there_o be_v so_o many_o christian_n destroy_v by_o the_o turk_n it_o must_v either_o infer_v a_o great_a destruction_n to_o be_v upon_o the_o popish_a kingdom_n or_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o which_o they_o will_v not_o willing_o grant_v 2._o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o withdraw_n from_o his_o usurpation_n in_o part_n yet_o these_o same_o church_n be_v once_o infect_v with_o idolatry_n error_n and_o superstition_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v still_o retain_v that_o leaven_n till_o this_o jugement_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o in_o plague_v they_o for_o these_o evil_n god_n give_v warning_n to_o other_o lie_v in_o that_o same_o guilt_n and_o that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o begin_v with_o these_o eastern_a church_n rather_o than_o other_o these_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o because_o he_o be_v not_o by_o these_o hand_n to_o overturn_v the_o beast_n throne_n but_o be_v to_o reserve_v a_o two_o part_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o other_o wise_a end_n afterward_o therefore_o this_o west_n part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o first_o begin_v at_o 2._o in_o these_o eastern_a church_n antichrist_n kingdom_n and_o his_o corruption_n have_v be_v most_o free_o testify_v against_o and_o oppose_v which_o make_v their_o guiltiness_n of_o after_o yield_v to_o be_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a and_o ripe_a for_o judgement_n 3._o by_o scourge_v they_o first_o who_o seem_v least_o accessory_a to_o the_o guilt_n the_o lord_n will_v evidence_n how_o displease_v any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o he_o and_o the_o more_o to_o convince_v other_o who_o be_v deep_o therein_o and_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o that_o these_o plague_v here_o be_v only_o charge_v with_o such_o corruption_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o these_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o and_o the_o two_o part_n now_o reserve_v and_o after_o plague_v by_o the_o vial_n be_v beside_o these_o charge_v with_o worship_v the_o beast_n and_o have_v his_o mark_n chap._n 16.2_o as_o if_o these_o do_v go_v a_o further_a length_n in_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o pope_n than_o this_o three_o part_n who_o be_v at_o the_o first_o reckon_v with_o do_v in_o that_o particular_a though_o in_o the_o same_o guilt_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o corruption_n but_o last_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o by_o this_o turkish_a dominion_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o romish_a power_n be_v eclipse_v and_o many_o of_o all_o order_n who_o have_v their_o dependence_n upon_o the_o pope_n alone_o be_v destroy_v whereof_o the_o war_n call_v the_o holy_a war_n be_v a_o evidence_n beside_o the_o overthrow_n of_o many_o kingdom_n army_n and_o town_n who_o do_v direct_o own_o the_o pope_n and_o do_v not_o want_v his_o holiness_n encouragement_n and_o benediction_n with_o many_o consecrate_a cross_n sword_n banner_n and_o the_o like_a as_o pledge_n thereof_o yea_o not_o long_o before_o the_o ruin_n of_o that_o eastern_a empire_n diverse_a of_o the_o emperor_n thereof_o come_v purposely_o to_o be_v crown_v at_o rome_n as_o acknowledge_v their_o dignity_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o anno_fw-la 1274._o michael_n emperor_n of_o constantinople_n promise_v to_o pope_n gregory_n the_o ten_o the_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o grecian_a church_n upon_o which_o ground_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o may_v warrantable_o say_v that_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o turk_n have_v be_v a_o great_a plague_n to_o the_o romish_a ecclesiastic_a kingdom_n and_o that_o these_o who_o be_v destroy_v by_o they_o be_v general_o accessary_a to_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o corruption_n concern_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o possible_o of_o more_o difficulty_n to_o clear_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o their_o worship_v of_o image_n relic_n and_o such_o like_a even_o though_o they_o intend_v the_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o real_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o pertinent_a for_o this_o place_n to_o insist_v in_o it_o by_o a_o long_a digression_n yet_o consider_v of_o what_o concernment_n it_o be_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o for_o warrant_v the_o application_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o many_o chapter_n follow_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o lay_v
have_v access_n at_o their_o solemn_a time_n and_o this_o allusion_n hold_v forth_o that_o as_o the_o inner_a court_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o outer_a be_v small_a and_o as_o many_o have_v access_n to_o this_o which_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o former_a so_o during_o this_o time_n the_o number_n of_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v be_v few_o though_o the_o multitude_n of_o nominal_a professor_n shall_v be_v great_a because_o the_o lord_n will_v set_v apart_o some_o few_o to_o himself_o and_o disow_v the_o rest_n even_o as_o if_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o have_v appoint_v the_o outer_a court_n to_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o inner_a the_o great_a part_n have_v be_v reject_v but_o the_o better_a part_n reserve_v so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel-church_n at_o that_o time_n some_o few_o like_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v order_v and_o set_v aside_o for_o himself_o and_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o professor_n leave_v out_o without_o any_o such_o special_a care_n which_o leave_v or_o cast_v out_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o be_v seal_v and_o so_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o god_n chap._n 7._o and_o this_o measure_n will_v be_v sound_a to_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v seal_v the_o second_o allusion_n of_o measure_v respect_v that_o vision_n ezek._n 40.41_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v signify_v 1._o the_o lord_n put_v a_o difference_n among_o professor_n of_o that_o time_n and_o that_o profession_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n pass_v but_o they_o must_v be_v try_v and_o put_v to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v so_o 2._o it_o hold_v out_o the_o lord_n set_v apart_o of_o some_o for_o himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o other_o who_o be_v neglect_v thus_o the_o land_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v ezek._n 47.18_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n israel_n be_v often_o call_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n inheritance_n psal._n 74._o 2._o jer._n 10.16_o etc._n etc._n as_o measure_v by_o to_o he_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n 3._o it_o signify_v a_o care_n and_o special_a oversight_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o in_o the_o temple_n beside_o other_o as_o if_o he_o be_v building_n and_o prepare_v a_o house_n for_o they_o even_o like_o a_o little_a sanctuary_n to_o rest_v in_o during_o that_o time_n thus_o measure_v of_o the_o temple_n here_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o outer_a court_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v or_o so_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o agree_v with_o that_o chap._n 12.14_o of_o provide_v a_o place_n for_o the_o woman_n i.e._n the_o church_n during_o the_o same_o time_n and_o last_o this_o measure_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o open_n of_o it_o chap._n 15._o and_o open_v of_o it_o there_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o enlarge_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o open_a light_n this_o here_o must_v signify_v a_o secret_a retire_a state_n of_o the_o church_n want_v that_o splendour_n and_o visibility_n of_o ordinance_n which_o it_o have_v before_o this_o time_n and_o which_o after_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n sound_v it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o three_o allusion_n be_v unto_o daniel_n prophesy_v of_o antiochus_n his_o make_v desolate_a of_o the_o material_a temple_n dan._n 7.13_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o sanctuary_n be_v tread_v upon_o during_o such_o a_o time_n under_o antiochus_n so_o shall_v the_o visible_a face_n of_o the_o church_n be_v abuse_v and_o overrun_v by_o antichrist_n follower_n during_o his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o same_o yet_o still_o will_v the_o lord_n preserve_v a_o remnant_n as_o in_o that_o former_a case_n vers._n 1._o now_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a more_o particular_o to_o clear_v the_o word_n wherein_o there_o be_v 1._o something_o do_v 2._o something_o say_v and_o there_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o a_o reed_n like_o unto_o a_o rod._n a_o reed_n be_v use_v in_o measure_v either_o to_o find_v out_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o thing_n or_o the_o regularity_n of_o a_o thing_n or_o for_o the_o divide_n and_o set_v apart_o of_o it_o it_o be_v give_v to_o john_n not_o only_o to_o signify_v the_o smallnesse_n of_o that_o number_n which_o shall_v be_v set_v apart_o for_o god_n for_o as_o number_v import_v fewness_n so_o measure_v do_v smallnesse_n and_o the_o regularnesse_n of_o their_o worship_n beside_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n during_o this_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o multitude_n but_o that_o the_o rule_n behove_v to_o be_v apply_v for_o discern_v of_o it_o and_o these_o who_o be_v furnish_v by_o a_o measure_n reed_n shall_v find_v it_o out_o and_o none_o other_o that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o what_o he_o shall_v measure_v 2._o what_o he_o shall_v not_o measure_v 3._o why_o his_o direction_n what_o to_o do_v be_v rise_v and_o measure_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n therein_o the_o temple_n here_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o court_n of_o priest_n where_o the_o altar_n stand_v it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o outer_a court_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n these_o that_o worship_n therein_o point_v out_o true_a worshipper_n who_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o outer_a court_n with_o the_o multitude_n to_o who_o they_o be_v oppose_v vers_fw-la 2._o but_o like_o priest_n to_o god_n they_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o temple_n where_o the_o altar_n be_v signify_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o prescribe_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o will-worship_n of_o other_o particular_o their_o continue_v to_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o altar_n which_o the_o multitude_n do_v not_o inquire_v for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o after_o they_o be_v try_v and_o find_v for_o god_n himself_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n be_v what_o shall_v not_o be_v measure_v and_o that_o be_v the_o court_n without_o the_o temple_n leave_n or_o cast_v it_o out_o and_o measure_v it_o not_o sai_z he_o by_o which_o be_v understand_v the_o visible_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o external_a professor_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o outer_a court_n during_o the_o jewish_a service_n this_n not_o measure_v of_o it_o imply_v a_o slight_n and_o misregard_v of_o it_o and_o not_o set_v it_o apart_o as_o the_o former_a as_o the_o follow_a word_n do_v clear_a 3._o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v for_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o holy_a city_n shall_v they_o tread_v under_o foot_n forty_o and_o two_o month_n where_o 1._o the_o state_n of_o the_o outer_a court_n be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n 2._o the_o height_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o tyranny_n be_v express_v the_o holy_a city_n shall_v they_o tread_v under_o foot_n forty_o and_o two_o month_n by_o the_o law_n gentiles_n be_v inhibit_v the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o outer_a court_n so_o this_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n must_v suppose_v a_o profane_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o corrupt_v and_o mix_v of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o worship_n even_o as_o admission_n of_o gentile_n to_o the_o outer_a court_n will_v have_v be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o which_o paul_n be_v complain_v of_o act_v 21._o by_o gentiles_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o proper_o pagan_n for_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o possess_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o partake_v its_o name_n for_o it_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o outer_a court_n even_o while_o it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o be_v tread_v on_o by_o they_o beside_o as_o be_v hint_v the_o time_n of_o their_o tread_v of_o it_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o his_o vassal_n and_o follower_n they_o be_v call_v gentile_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o although_o they_o seem_v to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o so_o do_v not_o destroy_v but_o possess_v the_o outer_a court_n and_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n propagate_v by_o they_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v account_v gentile_n than_o christian_n in_o which_o respect_n their_o head_n antichrist_n chap._n 13._o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o name_n of_o blasphemy_n even_o as_o the_o pagan_a head_n have_v
from_o other_o ground_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o pprophecy_n especial_o compare_v with_o the_o event_n and_o number_n here_o mention_v than_o to_o settle_v upon_o they_o alone_o and_o therefore_o because_o this_o number_n which_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v here_o in_o so_o various_a term_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v slight_v we_o shall_v show_v what_o seem_v most_o probable_a to_o we_o on_o the_o matter_n afterward_o only_o if_o any_o ask_v why_o forty_o and_o two_o month_n or_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a be_v pitch_v on_o rather_o than_o any_o other_o time_n for_o all_o these_o trouble_n of_o the_o church_n the_o prophet_n prophesy_v antichrist_n reign_n etc._n etc._n answ._n that_o time_n be_v pitch_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o former_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n and_o include_v this_o consolation_n that_o as_o god_n limit_v such_o and_o such_o enemy_n and_o close_v such_o trouble_n so_o will_v he_o do_v this_o antichrist_n be_v compare_v with_o antiochus_n the_o church_n hide_v to_o elias_n flee_v while_n seven_o thousand_o be_v hide_v see_v jam._n 5.17_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v allude_v to_o christ_n perform_n his_o ministry_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a his_o suffering_n and_o rise_v the_o three_o day_n so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o their_o suffering_n shall_v have_v a_o happy_a outgate_n also_o from_o which_o allusion_n we_o may_v gather_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n during_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o very_o mean_v outward_a condition_n 2._o that_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o pure_a professor_n reserve_v by_o god_n 3._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a multitude_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o exceed_v gross_a and_o superstitious_a in_o their_o worship_n last_o that_o for_o all_o their_o confident_a assert_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n yet_o even_o then_o shall_v they_o indeed_o be_v disclaim_v by_o god_n and_o as_o the_o outer_a court_n be_v possess_v by_o gentile_n can_v not_o ground_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o so_o neither_o shall_v a_o external_a profession_n and_o pretention_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o any_o real_a interest_n in_o christ_n to_o these_o pretend_a christian_n lecture_n ii_o vers._n 3._o and_o i_o will_v give_v power_n unto_o my_o two_o witness_n and_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o day_n clothe_v in_o sackcloth_n 4._o these_o be_v the_o two_o olive_n tree_n and_o the_o two_o candlestick_n stand_v before_o the_o god_n of_o the_o earth_n 5._o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v hurt_v they_o fire_n proceed_v out_o of_o their_o mouth_n and_o devour_v their_o enemy_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v hurt_v they_o he_o must_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v kill_v 6._o these_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o pprophecy_n and_o have_v power_n over_o water_n to_o turn_v they_o to_o blood_n and_o to_o smite_v the_o earth_n with_o all_o plague_n as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n follow_v john_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n from_o her_o minister_n and_o this_o be_v set_v down_o in_o three_o step_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n first_o their_o prophesy_a till_o verse_n 7._o second_o their_o death_n and_o kill_v till_o vers_n 11._o three_o their_o restore_n from_o vers_fw-la 11._o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o same_o be_v the_o witness_n that_o be_v raise_v but_o other_o in_o their_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o be_v say_v of_o john_n baptist_n mal._n 4._o with_o luk._n 1.17_o preach_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o pursue_v that_o same_o antichrist_n so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o the_o same_o witness_n shall_v live_v and_o prophesy_v all_o that_o time_n but_o that_o there_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o they_o some_o after_o other_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v want_v altogether_o till_o their_o testimony_n be_v finish_v the_o church_n state_n be_v especial_o set_v out_o by_o the_o state_n of_o her_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v link_v together_o so_o that_o it_o ever_o appear_v in_o they_o how_o it_o be_v with_o she_o if_o persecution_n be_v they_o be_v first_o in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v hard_a with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o well_o with_o she_o and_o contrary_o the_o prophet_n be_v particular_o describe_v vers_fw-la 3._o 1._o by_o their_o special_a work_n to_o witness_v and_o give_v testimony_n for_o christ_n against_o the_o corruption_n and_o usurpation_n of_o these_o time_n so_o minister_n be_v call_v christ_n witness_n act_n 1.7_o 8._o their_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o be_v witness_n for_o mistake_a truth_n and_o against_o antichrist_n 2._o their_o number_n be_v set_v down_o to_o wit_v two_o a_o definit_a for_o a_o indefinite_a number_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v two_o 1._o because_o two_o witness_n be_v the_o least_o that_o confirm_v a_o truth_n but_o they_o be_v sufficient_a so_o it_o import_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v many_o yet_o sufficient_a to_o testify_v against_o these_o evil_n full_o 2._o because_o of_o allusion_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v where_o something_o of_o three_o couple_n of_o famous_a witness_n be_v attribute_v to_o these_o two_o mention_v here_o in_o allusion_n i_o say_v to_o god_n way_n of_o make_v use_n of_o two_o in_o all_o dangerous_a period_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n joshuah_n and_o zerubbabel_n moses_n and_o aaron_n elias_n and_o elisha_n in_o respect_n to_o which_o three_o couple_n the_o follow_a description_n of_o the_o witness_n here_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o prophesy_v both_o to_o friend_n and_o enemy_n to_o wit_n 1._o they_o be_v as_o zerubbabel_n and_o joshuah_n two_o olive_n tree_n zach._n 4._o 3._o from_o who_o drop_v the_o oil_n to_o keep_v light_n and_o life_n in_o the_o two_o candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v now_o few_o in_o number_n and_o it_o be_v not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o prevail_v 2._o if_o any_o will_v oppose_v they_o fire_n proceed_v from_o they_o as_o elias_n destroy_v the_o two_o fifty_n 2_o king_n 1.10_o so_o their_o enemy_n shall_v be_v destroy_v as_o sure_o and_o their_o word_n and_o threaten_n shall_v take_v effect_n on_o they_o 3._o their_o power_n be_v describe_v by_o other_o effect_n that_o as_o elias_n by_o prayer_n prevail_v to_o shut_v heaven_n that_o it_o ruin_v not_o and_o moses_n and_o aaron_n do_v turn_v water_n into_o blood_n and_o wrought_v other_o wonder_n in_o plague_v of_o egypt_n so_o shall_v they_o have_v but_o all_o this_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o denounce_v judgement_n which_o shall_v true_o take_v effect_n as_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o the_o city_n spiritual_o be_v call_v sodom_n so_o all_o be_v spiritual_o to_o be_v understand_v they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n discipline_n and_o doctrine_n ready_a to_o be_v apply_v when_o they_o find_v ground_n to_o revenge_v disobedience_n and_o this_o be_v no_o less_o terrible_a than_o outward_a judgement_n be_v that_o they_o preach_v free_o and_o authoritative_o and_o that_o for_o many_o day_n 1260._o extend_v according_a to_o thirty_o day_n in_o the_o month_n to_o forty_o two_o month_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o antichrist_n reign_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o church_n though_o she_o be_v little_a and_o minister_n though_o they_o be_v few_o so_o long_o as_o he_o usurp_v so_o long_o shall_v they_o testify_v and_o though_o he_o may_v fight_v with_o they_o yet_o till_o they_o have_v do_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v commissionated_a they_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o prevail_v 4._o they_o be_v describe_v in_o their_o mourning-weed_n or_o habit_n they_o prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n when_o many_o idle_a belly_n be_v well_o feed_v and_o clothe_v rich_o they_o be_v thus_o clothe_v partly_o to_o show_v their_o outward_a poor_a contemptible_a and_o despicable_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v not_o great_a rich_a man_n make_v use_v of_o for_o this_o service_n partly_o to_o show_v how_o deny_o now_o under_o the_o cross_n they_o go_v about_o that_o employment_n in_o heaviness_n mourn_v for_o that_o decline_a generation_n that_o they_o live_v in_o in_o a_o word_n it_o show_v their_o condition_n to_o be_v the_o cross_n and_o their_o carriage_n and_o courage_n to_o be_v suitable_a to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o same_o time_n be_v change_v from_o day_n to_o month_n and_o from_o month_n to_o year_n ans._n 1._o to_o show_v it_o be_v number_v to_o a_o month_n to_o a_o year_n to_o a_o day_n yea_o to_o a_o hour_n as_o it_o be_v
and_o christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a ark_n become_v discernible_a and_o visible_a in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o office_n or_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o ark_n as_o it_o include_v the_o law_n therefore_o it_o be_v here_o call_v the_o ark_n of_o his_o testament_n so_o it_o imply_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n former_o veil_v to_o the_o people_n so_o as_o they_o dare_v not_o read_v it_o nor_o have_v it_o in_o their_o own_o tongue_n now_o by_o this_o reformation_n it_o be_v become_v familiar_a to_o they_o they_o hear_v it_o in_o their_o own_o language_n may_v read_v it_o in_o their_o family_n carry_v it_o about_o with_o they_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o enemy_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o these_o word_n and_o there_o be_v lightning_n voice_n thundering_n and_o a_o earthquake_n and_o great_a bail_n expression_n that_o be_v use_v chap._n 6._o when_o the_o great_a temporal_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o heathenish_a persecuter_n be_v consummate_v it_o be_v also_o mention_v chap._n 16._o we_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o general_a hint_n of_o what_o the_o seven_o vial_n afterward_o express_v as_o be_v say_v for_o chap._n 15.5_o 6._o immediate_o after_o the_o open_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o seven_o angel_n with_o the_o vial_n come_v forth_o as_o be_v former_o keep_v up_o now_o they_o appear_v by_o this_o similitude_n of_o open_v the_o temple_n this_o be_v set_v forth_o that_o as_o in_o the_o jewish_a time_n during_o their_o great_a defection_n there_o be_v still_o some_o temple_n and_o church_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n there_o be_v no_o new_a temple_n build_v nor_o new_a circumcision_n institute_v nor_o priest_n appoint_v but_o corruption_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o temple_n and_o priest_n put_v again_o to_o their_o own_o proper_a use_n and_o duty_n so_o during_o the_o defection_n of_o antichrist_n there_o shall_v still_o be_v a_o church_n temple_n ordinance_n and_o minister_n and_o that_o the_o bridge_n of_o the_o gospel_n again_o to_o public_a in_o the_o world_n after_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v by_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n and_o new_a ordinance_n or_o appoint_v new_a officer_n but_o shall_v be_v by_o the_o purge_n away_o of_o the_o former_a corruption_n and_o apply_v of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o officer_n to_o their_o own_o former_a use_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o temple_n after_o reformation_n which_o be_v before_o but_o now_o it_o be_v open_v the_o woman_n chap._n 12._o be_v the_o same_o under_o persecution_n while_o she_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n during_o the_o 1260._o day_n that_o she_o be_v before_o her_o flee_v and_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o same_o after_o her_o return_n from_o the_o wilderness_n only_o that_o which_o by_o antichrist_n addition_n be_v veil_v and_o corrupt_v now_o by_o their_o removal_n become_v more_o visible_a and_o pure_a upon_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o the_o revive_n again_o of_o religion_n be_v common_o call_v reformation_n not_o as_o bring_v in_o any_o thing_n new_a but_o as_o purge_v what_o former_o be_v corrupt_v upon_o this_o ground_n baptism_n continue_v to_o be_v baptism_n though_o transmit_v through_o they_o and_o a_o ministry_n continue_v to_o be_v a_o ministry_n except_o we_o say_v there_o be_v no_o ordinance_n and_o minister_n before_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o so_o no_o church_n which_o be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o letter_n of_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n from_o this_o also_o it_o appear_v there_o need_v no_o new_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bring_v from_o popery_n such_o as_o may_v be_v call_v for_o from_o heathen_n who_o be_v not_o christian_n but_o the_o purge_n away_o the_o dross_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o the_o practical_a adhere_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o there_o be_v great_a odds_o among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o recover_n of_o they_o from_o their_o gross_a defection_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o pagan_n unto_o the_o church_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o this_o either_o that_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v and_o so_o be_v now_o a_o true_a church_n or_o that_o we_o have_v our_o ordination_n from_o it_o and_o be_v behold_v to_o antichrist_n for_o that_o this_o first_o be_v much_o urge_v by_o papist_n in_o this_o dilemma_n either_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o separation_n from_o it_o or_o she_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o there_o be_v none_o for_o many_o year_n except_o she_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o by_o distinguish_v the_o church_n from_o antichrist_n and_o his_o worship_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o add_v to_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o for_o obscure_v the_o worship_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o subject_n that_o be_v not_o deny_v on_o which_o antichrist_n usurp_v and_o as_o a_o extrinsic_a accident_n set_v himself_o down_o in_o that_o temple_n yet_o be_v the_o temple_n and_o church_n now_o different_a from_o his_o addition_n as_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v accidental_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o corruption_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sacrament_n prayer_n ordination_n etc._n etc._n be_v continue_v which_o be_v as_o the_o material_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o antichristian_a the_o add_v of_o tradition_n to_o that_o word_n put_v of_o false_a gloss_n on_o it_o corrupt_v of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a addition_n pray_v to_o saint_n and_o image_n erect_v a_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n in_o the_o place_n of_o ordination_n and_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v officer_n in_o christ_n house_n and_o many_o such_o like_a thing_n these_o be_v antichristian_a indeed_o and_o may_v as_o we_o see_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o former_a again_o 2._o we_o may_v distinguish_v professor_n who_o be_v either_o such_o as_o receive_v the_o complete_a worship_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n receive_v indeed_o the_o scripture_n but_o with_o such_o tradition_n and_o gloss_n as_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n make_v the_o command_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n that_o pray_v but_o to_o angel_n saint_n image_n etc._n etc._n that_o use_v sacrament_n but_o withal_o their_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a addition_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n or_o they_o be_v such_o who_o close_o with_o the_o material_n to_o say_v so_o that_o be_v abuse_v in_o popery_n and_o do_v abandon_v all_o these_o destructive_a addition_n that_o be_v who_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o hate_v their_o merit_n of_o work_n satisfaction_n pennance_n etc._n etc._n who_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o abominate_a their_o transubstantiation_n mass_n and_o all_o that_o depend_v on_o these_o that_o pray_v to_o the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o abhor_v their_o idolatry_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o other_o thing_n now_o in_o the_o application_n we_o say_v 1._o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o popish_a church_n in_o the_o large_a extent_n thereof_o proper_o and_o its_o worshipper_n or_o member_n that_o without_o choice_a drink_n in_o their_o doctrine_n complex_o as_o it_o be_v hold_v out_o by_o they_o and_o worship_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o popish_a church_n be_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v true_o antichristian_a and_o these_o two_o can_v stand_v together_o to_o be_v antichrist_n church_n and_o christ_n spouse_n at_o one_o time_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n material_o as_o distinguish_v from_o these_o addition_n of_o antichrist_n in_o her_o minister_n and_o member_n concur_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o in_o practice_n and_o worship_n according_o hate_v and_o abominate_v these_o superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a corruption_n and_o invention_n we_o say_v that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v not_o receive_v these_o but_o keep_v the_o former_a principle_n material_o both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v only_o on_o the_o former_a objection_n that_o that_o church_n on_o which_o popery_n obtrude_v itself_o and_o which_o yet_o do_v abhor_v it_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o that_o as_o distinct_o consider_v as_o pure_a from_o their_o antichristian_a invention_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o antichristian_a now_o from_o the_o church_n which_o retain_v the_o foundation_n and_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n we_o do_v never_o separate_v nor_o from_o those_o that_o continue_v so_o but_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o antichristian_a church_n that_o do_v obscure_a and_o
corrupt_v these_o and_o will_v neither_o amend_v they_o themselves_o nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o separation_n be_v necessary_a and_o call_v for_o by_o that_o command_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n chap._n 18_o and_o without_o this_o there_o have_v be_v no_o communion_n keep_v with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n who_o although_o for_o a_o time_n she_o do_v live_v in_o that_o babylonish_n captivity_n be_v yet_o never_o of_o that_o communion_n and_o both_o these_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v ever_o some_o such_o who_o keep_v the_o foundation_n and_o do_v reject_v the_o popish_a invention_n and_o that_o they_o in_o so_o far_o join_v not_o with_o they_o and_o so_o have_v not_o fellowship_n with_o antichrist_n and_o his_o work_n of_o darkness_n but_o do_v reprove_v they_o we_o suppose_v be_v clear_a from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v neither_o ought_v the_o papist_n to_o think_v this_o strange_a that_o we_o apply_v such_o distinction_n to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o true_a antichrist_n consider_v that_o they_o use_v the_o same_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o forge_a antichrist_n who_o say_v they_o shall_v overrun_v the_o church_n and_o by_o idolatry_n and_o violence_n cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o yet_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v local_o separate_v from_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o adhere_v to_o the_o former_a purity_n and_o so_o by_o they_o the_o question_n where_o the_o true_a church_n during_o that_o time_n be_v to_o be_v be_v answer_v thus_o it_o be_v under_o antichrist_n but_o not_o of_o that_o defection_n his_o church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o these_o that_o shall_v not_o decline_v from_o their_o former_a purity_n the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o few_o here_o and_o there_o that_o shall_v retain_v it_o and_o thus_o general_o they_o expound_v the_o woman_n flee_v chap._n 12._o which_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v to_o that_o time_n to_o be_v no_o local_a mutation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o decay_n of_o her_o conspicuousnesse_n and_o beauty_n by_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o the_o overspread_a of_o antichristianisme_n and_o the_o remist_n do_v illustrate_v it_o thus_o that_o as_o now_o in_o england_n the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v flee_v in_o respect_n of_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o public_a face_n of_o thing_n yet_o as_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o true_a professor_n who_o be_v not_o of_o that_o church_n but_o adhere_v to_o the_o romish_a so_o say_v they_o will_v it_o be_v in_o antichrist_n time_n and_o may_v not_o now_o that_o same_o be_v more_o rational_o say_v of_o the_o true_a church_n even_o in_o these_o time_n and_o place_n where_o popery_n have_v cover_v the_o public_a face_n of_o all_o the_o second_o objection_n may_v be_v clear_v also_o from_o what_o be_v say_v that_o we_o have_v not_o our_o ministry_n and_o ordination_n from_o antichrist_n more_o than_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o he_o although_o through_o their_o hand_n the_o lord_n do_v convey_v they_o to_o we_o but_o we_o have_v these_o from_o the_o lord_n who_o ordinance_n they_o be_v and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v for_o purge_v they_o from_o antichristian_a corruption_n and_o transmit_v they_o pure_a to_o we_o which_o antichrist_n will_v never_o have_v do_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v ordination_n and_o ordinance_n transmit_v to_o we_o through_o antichrist_n reign_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v such_o even_o in_o his_o time_n now_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o any_o such_o be_v during_o that_o long_a time_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a the_o scope_n here_o or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o continue_v ordination_n and_o ordinance_n in_o a_o distinct_a separate_a way_n from_o antichrist_n as_o we_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v they_o now_o and_o not_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o for_o they_o or_o not_o to_o have_v they_o derive_v from_o he_o than_o it_o be_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n that_o live_v while_o he_o be_v in_o his_o height_n for_o if_o we_o say_v that_o their_o ordination_n and_o ordinance_n be_v antichristian_a then_o shall_v we_o have_v no_o christian_a church_n if_o we_o say_v they_o be_v christian_n though_o sometime_o come_v through_o impure_a hand_n because_o they_o separate_v what_o be_v antichristian_a from_o they_o so_o that_o may_v be_v say_v here_o also_o and_o so_o it_o be_v we_o therefore_o apply_v these_o distinction_n here_o and_o say_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v our_o ordination_n material_o in_o itself_o or_o complex_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o additional_o and_o the_o former_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n who_o decline_v or_o the_o few_o that_o keep_v their_o garment_n and_o be_v not_o antichristian_a if_o we_o consider_v ordination_n and_o ordinance_n material_o so_o we_o have_v they_o from_o the_o true_a church_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v during_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o our_o church_n succee_v they_o and_o although_o it_o descend_v by_o the_o church_n under_o antichrist_n yet_o be_v not_o antichristian_a more_o than_o she_o be_v antichristian_a as_o be_v say_v again_o if_o we_o consider_v ordination_n complex_o in_o which_o sense_n only_o it_o be_v antichristian_a so_o we_o have_v not_o ordination_n derive_v to_o we_o from_o she_o because_o we_o have_v none_o such_o at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v ordination_n and_o ordinance_n antichristian_a that_o they_o be_v so_o or_o by_o such_o transmit_v as_o the_o former_a instance_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o time_n and_o what_o be_v former_o say_v do_v clear_a but_o that_o they_o be_v transmit_v as_o such_o complexly_a now_o these_o be_v not_o as_o such_o transmit_v to_o we_o therefore_o can_v be_v call_v antichristian_a beside_o this_o we_o may_v draw_v some_o conclusion_n from_o this_o song_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o only_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v concomitant_a with_o it_o yea_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o and_o a_o great_a ground_n of_o rejoice_v to_o god_n people_n and_o of_o praise_n to_o he_o for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v whereof_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o that_o by_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o generality_n and_o body_n of_o such_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n 2._o that_o by_o be_v the_o lord_n here_o be_v mean_v a_o special_a church-state_n and_o relation_n which_o two_o be_v make_v out_o it_o will_v consequent_o appear_v that_o what_o we_o call_v a_o national_n church_n which_o be_v the_o combination_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o one_o unto_o god_n do_v well_o suit_v the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n fall_v and_o of_o the_o gospel_n flourish_v the_o first_o to_o wit_n that_o by_o kingdom_n here_o or_o nation_n chap._n 15.4_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v some_o few_o of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n but_o the_o generality_n and_o body_n of_o they_o may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o scope_n which_o clear_o be_v this_o to_o set_v out_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o flourish_a of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o enlargement_n or_o wonderful_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n after_o antichrist_n begin_v ruin_n if_o it_o be_v but_o some_o few_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o ground_n of_o praise_n nor_o no_o such_o difference_n from_o what_o be_v before_o even_o then_o some_o of_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n be_v the_o lord_n 2._o kingdom_n become_v his_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o like_a phrase_n use_v of_o city_n and_o family_n their_o become_v his_o but_o that_o do_v import_v not_o only_o some_o of_o such_o a_o family_n or_o city_n but_o the_o whole_a or_o generality_n of_o they_o as_o instance_n will_v clear_v see_v what_o be_v say_v of_o lydda_n and_o saron_n act_v 9.35_o which_o certain_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v say_v of_o other_o city_n where_o yet_o he_o may_v have_v many_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v so_o here_o 3._o these_o kingdom_n become_v his_o as_o once_o the_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v his_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n for_o this_o seem_v to_o relate_v to_o the_o lord_n manner_n of_o call_v the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o so_o shall_v these_o nation_n be_v his_o see_v no_o other_o so_o clear_a parallel_n can_v be_v give_v of_o expound_v here_o a_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n so_o israel_n be_v call_v his_o nation_n isa._n 51.4_o it_o be_v true_a this_o will_v not_o hold_v in_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n but_o in_o thing_n common_a and_o essential_a to_o a_o national_n
immediate_o after_o their_o birth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o in_o their_o very_a infancy_n even_o as_o pharaoh_n seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o jew_n male_a child_n exod._n 1.23_o 3._o as_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o preserve_v till_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o he_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o enemy_n malice_n and_o craft_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n seed_n 4._o as_o he_o immediate_o after_o his_o birth_n be_v pursue_v make_v to_o flee_v and_o carry_v to_o egypt_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o the_o gospel-church_n who_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o flee_v immediate_o after_o the_o first_o delivery_n this_o allusion_n be_v the_o more_o probable_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o egypt_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v about_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a which_o be_v here_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n wildernesse-condition_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o herod_n reign_n he_o do_v not_o flee_v immediate_o as_o appear_v by_o mary_n continue_v till_o her_o purification_n luk._n 2._o and_o by_o herod_n kill_v the_o young_a child_n of_o about_o two_o year_n old_a mat._n 2._o and_o he_o return_v from_o egypt_n immediate_o after_o herod_n death_n who_o reign_v full_a thirty_o four_o year_n whereby_o the_o suitablenesse_n of_o this_o time_n may_v be_v gather_v and_o last_o as_o herod_n vent_v his_o malice_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n where_o christ_n be_v bear_v after_o his_o escape_n so_o do_v the_o devil_n here_o vent_v his_o malice_n upon_o the_o church_n seed_n after_o her_o deliverance_n we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n which_o contain_v the_o church_n first_o war_n with_o the_o dragon_n not_o but_o the_o dragon_n fight_v also_o under_o antichrist_n but_o more_o covert_o and_o in_o another_o shape_n here_o more_o palpable_o which_o be_v first_o summary_o propose_v to_o vers_n 7._o then_o 2._o prosecute_v more_o particular_o vers._n 1._o in_o this_o first_o part_n the_o party_n be_v describe_v 1._o the_o defender_n be_v set_v out_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o she_o be_v a_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o church_n as_o she_o be_v ordinary_o call_v partly_o 1._o for_o infirmity_n and_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o wrong_n 2._o as_o in_o subordination_n to_o christ_n as_o her_o husband_n 3._o as_o the_o mother_n of_o believer_n and_o she_o be_v one_o woman_n though_o here_o the_o whole_a gospel-church_n be_v represent_v to_o show_v a_o unity_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o she_o be_v but_o one_o church_n woman_n mother_n or_o wife_n and_o there_o can_v be_v more_o 2._o she_o be_v describe_v by_o she_o adorn_v or_o stateliness_n in_o three_o thing_n 1._o she_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n set_v out_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n that_o she_o profess_v and_o the_o shine_a conversation_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o primitive_a time_n who_o have_v put_v on_o the_o lord_n rom._n 13._o and_o own_v his_o word_n and_o testimony_n which_o be_v call_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n especial_o what_o concern_v his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o satisfaction_n 2._o the_o moon_n be_v under_o her_o foot_n whether_o by_o the_o moon_n here_o we_o understand_v earthly_a temporal_a thing_n which_o be_v mutable_a and_o spot_a like_o the_o moon_n or_o jewish_a feast_n new_a moon_n etc._n etc._n call_v the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n col._n 2._o it_o come_v to_o one_o to_o wit_n to_o set_v out_o the_o deniednesse_n and_o mortifiednesse_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n despise_v worldly_a thing_n and_o adhere_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o conversation_n heavenly_a which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v unto_o col._n 3.1_o in_o opposition_n direct_o to_o the_o rest_v on_o these_o new_a moon_n and_o other_o element_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o worldly_a thing_n 3._o she_o have_v a_o crown_n of_o twelve_o star_n that_o be_v faithful_a minister_n carry_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o follow_v it_o so_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o that_o eph._n 2.20_o 22._o and_o revel_v 21.14_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lamb_n twelve_o apostle_n be_v write_v on_o the_o twelve_o foundation_n this_o be_v a_o crown_n that_o be_v it_o be_v her_o glory_n and_o credit_n to_o have_v faithful_a minister_n and_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o avow_v their_o doctrine_n as_o paul_n call_v the_o thessalonian_n his_v crown_n this_o be_v a_o well_o adorn_v church_n in_o a_o suffer_a time_n we_o take_v these_o three_o more_o particular_o to_o be_v express_v vers_fw-la 11._o the_o first_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v the_o garment_n the_o second_o the_o word_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v the_o crown_n three_o they_o care_v not_o for_o their_o life_n and_o love_v they_o not_o unto_o death_n that_o be_v the_o trample_n of_o the_o moon_n under_o their_o foot_n or_o undervalue_v temporal_a thing_n for_o the_o life_n be_v most_o care_v for_o as_o job_n 2._o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o his_o life_n the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o description_n be_v vers_n 2._o in_o she_o travail_v and_o cry_v express_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o fruitful_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o beauty_n so_o travail_v and_o bring_v forth_o do_v signify_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v well_o apply_v to_o the_o gospel-church_n which_o be_v a_o mother_n isa._n 54.1_o gal._n 4.19_o with_o 26_o 27._o 2._o and_o although_o it_o do_v signify_v a_o fruitful_a condition_n yet_o also_o it_o be_v a_o sorrowful_a and_o afflict_a condition_n as_o you_o know_v the_o travail_v of_o a_o woman_n ordinary_o hold_v forth_o and_o christ_n call_v it_o joh._n 16.21_o sorrow_n or_o pain_n till_o the_o child_n be_v bring_v forth_o in_o a_o word_n this_o primitive_a church_n be_v pure_a fruitful_a and_o afflict_a as_o her_o cry_n import_v with_o great_a pain_n do_v minister_n beget_v gal._n 4.19_o and_o with_o great_a hazard_n be_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n own_v and_o great_a wrestle_n have_v she_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o suffering_n from_o man_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o this_o sorrowful_a condition_n ere_o she_o get_v free_a of_o it_o the_o enemy_n pursue_v be_v describe_v vers_fw-la 3_o and_o 4._o in_o four_o or_o five_o particular_n and_o it_o be_v call_v as_o the_o former_a a_o great_a sign_n or_o wonder_n represent_v to_o john_n in_o heaven_n because_o great_a thing_n be_v signify_v by_o these_o here_o the_o party_n be_v exceed_o unequal_a she_o a_o woman_n the_o enemy_n be_v a_o dragon_n some_o say_v there_o be_v a_o utter_a antipathy_n between_o man_n and_o dragon_n whereas_o other_o ravenous_a creature_n for_o meat_n destroy_v man_n these_o for_o delight_n do_v it_o and_o whereas_o man_n can_v endure_v to_o look_v on_o other_o creature_n yet_o not_o so_o well_o on_o the_o dragon_n and_o serpent_n however_o it_o be_v a_o most_o ravenous_a beast_n by_o which_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o the_o devil_n sometime_o some_o great_a persecuter_n act_v by_o the_o devil_n the_o supreme_a commander_n so_o be_v pharaoh_n call_v and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o oppressor_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o this_o represent_v the_o first_o oppressor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o come_v in_o here_o the_o devil_n first_o that_o be_v clear_a vers_fw-la 9_o then_o the_o roman_a empire_n primely_a instrumental_a in_o persecute_v christian_n that_o appear_v by_o the_o description_n of_o the_o dragon_n shape_n he_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n which_o seven_o head_n chap._n 17_o be_v clear_o to_o be_v expound_v seven_o hill_n and_o seven_o king_n or_o sort_n of_o government_n and_o these_o ten_o horn_n to_o be_v ten_o king_n which_o be_v to_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o have_v not_o then_o receive_v power_n chap._n 17._o therefore_o they_o have_v not_o here_o crown_n as_o chap._n 13._o and_o express_o she_o be_v vers_n 18._o of_o that_o chapter_n call_v the_o city_n which_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n be_v chief_a and_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o emperor_n his_o depute_v in_o this_o for_o the_o devil_n act_v not_o immediate_o yet_o what_o he_o do_v by_o instrument_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o as_o chap._n 2.10_o this_o be_v a_o great_a dragon_n to_o show_v his_o power_n red_a to_o express_v his_o cruelty_n and_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o express_v he_o who_o especial_o be_v instrumental_a in_o exercise_v that_o cruelty_n the_o roman_a emperor_n like_o pharaoh_n who_o be_v call_v a_o dragon_n psal._n 74.15_o isai._n 27.1_o ezek_n 29.3_o
vers._n 4._o his_o carriage_n be_v set_v out_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o have_v a_o tail_n that_o be_v power_n and_o flattery_n to_o persuade_v with_o temporal_a allurement_n and_o by_o these_o two_o he_o prevail_v to_o draw_v minister_n and_o other_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v light_n from_o their_o heavenly_a posture_n to_o a_o earthly_a subjection_n this_o allude_v also_o to_o dan._n 8.10_o where_o the_o cast_v down_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v express_v so_o 2._o his_o other_o practice_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o child_n to_o devour_v it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o leave_v no_o mean_a unassayed_a to_o destroy_v all_o profess_v christian_n that_o bear_v christ_n name_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o win_v to_o any_o outgate_n or_o comfortable_a condition_n as_o pharaoh_n do_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o herod_n to_o christ_n seek_v to_o destroy_v they_o immediate_o at_o their_o birth_n so_o that_o none_o shall_v soon_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_a but_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o dragon_n law_n this_o now_o be_v a_o unequal_a encounter_n yet_o behold_v the_o event_n be_v happy_a the_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o keep_v safe_a and_o the_o woman_n flee_v how_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o weak_a woman_n and_o a_o child_n be_v keep_v from_o a_o watch_v cruel_a dragon_n be_v afterward_o clear_v to_o wit_n by_o michael_n fight_v and_o take_v her_o part_n vers._n 5._o the_o event_n have_v three_o step_n 1._o the_o woman_n delivery_n and_o the_o child_n description_n 2._o the_o child_n exaltation_n 3._o the_o woman_n flee_v vers_n 6._o by_o this_o delivery_n in_o general_n be_v set_v out_o not_o only_o she_o bring_v forth_o of_o believer_n or_o professor_n but_o such_o a_o delivery_n as_o one_o bring_v forth_o a_o man-child_n be_v say_v to_o have_v joh._n 6.21_o a_o comfortable_a delivery_n and_o which_o in_o place_n of_o cry_v give_v she_o a_o song_n afterward_o as_o vers_n 10._o for_o she_o have_v child_n before_o but_o have_v not_o her_o pain_n take_v from_o she_o and_o be_v not_o at_o freedom_n to_o bring_v forth_o without_o the_o enemy_n watch_v the_o child_n be_v describe_v most_o for_o her_o comfort_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v mystical_a christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o who_o in_o his_o member_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o flourish_a condition_n and_o his_o church_n set_v at_o liberty_n from_o persecution_n and_o some_o of_o her_o son_n exalt_v to_o heaven_n to_o a_o honourable_a condition_n from_o which_o lucifer_n be_v say_v to_o fall_v isa._n 14.12_o this_o short_o be_v fulfil_v when_o after_o heathenish_a persecution_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n have_v prevail_v christian_n be_v advance_v constantine_n be_v make_v emperor_n and_o christianity_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n that_o thus_o the_o delivery_n child_n and_o heaven_n to_o which_o he_o be_v take_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v will_v appear_v in_o these_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o delivery_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o subject_a of_o this_o song_n vers_n 10._o now_o be_v salvation_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n of_o god_n reign_v deliver_v they_o from_o these_o persecution_n and_o give_v they_o liberty_n but_o that_o be_v this_o delivery_n 2._o such_o be_v the_o child_n take_v to_o heaven_n as_o be_v the_o devil_n cast_v from_o heaven_n for_o these_o be_v oppose_v but_o that_o be_v the_o spoil_n of_o he_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n which_o he_o abuse_v before_o now_o he_o have_v not_o the_o throne_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 13._o but_o law_n and_o authority_n be_v for_o christian_n 3._o it_o be_v as_o the_o witness_n be_v take_v to_o heaven_n chap._n 11.12_o that_o be_v by_o a_o public_a authorize_v church-condition_n and_o state_n after_o antichrist_n persecution_n so_o here_o religion_n authoritative_o be_v establish_v which_o never_o be_v before_o and_o christian_n countenance_v after_o heathen_a persecution_n be_v over_o and_o see_v it_o be_v usual_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o call_v magistrate_n god_n it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o express_v their_o station_n and_o state_n above_o other_o by_o heaven_n the_o property_n of_o the_o male_a child_n his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n we_o show_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v chap._n 2.27_o of_o christ_n in_o his_o member_n and_o it_o may_v be_v here_o to_o show_v the_o great_a dominion_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v have_v in_o the_o world_n in_o constantin_n time_n when_o his_o member_n shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o a_o honourable_a condition_n call_v vers_fw-la 10._o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o seven_o headed-beast_n before_o and_o as_o be_v chap._n 11.15_o in_o opposition_n to_o antichrist_n dominion_n for_o when_o the_o church_n be_v up_o christ_n exercise_v and_o manifest_v his_o power_n in_o they_o so_o by_o this_o child_n be_v not_o mean_v christ_n personal_o but_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o ult_n nor_o particular_o constantine_n but_o christ_n mystical_a whereof_o constantine_n be_v but_o a_o member_n and_o that_o outward_a government_n of_o he_o but_o a_o little_a shadow_n type_n evidence_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o great_a dominion_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o external_a mean_a and_o cause_n of_o his_o church_n peace_n however_o this_o show_v the_o case_n to_o be_v exceed_o joyful_a and_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v before_o the_o church_n flight_n to_o the_o wilderness_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o no_o other_o time_n but_o that_o delivery_n aforesaid_a from_o under_o heathenish_a persecution_n and_o she_o be_v bring_v now_o to_o a_o glorious_a settle_a and_o quiet_a condition_n like_o a_o heaven_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o former_a the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o event_n the_o woman_n flight_n be_v set_v down_o vers_n 6._o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n as_o be_v clear_a the_o place_n of_o it_o be_v proper_o vers_n 14._o it_o be_v so_o soon_o subjoin_v for_o these_o reason_n 1._o to_o let_v see_v how_o soon_o on_o strait_n be_v on_o the_o back_n of_o another_o to_o the_o church_n and_o special_o to_o show_v that_o antichrist_n rise_v and_o the_o church_n decay_n in_o their_o beginning_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o outgate_n from_o the_o former_a trial_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v â—arked_v as_o a_o consequent_a of_o the_o former_a delivery_n for_o then_o as_o platina_n write_v of_o a_o voice_n be_v poison_n sow_v in_o the_o church_n and_o prosperity_n be_v abuse_v to_o pride_n soon_o deface_v the_o church_n than_o persecution_n 3._o it_o be_v subjoin_v to_o give_v a_o little_a view_n of_o the_o case_n of_o mother_n and_o child_n together_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n ready_o be_v no_o soon_o promote_v but_o she_o be_v in_o a_o wildernesse-condition_n as_o it_o be_v decay_v and_o decline_v much_o from_o that_o beauty_n and_o pure_a glory_n and_o visibility_n she_o be_v into_o before_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o the_o child_n prosperity_n often_o banish_v the_o mother_n and_o obscure_v her_o beauty_n seldom_o have_v greatness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n zeal_n and_o self-denying_a singleness_n dwell_v long_o together_o and_o it_o be_v the_o last_o and_o not_o the_o first_o wherein_o her_o native_a beauty_n do_v consist_v this_o consideration_n of_o this_o verse_n we_o leave_v till_o vers_n 14._o only_o now_o by_o flee_v we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o local_a mutation_n of_o this_o church_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o but_o from_o this_o forth_o a_o decay_n of_o the_o former_a beauty_n of_o it_o that_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o rome_n and_o other_o place_n glorious_a church_n before_o and_o the_o bishop_n be_v martyr_n as_o all_o in_o rome_n be_v before_o sylvester_n and_o constantin_n time_n now_o that_o be_v by_o degree_n veil_v by_o pride_n pomp_n hypocrisy_n heathenish_a and_o antichristian_a dress_n that_o the_o few_o that_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v chap._n 11.1_o close_a up_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n of_o the_o temple_n while_o the_o multitude_n possess_v the_o court_n that_o to_o wit_n the_o temple_n be_v call_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v she_o feed_v by_o the_o witness_n with_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n while_o the_o world_n be_v swell_v with_o pride_n tradition_n and_o superstitious_a invention_n and_o so_o the_o pâ—â—â—phets_n prophesy_v and_o the_o church_n stay_v in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v feed_v be_v of_o equal_a duration_n 1260._o day_n which_o verse_n be_v so_o near_o subjoin_v to_o the_o former_a give_v a_o
clear_a hint_n at_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o second_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v â—atent_n and_o when_o it_o begin_v even_o when_o the_o other_o end_v two_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v clear_v 1._o why_o this_o beast_n here_o under_o the_o dragon_n have_v the_o crown_n on_o his_o head_n and_o on_o his_o horn_n and_o that_o beast_n chap._n 13.1_o have_v the_o crown_n on_o his_o horn_n not_o on_o the_o head_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v heathen_a and_o under_o that_o notion_n persecute_v the_o church_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o beast_n rome_n have_v the_o royal_a imperial_a dignity_n and_o these_o ten_o kingdom_n be_v then_o province_n subject_a to_o she_o as_o appear_v chap._n 17._o these_o ten_o than_o be_v but_o to_o get_v royal_a independent_a dignity_n but_o when_o the_o empire_n turn_v slave_n to_o antichrist_n about_o the_o year_n 606._o and_o after_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v rome_n be_v denude_v of_o the_o royal_a authority_n which_o she_o have_v and_o these_o province_n be_v now_o by_o the_o empire_n decay_n turn_v to_o be_v kingdom_n though_o in_o this_o condition_n depend_v still_o on_o antichrist_n as_o former_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o the_o dragon_n 2._o why_o do_v the_o dragon_n now_o but_o pursue_v the_o woman_n seed_n and_o after_o in_o the_o second_o onset_n he_o set_v on_o the_o woman_n the_o mother_n to_o drown_v she_o answ._n in_o these_o three_o war_n of_o the_o dragon_n you_o will_v find_v a_o difference_n 1._o he_o seek_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o seed_n 2._o he_o send_v out_o a_o flood_n against_o the_o mother_n and_o his_o anger_n be_v turn_v against_o she_o when_o the_o child_n escape_v 3._o when_o the_o woman_n escape_v though_o she_o cede_fw-la which_o the_o child_n do_v not_o which_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o flee_v rather_o hold_v out_o a_o change_n upon_o the_o church_n qualification_n than_o of_o her_o local_a residence_n then_o vers_n ult_n he_o set_v himself_o not_o against_o the_o mother_n simple_o nor_o against_o all_o the_o seed_n indifferent_o as_o in_o the_o first_o but_o against_o such_o as_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o open_a persecuter_n look_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n indifferent_o and_o do_v vent_v cruelty_n on_o they_o hence_o arian_n will_v sometime_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v with_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o by_o arian_n the_o novatian_o as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o know_v not_o to_o make_v difference_n they_o so_o hate_v the_o very_a name_n 2._o because_o the_o heathen_a persecuter_n think_v that_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o destroy_v the_o church_n be_v to_o destroy_v her_o member_n in_o who_o she_o subsist_v and_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v consequent_o so_o will_v she_o be_v therefore_o 1._o the_o devil_n begin_v with_o murder_a body_n to_o undo_v the_o church_n in_o her_o member_n and_o when_o that_o fail_v he_o set_v on_o the_o mother_n to_o poison_v the_o member_n or_o child_n by_o corrupt_v she_o as_o one_o intend_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o child_n will_v poison_v the_o nurse_n this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o direct_a hatred_n at_o the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n now_o in_o request_n but_o by_o counterfeit_v and_o corrupt_a christianity_n that_o he_o may_v once_o alter_v the_o face_n beauty_n and_o wholesomeness_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o child_n which_o suck_v these_o breast_n will_v not_o be_v lively_a to_o effectuate_v this_o he_o make_v use_v not_o of_o open_a heathen_n but_o corrupt_a teacher_n that_o he_o spew_v out_o not_o to_o taint_v this_o or_o that_o person_n but_o the_o fountain_n as_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o four_o trumpet_n in_o which_o he_o spare_v particular_a child_n of_o the_o church_n possible_o allure_v they_o with_o rich_a benefit_n sumptuous_a building_n honour_n and_o preferment_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n carry_v on_o his_o design_n against_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n even_o under_o and_o by_o these_o which_o by_o the_o former_a voice_n in_o sylvester_n time_n if_o it_o be_v truth_n be_v hint_v at_o and_o that_o word_n of_o ierom_n in_fw-la vita_fw-la matthai_n when_o emperor_n become_v christian_n the_o church_n indeed_o increase_v in_o worldly_a pomp_n but_o decrease_v in_o spiritual_a beauty_n ecclesiam_fw-la christianam_fw-la post_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la christianos_n venit_fw-la principatus_fw-la potentià _fw-la guidem_fw-la &_o divitiis_fw-la majorem_fw-la esse_fw-la factam_fw-la sed_fw-la virtutibus_fw-la minorem_fw-la last_o in_o the_o three_o battle_n he_o put_v at_o some_o of_o the_o seed_n only_o because_o here_o he_o make_v use_v of_o antichrist_n a_o counterfeit_a enemy_n who_o will_v not_o purposely_o and_o downright_o set_v on_o all_o christian_n as_o such_o for_o his_o quarrel_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v but_o with_o these_o that_o be_v faithful_a and_o hate_v his_o pride_n and_o hypocrisy_n 2._o in_o this_o last_o he_o join_v violence_n and_o deceit_n together_o and_o by_o deceit_n he_o overcome_v many_o they_o have_v drunken_a up_o the_o fioud_n but_o these_o that_o will_v not_o drink_v of_o these_o fornication_n he_o pursue_v they_o with_o violence_n by_o the_o follow_a beast_n and_o not_o all_o christian_n simple_o but_o these_o who_o keep_v themselves_o from_o these_o grow_a corruption_n and_o these_o be_v call_v the_o woman_n seed_n lecture_n ii_o vers._n 7._o and_o there_o be_v war_n in_o heaven_n michael_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v against_o the_o dragon_n and_o the_o dragon_n fight_v and_o his_o angel_n 8._o and_o prevail_v not_o neither_o be_v their_o place_n find_v any_o more_o in_o heaven_n 9_o and_o the_o great_a dragon_n be_v cast_v out_o that_o old_a serpent_n call_v the_o devil_n and_o satan_n which_o deceive_v the_o whole_a world_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o into_o the_o earth_n and_o his_o angel_n be_v cast_v out_o with_o he_o 10._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o loud_a voice_n say_v in_o heaven_n now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n for_o the_o accuser_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v cast_v down_o which_o accuse_v they_o before_o our_o god_n day_n and_o night_n 11._o and_o they_o overcome_v he_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n 12._o therefore_o rejoice_v you_o heaven_n and_o you_o that_o dwell_v in_o they_o woe_n to_o the_o inhabiter_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v come_v down_o unto_o you_o have_v great_a wrath_n because_o he_o know_v that_o he_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n have_v give_v a_o little_a touch_n of_o the_o church_n first_o battle_n and_o the_o event_n thereof_o until_o her_o flee_v to_o the_o wilderness_n he_o return_v from_o this_o 7._o vers_fw-la unto_o the_o 13._o more_o full_o to_o explicate_v that_o war_n that_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o event_n of_o a_o woman_n victory_n and_o her_o child_n against_o a_o dragon_n may_v appear_v not_o to_o be_v from_o her_o strength_n but_o from_o a_o good_a captain_n who_o side_v with_o she_o and_o fight_v for_o she_o the_o story_n be_v resume_v in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v war_n in_o heaven_n by_o heaven_n we_o understand_v the_o church_n not_o as_o if_o one_o part_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v against_o the_o other_o but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o object_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n invade_v she_o by_o open_a proclaim_v war_n against_o all_o christian_n he_o overrune_v she_o by_o massacre_n and_o persecution_n as_o invader_n overrun_v invade_v kingdom_n she_o again_o by_o michael_n and_o her_o member_n resist_v that_o fury_n so_o the_o war_n be_v here_o by_o war_n we_o understand_v not_o secret_a enmity_n as_o always_o there_o be_v nor_o peculiar_a incursion_n such_o as_o come_v now_o and_o then_o by_o start_n as_o in_o julian_n his_o time_n and_o some_o other_o but_o open_o profess_v and_o avow_v universal_a war_n such_o as_o the_o heathenish_a persecuter_n maintain_v both_o in_o their_o decree_n and_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n such_o war_n as_o profess_o the_o church_n do_v not_o meet_v with_o since_o the_o party_n be_v more_o insist_v on_o than_o former_o 1._o in_o their_o leader_n 2._o in_o their_o follower_n or_o soldier_n michael_n be_v general_a on_o the_o woman_n side_n we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v commander_n and_o leader_n isa._n 55.4_o and_o captain_n heb._n 2._o it_o be_v like_a he_o be_v also_o intend_a dan._n 12._o to_o which_o this_o allude_v his_o soldier_n be_v both_o his_o angel_n proper_o take_v for_o heb._n 1._o they_o be_v
he_o seek_v to_o corrupt_v the_o church_n indirect_o that_o by_o overturning_a the_o ordinance_n in_o she_o he_o may_v mar_v her_o former_a beauty_n that_o she_o appear_v in_o vers_fw-la 1._o as_o a_o woman_n clothe_v with_o the_o sâ—n_n that_o so_o she_o be_v no_o woman_n may_v be_v no_o mother_n whereby_o indirect_o he_o may_v gain_v his_o point_n in_o poison_v the_o seed_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o awaken_n and_o spread_v of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o strike_v against_o the_o be_v of_o christian_n or_o particular_a professor_n yet_o do_v they_o no_o less_o strike_v against_o the_o life_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o its_o ordinance_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n although_o man_n as_o man_n continue_v to_o live_v hence_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o second_o and_o three_o difference_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o instrument_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o pursue_v this_o new_a design_n which_o be_v not_o violent_o and_o open_o by_o heathen_a man_n who_o be_v without_o as_o former_o he_o have_v do_v but_o more_o subtle_o and_o covert_o by_o profess_v christian_n he_o endeavour_v this_o he_o be_v now_o say_v to_o persecute_v not_o as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o former_o persecute_v but_o to_o show_v that_o although_o he_o have_v alter_v his_o way_n in_o the_o former_a respect_n yet_o be_v his_o design_n no_o less_o malicious_a in_o respect_n of_o himself_o nor_o hurtful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o former_a be_v 2._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o his_o new_a heat_n against_o the_o church_n and_o the_o change_n of_o his_o former_a way_n be_v set_v down_o and_o when_o the_o dragon_n see_v that_o he_o be_v cast_v unto_o the_o earth_n which_o import_v 1._o the_o ground_n of_o his_o irritation_n to_o wit_n the_o former_a foil_n which_o he_o have_v get_v â—he_n be_v so_o indefatigable_a a_o enemy_n that_o have_v get_v one_o defeat_n he_o do_v and_o that_o the_o more_o incessant_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v what_o be_v lose_v which_o ought_v to_o make_v man_n most_o vigilant_a even_o then_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o advantage_n 2._o it_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o now_o he_o seek_v the_o corrupt_a of_o the_o church_n the_o mother_n in_o this_o new_a subtle_a way_n and_o do_v not_o direct_o pursue_v the_o child_n as_o he_o have_v do_v because_o now_o by_o his_o former_a overthrow_n he_o find_v himself_o cast_v unto_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v man_n direct_o to_o owâ—_n his_o design_n and_o to_o give_v he_o obedience_n as_o former_o when_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v for_o he_o 3._o it_o show_v the_o immediate_a connexion_n of_o this_o his_o design_n and_o what_o follow_v thereupon_o with_o the_o church_n former_a deliverance_n so_o that_o no_o soon_o do_v he_o find_v himself_o disappoint_v of_o one_o mean_v but_o he_o do_v assay_v another_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o the_o former_a deliverance_n can_v be_v such_o ground_n of_o joy_n to_o the_o church_n see_v this_o do_v immediate_o follow_v upon_o it_o answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_o great_a ground_n of_o praise_n and_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o great_a ground_n of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o itself_o what_o ever_o effect_n accidental_o through_o satan_n malice_n and_o man_n corruption_n may_v follow_v upon_o it_o for_o by_o it_o the_o lord_n eminent_o vindicate_v his_o name_n truth_n and_o servant_n from_o former_a reproach_n and_o oppression_n and_o give_v unto_o his_o church_n great_a freedom_n if_o it_o have_v be_v well_o improven_v 2._o although_o the_o devil_n instant_o begin_v this_o new_a design_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o at_o once_o bring_v to_o a_o height_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o rejoice_v to_o the_o church_n to_o have_v that_o interval_n which_o follow_v between_o the_o height_n of_o heathenish_a persecution_n and_o that_o of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v to_o come_v beside_o other_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a lecture_n vers._n 14._o the_o church_n safety_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o these_o circumstance_n 1._o in_o the_o mean_a by_o which_o she_o be_v preserve_v to_o the_o woman_n be_v give_v two_o wing_n of_o a_o great_a eagle_n this_o allude_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n bring_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o upon_o eagle's_n wing_n exod._n 19.4_o that_o be_v a_o wonderful_a and_o speedy_a delivery_n so_o that_o the_o mean_v use_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o hurt_v be_v not_o able_a to_o reach_v his_o end_n we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o same_o which_o be_v mention_v chap._n 7.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o lord_n seal_v his_o elect_n against_o that_o come_a storm_n and_o that_o same_o chap._n 11.1_o of_o his_o command_a to_o measure_v the_o temple_n because_o 1._o both_o these_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o person_n to_o wit_n the_o true_a church_n and_o 2._o to_o the_o same_o time_n to_o wit_n immediate_o after_o heathenish_a persecution_n and_o 3._o to_o the_o same_o scope_n to_o wit_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o from_o these_o tempestuous_a storm_n or_o flood_n which_o by_o the_o trumpet_n be_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o the_o place_n whereto_o the_o woman_n be_v to_o flee_v be_v mention_v that_o she_o may_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n it_o be_v call_v her_o place_n because_o vers_n 6._o it_o be_v prepare_v of_o god_n for_o she_o and_o do_v set_v forth_o the_o lord_n sovereignty_n in_o order_v her_o safety_n and_o by_o special_a providence_n carry_v out_o the_o place_n of_o her_o security_n as_o have_v appoint_v it_o for_o she_o long_o before_o the_o trial_n come_v by_o wilderness_n we_o be_v not_o to_o conceive_v any_o such_o particular_a place_n in_o any_o desert_n but_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o the_o lord_n see_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o she_o be_v local_o remove_v from_o all_o fellowship_n with_o they_o to_o a_o desert_n more_o particular_o it_o allude_v to_o the_o lord_n way_n of_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n who_o immediate_o after_o their_o great_a and_o joyful_a delivery_n from_o pharaoh_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v not_o bring_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o for_o a_o long_a time_n live_v in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o though_o they_o be_v free_v from_o their_o former_a oppression_n and_o have_v much_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n public_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o egypt_n yet_o want_v they_o not_o many_o trial_n and_o through_o their_o corruption_n many_o sin_n so_o here_o be_v hold_v forth_o a_o wildernesse-state_n of_o the_o church_n contemporary_a with_o and_o suitable_a unto_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o particular_o to_o consist_v in_o these_o 1._o in_o a_o condition_n that_o be_v safe_a as_o be_v now_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o hazard_n 2._o as_o in_o a_o great_a part_n latent_fw-la and_o not_o discernible_a to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o she_o have_v be_v remove_v to_o some_o desert_n 3._o a_o comfortless_a and_o solitary_a outward_a condition_n with_o which_o although_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o immediate_o pinch_v after_o heathenish_a persecution_n yet_o be_v the_o most_o faithful_a ever_o liable_a thereto_o in_o all_o the_o church_n trial_n and_o it_o come_v to_o a_o height_n under_o antichrist_n with_o who_o this_o wildernesse-state_n do_v contemporate_a 4._o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o spiritual_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v not_o now_o shine_v among_o man_n as_o former_o it_o do_v no_o more_o than_o if_o she_o be_v remove_v to_o a_o wilderness_n 3._o in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v the_o lord_n care_v of_o she_o and_o provision_n for_o she_o during_o this_o time_n she_o be_v not_o to_o starve_v there_o though_o now_o the_o world_n about_o she_o be_v become_v a_o wilderness_n yet_o she_o be_v nourish_v that_o be_v 1._o have_v spiritual_a food_n provide_v for_o she_o and_o bless_v of_o god_n to_o she_o so_o that_o when_o tradition_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o that_o which_o can_v nourish_v do_v abound_v among_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n even_o than_o she_o have_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n appoint_v for_o she_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o god_n way_n of_o feed_v the_o israelite_n extraordinary_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o his_o provide_v for_o elias_n by_o
of_o the_o east_n 1._o because_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n we_o live_v in_o who_o before_o they_o enjoy_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v east_n to_o we_o and_o so_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o native_a western_a kingdom_n and_o king_n make_v also_o now_o to_o hate_v the_o whore_n 2._o because_o many_o of_o they_o live_v there_o it_o be_v like_a since_o the_o first_o captivity_n and_o last_o dispersion_n when_o they_o may_v be_v make_v to_o join_v against_o antichrist_n in_o the_o west_n which_o make_v he_o so_o afraid_a their_o expedition_n will_v look_v as_o come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o so_o the_o turk_n will_v be_v in_o their_o way_n as_o euphrates_n be_v in_o cyrus_n way_n impede_v the_o intake_n of_o babylon_n till_o it_o be_v dry_v so_o this_o of_o mystical_a babylon_n 3._o because_o possible_o if_o not_o probable_o after_o the_o turk_n destruction_n god_n may_v give_v they_o great_a possession_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o east_n and_o make_v they_o much_o instrumental_a for_o spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o other_o king_n in_o these_o part_n beside_o ordinary_o any_o rise_n of_o light_n to_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christ_n come_n be_v speak_v as_o from_o the_o east_n so_o chap._n 7.2_o and_o mat._n 24._o it_o be_v like_a lightning_n as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a day_n or_o morning_n break_v up_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o for_o the_o next_o thing_n what_o this_o way_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o 1._o it_o be_v to_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o help_v down_o the_o pope_n 3._o to_o their_o own_o possession_n the_o turk_n stand_v mar_v all_o and_o his_o remove_n will_v further_o all_o these_o to_o clear_v it_o that_o their_o way_n may_v be_v prepare_v take_v in_o this_o general_n the_o remove_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v they_o in_o their_o way_n towards_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o former_a expedition_n for_o 1_o not_o only_o be_v they_o to_o be_v look_v on_o here_o as_o come_n to_o the_o true_a church_n now_o separate_v from_o antichrist_n but_o 2._o as_o concur_v to_o have_v a_o main_a hand_n in_o his_o overthrow_n hence_o he_o be_v so_o afraid_a at_o their_o conversion_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o now_o all_o true_a convert_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o ruine_v he_o and_o he_o have_v a_o hebrew_n name_n abaddon_n to_o show_v their_o abhorrency_n of_o he_o as_o other_o do_v and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o ruin_n and_o the_o praise_n for_o the_o same_o be_v in_o hebrew_n chap._n 19_o point_v at_o a_o special_a hand_n which_o they_o be_v to_o have_v in_o his_o last_o overthrow_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o these_o two_o end_n of_o the_o jew_n conversion_n to_o wit_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o of_o go_v against_o antichrist_n there_o be_v to_o they_o a_o twofold_a let_v in_o their_o way_n to_o forbear_v now_o their_o go_v to_o their_o own_o land_n there_o be_v a_o great_a stumble_n from_o the_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o papist_n who_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o a_o stumble_n at_o the_o long_o prevail_v of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christian_n the_o turk_n wonder_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v god_n how_o he_o suffer_v such_o blasphemy_n and_o blasphemer_n the_o first_o in_o a_o great_a part_n be_v remove_v by_o god_n judgement_n on_o the_o pope_n and_o rome_n in_o the_o five_o vial_n the_o second_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v now_o by_o this_o that_o no_o stumble_a or_o let_v remain_v for_o though_o they_o will_v do_v something_o and_o possible_o now_o have_v the_o pope_n discover_v to_o they_o their_o zeal_n be_v more_o hot_a against_o he_o than_o other_o because_o by_o his_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v much_o harden_v yet_o the_o turk_n become_v their_o enemy_n and_o be_v engage_v to_o that_o whore_n support_v they_o be_v impede_v while_o the_o turkish_a empire_n stand_v this_o vial_n remove_v that_o impediment_n his_o power_n be_v weaken_v whether_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o other_o or_o by_o draw_v of_o many_o to_o christianity_n from_o he_o we_o be_v not_o to_o determine_v but_o access_n be_v give_v to_o they_o both_o to_o pull_v antichrist_n down_o and_o probable_o to_o win_v to_o their_o own_o possession_n by_o his_o ruin_n and_o this_o lead_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o wit_n how_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o turk_n or_o their_o weaken_n may_v be_v call_v the_o prepare_v of_o their_o way_n which_o be_v clear_a 1._o whether_o we_o look_v to_o the_o jew_n conversion_n it_o strengthen_v they_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o give_v they_o hope_n of_o come_v home_o on_o which_o they_o lie_v great_a weight_n or_o 2._o whether_o we_o look_v to_o their_o undertake_n against_o antichrist_n or_o 3._o their_o return_n to_o their_o own_o land_n all_o which_o three_o as_o we_o say_v seem_v to_o be_v point_v at_o here_o the_o stand_n of_o the_o turk_n obstruct_v all_o these_o three_o and_o the_o overturning_a of_o he_o will_v strengthen_v all_o and_o give_v they_o liberty_n without_o fear_n in_o the_o profess_v of_o christ._n for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o that_o these_o two_o event_n to_o wit_n the_o jew_n conversion_n and_o the_o turk_n downfall_n be_v prophesy_v of_o here_o we_o shall_v confirm_v both_o several_o from_o these_o reason_n that_o the_o jew_n conversion_n must_v be_v understand_v here_o appear_z for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a their_o conversion_n in_o the_o last_o day_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o can_v suit_n with_o no_o time_n better_o than_o of_o this_o six_o vial_n which_o be_v after_o the_o pope_n overthrow_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o seat_n at_o rome_n and_o before_o the_o seven_o vial_n which_o bring_v the_o end_n neither_o be_v it_o like_v that_o so_o great_a and_o concern_v a_o business_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v omit_v in_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o no_o where_o so_o clear_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n mention_v chap._n 7._o be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o be_v say_v there_o 2._o the_o prophet_n seem_v to_o foretell_v their_o restore_n in_o these_o same_o term_n see_v isa._n 11.15_o and_o 16._o which_o chapter_n speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o jew_n restore_v suit_v with_o that_o time_n as_o can_v be_v deny_v the_o expression_n in_o sum_n be_v that_o as_o god_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n dry_v up_o the_o sea_n and_o jordan_n so_o when_o he_o bring_v they_o from_o assyria_n which_o be_v beyond_o this_o euphrates_n from_o judea_n he_o shall_v smite_v that_o river_n and_o the_o remove_n of_o all_o impediment_n be_v set_v out_o under_o that_o expression_n neither_o be_v it_o for_o nought_o that_o dry_n of_o water_n be_v a_o peculiar_a mercy_n show_v to_o israel_n in_o their_o first_o deliverance_n and_o that_o allusion_n be_v make_v to_o that_o in_o their_o follow_a restitution_n to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o their_o faith_n therein_o as_o isa._n 44.27_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o dry_v up_o the_o river_n and_o say_v to_o the_o deep_a be_v dry_a etc._n etc._n when_o yet_o no_o particular_a river_n be_v to_o be_v dry_v up_o but_o thereby_o to_o mind_v they_o of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v 3._o if_o we_o look_v further_o to_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o chap._n 19_o there_o be_v much_o joy_n in_o the_o church_n praise_v god_n that_o he_o reign_v and_o that_o in_o a_o eminent_a way_n that_o his_o wife_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a and_o the_o marriage_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n and_o can_v these_o agree_v so_o well_o to_o any_o event_n as_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o rom._n 11._o shall_v be_v as_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o can_v the_o joy_n be_v so_o great_a or_o the_o marriage_n be_v make_v ready_a without_o they_o especial_o consider_v if_o now_o they_o be_v not_o among_o christ_n friend_n when_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v he_o be_v on_o his_o march_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o can_v the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v merry_a if_o the_o jew_n be_v among_o these_o enemy_n but_o from_o chap._n 19_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o notable_a and_o singular_a accession_n to_o the_o church_n and_o what_o one_o can_v have_v these_o effect_n so_o as_o this_o 4._o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a the_o observe_n that_o here_o so_o many_o hebrew_n expression_n and_o phrase_n be_v use_v and_o not_o so_o any_o where_o else_o which_o seem_v to_o plead_v a_o special_a interest_n that_o the_o hebrew_n have_v in_o the_o event_n of_o this_o vial_n 1._o the_o place_n be_v name_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n armageddon_n why_o hebrew_n be_v there_o to_o put_v on_o that_o name_n
multitude_n of_o professor_n and_o liberty_n to_o be_v worship_v so_o do_v they_o by_o partake_v joint_o of_o all_o these_o in_o and_o with_o christ._n so_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n differ_v 1._o from_o reign_v simple_o 2._o from_o christ_n reign_v with_o they_o as_o if_o he_o take_v share_v with_o they_o no_o but_o he_o admit_v they_o to_o share_v with_o he_o 3._o it_o differ_v from_o christ_n reign_v in_o they_o which_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o always_o continual_a this_o be_v in_o a_o outward_a enjoy_n of_o the_o ordinance_n visible_a as_o fellowship_n invisible_a and_o a_o freedom_n in_o these_o and_o their_o reign_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o christ_n be_v therefore_o must_v necessary_o consist_v in_o enjoy_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o by_o which_o he_o reign_v 2._o the_o good_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n ver_fw-la 5._o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o sad_a condition_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o all_z that_o time_n they_o live_v not_o again_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o life_n they_o live_v not_o again_o it_o be_v add_v this_o be_v the_o first_o resurrection_n not_o the_o second_o which_o be_v common_a both_o to_o good_a and_o bad_a dan._n 12.1_o 2._o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n to_o be_v clear_v 1._o who_o these_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v who_o be_v oppose_v to_o these_o who_o live_v ver_fw-la 4._o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o of_o these_o heart_n enemy_n and_o persecuter_n who_o have_v still_o a_o succession_n of_o the_o like_a in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n dead_a that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2._o but_o some_o continue_v so_o 1_o tim._n 5._o as_o the_o widow_n that_o be_v dead_a while_o she_o live_v and_o matth._n 8._o let_v the_o dead_a bury_v their_o dead_a so_o here_o they_o be_v account_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a even_o all_o who_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o martyr_n as_o all_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o martyr_n who_o former_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o live_v 2._o it_o be_v say_v they_o do_v not_o live_v that_o be_v enjoy_v the_o former_a happy_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v not_o come_v to_o that_o way_n of_o persecute_v the_o church_n active_o as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o and_o be_v to_o do_v after_o these_o thousand_o year_n in_o which_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o church_n consist_v the_o life_n of_o their_o predecessor_n the_o persecuter_n as_o these_o that_o be_v saint_n now_o die_v in_o their_o predecessor_n the_o martyr_n so_o contra_fw-la these_o wicked_a do_v live_v and_o reign_v in_o their_o predecessor_n the_o persecuter_n while_o the_o church_n be_v martyr_v but_o now_o be_v as_o dead_a man_n bind_v up_o and_o restrain_v from_o act_v that_o life_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o live_v and_o thus_o it_o seem_v to_o consist_v with_o their_o live_n after_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v past_a which_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v convert_v but_o let_v loose_a again_o to_o their_o old_a exercise_n these_o that_o be_v hypocrite_n before_o vent_v now_o their_o enimity_n more_o and_o wicked_a man_n former_o restrain_v now_o aim_v to_o bring-und_a again_o christ_n church_n 3._o from_o this_o we_o may_v expound_v what_o be_v say_v till_o the_o thousand_o year_n expire_v as_o the_o term_n of_o their_o deadness_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o bodily_a rise_n again_o for_o yet_o the_o resurrection_n be_v not_o come_v nor_o spiritual_a rise_n again_o for_o the_o number_n of_o saint_n be_v rather_o few_o after_o this_o resurrection_n and_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v past_a than_o more_o but_o as_o there_o be_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n so_o be_v there_o a_o life_n of_o corruption_n and_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o wickedness_n which_o may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v restrain_v now_o after_o the_o thousand_o year_n wickedness_n and_o wicked_a man_n live_v that_o be_v do_v break_v out_o in_o their_o enimity_n against_o the_o church_n to_o persecute_v again_o by_o gog_n and_o magog_n as_o if_o personal_o they_o be_v rise_v and_o persecution_n that_o be_v almost_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a be_v revive_v thus_o see_v satan_n bind_n have_v a_o term_n and_o the_o saint_n reign_v a_o term_n it_o be_v suitable_a also_o that_o the_o death_n of_o these_o wicked_a man_n here_o understand_v have_v a_o term_n also_o which_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o than_o this_o hence_o these_o three_o be_v still_o observable_a 1._o satan_n lose_n the_o saint_n die_v and_o the_o persecuter_n live_v before_o the_o thousand_o year_n 2._o satan_n bind_v the_o saint_n live_v and_o the_o persecuter_n die_v during_o that_o time_n not_o simple_o but_o in_o part_n so_o after_o the_o thousand_o year_n satan_n be_v loose_a again_o the_o church_n in_o hazard_n again_o and_o her_o good_a condition_n interrupt_v and_o so_o the_o persecuter_n they_o get_v life_n and_o heart_n again_o which_o be_v like_o that_o heal_n of_o the_o wound_n chap._n 13._o of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n not_o in_o the_o same_o person_n but_o in_o a_o successor_n with_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o the_o give_a life_n again_o to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n vers_fw-la 13_o 14._o and_o so_o the_o saint_n their_o live_n and_o die_v will_v answer_v well_o to_o the_o persecuter_n die_v and_o live_v if_o any_o object_n that_o these_o dead_a be_v suppose_v to_o be_v dead_a before_o the_o thousand_o year_n ans._n observe_v for_o clear_v it_o his_o manner_n of_o comparison_n for_o the_o world_n precede_v that_o time_n be_v as_o it_o be_v divide_v in_o these_o two_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n keep_v themselves_o free_a and_o persecuter_n both_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o dead_a again_o the_o church_n or_o generation_n succeed_v during_o these_o thousand_o year_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o raise_n again_o of_o that_o former_a generation_n now_o say_v he_o the_o difference_n between_o this_o generation_n and_o what_o go_v before_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a that_o man_n will_v think_v that_o all_o the_o former_a martyr_n and_o honest_a christian_n be_v bring_v to_o life_n again_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o but_o for_o the_o persecuter_n that_o live_v in_o their_o time_n they_o shall_v not_o appear_v so_o as_o they_o former_o do_v during_o that_o time_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a and_o not_o to_o rise_v because_o once_o they_o be_v numerous_a and_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o though_o this_o can_v universal_o as_o yet_o be_v say_v yet_o in_o this_o and_o other_o nation_n bless_a be_v god_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o have_v become_v of_o former_a sincere_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v they_o be_v live_v again_o in_o their_o successor_n but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o pope_n and_o open_a persecuter_n that_o once_o prevail_v here_o it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o be_v dead_a and_o not_o arisen_a but_o be_v in_o their_o grave_n and_o by_o god_n blessing_n may_v not_o that_o which_o in_o so_o great_a part_n be_v fulfil_v in_o some_o nation_n be_v in_o due_a time_n extend_v to_o other_o and_o so_o here_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a import_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v find_v in_o a_o dead_a state_n during_o these_o thousand_o year_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o again_o recover_v what_o they_o lose_v by_o it_o till_o these_o thousand_o year_n be_v expire_v and_o thus_o they_o be_v rather_o suppose_v to_o be_v live_v before_o it_o and_o interrupt_v by_o it_o which_o again_o they_o recover_v in_o their_o successor_n gog_n and_o magog_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v and_o this_o we_o conceive_v do_v answer_v the_o scope_n this_o be_v call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n it_o be_v 1._o apply_v to_o spiritual_a live_n again_o joh._n 5._o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o sinful_a death_n or_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o so_o resurrection_n to_o glory_n be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o thus_o all_o saint_n at_o all_o time_n rise_v as_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v personal_a and_o can_v be_v feclude_v here_o 2._o resurrection_n be_v take_v oftentimes_o as_o of_o church_n and_o nation_n as_o rom._n 11._o of_o the_o jew_n incoming_a and_o conversion_n and_o ezek._n 37._o whenas_o the_o church_n spread_v so_o as_o if_o a_o nation_n be_v bear_v in_o one_o day_n isa._n 66._o or_o as_o if_o all_o the_o former_a saint_n which_o be_v lose_v as_o to_o man_n be_v again_o like_o rachel_n child_n restore_v as_o it_o be_v jer._n 31._o vers_fw-la 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v after_o a_o eclipse_n when_o visible_o the_o church_n
not_o to_o blaspheme_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 3._o it_o have_v weight_n as_o to_o other_o to_o scare_v they_o from_o countenance_v of_o such_o and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n or_o beacon_n set_v upon_o they_o thereby_o to_o give_v warning_n to_o other_o for_o eschew_v of_o their_o company_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 16.17.18_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o if_o it_o have_v this_o fruit_n it_o can_v but_o in_o a_o great_a part_n blast_v their_o design_n now_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o sentence_n make_v all_o these_o restraint_n void_a as_o if_o no_o weight_n have_v be_v in_o christ_n ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o angel_n fault_n as_o to_o the_o second_o to_o wit_n wherefore_o christ_n be_v so_o displease_v with_o the_o suffering_n of_o corrupt_a teacher_n we_o may_v gather_v the_o reason_n thereof_o from_o what_o be_v say_v for_o 1._o it_o show_v little_a zeal_n to_o his_o glory_n when_o his_o name_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v blaspheme_v 2._o it_o show_v little_a love_n to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o be_v seduce_v 3._o it_o show_v little_a respect_n to_o his_o ordinance_n when_o they_o be_v not_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o end_n appoint_v and_o when_o corrupt_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o invert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o a_o word_n error_n and_o false_a teacher_n have_v bring_v more_o reproach_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v make_v religion_n more_o despicable_a to_o profane_a man_n than_o any_o gross_a out-breaking_n have_v do_v also_o more_o soul_n have_v be_v destroy_v thereby_o and_o that_o speedy_o with_o swift_a destruction_n 2_o pet._n 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v carry_v they_o away_o with_o a_o flood_n as_o it_o be_v chap._n 12._o last_o other_o sin_n be_v fall_v into_o by_o some_o more_o pretext_n at_o least_o of_o tentation_n and_o corruption_n prevail_v but_o this_o be_v do_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n whereby_o man_n not_o only_o break_v the_o command_n themselves_o but_o teach_v other_o so_o to_o do_v matth._n 5.19_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o teach_v of_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n jer._n 28.16_o and_o be_v fall_v into_o with_o more_o deliberation_n than_o other_o sin_n for_o which_o cause_n a_o heretic_n be_v say_v to_o be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o tit._n 3.11_o which_o be_v put_v together_o with_o many_o other_o aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o corrupt_a teach_v and_o ill_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n and_o affect_v with_o the_o hazard_n of_o his_o people_n be_v exceed_o displease_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o church-officer_n for_o edification_n and_o particular_o for_o the_o curb_v of_o corrupt_a teacher_n and_o the_o take_n of_o the_o fox_n that_o spoil_v the_o vine_n song_n 2.15_o we_o suppose_v now_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o answer_v to_o the_o three_o question_n to_o wit_n if_o the_o suffering_n of_o corrupt_a teacher_n be_v reprovable_a in_o man_n who_o have_v civil_a authority_n to_o restrain_v the_o same_o for_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o ought_v to_o awaken_v zeal_n in_o minister_n against_o this_o ill_a ought_v also_o to_o stir_v up_o magistrate_n zealous_o in_o their_o place_n to_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o vindicate_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o prevent_v of_o the_o hurt_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n see_v the_o sword_n be_v not_o deliver_v to_o they_o in_o vain_a but_o for_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a rom._n 13.3_o sure_o we_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n magistrate_n be_v include_v within_o the_o command_n of_o restrain_v and_o punish_v such_o as_o do_v entice_v to_o false_a worship_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n be_v deut._n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v no_o repeal_n of_o the_o same_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n thereof_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o magistrate_n be_v not_o then_o christian_n yet_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n we_o will_v find_v that_o when_o magistrate_n become_v christian_a it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o reprovable_a in_o they_o that_o countenance_v antichrist_n and_o it_o be_v high_o commend_v in_o these_o that_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o the_o whore_n and_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n chap._n 17._o vers_fw-la 16_o 17._o and_o see_v in_o the_o scripture_n all_o sect-master_n be_v account_v antichrist_n as_o mat._n 24._o 1_o joh._n 2.18_o 2_o epistle_n vers_fw-la 7._o etc._n etc._n can_v there_o be_v any_o better_a rule_n to_o try_v what_o be_v duty_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o than_o by_o what_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o prime_a antichrist_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o more_o clear_o engage_v himself_o to_o fight_v against_o any_o error_n by_o his_o word_n than_o this_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o have_v that_o a_o pretext_n to_o magistrate_n for_o shun_v to_o exercise_v their_o civil_a power_n against_o he_o we_o see_v also_o in_o church-historie_n that_o the_o most_o tender_a magistrate_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a frame_n have_v ever_o be_v most_o zealous_a in_o this_o as_o by_o the_o example_n of_o constantin_n gratianus_n theodosius_n etc._n etc._n be_v clear_a and_o the_o most_o untender_a friend_n or_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v strive_v to_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o religion_n equal_o tolerate_v or_o at_o least_o to_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o harmony_n among_o they_o by_o the_o remove_n or_o bury_v of_o all_o law_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a that_o do_v strike_v against_o some_o error_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o ammianus_n a_o heathen_a writer_n and_o a_o great_a friend_n to_o julian_n that_o among_o other_o device_n that_o julian_n use_v to_o root_v out_o christianity_n this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o give_v toleration_n open_o to_o all_o the_o different_a profession_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n which_o then_o after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v very_o many_o and_o require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o civil_a discord_n and_o so_o without_o fear_n follow_v any_o religion_n they_o please_v the_o word_n be_v as_o they_o be_v cite_v by_o ludovicus_n molineus_n pag._n 560._o ut_fw-la consopitis_fw-la civilibus_fw-la discordiis_fw-la suae_fw-la cuique_fw-la religioni_fw-la serviret_fw-la intrepidus_fw-la and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v no_o acceptable_a service_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o follow_v that_o way_n which_o this_o expert_a child_n of_o the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o against_o he_o and_o anastasius_n also_o be_v condemn_v for_o this_o that_o he_o endeavour_v such_o a_o oblivion_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o church_n as_o tend_v to_o suppress_v all_o the_o former_a cannon_n decree_n or_o confession_n which_o have_v be_v enact_v in_o the_o former_a famous_a general_a counsel_n against_o gross_a error_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o six_o centurie_n of_o the_o church-historie_n last_o this_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o the_o assert_v that_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o the_o jure_fw-la or_o may_v not_o the_o facto_fw-la meddle_v with_o restrain_v of_o heretic_n be_v ever_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n account_v a_o gross_a error_n augustine_n profess_v himself_o sometime_o to_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n yet_o often_o in_o his_o write_n do_v he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v convince_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o with_o the_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v both_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v in_o such_o a_o thing_n so_o that_o he_o become_v a_o most_o vehement_a presser_z of_o this_o as_o in_o his_o epistle_n be_v clear_a and_o he_o fear_v not_o to_o account_v the_o opposer_n of_o this_o to_o wit_n such_o as_o plead_v for_o toleration_n from_o magistrate_n among_o heretic_n and_o often_o name_v they_o under_o the_o title_n of_o rogatiani_fw-la from_o one_o who_o it_o seem_v be_v some_o eminent_a pleader_n for_o this_o forbearance_n and_o one_o of_o the_o donatists_n party_n it_o be_v not_o intend_v that_o magistrate_n or_o minister_n shall_v account_v alike_o of_o all_o error_n or_o heretic_n much_o less_o that_o indifferent_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o civil_a punishment_n or_o church-censure_n shall_v be_v execute_v against_o they_o but_o that_o according_a to_o spiritual_a prudence_n both_o civil_a and_o church_n authority_n shall_v be_v exercise_v for_o the_o restrain_v of_o such_o evil_a worker_n
to_o be_v prepare_v for_o such_o a_o time_n different_o express_v to_o show_v that_o in_o diverse_a respect_n their_o continuance_n shall_v be_v both_o for_o a_o short_a time_n as_o of_o a_o hour_n or_o day_n and_o also_o of_o a_o long_a time_n as_o of_o a_o month_n and_o year_n 3._o to_o show_v their_o alacrity_n to_o use_v the_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n give_v they_o careful_o so_o that_o after_o the_o remove_n of_o restraint_n they_o shall_v not_o miss_v one_o hour_n or_o day_n in_o execute_v their_o commission_n and_o shall_v prosecute_v it_o vigorous_o till_o the_o year_n or_o long_a period_n of_o their_o continuance_n shall_v be_v finish_v thus_o may_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v prepare_v etc._n etc._n four_o we_o come_v to_o the_o executioner_n themselves_o and_o the_o execution_n which_o follow_v they_o be_v describe_v more_o particular_o 1._o from_o their_o number_n and_o nature_n vers_fw-la 16._o the_o army_n be_v of_o horseman_n and_o the_o number_n be_v two_o hundred_o thousand_o thousand_o that_o which_o be_v add_v and_o i_o hear_v the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v to_o show_v that_o john_n invent_v not_o this_o number_n but_o that_o he_o have_v it_o plain_o reveal_v to_o he_o they_o be_v call_v horseman_n partly_o to_o show_v the_o swiftness_n and_o celerity_n of_o their_o success_n partly_o to_o show_v they_o be_v such_o a_o people_n as_o abound_v with_o such_o warrior_n the_o number_n we_o conceive_v more_o than_o the_o time_n be_v not_o definite_o to_o be_v stick_v to_o but_o signify_v a_o exceed_a great_a number_n both_o these_o agree_v well_o to_o the_o turk_n who_o have_v lead_v the_o great_a army_n in_o europe_n especial_o of_o horseman_n and_o make_v the_o swift_a progress_n after_o their_o invasion_n which_o have_v be_v of_o a_o long_a time_n hear_v of_o much_o more_o numerous_a than_o ever_o the_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o oppose_v unto_o they_o the_o rider_n with_o their_o defensive_a armour_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o horse_n and_o it_o be_v like_a their_o offensive_a arm_n be_v describe_v vers_fw-la 17._o they_o have_v breastplate_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o jacinct_n and_o brimstone_n breastplate_n use_v not_o to_o be_v make_v of_o such_o matter_n we_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n be_v they_o shall_v be_v terrible_a dreadful_a and_o destructive_a as_o fire_n brimstone_n etc._n etc._n which_o work_v terror_n on_o these_o who_o they_o invade_v shall_v occasion_v such_o security_n to_o themselves_o from_o the_o hurt_n of_o any_o as_o if_o they_o be_v full_o arm_v and_o also_o rich_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o jacinct_n their_o offensive_a arm_n or_o their_o offend_a power_n be_v set_v out_o by_o two_o expression_n 1._o the_o head_n of_o the_o horse_n be_v as_o the_o head_n of_o lion_n that_o be_v bold_a fierce_a and_o destroy_a and_o that_o profess_o without_o any_o colour_n or_o pretext_n such_o as_o the_o locust_n have_v 2._o out_o of_o their_o mouth_n be_v say_v to_o issue_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n whereby_o it_o will_v seem_v their_o waste_n and_o cruel_a way_n of_o proceed_v be_v set_v forth_o some_o also_o think_v it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o use_n of_o cannon_n musket_n and_o pistol_n for_o these_o two_o be_v certain_a 1_o that_o the_o use_n of_o these_o weapon_n be_v find_v out_o much_o about_o this_o time_n 2._o there_o be_v never_o such_o abundance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o such_o huge_a greatness_n as_o be_v use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o european_a expedition_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n the_o event_n of_o the_o execution_n be_v mark_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o their_o commission_n by_o these_o three_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o man_n kill_v this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v proper_o as_o vers_n 15._o it_o be_v mark_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o threaten_a or_o prediction_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v and_o no_o commission_n of_o his_o but_o it_o be_v full_o execute_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o the_o speedy_a terrible_a and_o great_a overthrow_n of_o asia_n the_o less_o the_o coast_n of_o africa_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n be_v destroy_v and_o overrun_v by_o the_o turk_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o cruel_a murder_n commit_v by_o the_o saracen_n in_o italy_n france_n spain_n where_o yet_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o settle_v vers._n 19_o their_o manner_n of_o hurt_v be_v more_o particular_o explain_v 1._o by_o a_o double_a mean_a whereby_o they_o hurt_v their_o power_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n and_o in_o their_o tail_n by_o mouth_n be_v understand_v their_o open_a violence_n against_o the_o body_n the_o tail_n signify_v the_o abominablenesse_n of_o the_o doctrine_n spread_v by_o they_o which_o be_v destructive_a to_o soul_n 2._o these_o tail_n be_v further_o describe_v because_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o before_o though_o their_o violence_n have_v be_v describe_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o serpent_n for_o poisonablnesse_n and_o subtlety_n and_o they_o have_v head_n a_o unnatural-like_a thing_n that_o tail_n shall_v have_v head_n on_o they_o this_o set_v out_o the_o gross_a abominablnesse_n and_o absurdity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n the_o locust_n have_v tail_n but_o they_o have_v not_o head_n on_o they_o these_o have_v head_n to_o show_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o discernible_a in_o its_o grossness_n than_o the_o former_a it_o be_v add_v and_o with_o they_o they_o do_v hurt_v that_o be_v with_o their_o tail_n and_o head_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n show_v that_o this_o army_n hurt_v both_o by_o cruelty_n to_o the_o body_n and_o pestiferous_a doctrine_n to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v their_o power_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n and_o their_o tail_n this_o last_o part_n show_v the_o success_n that_o follow_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n there_o be_v many_o soul_n hurt_v and_o destroy_v with_o this_o as_o there_o be_v body_n with_o the_o former_a this_o full_o agree_v to_o the_o turk_n also_o who_o be_v not_o more_o terrible_a in_o their_o army_n to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n than_o that_o pestiferous_a delusion_n of_o mahomet_n be_v of_o itself_o hurtful_a and_o destructive_a to_o soul_n and_o actual_o have_v destroy_v many_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o it_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o 20._o and_o 21._o verse_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o man_n which_o be_v not_o kill_v by_o these_o plague_n yet_o repent_v not_o etc._n etc._n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v 1._o to_o show_v what_o sin_n procure_v so_o great_a a_o plague_n and_o so_o fierce_a a_o enemy_n to_o be_v let_v loose_a upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o sin_n will_v vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o inflict_v all_o these_o evil_n there_o be_v one_o sin_n mention_v in_o this_o verse_n to_o wit_n idolatry_n several_a way_n aggrege_v and_o there_o be_v four_o more_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n add_v and_o though_o god_n will_v suffer_v cruel_a abomination_n in_o pagan_n that_o never_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n yet_o these_o who_o be_v guilty_a here_o be_v by_o profession_n of_o his_o church_n there_o be_v the_o great_a access_n in_o justice_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v set_v down_o to_o show_v the_o end_n which_o the_o lord_n drive_v by_o such_o strong_a physic_n it_o be_v at_o the_o health_n and_o not_o the_o subversion_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o by_o the_o application_n of_o this_o mean_a either_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n as_o the_o right_a fruit_n of_o all_o or_o to_o discover_v their_o desperate_a impenitency_n 3._o it_o show_v the_o fruitlessness_n of_o this_o mean_a that_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v sharp_a yet_o do_v it_o not_o prevail_v with_o they_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o god_n fail_v of_o his_o intend_a purpose_n but_o to_o show_v how_o mad_a the_o antichristian_a world_n be_v upon_o their_o idol_n when_o such_o a_o judgement_n have_v destroy_v so_o many_o do_v not_o yet_o effectuate_v the_o recovery_n of_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o man_n which_o be_v not_o kill_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o these_o who_o remain_v all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o within_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o empire_n now_o decline_v to_o be_v antichristian_a the_o rest_n that_o remain_v after_o the_o three_o part_n be_v kill_v of_o the_o same_o total_a to_o wit_n these_o on_o this_o side_n euphrates_n for_o the_o lord_n observe_v not_o what_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n do_v but_o what_o his_o church_n by_o profession_n do_v who_o he_o correct_v when_o he_o forbear_v all_o the_o
world_n beside_o what_o we_o say_v in_o preface_n to_o the_o trumpet_n in_o general_a and_o to_o this_o do_v also_o confirm_v it_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o repent_v that_o be_v that_o these_o idolatrous_a christian_n notwithstanding_o of_o these_o plague_n neither_o be_v inward_o bring_v to_o loath_a these_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o before_o god_n nor_o outward_o to_o abstain_v from_o they_o in_o their_o practice_n but_o rather_o grow_v worse_a and_o dotted_a more_o upon_o these_o superstition_n even_o after_o this_o plague_n which_o full_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o papist_n be_v never_o more_o drink_v with_o their_o superstition_n and_o profane_a in_o their_o carriage_n than_o since_o the_o turk_n destroy_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o antichristian_a kingdom_n the_o first_o sin_n mention_v be_v idolatry_n four_o way_n aggrege_v 1._o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n so_o call_v because_o the_o image_n and_o statute_n use_v in_o that_o worship_n be_v make_v with_o man_n hand_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v like_o hereby_o to_o relate_v to_o the_o second_o command_n where_o the_o make_n of_o all_o such_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n be_v forbid_v 2._o it_o be_v call_v a_o worship_v of_o devil_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o direct_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o worshipper_n but_o that_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o account_v so_o by_o the_o lord_n therefore_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o scripture_n to_o give_v it_o that_o name_n levit._n 17.7_o 1_o cor._n 10.20_o yea_o not_o only_o that_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n which_o be_v against_o the_o first_o command_n be_v so_o call_v but_o even_o that_o which_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n do_v yet_o corrupt_a the_o rule_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v by_o he_o by_o put_v a_o idolatrous_a manner_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o so_o that_o idolatry_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la be_v style_v 2_o chron._n 11.15_o he_o ordain_v he_o priest_n for_o the_o high_a place_n and_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o for_o the_o calf_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o yet_o the_o particular_a consider_v of_o that_o sin_n will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v not_o direct_o intend_v the_o worship_v of_o these_o calf_n and_o much_o less_o of_o devil_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n 3._o this_o idolatry_n be_v aggrege_v from_o the_o variety_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o these_o idol_n be_v compound_v gold_n silver_z brass_n stone_n and_o wood_n of_o which_o metal_n of_o all_o sort_n image_n crucifix_n relic_n etc._n etc._n be_v abundant_a in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o yet_o whatever_o be_v the_o shape_n of_o the_o metal_n it_o be_v still_o at_o the_o best_a gold_n silver_z brass_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o no_o fit_a object_n of_o worship_n last_o it_o be_v aggrege_v from_o the_o lifelesnesse_n of_o these_o idol_n which_o be_v unable_a to_o hear_v or_o move_v themselves_o must_v be_v exceed_o unfit_a to_o be_v invocate_v by_o other_o as_o helper_n of_o they_o and_o so_o must_v imply_v exceed_o great_a stupidity_n in_o these_o who_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n upon_o which_o ground_n the_o scripture_n usual_o aggrege_v that_o sin_n psal._n 115._o vers_fw-la 4.5_o etc._n etc._n and_o 135.15_o 16._o both_o which_o place_n do_v pronounce_v the_o worshipper_n of_o they_o to_o be_v for_o stupidity_n like_a unto_o they_o there_o be_v four_o more_o particular_a sin_n charge_v upon_o they_o vers_n 21._o and_o impenitency_n under_o the_o same_o also_o all_o which_o may_v be_v figurative_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o strain_n of_o this_o book_n or_o proper_o as_o the_o word_n sound_v the_o first_o sin_n be_v their_o murder_n figurative_o understand_v it_o hold_v forth_o the_o great_a bloud-guiltinesse_n of_o soul_n which_o we_o former_o hint_v at_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o five_o trumpet_n proper_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o many_o massacre_n persecution_n and_o butchery_n of_o antichrist_n whereby_o that_o kingdom_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o saint_n as_o from_o chap._n 11.7_o and_o 13.7_o and_o 18.24_o will_v appear_v the_o second_o thing_n be_v their_o sorcery_n which_o figurative_o hold_v forth_o bewitching_a and_o intoxicate_a doctrine_n and_o delusion_n therein_o at_o a_o height_n literal_o take_v it_o hold_v forth_o a_o guiltiness_n of_o devilish_a and_o magical_a art_n according_a to_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o whore_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o cup_n chap._n 17.4_o according_a to_o the_o last_o antichrist_n be_v say_v to_o come_v 2_o thess._n 29._o after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n the_o thing_n signify_v by_o both_o will_v be_v find_v in_o popery_n their_o doctrine_n have_v bewitch_v and_o blind_v so_o many_o and_o magic_n vent_v in_o lie_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o other_o abominable_a prank_n have_v be_v abound_v and_o frequent_v not_o only_o among_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n but_o even_o in_o the_o pope_n themselves_o and_o this_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o exorcism_n have_v be_v in_o some_o case_n avouch_v the_o three_o sin_n be_v fornication_n by_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v their_o whorish_a doctrine_n which_o draw_v soul_n away_o from_o god_n in_o which_o respect_n that_o kingdom_n be_v call_v the_o great_a whore_n or_o bodily_a filthiness_n which_o we_o will_v often_o find_v in_o scripture_n to_o go_v alongst_o with_o idolatry_n as_o from_o the_o counsel_n of_o balaam_n numb_a 3â—_n 16_o and_o elsewhere_o may_v appear_v this_o sin_n be_v not_o want_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o clergy_n their_o pretend_a vow_n be_v snare_n to_o bring_v it_o on_o as_o experience_n have_v prove_v yea_o bellarm._n de_fw-fr monachis_fw-la lib._n 2._o cap._n 24._o say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o commit_v fornication_n than_o for_o one_o under_o a_o vow_n to_o mâ—rrie_v although_o he_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o continence_n because_o say_v he_o marriage_n reddit_fw-la euâ—â—_n inhâ—bilem_fw-la ad_fw-la votum_fw-la servandum_fw-la which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o by_o their_o principle_n they_o maintain_v bordel_n it_o be_v say_v in_o rome_n alone_o the_o permission_n of_o they_o have_v yield_v yearly_o 40000_o crown_n to_o the_o pope_n this_o sin_n be_v especial_o eminent_a among_o their_o clergy_n and_o often_o in_o their_o head_n the_o pope_n himself_o yea_o one_o pope_n jean_n or_o joan_n according_a to_o other_o be_v record_v to_o have_v bring_v forth_o a_o child_n in_o her_o popedom_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o forge_v but_o partly_o from_o experience_n have_v be_v find_v and_o by_o their_o own_o historiographer_n have_v be_v set_v down_o partly_o by_o some_o godly_a man_n in_o these_o time_n and_o other_o more_o civil_a have_v be_v often_o complain_v on_o and_o regret_v partly_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o pope_n donation_n and_o office_n frequent_o bestow_v upon_o their_o child_n which_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n as_o avow_a testimony_n of_o their_o public_a accession_n to_o this_o sin_n the_o last_o be_v their_o theft_n that_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o eight_o command_n take_v and_o wrong_v the_o estate_n of_o man_n and_o by_o indirect_a mean_n draw_v they_o to_o themselves_o without_o any_o warrantable_a right_n this_o be_v especial_o applicable_a to_o the_o romish_a clergy_n who_o by_o the_o pretext_n of_o dotation_n mortification_n indulgence_n annates_fw-la peter_n patrimony_n and_o peters-pence_n and_o such_o like_a mean_n have_v ingross_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a substance_n almost_o of_o christendom_n this_o sort_n of_o theft_n in_o the_o pharisee_n be_v long_o since_o condemn_v by_o our_o lord_n as_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n matth._n 15.5_o and_o 23.14_o with_o 25._o of_o all_o which_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o only_o employ_v that_o the_o antichristian_a world_n be_v guilty_a but_o also_o that_o they_o that_o be_v the_o two_o part_n not_o destroy_v by_o the_o turk_n continue_v so_o to_o practice_v without_o repent_v of_o the_o same_o the_o charge_v of_o the_o pope_n with_o these_o foul_a fault_n will_v not_o seem_v strange_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o platina_n martinus_n onuphrius_n their_o own_o writer_n and_o bellarmin_n himself_o write_v concern_v they_o from_o the_o 670._o forward_o where_o abound_v 1._o irregularity_n in_o election_n by_o bribe_n magic_a art_n ambition_n faction_n and_o violence_n by_o poison_v and_o incarcerate_v their_o predecessor_n so_o that_o platina_n in_o vita_fw-la stephani_fw-la 6._o say_v to_o deventum_fw-la erat_fw-la ecclesiasticis_fw-la ut_fw-la largitionibus_fw-la sedem_fw-la obtinerent_fw-la the_o churchman_n come_v to_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o get_v the_o papacy_n by_o bribe_n and_o damas._n 2._o vi_fw-la sedem_fw-la occupavit_fw-la inoleverat_fw-la enim_fw-la hic_fw-la mos_fw-la ut_fw-la cui_fw-la