thereon_o and_o in_o rev._n 4._o the_o two_o gospel_n witness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o two_o candlestick_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n with_o their_o two_o olive_n branch_n by_o their_o side_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o administration_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v always_o pour_v out_o their_o oil_n for_o light_n into_o the_o ministerial_a lamp_n of_o these_o golden_a candlestick_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o much_o light_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o anoint_a one_o that_o stand_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n zach._n 4.2.12_o and_o 14_o verse_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o general_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v finish_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o be_v christ_n under_o divers_a denomination_n and_o similitude_n some_o appropriable_a only_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n some_o to_o the_o humane_a clear_o notify_v that_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o christ_n god-man_n who_o give_v these_o divine_a revelation_n unto_o john_n some_o immediate_o by_o himself_o some_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v give_v and_o signify_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o angel_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n what_o be_v do_v by_o another_o at_o one_o order_n and_o command_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vision_n he_o give_v they_o out_o to_o john_n and_z john_n he_o be_v the_o recipient_a instrument_n and_o the_o subordinate_a author_n and_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o and_o make_v they_o know_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n john_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o write_v those_o premonition_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o their_o order_n shall_v be_v handle_v but_o in_o the_o way_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o enquiry_n quest_n why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o as_o their_o defection_n be_v divers_a and_o various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v various_a and_o divers_a reprehension_n so_o likewise_o their_o grace_n and_o endowment_n be_v various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a encouragement_n therein_o the_o more_o obdurate_a and_o high-handed_n sinner_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sharp_a and_o high_a reproof_n and_o censure_n but_o the_o more_o flexible_a and_o tender-hearted_a aught_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o the_o more_o tender_a hand_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n second_o the_o several_a charge_n be_v draw_v against_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o send_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_a angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o extrinsical_a power_n or_o authority_n over_o themselves_o christ_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a admonitor_n and_o reprehender_n of_o they_o all_o each_o of_o they_o be_v sole_o and_o single_o under_o his_o reprehensive_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v only_o receive_v command_n and_o reproof_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n for_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v not_o receive_v command_n or_o reproof_n to_o impose_v they_o juridical_o on_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n on_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n or_o on_o any_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o either_o single_o by_o itself_o or_o joint_o with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o one_o two_o or_o more_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v superintendent_o or_o to_o have_v a_o prelatical_a authority_n over_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v no_o cathedral_n then_o at_o ephesus_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o six_o the_o name_n of_o archiepiscopacy_n and_o hierarchycal_a supremacy_n be_v then_o unknown_a in_o the_o little_a well-ordered_a christian_a world_n or_o rather_o common-weal_n bishop_n than_o do_v look_v no_o far_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o authority_n then_o over_o their_o own_o flock_n neither_o then_o be_v it_o know_v that_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o few_o church_n or_o rather_o officer_n of_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o classical_a elder_n provincial_a elder_n or_o national_a elder_n shall_v have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o vicinity_n ephesus_n then_o as_o unto_o outward_a authority_n be_v independent_a smyrna_n then_o be_v independent_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n can_v then_o and_o also_o now_o can_v act_v consultative_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n by_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n either_o joint_n or_o single_o but_o not_o juridical_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o and_o another_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o peer_n respect_v their_o authority_n yet_o in_o their_o grace_n and_o perfection_n among_o themselves_o differ_v from_o one_o and_o another_o in_o glory_n christ_n keep_v the_o sole_a legislative_a power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o what_o he_o communicate_v thereof_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o their_o sister-churche_n faith_n but_o that_o they_o may_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n exercise_v their_o wholesome_a admonition_n and_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o church_n juridical_o to_o censure_v another_o sister-church_n though_o corrupt_a for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n give_v they_o christ_n keep_v that_o prerogative_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o reprove_v and_o censure_v the_o whole_a seven_a asian_a church_n himself_o but_o suffer_v not_o one_o or_o more_o to_o do_v it_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n have_v grant_v such_o authority_n unto_o one_o church_n over_o other_o that_o that_o church_n which_o become_v most_o potent_a and_o most_o countenance_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n though_o most_o corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n will_v undertake_v to_o censure_v the_o sound_a and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n of_o all_o as_o the_o arrian_n do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o son_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o their_o successor_n censure_n chastise_v and_o vex_v even_o the_o sound_a and_o most_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a apostatise_v church_n of_o rome_n under_o this_o pretence_n of_o have_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n do_v even_o fulminate_v out_o her_o dire_a anathemas_n on_o all_o other_o church_n though_o the_o faithful_a and_o undefiled_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v wise_a therefore_o you_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n hold_v fast_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a lest_o you_o subjugate_v your_o neck_n and_o precious_a faith_n unto_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o spiritual_a harlot_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n christ_n give_v his_o particular_a censure_n and_o reproof_n to_o each_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o their_o peculiar_a fail_n and_o error_n that_o one_o more_o corrupt_a church_n may_v not_o undertake_v to_o censure_v that_o which_o be_v less_o corrupt_a but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o a_o sound_n and_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v carry_v itself_o towards_o a_o erroneous_a and_o backslidden_a corrupt_a church_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o that_o in_o love_n and_o charity_n first_o they_o be_v to_o advise_v they_o and_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n charitable_o not_o juridical_o as_o a_o church_n exercise_n towards_o her_o own_o member_n second_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a malady_n if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o their_o amendment_n they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v
to_o overturn_v all_o its_o opposite_n that_o assert_n that_o true_a real_a grace_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o pre-requisite_a as_o the_o condition_n unto_o baptism_n among_o many_o other_o argument_n of_o he_o against_o m._n blake'_v dogmatical_a faith_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o his_o four_o and_o five_o and_o eleven_o argument_n page_n 96._o of_o his_o apology_n and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o place_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o argument_n both_o from_o authority_n and_o scripture_n levy_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o comport_v with_o this_o truth_n his_o four_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n to_o justification_n but_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n therefore_o this_o abrenunciation_n have_v be_v practise_v always_o in_o baptism_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v his_o five_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v sincere_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v to_o justification_n but_o such_o be_v all_o as_o come_v to_o baptism_n therefore_o for_o the_o major_a it_o require_v no_o more_o proof_n but_o to_o explain_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n have_v enough_o prove_v that_o the_o phrase_n of_o believe_v in_o comprehend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o god_n which_o be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o sovereign_a ruler_n and_o chief_a good_a this_o none_o but_o a_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o do_v his_o eleven_o argument_n if_o baptism_n be_v solemnize_n of_o the_o mystical_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o baptise_a then_o true_a justify_v faith_n be_v of_o god_n require_v thereto_o but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a therefore_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o hold_v the_o antecedent_n to_o be_v true_a the_o consequence_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o no_o man_n but_o the_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o take_v christ_n as_o a_o husband_n and_o head_n for_o so_o to_o do_v be_v justify_v faith_n these_o three_o have_v i_o only_o choose_v of_o m._n baxter_n 26._o argument_n to_o set_v as_o a_o antithesis_fw-la unto_o m._n morice_n position_n and_o as_o a_o answer_n thereunto_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v it_o pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la a_o ill_a case_n be_v much_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o in_o this_o that_o i_o have_v set_v m._n baxter_n to_o answer_v m._n morice_n be_v but_o to_o set_v socrates_n to_o answer_v plato_n and_o i_o may_v add_v one_o word_n that_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n faith_n which_o be_v only_o dogmatical_a and_o formal_a though_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n gives_z right_a of_o admission_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v admission_n to_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n which_o so_o qualifi_v the_o person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o admit_v he_o as_o be_v one_o that_o seem_v sound_a in_o believe_v for_o judas_n be_v always_o reckon_v among_o the_o twelve_o before_o his_o traitorous_a betray_a act_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o simon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v also_o act_v 8.13_o now_o the_o church_n can_v but_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v deny_v admission_n either_o to_o simon_n or_o any_o other_o that_o desire_v it_o for_o charity_n think_v no_o evil_a and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a rule_n de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o entitul_a and_o have_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o a_o foedere_fw-la for_o that_o alone_o be_v save_a faith_n which_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n make_v the_o condition_n pre-requisite_a to_o such_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n which_o be_v before_o assert_v and_o prove_v and_o that_o that_o give_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la give_v a_o true_a title_n also_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o according_a to_o a_o charitative_a judgement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o will_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v admission_n be_v both_o true_a real_a and_o sanctify_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o desire_v it_o though_o oftentimes_o the_o sequel_n manifest_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v therein_o and_o hereby_o it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o church_n door_n be_v wide_a than_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v exceed_v the_o triumphant_a and_o be_v far_o enlarge_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o herein_o this_o shall_v suffice_v observe_v 5._o that_o false_a teacher_n be_v most_o arrogant_a and_o pretend_v high_a to_o gift_n and_o mission_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n find_v it_o so_o in_o their_o false_a teacher_n and_o corinth_n also_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o who_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n they_o will_v needs_o get_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o calling_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o on_o trial_n they_o be_v find_v liar_n they_o be_v of_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o precedency_n and_o be_v above_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o true_a apostle_n gaudent_fw-la preesse_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la prosunt_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la putant_fw-la preesse_fw-la &_o insolentius_fw-la &_o arrogantius_fw-la principes_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la locum_fw-la appertivisse_fw-la they_o be_v like_o those_o in_o jer._n 8.8_o who_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o as_o those_o in_o ezek._n 13.6_o who_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v yet_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vain_a vision_n and_o a_o lie_a divination_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o demand_v why_o shall_v those_o false_a teacher_n denominate_v themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n see_v the_o number_n be_v only_o limit_v to_o twelve_o i_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v denominate_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o century_n after_o christ_n the_o apostolical_a time_n though_o the_o twelve_o be_v dead_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n as_o church_n history_n manifest_v and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o the_o papist_n so_o far_o as_o the_o five_o century_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o hold_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n second_o i_o answer_v this_o apostolical_a office_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o peculiar_a faculty_n of_o the_o twelve_o as_o to_o debar_v all_o other_o from_o that_o denomination_n and_o though_o i_o grant_v they_o be_v christ_n apostle_n catexochen_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o other_o that_o be_v send_v for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a in_o christ_n embassy_n unto_o the_o world_n may_v appropriate_v that_o title_n unto_o themselves_o as_o paul_n very_o often_o in_o his_o epistle_n have_v just_o vindicate_v his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o may_v not_o barnabas_n with_o other_o that_o be_v send_v upon_o the_o same_o message_n with_o paul_n and_o the_o rest_n appropriate_v the_o same_o title_n and_o that_o just_o to_o themselves_o also_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o those_o be_v stand_v perpetual_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v to_o continue_v it_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n mystical_a the_o elect_a be_v gather_v and_o complete_a for_o so_o the_o word_n strong_o enforce_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o whereas_o they_o object_v that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v that_o some_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v
deny_v the_o instrumentality_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v sure_a that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o zion_n such_o will_v erect_v a_o babel_n and_o be_v ignorant_a where_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v they_o will_v like_o idle_a shepherd_n either_o starve_v the_o sheep_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o at_o least_o poison_v they_o with_o unwholesome_a herbage_n and_o these_o i_o account_v as_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n by_o and_o to_o find_v they_o liar_n object_n but_o a_o objection_n may_v here_o arise_v from_o he_o that_o have_v the_o first_o call_v of_o ability_n from_o god_n that_o if_o i_o count_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o denominate_v he_o orthodox_n in_o his_o call_n to_o have_v the_o additional_a call_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o then_o say_v he_o to_o what_o church_n shall_v i_o repair_v to_o receive_v this_o call_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v pretender_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o alone_o ordain_v authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o other_o this_o be_v indeed_o locus_fw-la lubricus_fw-la a_o slippery_a question_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o deal_v with_o it_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o contrary_n mind_v by_o ventilate_v my_o judgement_n herein_o but_o i_o profess_v ingenious_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o party_n self_n interest_n nor_o by-affection_n that_o do_v lead_v i_o first_o to_o this_o undertake_n but_o only_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n move_v my_o heart_n with_o much_o singleness_n of_o spirit_n be_v clear_o unbiased_a and_o not_o so_o overmuch_o engage_v to_o any_o of_o the_o new_a party_n of_o these_o time_n but_o that_o i_o can_v reserve_v my_o judgement_n free_a to_o close_v with_o truth_n wheresoever_o i_o can_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o to_o prosecute_v my_o first_o intendment_n in_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scantle_v of_o my_o judgement_n not_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o cloud_n but_o in_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n though_o for_o my_o reward_n i_o may_v have_v his_o hire_n that_o trace_v truth_n so_o near_o at_o the_o heel_n that_o have_v his_o tooth_n dash_v out_o for_o his_o pain_n but_o if_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n herein_o yet_o be_v repute_v a_o fool_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n and_o if_o i_o suffer_v loss_n herein_o yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v consolate_v magnis_fw-la tamen_fw-la excidit_fw-la ausis_fw-la first_o then_o to_o the_o business_n understand_v that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o avoid_v all_o criticise_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v abundant_o be_v make_v good_a both_o by_o good_a authority_n and_o scripture_n now_o this_o church_n be_v either_o more_o improper_o first_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n or_o second_o more_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o invisible_a church_n comprehend_v only_o the_o elect_a and_o see_v their_o number_n to_o we_o be_v unknown_a therefore_o they_o be_v denominate_v invisible_a but_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o visible_a universal_a catholic_a church_n or_o second_o for_o a_o visible_a particular_a political_a church_n now_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o this_o last_o notion_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o invisible_a church_n as_o invisible_a have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o visible_a and_o outward_a ordinance_n neither_o second_o the_o visible_a universal_a church_n can_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o their_o representative_n convene_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o officer_n for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o conveniency_n or_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reasonableness_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o various_a and_o far_o distant_a corner_n and_o land_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o represent_v officer_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o catholic_a assembly_n for_o the_o dispose_n and_o confer_v of_o all_o mediate_a call_v and_o office_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o wise_a order_n and_o gubernation_n in_o and_o over_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n that_o every_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a body_n i_o mean_v every_o particular_a christian_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o every_o particular_a be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n a_o full_a power_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o her_o officer_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o office_n since_o the_o first_o apostle_n that_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a gift_v as_o to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_a authority_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o they_o may_v be_v account_v to_o have_v jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la fit_a to_o be_v officer_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o yet_o actual_a they_o have_v not_o before_o their_o particular_a call_v do_v invest_v they_o into_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n do_v to_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o catholic_a universal_a faith_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o church_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o result_v and_o conclusion_n of_o combine_a church_n provincial_a or_o national_a may_v be_v only_o admit_v as_o prudential_o bind_v and_o oblige_v as_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o canon_n but_o not_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o though_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a truth_n itself_o so_o that_o such_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v not_o sole_o virtute_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la convocation_n be_v sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la veritatis_fw-la propositae_fw-la which_o if_o the_o same_o conclusion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o particular_a christian_n political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n therein_o but_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o command_v and_o institute_n they_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o prudential_a ecclesiastic_a edict_n and_o ecclesiastic_a divine_a institution_n the_o one_o be_v humane_a and_o bind_v only_o prudential_o the_o other_o be_v divine_a and_o oblige_v conscientious_o these_o consideration_n be_v clear_v i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n to_o what_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v a_o candidate_n apply_v himself_o for_o a_o mediate_a authoritative_a call_n and_o mission_n to_o receive_v it_o right_o and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o answer_v and_o take_v leave_v here_o first_o to_o distinguish_v and_o take_v notice_n between_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o call_n there_o may_v be_v particular_a church_n which_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o to_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o true_a one_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n yet_o mix_v with_o much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n and_o as_o a_o leprous_a person_n be_v a_o man_n yet_o a_o sorry_a one_o so_o a_o church_n hold_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n thereof_o yet_o entertain_v much_o corruption_n and_o error_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o christian_n church_n but_o a_o sad_a one_o so_o the_o ministerial_a call_n do_v answer_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o offspring_n constitution_n do_v follow_v the_o parent_n temperature_n strong_a issue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v of_o sickly_a parent_n fort_n creantur_fw-la fortibus_fw-la &_o as_o seneca_n so_o in_o politic_a body_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v and_o healthy_a in_o the_o faith_n their_o off_o spring_n be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a also_o then_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n will_v be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o virtual_a if_o ootherwise_o be_v with_o they_o they_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o vigour_n life_n and_o virtue_n and_o
the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beza_n version_n read_v they_o prebebo_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la synaga_fw-la satana_n the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n i_o give_v and_o not_o in_o the_o future_a and_o what_o be_v give_v those_o that_o call_v themselves_o jew_n i_o give_v or_o i_o yield_v be_v put_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n either_o for_o the_o more_o certain_a denotation_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o come_v in_o the_o future_a for_o so_o the_o latter_a clause_n do_v intimate_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o second_o it_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o god_n do_v at_o that_o present_a time_n make_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o his_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o taste_n and_o first_o fruit_n or_o as_o a_o pawn_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o more_o full_a general_a and_o universal_a call_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o shall_v ensue_v in_o future_a age_n which_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o this_o verse_n be_v full_a unto_o whereof_z more_o hereafter_o i_o former_o she_o wed_v on_o cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 9_o how_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v only_o so_o by_o lineage_n and_o descent_n do_v lie_v when_o they_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o to_o call_v one_o self_n a_o jew_n in_o those_o day_n when_o john_n write_v this_o revelation_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o profess_v and_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n and_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n his_o peculiar_a inheritage_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n appertain_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o all_o other_o alien_n and_o barbarian_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o child_n a_o holy_a nation_n the_o lord_n portion_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o temple_n divine_a ordinance_n worship_n and_o clear_a vision_n of_o god_n now_o when_o those_o person_n that_o boast_v themselves_o of_o those_o privilege_n yet_o persecute_v revile_v and_o blaspheme_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o they_o do_v that_o of_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 9_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a jew_n and_o make_v a_o lie_n when_o they_o call_v or_o profess_v themselves_o jew_n true_a israelite_n of_o god_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o his_o work_n and_o counsel_n they_o do_v real_o execute_v and_o perform_v they_o do_v synagere_fw-la work_v together_o plot_n study_n and_o execute_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v denominate_v his_o disciple_n of_o this_o infernal_a college_n and_o synagogue_n and_o not_o of_o christ_n church_n college_n or_o of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v and_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a jew_n true_a israelite_n of_o god_n true_a christian_n that_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o for_o their_o evil_a work_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o towards_o christ_n and_o true_a christian_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o do_v lie_v in_o their_o profession_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o true_a inward_a jew_n and_o christian_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o strange_a to_o hear_v of_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n a_o university_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o devil_n set_v up_o among_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n his_o own_o inheritance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o true_a john_n baptist_n can_v have_v call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o christ_n more_o plain_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o work_n they_o do_v do_v and_o john_n here_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o most_o deserve_o for_o their_o contumelious_a reproach_n and_o opposition_n against_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a believer_n we_o have_v a_o true_a counterpane_n of_o these_o carnal_a jew_n among_o the_o christian_n church_n in_o those_o day_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n they_o crack_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n of_o ministry_n of_o ordinance_n of_o true_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o who_o more_o enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o true_a godliness_n they_o be_v just_a like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a that_o boast_v of_o abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o that_o they_o be_v israelite_n as_o from_o jacob_n and_o yet_o be_v ready_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o follower_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o with_o their_o elder_a brethren_n the_o jew_n to_o have_v abraham_n and_o jacobs_n to_o their_o ancestor_n and_o progenitor_n but_o for_o abraham_n faith_n or_o jacob_n spirit_n in_o wrestle_v with_o god_n let_v that_o alone_a for_o they_o that_o will_v they_o think_v it_o safe_a enough_o to_o be_v of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_n nation_n or_o church_n and_o to_o have_v some_o external_a badge_n and_o privilege_n of_o child_n as_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a than_o all_o be_v well_o whilst_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o most_o substaintial_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o let_v lie_v by_o and_o contemn_v and_o what_o be_v all_o their_o arrogate_a title_n when_o truth_n be_v want_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o a_o lie_n i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o cap._n 2._o 9_o for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_o in_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o who_o heart_n be_v circumcise_v and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 2.28_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o do_v call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v 1._o the_o samaritan_n 2._o they_o of_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o both_o by_o their_o perverse_a carriage_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n do_v blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v the_o honourable_a name_n of_o a_o jew._n so_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n that_o wound_v this_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n church_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v wrong_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o honourable_a name_n of_o church_n and_o christian_n i_o mean_v the_o romish_a popish_a synagogue_n and_o many_o of_o the_o pretend_a reform_a church_n the_o first_o like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a cry_n out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o the_o church_n the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o chair_n of_o peter_n the_o infallible_a chair_n of_o peter_n we_o be_v the_o only_a spouse_n of_o christ_n no_o salvation_n without_o our_o jurisdiction_n and_o yet_o who_o great_a blasphemer_n reproacher_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n church_n and_o saint_n than_o they_o and_o see_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o keep_v it_o but_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v here_o mention_v the_o church_n or_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n not_o of_o christ_n and_o as_o long_o as_o their_o idolatry_n continue_v she_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n counterfeit_a jew_n no_o real_a spiritual_a one_o christian_n only_a in_o title_n and_o show_n not_o in_o truth_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o high_a pretension_n and_o claim_n to_o the_o contrary_a 2._o so_o many_o of_o the_o pretend_v reform_v christian_n cry_v out_o we_o be_v of_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v baptize_v we_o be_v of_o the_o lutheran_n confession_n we_o be_v of_o the_o calvinist_n and_o yet_o no_o papist_n more_a blind_a more_o ignorant_a more_o vile_a more_o profane_a or_o great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o name_n title_n and_o honour_n of_o christian_n they_o love_n they_o esteem_v they_o expect_v and_o yet_o who_o vain_a who_o more_o profane_a more_o ungodly_a or_o less_o deserve_v it_o then_o they_o they_o be_v only_o nominal_a christian_n outward_a jew_n but_o to_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a jew_n who_o more_o stranger_n to_o it_o then_o they_o let_v they_o therefore_o look_v to_o it_o notwithstanding_o their_o high_a and_o honourable_a affect_a title_n lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v declare_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o manifest_a to_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o they_o be_v only_o seem_v jew_n and_o do_v lie_v
when_o they_o call_v themselves_o so_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a christian_n church_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n that_o christ_n will_v make_v those_o enemy_n of_o she_o the_o blaspheme_a jew_n to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o her_o foot_n that_o be_v will_v make_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o philadelphia_n which_o for_o her_o purity_n and_o soundness_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o who_o these_o carnal_a formal_a jew_n shall_v fall_v low_a and_o worship_n object_n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o shall_v they_o be_v make_v to_o worship_n i_o answer_v first_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o they_o have_v blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o philadelphia_n and_o the_o true_a church_n do_v honour_n and_o obey_v second_o they_o shall_v civil_o worship_v and_o reverence_n philadelphia_n and_o the_o true_a church_n for_o the_o honour_n that_o christ_n have_v put_v upon_o she_o and_o so_o will_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n indeed_o to_o come_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n worship_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o christian_n church_n and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v this_o say_v christ_n they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o always_o love_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o i_o now_o this_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n be_v never_o fulfil_v unto_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o full_a extent_n thereof_o only_o we_o read_v of_o some_o few_o of_o the_o malignant_a jew_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o other_o of_o that_o age_n but_o how_o this_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o latitude_n thereof_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o ever_o do_v those_o perverse_a jew_n that_o for_o their_o notorious_a malignity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v just_o call_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n come_v and_o worship_n or_o bow_v down_o before_o the_o foot_n of_o philadelphia_n or_o when_o do_v they_o submit_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n only_o but_o in_o some_o first_o fruit_n and_o that_o before_o this_o be_v write_v to_o philadelphia_n and_o when_o do_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n even_o to_o this_o day_n ever_o since_o become_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o some_o few_o scatter_a person_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n inconsiderable_a to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n or_o when_o do_v ever_o god_n make_v it_o it_o eminent_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o christian_n church_n be_v the_o only_o belove_a people_n and_o society_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n above_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n see_v those_o thing_n be_v never_o yet_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o fullness_n of_o this_o promise_n sure_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o universal_a call_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n into_o holy_a philadelphia_n or_o the_o christian_n church_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v to_o this_o present_a day_n a_o note_n hence_o will_v rise_v observe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o only_o make_v the_o natural_a obstinate_a jew_n but_o also_o their_o true_a counterpane_n the_o nominal_a seem_a christian_n to_o come_v and_o bow_v before_o the_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o latter_a day_n this_o be_v confirm_v from_o this_o verse_n wherein_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o worship_n before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n but_o towards_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o latter_a this_o be_v never_o as_o yet_o perform_v in_o the_o extensiveness_n of_o this_o scripture_n as_o be_v above_o manifest_v therefore_o as_o yet_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o true_a philadelphia_n the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o the_o natural_a jew_n shall_v come_v in_o submit_v and_o join_v to_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o formal_a birth_n christian_n shall_v also_o either_o come_v in_o and_o worship_n before_o this_o true_a church_n or_o else_o shall_v at_o least_o wise_a reverence_n this_o true_a holy_a church_n as_o the_o only_o belove_v of_o christ_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lamb_n will_v be_v upon_o she_o and_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o for_o her_o great_a honour_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v bring_v their_o glory_n and_o honour_n into_o it_o rev_n 21.23_o and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o god_n true_a church_n and_o people_n shall_v have_v a_o day_n too_o as_o well_o as_o their_o adversary_n have_v they_o we_o know_v how_o that_o the_o great_a and_o lofty_a one_o of_o the_o world_n have_v put_v all_o possible_a reproach_n and_o affliction_n on_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o church_n of_o the_o pure_a judgement_n but_o yet_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v and_o shall_v know_v the_o saint_n to_o be_v the_o only_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o stay_n of_o kingdom_n and_o then_o the_o great_a monarch_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o skirt_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o come_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o this_o holy_a church_n for_o their_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n quest._n and_o if_o any_o one_o ask_v when_o this_o shall_v be_v answ_n when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 11._o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v again_o for_o the_o restore_n of_o his_o kingdom_n than_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a dan._n 7.27_o then_o shall_v all_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o philadelphia_n the_o glorious_a new_a unite_a christian_n church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o true_a zion_n the_o dwell_a place_n of_o god_n glory_n whereunto_o all_o nation_n shall_v flock_v and_o worship_n before_o it_o and_o become_v one_o with_o it_o or_o otherwise_o shall_v be_v make_v bow_n unto_o the_o iron_n sceptre_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o fall_v and_o worship_n before_o his_o foot_n rev._n 19.15_o verse_n 10._o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o for_o which_o philadelphia_n be_v commend_v for_o by_o christ_n be_v for_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n this_o have_v either_o respect_n to_o christ_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n i_o have_v teach_v the_o world_n and_o with_o a_o like_a patience_n preach_v it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o else_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o cause_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o my_o gospel_n which_o enjoin_v and_o work_v patience_n either_o or_o both_o of_o these_o sense_n may_v apt_o be_v raise_v and_o entertain_v from_o these_o word_n without_o any_o prejudice_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o word_n or_o 2._o as_o respect_v the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n this_o word_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n which_o he_o teach_v patient_o the_o word_n be_v for_o many_o generation_n so_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o keep_v by_o she_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o which_o she_o have_v the_o reward_n of_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n quest_n but_o whither_o be_v philadelphia_n so_o save_v and_o keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o fall_v upon_o all_o other_o her_o sister_n church_n that_o she_o be_v so_o free_v that_o she_o be_v not_o touch_v by_o it_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o philadelphia_n go_v free_a when_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o persecution_n under_o the_o emperor_n
in_o himself_o be_v too_o weak_a for_o such_o a_o work_n may_v be_v fit_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o thyself_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v find_v worthy_a o_o do_v thou_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n with_o true_a light_n from_o above_o and_o remove_v all_o impediment_n his_o iniquity_n out_o of_o thy_o sight_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o thy_o own_o blood_n than_o thou_o may_v discover_v thy_o mind_n unto_o thy_o poor_a servant_n be_v hallow_v by_o thyself_o to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o grant_v o_o christ_n that_o by_o thy_o favour_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n he_o may_v diligent_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o that_o unto_o sobriety_n and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v some_o advantage_n by_o he_o and_o if_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n have_v herein_o through_o weakness_n build_v any_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o thy_o precious_a structure_n o_o let_v it_o be_v consume_v but_o so_o as_o that_o thy_o servant_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a but_o if_o any_o of_o thou_o receive_v good_a hereby_o to_o thou_o for_o it_o as_o most_o due_a which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a be_v praise_n glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o catalogue_n of_o diverse_a question_n in_o this_o treatise_n discuss_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n pag._n 1_o whether_o john_n the_o divine_a the_o subordinate_a author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 5_o whether_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n own_a or_o some_o other_o person_n 7_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o christian_a wish_n or_o salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n unto_o you_o 19_o how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o church_n whilst_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o grace_n and_o peace_n aforehand_o 19_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v two_o last_o come_n to_o judgement_n 25_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 31_o and_o 112_o whether_o the_o lord_n day_n mention_v rev._n 1.10_o wherein_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o not_o 33_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a the_o devil_n be_v god_n ape_n herein_o 34_o do_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n 37_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 28_o 19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fullfil_v 38_o whether_o that_o samuel_n which_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v unto_o saul_n be_v the_o true_a prophet_n samuel_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o shape_n and_o likeness_n or_o otherwise_o some_o cozen_a consort_n and_o confederate_n of_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n 38_o 39_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n appear_v unto_o john_n rev._n 1_o 13._o when_o he_o appear_v to_o he_o as_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 43_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o separation_n between_o the_o deity_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n 44_o whether_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v to_o be_v only_o spiritual_o understand_v and_o not_o matterial_o also_o 50_o 51_o whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n and_o angel_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n do_v or_o shall_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n 53_o do_v not_o angel_n see_v god_n face_n in_o heaven_n and_o do_v not_o moses_n and_o jacob_n see_v god_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n 54._o and_o do_v not_o divine_n hold_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n 55_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v impassable_a 58_o why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o 68_o whether_o a_o sound_a church_n may_v censure_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 69_o 70_o whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n 71_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o presbytery_n 72_o what_o give_v unto_o our_o work_n the_o denomination_n of_o good_a work_n and_o whether_o any_o of_o our_o work_n be_v simple_o and_o strict_o to_o be_v call_v good_a and_o perfect_a 79_o and_o 80_o in_o who_o lie_v the_o power_n to_o try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 83_o and_o 196_o whether_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o word_n 84_o whether_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 85_o 86_o etc._n etc._n whether_o any_o else_o beside_o true_a and_o real_a saint_n or_o believer_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n 86_o 87_o whether_o the_o judicial_n or_o ceremonial_n of_o moses_n be_v any_o foundation_n for_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n 88_o 89_o whether_o baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o best_a satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n upon_o infant_n 88_o whether_o it_o must_v be_v true_a justify_n faith_n or_o dogmatical_a only_o that_o entitle_v to_o baptism_n 90_o 91_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o tie_v unto_o the_o first_o twelve_o 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o whether_o the_o first_o 12_o apostle_n be_v but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n 95_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n do_v continue_v unto_o the_o church_n 97_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o the_o true_a 101_o 102_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o church_n shall_v one_o repair_v to_o receive_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n call_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 105_o 106_o etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v the_o first_o reformer_n have_v a_o right_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o â—_o have_v it_o not_o from_o rome_n 108_o whether_o the_o presbytery_n of_o england_n have_v a_o right_a call_n from_o the_o late_a bishop_n as_o true_a presbyter_n 110_o whether_o believer_n complaint_n for_o want_n of_o will_n to_o repent_v be_v just_a or_o not_o 118_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o legal_a teach_v to_o denounce_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o non-amendment_n or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n 119_o whether_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n in_o some_o causality_n unto_o salvation_n or_o joint_o with_o he_o somewhat_o subordinate_a to_o that_o great_a end_n 120_o and_o whether_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o condiiion_n proper_o so_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 121_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n 126_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o paradise_n 130_o whether_o paradise_n and_o heaven_n above_o be_v all_o one_o 131_o whether_o god_n tempt_v man_n and_o whether_o he_o tempt_v unto_o evil_n or_o sin_n 143_o do_v not_o many_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n 144_o whether_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n or_o efficiency_n in_o and_o about_o sin_n 146_o why_o do_v god_n often_o afflict_v his_o own_o child_n with_o so_o sharp_a tribulation_n and_o whether_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v vindicate_v in_o that_o particular_a 149_o whether_o great_a corruption_n nullify_v a_o church_n 173_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o full_a reformation_n can_v be_v attain_v 171_o 172_o how_o be_v god_n justice_n vindicate_v if_o he_o smite_v godly_a and_o ungodly_a together_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a among_o they_o 179_o whether_o christ_n receive_v now_o by_o faith_n to_o justification_n and_o absolution_n be_v the_o hide_a manna_n and_o white_a stone_n promise_v rev._n 2.17_o to_o
he_o be_v the_o high_a steward_n and_o great_a dispenser_n in_o god_n kingdom_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n observe_v 3._o that_o that_o prophesy_v which_o come_v from_o so_o sure_a a_o author_n as_o jesus_n christ_n must_v infallible_o be_v true_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o be_v and_o always_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n sometime_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n sometime_o by_o himself_o in_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ezek._n 1._o v._o 26._o and_o all_o know_v that_o their_o prophecy_n stand_v sure_a and_o be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o respective_a season_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o steadfastness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n see_v what_o christ_n himself_o testify_v in_o rev._n 3.7_o &_o 14._o and_o in_o ch_z ult_n v._o 6._o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n therefore_o of_o most_o sure_a performance_n in_o god_n appoint_a season_n from_o the_o word_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n servant_n be_v very_o privy_a to_o god_n counsel_n and_o know_v much_o of_o his_o design_n this_o christ_n have_v verify_v first_o from_o that_o ground_n of_o union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n for_o be_v once_o become_v his_o member_n or_o servant_n than_o they_o in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o that_o 1_o john_n 2.20_o they_o have_v a_o unction_n from_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n so_o that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v the_o father_n also_o for_o they_o both_o be_v one_o in_o will_n counsel_n power_n and_o essence_n john_n 17.21_o 22._o and_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o 2._o they_o know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o combustion_n change_n and_o revolution_n of_o this_o world_n many_o think_v that_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n ill_a fortune_n or_o for_o want_n of_o foresight_n in_o management_n of_o state_n affair_n but_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n know_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o those_o revolution_n and_o state-shaking_n and_o that_o there_o can_v no_o evil_n befall_v unto_o the_o city_n but_o that_o there_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o it_o direct_v and_o overrule_a it_o unto_o its_o end_n so_o that_o they_o do_v foresee_v that_o this_o change_n and_o that_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n will_v come_v too_o and_o can_v right_o conclude_v that_o all_o tend_v as_o in_o a_o chain_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v about_o god_n great_a end_n in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n throne_n and_o the_o pull_v down_o his_o enemy_n observe_v 2._o god_n reserve_v the_o more_o full_a revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n exaltation_n in_o glory_n christ_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o glorious_a as_o christ_n in_o heaven_n he_o have_v not_o so_o full_a commission_n to_o send_v out_o so_o much_o of_o his_o spirit_n while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n john_n 7.39_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o communicate_v unto_o christ_n manhood_n while_o here_o on_o earth_n the_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o his_o manhood_n while_o here_o on_o earth_n may_v be_v ignorant_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o father_n reveal_v it_o to_o he_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v reveal_v it_o to_o his_o church_n as_o the_o due_a reward_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n chap._n 5._o 9_o thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o open_v the_o seal_n thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v etc._n etc._n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v see_v vers_fw-la 3._o on_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n from_o these_o word_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n reveal_v these_o prophecy_n not_o immediate_o from_o himself_o but_o mediate_o and_o by_o instrument_n first_o god_n give_v this_o revelation_n to_o christ_n christ_n give_v discovery_n partly_o himself_o and_o partly_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o same_o three_o the_o angel_n instruct_v john_n four_o john_n direct_v the_o same_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o five_o from_o the_o seven_o church_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o information_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o finiteness_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o compatible_a therefore_o god_n use_v instrument_n suitable_a to_o our_o capacity_n for_o discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n observe_v 2._o from_o the_o messenger_n or_o angel_n by_o who_o partly_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v send_v observe_v that_o christ_n employ_v angel_n in_o great_a service_n for_o his_o church_n angel_n be_v the_o first_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o christ_n birth_n a_o angel_n tell_v the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n shall_v return_v in_o that_o manner_n they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n act_v 1.11_o angel_n tell_v abraham_n and_o lot_n what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o sodom_n christ_n tell_v john_n rev._n 22.16_o that_o he_o send_v his_o angel_n to_o testify_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n the_o angel_n be_v make_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o service_n be_v more_o manifest_a in_o these_o particular_n 1._o they_o inform_v we_o of_o god_n will_n and_o god_n of_o our_o way_n they_o ascend_v and_o descend_v zac._n 1.11_o gen._n 18.19_o 2._o they_o oppose_v the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n rev._n 12.7_o dan._n 10.20_o numb_a 21.22_o 3._o they_o execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o enemy_n exo._n 12.23_o gen._n 19.11.13_o etc._n etc._n isa_n 37_o 36._o rev._n 16._o throughout_o 4._o they_o defend_v the_o godly_a both_o against_o wicked_a man_n wicked_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a practice_n rev_n 7.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 34.7_o and_o 91.11_o gen._n 32.1_o 2._o 2_o king_n 6.14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n 5._o next_o after_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a in_o their_o distress_n luke_n 1.30_o act_n 10.4_o and_o 27.24_o dan._n 6.10_o 11_o 12._o luke_n 22.43_o 6._o they_o be_v god_n reaper_n and_o gatherer_n of_o god_n elect_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24.31_o from_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v send_v and_o reveal_v by_o the_o angel_n under_o this_o relation_n of_o his_o servant_n john_n what_o this_o john_n be_v be_v make_v full_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o preliminary_n discourse_n unto_o the_o title_n it_o be_v john_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n our_o lord_n kinsman_n the_o belove_a disciple_n a_o great_a pillar_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v here_o describe_v under_o the_o title_n and_o relation_n of_o servant_n not_o only_o so_o by_o right_a of_o creation_n but_o of_o redemption_n special_a right_n covenant_n and_o service_n from_o which_o observe_v that_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o service_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n than_o any_o outward_a relation_n to_o he_o better_o be_v christ_n bondman_n than_o his_o kinsman_n inward_a privilege_n be_v more_o honourable_a than_o carnal_a mary_n be_v happy_a in_o carry_v christ_n in_o her_o heart_n then_o in_o her_o womb_n john_n glory_v more_o to_o be_v christ_n servant_n than_o his_o cousin_n mat._n 12.47_o 48_o etc._n etc._n christ_n profess_v that_o they_o be_v his_o kindred_n who_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o he_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n in_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v as_o sure_a of_o his_o love_n and_o acceptation_n as_o any_o of_o his_o near_a friend_n or_o kinsman_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v man_n great_a honour_n to_o be_v christ_n servant_n it_o be_v a_o curse_n upon_o cain_n gen._n 9_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o servant_n but_o to_o be_v christ_n servant_n be_v not_o only_o free_a but_o noble_a john_n though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a pillar_n a_o prophetical_a apostle_n the_o darling_n disciple_n yet_o christ_n call_v he_o but_o his_o servant_n paul_n
his_o church_n for_o the_o service_n thereof_o god_n first_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n when_o john_n be_v but_o upon_o enter_v upon_o his_o prophetical_a office_n god_n ravish_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o fill_v he_o therewith_o to_o fit_v he_o for_o this_o office_n when_o man_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o for_o the_o low_a service_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o like_a yet_o they_o must_v be_v man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o much_o more_o than_o for_o the_o high_a place_n as_o prophet_n pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o work_n act_v 11.24_o and_o 13.2_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o those_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o in_o some_o fullness_n of_o it_o those_o place_n be_v not_o for_o such_o as_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n covetousness_n pride_n the_o world_n contention_n ignorance_n and_o antichristian_a lord_v such_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v well_o say_v of_o such_o that_o they_o run_v for_o profit_n here_o and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o lord_n send_v they_o not_o jer._n 14.14_o and_o 23.21_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o be_v call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n because_o god_n have_v give_v they_o some_o common_a acquire_v gift_n and_o part_n yet_o want_v all_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o meekness_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o this_o world_n humility_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n ready_a to_o forgive_v sound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o that_o want_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o fit_a for_o those_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v satisfy_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o let_v this_o be_v as_o a_o memento_n to_o all_o such_o that_o climb_v over_o the_o wall_n into_o those_o holy_a function_n and_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o a_o call_n from_o man_n when_o they_o be_v never_o call_v of_o god_n i_o say_v let_v all_o such_o fear_n and_o tremble_v lest_o god_n spew_v they_o all_o our_o together_o with_o their_o flock_n that_o will_v have_v it_o so_o in_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o john_n be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a whether_o this_o day_n be_v here_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o those_o vision_n make_v unto_o john_n upon_o this_o day_n or_o because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o assemble_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o perform_v their_o service_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o same_o day_n with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o our_o christian_n sabbath_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o contend_v but_o rather_o be_o incline_v unto_o the_o latter_a for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n on_o that_o day_n wherein_o he_o be_v manifest_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n over_o hell_n and_o satan_n purchase_v it_o that_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n second_o because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n with_o all_o christian_n public_a service_n be_v transfer_v to_o that_o day_n and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o according_a to_o the_o scottish_a dialect_n the_o kirk_n day_n the_o church_n day_n because_o they_o hold_v their_o assembly_n and_o perform_v their_o public_a service_n upon_o that_o day_n hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o the_o great_a and_o public_a assembling_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o god_n high_a discovery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n receive_v here_o on_o this_o day_n his_o high_a irradiation_n of_o spirit_n and_o prophecy_n this_o be_v god_n great_a market_n day_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o mutual_a exchange_n or_o barter_v of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a commodity_n the_o saint_n come_v with_o the_o return_n of_o their_o improvement_n of_o mercy_n in_o praise_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n god_n give_v out_o in_o return_n far_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o his_o way_n and_o truth_n therefore_o sure_a most_o happy_a most_o know_a and_o most_o gracious_a be_v those_o saint_n that_o be_v most_o find_v in_o this_o way_n o_o this_o shall_v make_v all_o of_o we_o that_o be_v not_o in_o this_o way_n to_o wail_v for_o it_o as_o david_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o exile_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o special_a habitation_n of_o god_n glory_n psal_n 96.6_o and_o to_o breath_n after_o it_o even_o as_o the_o hart_n bray_v after_o the_o fountain_n stream_n for_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n assembling_n wherein_o the_o angel_n come_v down_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n christ_n in_o spirit_n to_o stir_v upon_o the_o water_n of_o bethesda_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o his_o people_n when_o john_n be_v in_o this_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o he_o hear_v behind_o he_o a_o mighty_a voice_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n loud_a and_o terrible_a the_o trumpet_n be_v a_o warlike_a instrument_n who_o sound_n be_v to_o prepare_v unto_o battle_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o adversary_n god_n public_a admonition_n be_v so_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o not_o only_o prepare_v his_o own_o unto_o repentance_n but_o be_v also_o of_o terrible_a signification_n unto_o all_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n but_o here_o come_v in_o a_o question_n fit_a to_o be_v discuss_v john_n have_v here_o his_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n ecstasy_n and_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n the_o quere_z will_v be_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a for_o satan_n be_v god_n ape_n and_o have_v his_o rapture_n possession_n strange_a apparition_n sound_n and_o voice_n also_o for_o answer_v first_o know_v that_o god_n vision_n be_v give_v either_o in_o the_o sleep_n as_o unto_o jacob_n when_o he_o see_v a_o ladder_n reach_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v in_o gen._n 28._o but_o such_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v divine_a dream_n or_o second_o when_o the_o person_n be_v awake_a as_o here_o when_o john_n be_v at_o patmos_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n doubtless_o either_o in_o god_n service_n or_o holy_a contemplation_n he_o receive_v those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n and_o those_o ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o great_a alteration_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v they_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o this_o posture_n and_o frame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n quasi_fw-la extra_fw-la se_fw-la raptus_fw-la be_v in_o that_o posture_n not_o master_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o power_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o act_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o both_o sort_n of_o rapture_n whether_o from_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n now_o to_o discern_v what_o spirit_n move_v in_o such_o rapture_n or_o vision_n observe_v first_o whether_o the_o person_n passive_a or_o that_o be_v under_o such_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n be_v always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o to_o be_v preserve_v against_o the_o evil_a one_o in_o their_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n second_o observe_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o vision_n in_o such_o rapture_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o sinful_a practice_n or_o not_o for_o sure_o satan_n will_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o his_o kingdom_n can_v not_o stand_v though_o i_o have_v read_v a_o story_n in_o some_o old_a popish_a mass-monger_n that_o the_o devil_n once_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o priest_n preach_v a_o very_a catholic_a sermon_n but_o be_v discover_v by_o some_o saint_n in_o presence_n it_o seem_v one_o of_o a_o excellent_a endowment_n in_o discern_a spirit_n ask_v he_o how_o dare_v satan_n to_o appear_v in_o that_o presence_n with_o so_o sound_a holy_a
church_n it_o pass_v my_o skill_n to_o conjecture_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o good_a bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v take_v on_o he_o that_o self-denying_a title_n only_o of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la christi_fw-la a_o servant_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n but_o o_o now_o quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la second_o as_o some_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a interest_n will_v have_v this_o inscription_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v mean_v the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o combine_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v assert_v with_o far_o less_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v inscribe_v unto_o the_o angel_n not_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n neither_o be_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v more_o political_a church_n than_o one_o in_o ephesus_n to_o make_v up_o a_o combination_n of_o divers_a as_o the_o presbytery_n will_v have_v it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a for_o if_o there_o be_v more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o ephesus_n the_o inscription_n will_v run_v more_o rational_o thus_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o they_o will_v object_v as_o i_o have_v find_v that_o one_o of_o their_o learned_a champion_n i_o mean_v m._n rutherford_n former_o have_v do_v that_o angel_n here_o be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o as_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o the_o righteous_a i_o grant_v angel_n in_o that_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o for_o many_o angel_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v so_o in_o this_o place_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la yea_o rather_o a_o foul_a absurdity_n will_v be_v according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o father_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n for_o understand_v that_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v a_o collective_a and_o combine_a body_n of_o many_o elder_n of_o divers_a church_n which_o they_o will_v have_v here_o to_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n all_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a judgement_n do_v intend_v thereby_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o go_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v say_v they_o the_o presbytery_n hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v say_v they_o the_o presbytery_n now_o that_o this_o word_n angel_n will_v stand_v with_o such_o interpretation_n sound_v very_o harsh_o for_o observe_v what_o a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a sound_n and_o sense_n do_v these_o word_n give_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n according_a to_o their_o acceptation_n for_o so_o they_o call_v the_o presbytery_n the_o church_n i_o suppose_v few_o will_v find_v but_o very_o little_a reason_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n yet_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o one_o church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o minister_n so_o there_o may_v be_v in_o ephesus_n many_o teacher_n many_o elder_n many_o deacon_n for_o they_o be_v all_o minister_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o they_o may_v have_v one_o that_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o overseer_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n who_o care_n and_o office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rule_v and_o guide_v the_o flock_n but_o to_o feed_v they_o also_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o his_o ministerial_a service_n above_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o may_v right_o be_v call_v the_o angel_n catexochen_n or_o chief_a messenger_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o these_o admonition_n be_v direct_v and_o so_o i_o take_v the_o word_n angel_n in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v the_o chief_a minister_n to_o wit_n the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o the_o charge_n be_v inscribe_v and_o this_o be_v onesimus_n as_o eusebius_n justify_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 35._o out_o of_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n observe_v from_o this_o former_a discourse_n note_n that_o the_o pastor_n and_o chief_a minister_n of_o church_n be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n to_o receive_v and_o deliver_v christ_n message_n and_o intendment_n unto_o his_o church_n they_o can_v do_v it_o authoritative_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_n unto_o that_o end_n other_o of_o private_a capacity_n can_v do_v it_o only_o charitative_o virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gift_n by_o way_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n the_o charge_n here_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o it_o be_v the_o rather_o inscribe_v and_o direct_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n for_o sundry_a reason_n first_o that_o it_o may_v have_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v second_o that_o it_o may_v be_v set_v home_o on_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o vigour_n for_o admonition_n or_o reproof_n come_v from_o pastor_n or_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o nail_n drive_v by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n three_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o more_o faithfulness_n for_o they_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o christ_n flock_n four_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o more_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o they_o be_v the_o shepherd_n or_o pastor_n of_o christ_n flock_n to_o feed_v and_o heal_v they_o notto_n wound_n or_o destroy_v they_o five_o and_o last_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a experience_n for_o they_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o our_o spiritual_a malady_n and_o know_v their_o several_a cure_n and_o be_v the_o best_a physician_n next_z and_z subordinate_a to_o christ_n for_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o world_n o_o let_v we_o therefore_o give_v they_o due_a honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v most_o commendable_a and_o worthy_a of_o a_o sound_n christian_n to_o all_o christ_n true_a and_o faithful_a minister_n and_o ambassador_n of_o his_o word_n and_o gospel_n who_o christ_n have_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n bishop_n pastor_n elder_n and_o the_o like_a let_v we_o not_o dishonour_n vilify_v or_o upbraid_v with_o any_o brand_a or_o unworthy_a title_n whatsoever_o observe_v 2._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v hence_o note_n that_o every_o right_o constitute_v and_o well_o order_v church_n aught_o to_o have_v their_o angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n over_o they_o every_o golden_a candlestick_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o burn_a lamp_n within_o they_o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o come_v before_o they_o see_v more_o hereon_o on_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n yet_o in_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o the_o be_v and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n do_v remain_v whole_o in_o the_o officer_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o believer_n the_o essential_a matter_n thereof_o primary_o and_o chief_o so_o that_o i_o here_o intend_v the_o well-being_n of_o a_o church_n not_o the_o be_v thereof_o and_o so_o i_o affirm_v that_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o close_o with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n though_o without_o ministerial_a officer_n yet_o may_v be_v for_o the_o essential_a matter_n term_v a_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o a_o political_a organical_a one_o which_o have_v the_o high_a and_o great_a glory_n on_o it_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o first_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o exercise_n only_o of_o some_o ordinance_n within_o themselves_o as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o latter_a have_v the_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a gospel_n patent_n and_o commission_n even_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o unto_o excommunication_n and_o high_a censure_n which_o can_v right_o be_v execute_v out_o of_o political_a church_n which_o be_v mere_o act_n of_o power_n office_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o smyrna_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n some_o hence_o absurd_o reason_n for_o a_o national_a church_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o ephesus_n at_o smyrna_n at_o corinth_n at_o rome_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o in_o rome_n all_o in_o corinth_n all_o in_o ephesus_n must_v be_v the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a fond_a reason_n this_o be_v to_o argue_v that_o nero_n that_o bloody_a heathenish_a tyrant_n with_o his_o whole_a household_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o himself_o in_o barbarous_a cruelty_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n in_o nero_n house_n and_o though_o there_o be_v the_o
church_n of_o christ_n in_o ephesus_n yet_o i_o presume_v on_o good_a ground_n that_o most_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o ephesus_n cry_v up_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o though_o there_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n in_o rome_n corinth_n smyrna_n pergamus_n and_o other_o place_n mention_v in_o scripture_n yet_o we_o know_v by_o good_a history_n that_o the_o national_a worship_n and_o religion_n be_v ethnic_a unto_o jupiter_n mars_n sol_n venus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o indeed_o i_o confess_v a_o church_n may_v be_v call_v the_o national_a church_n as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n of_o england_n of_o france_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o member_n or_o person_n of_o that_o nation_n but_o herein_o we_o have_v no_o difference_n the_o controversy_n be_v not_o about_o word_n but_o thing_n real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o as_o when_o they_o affirm_v every_o individual_a and_o singular_a parochial_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v particular_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n constitute_v of_o its_o singular_a part_n if_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n be_v the_o church_n what_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o profane_a therein_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v of_o england_n scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n to_o be_v the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o those_o expression_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o far_o at_o present_a have_v do_v with_o the_o inscription_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v know_v from_o who_o this_o subsequent_a message_n come_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o hold_v and_o keep_v in_o his_o fatherly_a hand_n of_o protection_n his_o faithful_a minister_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o his_o church_n for_o glory_n peruse_v the_o sixteenth_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o who_o walk_v that_o be_v be_v in_o active_a posture_n ready_a to_o observe_v all_o the_o do_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o all_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n consult_v more_o at_o large_a with_o v._o 13._o &_o 20._o of_o c._n 1._o from_o christ_n posture_n of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n note_n that_o christ_n be_v very_a intent_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o providential_a observation_n and_o that_o for_o their_o good_a over_o all_o his_o faithful_a church_n this_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n view_v the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v proficient_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o canticle_n cap_n 6._o 11._o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o garden_n of_o nut_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o valley_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o the_o vine_n flourish_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v christ_n be_v now_o view_v his_o church_n grace_n take_v delight_n therein_o and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n that_o the_o crown_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o also_o take_v a_o special_a notice_n of_o their_o backslide_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o deceitfulness_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v loathe_v they_o and_o return_v unto_o their_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n at_o his_o departure_n leave_v as_o his_o last_o comfort_v legacy_n with_o his_o afflict_a church_n matth._n 28.20_o that_o though_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n yet_o in_o his_o providential_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n teach_v direct_a counsel_v support_v and_o comfort_v they_o he_o will_v be_v ever_o with_o they_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o forbear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v see_v thy_o work_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o our_o knowledge_n be_v mix_v and_o join_v with_o much_o imperfection_n and_o at_o best_a be_v but_o a_o mix_a act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o so_o to_o know_v a_o thing_n by_o a_o human_a capacity_n be_v to_o understand_v it_o and_o the_o nature_n thereof_o in_o the_o high_a notion_n that_o its_o capable_a of_o comprehension_n and_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n in_o the_o understanding_n the_o affection_n or_o will_n be_v misplace_v and_o so_o become_v erroneous_a and_o sinful_a for_o a_o mind_n not_o well_o inform_v or_o a_o ignorant_a soul_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v a_o good_a or_o a_o godly_a one_o for_o without_o this_o light_n the_o judgement_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v often_o lead_v astray_o to_o that_o which_o be_v only_o good_a in_o appearance_n and_o to_o contemn_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o here_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n in_o this_o person_n christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o therefore_o all_o our_o work_n be_v patent_n and_o open_a before_o he_o his_o judgement_n or_o affection_n can_v be_v mislead_v to_o approve_v of_o thing_n and_o work_n that_o shall_v not_o or_o disapprove_v of_o work_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v approve_v he_o be_v god_n and_o can_v be_v deceive_v on_o any_o false_a pretence_n he_o see_v our_o work_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n we_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n by_o medium_n mixt_o weak_o and_o imperfect_o he_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n simple_o absolute_o and_o most_o perfect_o the_o eye_n itself_o can_v want_v sight_n nor_o the_o sun_n want_v light_n neither_o can_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o present_a temporal_a world_n or_o his_o church_n this_o spiritual_a world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o he_o or_o their_o handy_a work_n christ_n see_v and_o know_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n full_o what_o be_v approvable_a and_o what_o be_v disapprovable_a in_o they_o hence_o note_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a censurer_n of_o his_o church_n work_n he_o forbid_v to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n he_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o travel_n patience_n and_o sufferance_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o so_o place_v his_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o complacency_n thereon_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v evil_a in_o they_o he_o can_v bear_v without_o a_o reproof_n as_o it_o be_v defection_n or_o failure_n in_o its_o first_o love_n and_o ardent_a affection_n which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n bear_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o vers_n 4._o christ_n also_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n but_o in_o another_o tone_n not_o of_o approbation_n but_o of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n he_o say_v to_o sardis_n cap._n 3._o 1._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o in_o verse_n 15._o he_o fall_v upon_o laodicea_n and_o tell_v they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n will_v not_o palliate_v or_o lie_v cushion_n under_o great_a one_o elbow_n and_o prophesy_v smooth_a thing_n unto_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o whilst_o they_o be_v most_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n and_o heart_n have_v not_o god_n a_o controversy_n of_o old_a with_o his_o israel_n for_o this_o
hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a christian_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o reprove_v the_o false_a teacher_n and_o evil_a worker_n the_o great_a hinderer_n at_o present_a of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n not_o consider_v that_o their_o lust_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o if_o christ_n witness_n speak_v against_o they_o in_o faithfulness_n they_o be_v present_o brand_v as_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o faction_n and_o often_o suffer_v for_o it_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v their_o portion_n herein_o of_o travel_n and_o patience_n for_o their_o integrity_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n against_o these_o teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n in_o that_o primitive_a age_n so_o near_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o under_o the_o fall_n away_o and_o antichrist_n dominion_n christ_n faithful_a witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
lay_v home_o close_o on_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o her_o prophetic_a delusion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v alone_o in_o the_o angel_n power_n of_o thyatira_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o balaamitish_a prophet_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v especial_o lay_v the_o burden_n and_o reproof_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o superintendent_o of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v clear_o notify_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v whole_o lay_v home_o upon_o the_o church_n v._o 17._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o i_o grant_v the_o eldership_n or_o officer_n may_v be_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o again_o the_o church_n mouth_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n agitate_v in_o his_o name_n and_o be_v to_o precede_v in_o many_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o charge_n for_o admission_n and_o entertainment_n of_o heterodoxy_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sole_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o hence_o this_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o those_o that_o be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o evil_n have_v a_o indubitable_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o either_o not_o to_o admit_v it_o or_o be_v admit_v to_o try_v it_o and_o cut_v it_o off_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o end_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o corruption_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a but_o this_o shall_v suffice_v herein_o see_v more_o hereon_o v._o 20._o follow_v object_n but_o be_v not_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o raise_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n so_o high_a as_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v negative_o for_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n receive_v no_o diminution_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o subordinate_a minister_n of_o state_n to_o receive_v that_o honour_n due_a unto_o their_o place_n neither_o so_o do_v the_o word_n lose_v at_o all_o of_o its_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o church_n have_v its_o due_a honour_n put_v upon_o it_o also_o indeed_o the_o word_n be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la the_o standard_n the_o rule_n and_o light_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o its_o self_n infallible_a must_v needs_o be_v above_o the_o authority_n and_o of_o a_o sure_a testimony_n then_o that_o which_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o fallibility_n and_o imperfection_n as_o the_o choice_a and_o pure_a church_n ever_o be_v as_o those_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o law_n of_o mere_a humane_a institution_n be_v repute_v of_o so_o high_a authority_n that_o it_o bind_v the_o legislator_n themselves_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v above_o those_o that_o make_v it_o but_o much_o more_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o law_n and_o his_o reveal_v mind_n come_v from_o so_o infinite_a and_o unerrable_a a_o legislator_n as_o god_n be_v so_o far_o transcend_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o judicature_n on_o earth_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o infinite_a do_v a_o finite_a creature_n therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v know_v have_v such_o a_o perfection_n in_o it_o that_o whosoever_o be_v conversant_a therein_o it_o be_v able_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o work_n the_o word_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o dial_n if_o the_o dial_n be_v set_v right_o to_o the_o sun_n it_o will_v give_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o day_n so_o if_o the_o church_n give_v a_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o square_a and_o scantling_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n but_o otherwise_o to_o make_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr and_o to_o conclude_v unto_o the_o church_n dictate_v be_v a_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o dial_n which_o will_v prove_v aethiopiam_fw-la lware_v and_o most_o irrational_a so_o that_o church_n that_o keep_v herself_o within_o her_o own_o sphere_n and_o try_v and_o examine_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v heterodox_n and_o unsound_a by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a light_n and_o infallible_a cynosure_n doubtless_o that_o church_n will_v be_v lead_v and_o preserve_v in_o all_o truth_n but_o if_o any_o one_o so_o far_o exalt_v its_o self_n as_o to_o conclude_v for_o truth_n its_o own_o dictate_v dissentaneous_a unto_o the_o word_n but_o suit_v with_o self-interest_n and_o design_n the_o first_o may_v be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n both_o precious_a and_o famous_a for_o its_o faith_n integrity_n and_o justice_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o latter_a will_n soon_o degenerate_a into_o a_o harlot-church_n if_o not_o soon_o become_v apostate_n to_o the_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n wherein_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o walk_v in_o as_o his_o garden_n enclose_v to_o view_v their_o pleasant_a fruit_n but_o the_o other_o christ_n will_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o rot_a tree_n that_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n observe_v 4._o another_o observation_n be_v that_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n and_o church_n there_o be_v find_v great_a corruption_n both_o in_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v find_v both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d evil_a one_o and_o false_a one_o such_o as_o pretend_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v find_v liar_n and_o deceiver_n among_o the_o twelve_o there_o be_v a_o judas_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o the_o world_n and_o church_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o boundary_n in_o eight_o person_n only_o yet_o one_o be_v a_o cham_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o cain_n when_o it_o be_v of_o a_o lesser_a number_n and_o but_o four_o in_o the_o world_n but_o here_o obiter_fw-la and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n decretive_a will_n and_o his_o preceptive_a will._n his_o voluntas_fw-la bene_fw-la placiti_fw-la and_o voluntas_fw-la signi_fw-la as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o or_o his_o will_n of_o purpose_n and_o his_o will_n of_o good_a pleasure_n not_o that_o there_o be_v two_o will_n in_o god_n but_o several_a and_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n as_o by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o love_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o hate_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o purpose_v one_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o command_v another_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o two_o contradictory_n will_n but_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n diversa_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la contraria_fw-la now_o though_o god_n may_v in_o his_o providential_a wisdom_n ordain_v false_a teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n for_o divers_a end_n know_v unto_o god_n and_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o hence_o argue_v either_o for_o admission_n of_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o their_o toleration_n therein_o after_o a_o discovery_n for_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o admit_v not_o such_o be_v know_v into_o the_o consortship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v admit_v upon_o discovery_n we_o tolerate_v they_o not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o tolerate_v quiet_o within_o the_o church_n then_o doubtless_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v not_o receive_v that_o encomium_fw-la and_o well_o do_v for_o their_o zeal_n against_o they_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o worthy_a reproof_n for_o the_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o one_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n and_o obey_v christ_n preceptive_a will_n and_o have_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o the_o other_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o just_a check_n lay_v upon_o she_o so_o that_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v state_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la non_fw-la de_fw-la facto_fw-la i_o confess_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la there_o may_v be_v evil_a person_n false_a teacher_n in_o the_o best_a church_n and_o pure_a time_n but_o de_fw-la
only_o temporary_a and_o for_o that_o age_n and_o season_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o promulgate_v and_o plant_v and_o for_o this_o purpose_n do_v urge_v that_o other_o text_n of_o paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o god_n have_v ordain_v some_o in_o his_o church_n as_o first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n then_o they_o that_o do_v miracle_n after_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o hence_o do_v argue_v that_o because_o some_o officer_n that_o be_v here_o number_v up_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o for_o that_o first_o age_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n heal_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o function_n be_v cease_v also_o with_o they_o which_o be_v as_o they_o say_v for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o for_o its_o growth_n and_o continuance_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o distinguish_v between_o time_n and_o person_n and_o grant_v that_o officer_n since_o christ_n time_n have_v not_o that_o measure_n of_o unction_n and_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n as_o the_o first_o apostle_n have_v yet_o withal_o assert_v that_o for_o all_o what_o the_o contrary_a mind_a say_v be_v but_o petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la for_o they_o only_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v but_o temporary_a for_o the_o first_o age_n but_o prove_v it_o not_o and_o though_o they_o rank_v it_o up_o among_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a gift_n and_o office_n that_o be_v inter_v yet_o to_o persuade_v the_o ingenious_a they_o shall_v inform_v where_o in_o the_o temple_n i_o mean_v god_n word_n be_v their_o grave_n to_o be_v find_v they_o may_v from_o this_o last_o scripture_n as_o just_o argue_v that_o the_o gift_n and_o function_n of_o teacher_n prophet_n help_n and_o government_n be_v also_o cease_v in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a miracle_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v in_o and_o among_o which_o catalogue_n they_o be_v also_o rank_v second_o this_o tenent_n of_o the_o opponent_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n and_o i_o presume_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n of_o late_a in_o hatch_n and_o cherish_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o seeker_n and_o antiscripturists_a for_o when_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o repute_a orthodox_n that_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a office_n as_o apostle_n gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n they_o forthwith_o rejoin_v and_o object_n why_o if_o some_o gift_n be_v evacuate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o virtue_n in_o they_o as_o you_o confess_v why_o not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o catalogue_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o some_o be_v cease_v they_o pertinacious_o affirm_v that_o all_o other_o office_n and_o ordinance_n be_v null_n and_o defunct_a also_o be_v only_o for_o that_o age_n and_o ministration_n and_o to_o that_o end_n do_v interpret_v that_o promise_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a support_n and_o presence_n with_o his_o church_n in_o the_o last_o of_o mattheâ—_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n or_o all_o generation_n yet_o they_o for_o their_o own_o interest_n render_v to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n and_o so_o consequential_o deny_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o church_n without_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v without_o officer_n according_a to_o that_o of_o rom._n 10._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v this_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o assert_v that_o relaxation_n of_o some_o office_n and_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o evidence_v where_o their_o grave_n lie_v or_o their_o repeal_v three_o i_o answer_v that_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n be_v strong_o convince_a for_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o those_o office_n that_o be_v there_o recount_v which_o christ_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o some_o be_v for_o the_o church_n then_o in_o be_v of_o that_o present_a age_n and_o the_o rest_n for_o futurity_n to_o continue_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v evince_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n cuibono_n to_o what_o end_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o will_v antiquery_a be_v the_o saint_n all_o perfect_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n at_o a_o end_n be_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o sufficient_o edify_v and_o confirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o to_o a_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v none_o will_v affirm_v it_o unless_o the_o perfectist_n and_o quaker_n but_o here_o again_o they_o will_v say_v we_o grant_v ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o work_n until_o we_o all_o come_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n but_o extraordinary_a officer_n as_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v i_o answer_v again_o this_o be_v assert_v and_o not_o prove_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o affirm_v that_o those_o which_o be_v call_v the_o stand_v ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o their_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o unction_n though_o differ_v in_o measure_n with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o sometime_o apostle_n pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v take_v as_o synonima_n though_o real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o gift_n and_o office_n as_o to_o instance_n james_n the_o first_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v also_o a_o pillar_n and_o a_o apostle_n john_n the_o great_a and_o belove_a apostle_n be_v in_o his_o epistle_n call_v the_o elder_a and_o in_o that_o great_a synodical_a assembly_n act_v 15._o the_o elder_n be_v in_o joint_a commission_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v man_n of_o a_o extraorindary_a spirit_n also_o as_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o first_o unction_n as_o stephen_n ananias_n barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o go_v abroad_o upon_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preach_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o where_o act_n 8._o object_n but_o here_o some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o level_v all_o officer_n and_o to_o make_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v not_o at_o all_o for_o though_o i_o grant_v some_o purity_n in_o their_o gift_n be_v both_o extraordinary_a in_o their_o first_o unction_n yet_o the_o first_o twelve_o in_o some_o act_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1.22_o when_o the_o eleven_o choose_v mathias_n into_o judas_n bishopric_n peter_n urge_v that_o one_o must_v be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o they_o of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o they_o can_v attest_v as_o truth_n as_o eye_n witness_n be_v with_o jesus_n all_o the_o time_n he_o go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o and_o herein_o they_o surpass_v all_o other_o that_o come_v after_o second_o they_o excel_v all_o other_o officer_n in_o that_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o christ_n to_o convert_v disciple_n and_o baptize_v all_o nation_n into_o the_o faith_n but_o all_o other_o officer_n have_v it_o derivative_o from_o they_o three_o they_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o gift_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o adjoin_v to_o their_o ministry_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v very_o inconsequent_a that_o the_o whole_a apostolic_a office_n be_v quite_o cease_v to_o the_o church_n because_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n be_v cease_v which_o
by_o interpose_v a_o intervening_a necessity_n and_o clear_a obstacle_n thereunto_o and_o therein_o god_n love_v obedience_n better_o than_o sacrifice_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o first_o ministerial_a reformer_n never_o maintain_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o ministry_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n lineal_o through_o the_o loin_n of_o antichrist_n but_o only_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o all_o age_n be_v by_o the_o invisible_a church_n maintain_v and_o assert_v sometime_o with_o more_o perspicuity_n and_o visibility_n than_o other_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o officer_n and_o ministry_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o must_v needs_o also_o grant_v a_o perpetual_a and_o necessary_a visibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o consequential_o a_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o how_o a_o true_a christian_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o antichristian_a state_n in_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n as_o i_o former_o say_v i_o know_v not_o or_o how_o the_o same_o state_n can_v be_v both_o mere_o antichristian_a and_o christian_n a_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o a_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n a_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o oâ—_n idol_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a and_o justifiable_a call_n respect_v the_o essence_n thereof_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o foundation_n aright_o of_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o otherwise_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o many_o circumstantial_a point_n yet_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o may_v more_o comfortable_o be_v receive_v from_o one_o church_n then_o another_o as_o former_o be_v evince_v the_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o sound_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o sound_a spiritual_a and_o edify_v their_o ministerial_a function_n be_v the_o more_o loose_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o loose_v their_o ministerial_a call_n will_v be_v therefore_o the_o godly_a church_n and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o mission_n ministerial_a call_v and_o office_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o repair_v unto_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v then_o of_o the_o present_a ministry_n of_o england_n as_o now_o constitute_v who_o as_o presbyter_n ordain_v one_o another_o to_o their_o ministerial_a office_n who_o be_v first_o ordain_v themselves_o by_o the_o late_a bishop_n and_o so_o hold_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o as_o from_o true_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v but_o contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cloud_v my_o judgement_n in_o any_o thing_n if_o the_o english_a presbytery_n as_o the_o helvetian_a and_o genevan_n have_v do_v to_o their_o perpetual_a glory_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o antichristian_a whore_n and_o so_o public_o renounce_v all_o ministerial_a call_v as_o derive_v from_o she_o than_o i_o grant_v such_o ministry_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o though_o collate_v of_o office_n mere_o as_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n without_o the_o just_a assent_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o church_n be_v not_o so_o justifiable_a as_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o evince_v but_o if_o they_o maintain_v their_o call_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v good_a as_o by_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n they_o have_v utter_o nullify_v and_o undo_v their_o case_n and_o their_o call_n too_o in_o my_o judgement_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v for_o what_o be_v not_o good_a and_o justifiable_a in_o the_o fountain_n and_o first_o origin_n can_v be_v make_v justifiable_a by_o succession_n in_o the_o stream_n and_o branch_n a_o pollute_a fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a wholesome_a stream_n causa_fw-la causae_fw-la causa_fw-la causati_fw-la if_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a as_o most_o of_o they_o grant_v though_o both_o name_n and_o office_n be_v warrantable_a in_o a_o gospel_n regulate_v sense_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o first_o mission_n and_o call_v how_o then_o come_v their_o call_n more_o warrantable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o author_n and_o founder_n if_o bishop_n in_o their_o ministry_n be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_n how_o come_v they_o to_o supplant_v they_o and_o pull_v they_o down_o christ_n ministry_n be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o desolate_v and_o dethrone_v brethren_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a function_n but_o rather_o for_o consolidate_v and_o confirm_v therefore_o sure_o there_o be_v somewhat_o amiss_o all_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v stand_v to_o this_o day_n witness_v the_o national_a covenant_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o constitute_v in_o england_n be_v of_o the_o off_o spring_n and_o brood_n of_o babylon_n they_o always_o hold_v their_o call_n good_a as_o ministerial_a bishop_n have_v their_o personal_a call_v from_o such_o successive_o as_o first_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a or_o justifiable_a in_o the_o succession_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v as_o some_o say_v to_o salve_v it_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o church_n of_o invisible_a saint_n under_o antichrist_n because_o they_o must_v prove_v themselves_o then_o to_o succeed_v that_o very_a church_n or_o those_o very_a invisible_a saint_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o that_o those_o very_a saint_n be_v ministerial_a officer_n or_o presbyter_n or_o else_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o man_n may_v be_v saint_n but_o not_o ministerial_o saint_n send_v or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o they_o have_v the_o alone_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o in_o want_n of_o such_o true_a ministerial_a presbyter_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v either_o unavoidable_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n their_o ministerial_a office_n void_a and_o null_a or_o otherwise_o plain_o concede_fw-la that_o they_o have_v it_o derivative_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o what_o a_o sorry_a call_n that_o be_v if_o at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v call_v i_o have_v former_o evince_v and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o law_n that_o quod_fw-la initio_fw-la vitiosum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr poor_a tractu_fw-la temporis_fw-la convalescere_fw-la see_v more_o hereon_o du_n plessis_n treat_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 3624._o and_o bishop_n jewel_n defen_n apolog._n part_n 2._o page_n 131._o who_o be_v witness_n without_o exception_n manifest_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v observe_v from_o this_o observe_v that_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n be_v great_a persecuter_n of_o the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v suffer_v much_o from_o such_o false_a teacher_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a be_v always_o against_o the_o true_a one_o and_o cause_v they_o often_o to_o be_v smite_v and_o afflict_v as_o micaiah_n be_v jeer_v by_o zedekiah_n which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n from_o i_o to_o thou_o 1_o king_n 22._o 2_o 4._o and_o that_o not_o all_o but_o be_v smite_v disgraceful_o on_o the_o check_n also_o shemaiah_n stir_v up_o the_o authority_n against_o jeremiah_n the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o will_v have_v cast_v he_o in_o the_o prison_n jer._n 29.24_o yea_o say_v ezekiel_n 22.25_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o her_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o not_o only_o like_o fox_n but_o even_o like_a lion_n raven_v the_o prey_n these_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v always_o very_o pernicious_a to_o god_n true_a church_n what_o great_a persecuter_n arrius_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o athanasius_n and_o the_o orthodox_n they_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a that_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o not_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o by_o incense_a the_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o how_o willing_o will_v pilate_n release_v christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o follower_n false_a prophet_n still_o exclaim_v and_o fastigate_v the_o magistrate_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o
satan_n law_n nor_o the_o second_o death_n can_v take_v hold_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v for_o he_o for_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v rise_v for_o their_o justification_n therefore_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o danger_n of_o miscarry_v and_o so_o may_v just_o triumph_v and_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n hell_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 15._o verse_n 12._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n write_v this_o say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n here_o follow_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n it_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n and_o in_o the_o 18._o vers_fw-la follow_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n the_o spirit_n herein_o clear_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o inscription_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o of_o the_o ephesian_a church_n and_o here_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n or_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o significant_a and_o latitude_n and_o therefore_o such_o place_n be_v very_o incongruous_o take_v up_o to_o prove_v a_o church_n of_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o though_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v the_o term_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v always_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n not_o that_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o pergamus_n be_v the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o in_o england_n of_o ephesus_z or_o in_o or_o at_o ephesus_n of_o pergamus_n or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o or_o at_o thyatira_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o safe_a to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o wholesome_a word_n in_o such_o expression_n write_v this_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n set_v himself_o forth_o unto_o each_o church_n in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n in_o a_o general_n and_o full_a appearance_n and_o discovery_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o full_a lustre_n and_o now_o he_o discover_v himself_o by_o part_n unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o several_a want_n and_o imperfection_n where_o by_o the_o way_n take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o christ_n discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o his_o church_n be_v always_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a condition_n to_o afflict_a and_o persecute_v faithful_a church_n as_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n be_v he_o appear_v as_o a_o god_n of_o protection_n and_o salvation_n unto_o they_o as_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n under_o the_o description_n of_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n for_o a_o comfortable_a discovery_n unto_o they_o write_z these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v first_o and_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a but_o now_o unto_o the_o more_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n his_o discovery_n be_v in_o another_o posture_n as_o one_o have_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n v._o 18._o a_o appearance_n of_o indignation_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n faithful_a afflict_a christian_n need_v discovery_n of_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n but_o unfound_a and_o corrupt_a one_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n preach_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o know_v not_o right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v no_o complete_a workman_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n he_o be_v a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a that_o know_v how_o to_o preach_v gospel_n and_o glad_a tiding_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n to_o poor_a humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n but_o hell_n and_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o threat_n be_v not_o contradictory_n be_v wise_o manage_v yet_o in_o this_o appearance_n of_o christ_n of_o have_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n there_o be_v much_o mercy_n in_o it_o for_o understand_v that_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v mean_v his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n confer_v with_o heb._n 4.12_o psal_n 148.6_o and_o 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o for_o that_o be_v two_o edge_a and_o cut_v two_o way_n first_o it_o cut_v off_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o its_o kindly_a operate_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o it_o cut_v confound_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a not_o through_o any_o innate_a quality_n in_o the_o word_n but_o by_o accident_n for_o by_o their_o refusal_n and_o contempt_n thereof_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o author_n and_o instituter_n thereof_o god_n go_v out_o with_o the_o other_o edge_n or_o side_n of_o his_o sword_n against_o they_o on_o his_o black_a and_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o god_n judgement_n towards_o his_o back-slidden_a church_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o mercy_n though_o christ_n appearance_n to_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v much_o in_o wrath_n for_o their_o defilement_n and_o backslide_n yet_o he_o add_v much_o grace_n and_o mercy_n thereunto_o both_o in_o approbation_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o defection_n christ_n give_v always_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n providence_n after_o providence_n and_o mercy_n after_o mercy_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n before_o he_o will_v take_v his_o last_o cause_n of_o judgement_n with_o we_o his_o heart_n be_v still_o towards_o our_o amendment_n though_o he_o be_v provoke_v high_o by_o our_o sin_n against_o we_o and_o who_o but_o a_o heart_n of_o adamant_n will_v not_o believe_v he_o when_o he_o swear_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o the_o very_a weapon_n that_o he_o use_v against_o sinner_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n with_o two_o edge_n it_o heal_v as_o well_o as_o wound_n the_o one_o edge_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o balm_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o other_o with_o the_o gall_n of_o judgement_n verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o helde_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n go_v on_o in_o the_o approbation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o know_v her_o work_n and_o that_o her_o habitation_n or_o domestical_a conversation_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v be_v in_o a_o place_n even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v or_o throne_n be_v as_o the_o orginal_a have_v it_o we_o know_v the_o seat_n or_o throne_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o place_n or_o ensign_n of_o dominion_n rule_n or_o sway_v as_o psal_n 1._o v._n 1._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a that_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o such_o scorner_n as_o go_v on_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o say_v their_o tongue_n be_v their_o own_o who_o shall_v we_o control_v as_o christ_n have_v his_o throne_n and_o seat_n so_o satan_n have_v he_o as_o christ_n go_v out_o as_o a_o absolute_a monarch_n in_o his_o kingdom_n have_v his_o royal_a law_n and_o command_n and_o the_o observer_n thereof_o therein_o so_o satan_n have_v also_o his_o kingdom_n and_o his_o throne_n set_v up_o therein_o where_o his_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o the_o childen_a of_o disobedience_n without_o control_n and_o therefore_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v be_v render_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o another_o variation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o satan_n dwell_v or_o do_v his_o household_n affair_n a_o man_n house_n
or_o habitation_n be_v his_o throne_n or_o his_o castle_n as_o the_o law_n term_n have_v it_o therein_o he_o exercise_v his_o command_n free_o either_o by_o his_o paternal_a or_o magisterial_a authority_n and_o he_o have_v better_a title_n to_o this_o sovereignty_n it_o be_v natural_a &_o moral_a than_o any_o sovereign_n have_v to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o there_o be_v therein_o its_o subject_n who_o obey_v more_o free_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o more_o divine_a oeconomy_n than_o any_o prince_n subject_n whatsoever_o three_o a_o man_n most_o private_a design_n and_o transaction_n be_v agitate_a therein_o four_o a_o man_n therein_o live_v go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o no_o place_n be_v it_o ever_o so_o pleasant_a be_v so_o complacent_fw-la to_o a_o man_n as_o the_o place_n of_o his_o own_o habitation_n be_v it_o never_o so_o homely_a and_o therefore_o a_o man_n will_v not_o spare_v to_o spend_v all_o his_o strength_n wit_n or_o wealth_n to_o defend_v his_o house_n &_o place_n of_o habitation_n against_o all_o pretender_n of_o right_a thereunto_o therefore_o these_o metaphor_n of_o a_o throne_n seat_n house_n or_o habitation_n be_v fit_o take_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v unto_o we_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v his_o strong_a hold_n and_o habitation_n for_o in_o they_o he_o command_v and_o act_n free_o be_v as_o a_o father_n lord_n and_o master_n to_o we_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n for_o his_o servant_n and_o child_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o they_o obey_v free_o and_o without_o any_o regret_n as_o dutiful_a child_n and_o servant_n to_o such_o a_o father_n and_o master_n even_o the_o prince_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n even_o the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o there_o he_o make_v his_o habitation_n there_o he_o live_v and_o transact_v the_o high_a design_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n there_o he_o take_v his_o delight_n to_o dwell_v and_o take_v that_o pleasure_n in_o this_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n that_o before_o he_o will_v forego_v it_o or_o lose_v a_o inch_n of_o his_o possession_n the_o strong_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n must_v first_o come_v even_o christ_n in_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o after_o much_o struggle_a &_o contend_v between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v his_o title_n clear_a and_o evident_a by_o faith_n and_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o he_o will_v be_v dispossess_v of_o his_o ancient_a freehold_n tenor_n yea_o his_o love_n or_o rather_o pernicious_a desire_n to_o his_o old_a habitation_n be_v such_o that_o after_o he_o be_v dispossess_v thereof_o by_o christ_n that_o if_o he_o can_v get_v or_o make_v a_o reentry_n into_o his_o lose_a possession_n by_o his_o diabolical_a stratagem_n and_o temptation_n he_o come_v in_o with_o seven_o fold_n worse_a spirit_n than_o the_o first_o to_o make_v good_a his_o right_n and_o reentry_n if_o he_o may_v and_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o house_n be_v far_o more_o miserable_a then_o at_o the_o first_o o_o therefore_o watch_n and_o be_v prepare_v with_o the_o armoury_n of_o christ_n to_o oppose_v the_o assault_n of_o satan_n you_o believe_v and_o enlighten_v soul_n and_o though_o he_o sometime_o may_v foil_n you_o yet_o let_v he_o not_o overturn_v you_o though_o he_o may_v endeavour_v to_o come_v into_o your_o soul_n yet_o let_v he_o not_o have_v quiet_a possession_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v against_o we_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o and_o through_o christ_n we_o shall_v have_v victory_n note_v hence_o observe_v that_o satan_n rule_v as_o absolute_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n over_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o disobedient_a they_o be_v his_o house_n the_o place_n of_o his_o dwell_n his_o throne_n his_o kingdom_n his_o seat_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o describe_v their_o malignity_n and_o satan_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o they_o be_v call_v satan_n himself_o v._o 10._o the_o better_a to_o manifest_v satan_n seat_n throne_n and_o habitation_n in_o and_o over_o the_o ungodly_a consider_v the_o contrary_a the_o seat_n throne_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n though_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a nature_n be_v illocal_a infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a as_o unto_o any_o place_n or_o form_n yet_o metaphorical_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o in_o any_o special_a manner_n do_v manifest_v his_o glory_n power_n grace_n and_o goodness_n so_o god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v depart_z and_o return_v in_o scripture_n when_o he_o special_o manifest_v himself_o in_o grace_n mercy_n and_o answer_n to_o his_o people_n or_o unto_o any_o particular_a believe_a soul_n and_o when_o god_n withdraw_v that_o appearance_n of_o mercy_n grace_n and_o glory_n nor_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n but_o go_v out_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o than_o he_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v to_o be_v go_v and_o return_v into_o his_o place_n hos_fw-la 5.15_o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v three_o special_a place_n of_o habitation_n seat_n or_o throne_n in_o scripture_n 1._o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o his_o dwell_a place_n isa_n 66.1_o 1_o king_n 8.30_o 2._o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o dwell_v place_n isa_n 57.15_o 1_o jo._n 3.24_o 3._o the_o church_n or_o christ_n zion_n be_v the_o habitation_n and_o tabernacle_n of_o his_o glory_n psal_n 132.13_o the_o church_n be_v the_o place_n where_o god_n communicate_v himself_o and_o give_v his_o answer_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o often_o in_o scripture_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o special_a habitation_n of_o god_n satan_n have_v also_o three_o special_a place_n of_o habitation_n and_o dominion_n in_o scripture_n 1._o in_o hell_n over_o the_o damn_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n 2._o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o habitation_n of_o satan_n ephes_n 2.2_o 3._o his_o throne_n be_v among_o the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o be_v his_o synagogue_n v._o 9_o where_o his_o doctrine_n be_v transact_v and_o maintain_v and_o they_o be_v his_o seat_n and_o throne_n from_o whence_o all_o his_o wicked_a and_o pernicious_a edict_n do_v proceed_v against_o god_n and_o godliness_n psal_n 2.2_o 3._o therefore_o in_o this_o verse_n the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o satan_n bear_v rule_v in_o all_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o hatred_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n without_o controlment_n and_o yet_o to_o thy_o praise_n and_o comfort_n be_v it_o that_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n that_o be_v that_o thou_o do_v constant_o profess_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v to_o deny_v my_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n not_o in_o those_o very_a hot_a and_o persecute_v day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v in_o that_o city_n of_o you_o by_o those_o tyrannical_a person_n there_o in_o who_o satan_n dwell_v and_o prevail_v there_o be_v no_o far_a difficulty_n in_o those_o word_n only_o understand_v that_o antipas_n as_o aretus_n testify_v and_o some_o other_o of_o antiquity_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n to_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o other_o say_v he_o be_v only_o a_o assistant_n to_o the_o church_n however_o this_o bless_a st._n antipas_n policarpus_fw-la and_o some_o other_o be_v the_o first_o martyr_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v note_v obs_n 2._o that_o the_o godly_a by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v dispose_v and_o mingle_v among_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n by_o the_o wiseman_n in_o the_o canticle_n where_o the_o synagogue_n and_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v god_n have_v plant_v those_o asiatic_a church_n righteous_a job_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o brother_n to_o dragon_n and_o a_o companion_n to_o owl_n chap._n 30.29_o and_o holy_a david_n soul_n be_v vex_v by_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n psal_n 120.5_o honest_a heart_a joseph_n have_v his_o habitation_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a egyptian_n and_o there_o
wheresoever_o idolatry_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o church_n looseness_n and_o lasciviousness_n present_o follow_v error_n be_v fruitful_a and_o one_o bring_v forth_o another_o assoon_o as_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n maintain_v the_o eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o be_v the_o service_n of_o devil_n present_o they_o join_v hand_n with_o the_o obscene_a sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n when_o the_o israelite_n join_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o baal_n peor_n numb_a 25._o they_o become_v shameless_a and_o present_o fall_v on_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n in_o ezek._n 8.14_o we_o shall_v read_v that_o there_o be_v jewish_a woman_n weep_v for_o tammuz_o that_o be_v as_o some_o read_v it_o adonis_n or_o a_o idol_n or_o image_n of_o adonis_n who_o be_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o venus_n and_o slay_v by_o a_o boar_n in_o who_o memory_n there_o be_v celebrate_v yearly_a solemnity_n in_o which_o be_v the_o weep_n of_o woman_n or_o as_o junius_n have_v it_o it_o be_v osiris_n a_o idol_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o phoenician_n in_o who_o rite_n they_o forget_v all_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n to_o the_o idol_n so_o corrupt_a be_v false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n that_o it_o and_o filthiness_n do_v usual_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o in_o most_o partâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—he_n jurisdiction_n of_o rome_n but_o especial_o italy_n and_o spain_n â—ein_o the_o great_a and_o most_o notorious_a idolatry_n be_v commit_v and_o countenance_v there_o be_v the_o great_a obscenity_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n yea_o and_o that_o common_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o be_v unnatural_a and_o sodomitish_a and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v name_v among_o christian_n so_o it_o be_v so_o here_o once_o within_o our_o memory_n with_o we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v taste_v the_o same_o grape_n of_o rome_n lust_n be_v soon_o promote_v both_o in_o court_n and_o country_n quest_n but_o if_o you_o here_o demand_v wherein_o lie_v the_o mischievousness_n and_o grievousness_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n i_o answer_v 1._o all_o idolater_n they_o forsake_v the_o true_a god_n 2._o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o form_n of_o creep_a thing_n 3._o they_o thrust_v out_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o their_o holy_a place_n and_o at_o last_o god_n himself_o 4._o they_o slight_a god_n and_o his_o help_n in_o extremity_n and_o call_v to_o their_o idol_n that_o see_v not_o hear_v not_o nor_o understand_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v to_o s._n anthony_n s._n francis_n etc._n etc._n 5._o they_o become_v prodigal_a towards_o their_o idol_n as_o the_o adulterer_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o for_o his_o harlot_n so_o they_o nothing_o too_o much_o for_o their_o idolatrize_a worship_n witness_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n 6._o they_o become_v unclean_a and_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n god_n hate_v 7._o they_o become_v fool_n infatuate_v and_o deliver_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n whilst_o they_o disclaim_v the_o great_a infinite_a glorious_a holy_a and_o alwise_a god_n and_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o adore_v batts_n ox_n mole_n owl_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o little_a piece_n of_o dead_a wood_n metal_n and_o the_o like_a carve_v and_o frame_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n and_o this_o be_v the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o idolater_n who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o strange_a delusion_n and_o believe_v a_o lie_n observe_v 7._o the_o last_o note_n from_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o difficult_a undertake_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v off_o or_o wean_v either_o new_a plant_v church_n or_o new_o reform_v one_o from_o their_o old_a false_a worship_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o the_o new_a plant_v church_n as_o of_o pergamus_n corinth_n and_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_n think_v that_o they_o may_v still_o participate_v of_o their_o former_a sacrifice_n of_o devil_n and_o their_o idolathite_n and_o of_o christ_n table_n also_o but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v very_o bitter_a against_o such_o in_o 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o and_o the_o spirit_n here_o also_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o and_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o the_o pergamitish_a church_n for_o entertainment_n of_o such_o doctrine_n what_o ado_n have_v paul_n also_o to_o take_v off_o the_o believe_a jew_n from_o their_o circumcision_n and_o moysaicall_a rite_n they_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o pedagogy_n of_o moses_n join_v to_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o so_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v no_o less_o than_o a_o full_a council_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v this_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n act_n 15._o and_o what_o a_o difficult_a business_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o reformation_n to_o reform_v up_o full_o all_o the_o world_n know_v what_o uproar_n commotion_n and_o civil_a war_n there_o be_v in_o k._n edward_n the_o sixth_n day_n when_o the_o mass-book_n be_v but_o turn_v into_o english_a as_o some_o of_o k._n edward_n counsellor_n advise_v our_o cornish_a rebel_n who_o be_v then_o in_o arm_n for_o their_o old_a mumpsimus_n and_o popish_a worship_n and_o sure_o luther_n nor_o zuinglius_fw-la nor_o calvin_n can_v go_v on_o with_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o germany_n france_n or_o other_o place_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o unpreparedness_n and_o unsuitable_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o who_o they_o begin_v the_o reformation_n be_v so_o long_a time_n settle_v and_o fix_v upon_o their_o old_a lees_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n for_o they_o to_o go_v far_o through_o with_o it_o than_o be_v fit_a and_o competent_a for_o that_o generation_n who_o always_o reserve_v some_o relic_n remain_v and_o smack_v of_o popery_n though_o the_o main_a work_n be_v beat_v down_o and_o therefore_o some_o heady_a people_n of_o those_o time_n that_o will_v not_o condescend_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o have_v providential_a carriage_n towards_o the_o weak_a and_o dark_a sort_n of_o people_n will_v reform_v thing_n even_o to_o the_o height_n and_o full_a pitch_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n but_o the_o people_n of_o they_o age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o it_o cause_v much_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o through_o intemperate_a zeal_n much_o hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o the_o begin_v reformation_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n but_o since_o in_o many_o place_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o reform_a this_o reformation_n have_v make_v a_o further_a progress_n by_o some_o step_n yet_o still_o among_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a not_o only_o in_o this_o nation_n but_o elsewhere_o there_o be_v some_o remain_v of_o the_o old_a false_a worship_n and_o practice_n and_o a_o lust_a after_o they_o so_o strong_a a_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o our_o predecessor_n practice_n be_v they_o never_o so_o corrupt_a yet_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o that_o reformation_n we_o enjoy_v and_o liberty_n to_o profess_v and_o practice_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o most_o undefiled_a and_o pure_a pattern_n that_o we_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o desire_v more_o on_o our_o own_o part_n or_o what_o great_a blessing_n can_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o be_v protect_v secure_v and_o countenance_v in_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n will_v not_o reform_v in_o such_o a_o day_n when_o public_a edict_n be_v go_v forth_o from_o cyrus_n to_o set_v israel_n free_a i_o wonder_v when_o they_o will_v fall_v upon_o it_o do_v they_o expect_v the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v and_o compel_v all_o unto_o the_o work_n alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o generation_n that_o all_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n in_o a_o whole_a nation_n or_o kingdom_n no_o never_o will_v there_o be_v such_o a_o golden_a age_n until_o christ_n himself_o shall_v come_v with_o the_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o purge_v his_o garner_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o be_v not_o the_o church_n a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n if_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v the_o church_n where_o be_v the_o thorn_n be_v they_o the_o other_o neighbour_n nation_n about_o alas_o they_o be_v lily_n too_o church_n on_o that_o account_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v they_o the_o gentle_a nation_n as_o turk_n persian_n antichristian_o and_o popish_a nation_n as_o italian_n spanish_a french_a &_o c_o alas_o they_o be_v no_o thorn_n to_o you_o the_o reform_a nation_n be_v in_o equal_a balance_n
cap._n 18._o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n joint_a companion_n in_o evil_a the_o one_o uphold_v and_o confirm_v the_o other_o the_o one_o by_o a_o unrighteous_a and_o tyrannical_a sword_n the_o other_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o miracle_n till_o at_o last_o both_o be_v catch_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o army_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n rev._n 19.20_o and_o if_o common_a tribulation_n be_v not_o enough_o for_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n christ_n will_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n wherein_o they_o shall_v roll_n themselves_o in_o grief_n cover_v themselves_o in_o grief_n and_o with_o great_a tribulation_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o wicked_a deed_n and_o practice_n christ_n have_v another_o bed_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n repentance_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n against_o divine_a judgement_n turn_v from_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n will_v turn_v god_n wrath_n from_o we_o and_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v more_o hereon_o about_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 5._o and_o 16_o of_o this_o cap._n verse_n 23._o and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n as_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v her_o child_n beget_v and_o foster_v up_o by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n so_o false_a teacher_n and_o heretic_n have_v their_o child_n also_o beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n and_o nourish_v by_o error_n and_o wickedness_n so_o this_o false_a nicolaitish_a prophetess_n have_v her_o child_n follower_n of_o her_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n we_o read_v of_o her_o adultery_n that_o do_v commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o and_o promote_v her_o doctrine_n of_o idolatry_n equal_o with_o herself_o and_o that_o christ_n will_v cast_v they_o together_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o here_o we_o find_v their_o issue_n child_n of_o the_o same_o curse_a stock_n which_o christ_n will_v aso_n show_v no_o mercy_n to_o but_o kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n that_o be_v will_v sweep_v they_o away_o in_o judgement_n not_o only_o with_o a_o violent_a and_o precipitant_a deatnh_o â—ut_fw-la will_v also_o slay_v they_o with_o a_o death_n eternal_a hence_o note_v observe_v 1._o that_o child_n that_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o their_o wicked_a parent_n be_v envolve_v under_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o themselves_o if_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o our_o father_n sin_n it_o be_v just_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o punishment_n if_o we_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o our_o faithful_a parent_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o they_o of_o our_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n the_o child_n shall_v not_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o parent_n nor_o shall_v the_o child_n be_v save_v for_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o his_o parent_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o as_o for_o the_o little_a one_o that_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a sin_n or_o faith_n their_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n that_o show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v rom._n 9_o quest._n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o little_a child_n which_o be_v innocent_a nor_o ever_o yet_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n together_o in_o judgement_n with_o their_o parent_n answ_n little_a child_n that_o have_v never_o commit_v actual_a sin_n even_o babe_n new_o bear_v or_o in_o the_o womb_n doubtless_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o many_o in_o sodom_n and_o yet_o without_o impeachment_n of_o or_o derogation_n to_o divine_a justice_n first_o god_n can_v do_v it_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o potter_n he_o that_o make_v the_o vessel_n can_v break_v it_o he_o that_o give_v life_n to_o babe_n can_v take_v it_o away_o and_o who_o can_v say_v why_o do_v thou_o this_o second_o all_o infant_n be_v defile_v with_o original_a sin_n and_o as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n so_o god_n can_v just_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a as_o the_o due_a wage_n thereof_o together_o with_o their_o parent_n three_o little_a child_n be_v part_n of_o their_o parent_n substance_n and_o family_n and_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v the_o live_a parent_n in_o his_o child_n by_o death_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o of_o his_o stock_n and_o substance_n as_o by_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n four_o though_o god_n may_v often_o sweep_v away_o in_o his_o temporal_a judgement_n many_o little_a innocent_a child_n as_o by_o the_o sword_n famine_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o not_o perish_v eternal_o for_o violent_a or_o sudden_a death_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n to_o they_o for_o many_o precious_a soul_n expire_v by_o a_o more_o terrible_a and_o violent_a death_n then_o that_o of_o the_o sword_n pestilence_n or_o famine_n five_o and_o last_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o the_o better_a support_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o faithful_a parent_n for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o their_o little_a innocent_a die_a infant_n whether_o they_o be_v take_v off_o by_o god_n either_o by_o a_o ordinary_a death_n or_o in_o a_o common_a judgement_n let_v they_o understand_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n with_o christ_n for_o all_o his_o elect_a one_o gal._n 3.16_o isa_n 53.11_o 12._o and_o though_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n die_v before_o they_o can_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n yet_o the_o choose_v once_o in_o christ_n be_v secure_a by_o virtue_n of_o god_n eternal_a love_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n be_v choose_v in_o he_o from_o all_o eternity_n ephes_n 1.14_o and_o let_v i_o with_o reverence_n speak_v it_o christ_n may_v as_o soon_o perish_v as_o one_o of_o they_o he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o the_o member_n make_v up_o one_o mystical_a church_n have_v god_n ever_o clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o sufficient_a price_n and_o ransom_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o all_o his_o ever_o belove_a choose_v one_o and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o predeterminate_a love_n as_o god_n be_v towards_o his_o elect_n and_o such_o a_o inestimable_a and_o complete_a price_n pay_v for_o they_o as_o christ_n death_n be_v how_o can_v any_o such_o possible_o perish_v without_o violation_n and_o impeachment_n both_o of_o divine_a love_n and_o divine_a justice_n this_o be_v a_o sure_a ground_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o some_o die_a infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n then_o that_o that_o some_o arminianise_a person_n of_o these_o day_n do_v make_v to_o wit_n the_o parent_n faith_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o infant_n be_v salvation_n die_v infant_n with_o those_o of_o that_o persuasion_n i_o leave_v these_o few_o follow_a consideration_n first_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o produce_v that_o grant_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o infant_n salvation_n die_v so_o but_o this_o will_v be_v do_v ad_fw-la graecas_fw-la calendas_fw-la it_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o popery_n to_o be_v true_a second_o if_o some_o die_a infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v save_v on_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n than_o all_o be_v so_o save_v that_o die_v so_o before_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o condition_n by_o their_o own_o actual_a transgression_n and_o if_o all_o of_o they_o be_v save_v die_v so_o than_o happy_a will_v faithful_a parent_n be_v to_o see_v all_o their_o child_n die_v whilst_o infant_n and_o innocent_a for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o their_o salvation_n then_o to_o see_v they_o live_v for_o some_o of_o they_o must_v become_v reprobate_a and_o wicked_a for_o few_o godly_a parent_n have_v ever_o have_v all_o godly_a child_n abraham_n have_v ishmael_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n isaac_n have_v a_o esau_n as_o well_o as_o a_o jacob_n jacob_n have_v a_o reuben_n simeon_n and_o levi._n brethren_n
unto_o its_o operation_n and_o office_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v they_o very_o immorigerous_a unto_o the_o sweet_a and_o easy_a yoke_n of_o christ_n that_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o pastor_n a_o angel_n a_o minister_n over_o they_o to_o precede_v in_o all_o official_a duty_n unto_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v unto_o such_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v commit_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v to_o submit_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v many_o thing_n unto_o the_o member_n in_o common_a with_o their_o officer_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v officer_n or_o pastor_n in_o common_a with_o they_o for_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o can_v never_o brook_v a_o lawless_a community_n or_o level_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o to_o be_v ruler_n and_o teacher_n and_o none_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o rule_v so_o neither_o will_v it_o comport_v with_o truth_n according_a to_o my_o judgement_n to_o admit_v of_o pastor_n over_o pastor_n or_o one_o presbytery_n over_o another_o no_o far_o than_o prudence_n will_v lead_v unto_o but_o not_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o equity_n it_o be_v evident_a these_o seven_o asian_a church_n and_o all_o the_o other_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a one_o be_v pastoral_n episcopal_n independent_a one_o i_o think_v it_o no_o paradox_n to_o assert_v that_o a_o episcopal_a church_n may_v be_v independent_a for_o i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_a indeed_o whilst_o the_o prelatical_a episcopal_a church_n have_v lose_v its_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la by_o exalt_v itself_o beyond_o christ_n bound_n and_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o it_o observe_v 2._o that_o the_o pure_a undefiled_a saint_n of_o christ_n be_v person_n of_o high_a esteem_n and_o account_v with_o god_n they_o be_v man_n of_o name_n and_o quality_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o man_n of_o most_o excellent_a and_o eminent_a spirit_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o sardis_n beside_o they_o be_v but_o such_o that_o have_v the_o name_n that_o they_o be_v live_v but_o be_v dead_a those_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o value_n with_o these_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v those_o for_o who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v yea_o god_n reprove_v king_n for_o their_o sake_n say_v touch_v not_o my_o anoint_v psal_n 105.15_o they_o be_v god_n jewel_n his_o precious_a one_o which_o he_o make_v up_o in_o safety_n and_o security_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o combustion_n beside_o they_o be_v in_o a_o land_n of_o goshen_n of_o light_n peace_n and_o comfort_n mal._n 3.17_o and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o have_v the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o every_o thing_n do_v love_n and_o high_o esteem_v its_o like_a for_o likeness_n be_v the_o root_n of_o love_n much_o more_o god_n who_o be_v love_v itself_o will_v high_o esteem_v and_o love_v his_o saint_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n even_o in_o sardis_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n hence_o note_v observe_v 3._o that_o in_o the_o most_o corrupt_a church_n state_n christ_n may_v have_v some_o choose_v and_o precious_a saint_n sardis_n have_v but_o the_o name_n that_o show_v as_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o yet_o in_o this_o nominal_a dead_a formal_a church_n god_n have_v a_o few_o name_n there_o that_o be_v precious_a to_o he_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v never_o total_o fail_v upon_o the_o earth_n nor_o never_o shall_v though_o the_o visibility_n thereof_o may_v fail_v yet_o the_o invisible_a church_n will_v never_o fail_v when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n grow_v great_a and_o the_o earth_n fill_v with_o violence_n before_o the_o flood_n gen._n 6.11_o 12._o yet_o then_o be_v noah_n undefiled_a and_o a_o faithful_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n yea_o he_o be_v just_a and_o perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o corrupt_a church_n state_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n when_o jezebel_n cut_v off_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o set_v up_o idolatry_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o righteous_a so_o vex_v and_o waste_v that_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n think_v none_o but_o himself_o leave_v in_o israel_n even_o than_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 1_o king_n 1.18_o in_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o a_o exceed_a bad_a and_o corrupt_a church_n state_n and_o in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v never_o more_o corrupt_a than_o when_o he_o come_v yet_o there_o be_v then_o a_o joseph_n a_o mary_n a_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n a_o simeon_n and_o anna_n and_o some_o few_o other_o that_o true_o fear_a god_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o deep_a night_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v some_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n the_o waldenses_n the_o abigenses_n pauperes_fw-la lugdunenses_n etc._n etc._n of_o who_o some_o of_o the_o popish_a writer_n themselves_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o carriage_n and_o believe_v aright_o concern_v god_n only_o they_o blaspheme_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o there_o be_v a_o huc_fw-la a_o jerome_n of_o prague_n a_o wickliff_n berengarius_fw-la peter_n de_fw-fr bruis_n luther_n oecolompadius_fw-la melancthon_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o time_n and_o state_n bad_a enough_o so_o here_o in_o england_n when_o the_o church_n be_v exceed_v corrupt_a under_o the_o prelacy_n yet_o then_o appear_v here_o a_o cartwright_n hooker_n ames_n parker_n bolton_n robinson_n reynolds_n aynsworth_n baynes_n and_o many_o other_o precious_a saint_n and_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n observe_v 4._o god_n accept_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n at_o 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n they_o be_v those_o that_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a with_o christ_n and_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n with_o he_o quest_n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v do_v not_o this_o assert_v a_o merit_n in_o work_n or_o that_o purity_n in_o the_o life_n do_v exact_a from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n some_o answerable_a compensation_n to_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o and_o assert_v that_o holiness_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n be_v the_o descriptive_a quality_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v see_v god_n they_o and_o they_o only_o of_o adult_a person_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n to_o that_o high_a privilege_n second_o i_o grant_v too_o that_o the_o eternal_a life_n of_o happiness_n be_v set_v forth_o and_o give_v as_o a_o prize_n as_o a_o reward_n as_o a_o crown_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n so_o in_o this_o and_o the_o last_o chapter_n it_o be_v often_o promise_v unto_o such_o holy_a one_o under_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o reward_n three_o but_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o least_o proportion_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n or_o merit_v the_o least_o in_o strict_a justice_n from_o god_n towards_o eternal_a life_n 1._o because_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o give_v it_o to_o who_o he_o please_v joh_n 17.2_o 1_o joh._n 5.11_o 2._o because_o divine_a justice_n require_v exact_a obedience_n which_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o one_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o best_a saint_n be_v so_o imperfect_a in_o their_o obedience_n that_o they_o come_v far_o short_a in_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o strict_a justice_n 3._o because_o our_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o alone_a work_n of_o god_n own_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o improper_o say_v to_o merit_v at_o his_o own_o hand_n a_o child_n may_v merit_v from_o his_o father_n in_o justice_n by_o his_o filial_a obedience_n the_o parent_n be_v under_o a_o natural_a law_n of_o compensation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n towards_o he_o but_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v tie_v up_o unto_o no_o such_o law_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o give_v life_n to_o who_o he_o please_v 4._o and_o therefore_o last_o because_o man_n have_v forfeit_v his_o first_o covenant_n of_o merit_n and_o life_n by_o righteousness_n in_o adam_n and_o
open_v and_o shut_v there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a image_n erect_v like_o the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o in_o dan._n 2.32_o who_o head_n be_v of_o fine_a gold_n his_o breast_n and_o arm_n of_o silver_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a and_o noble_a say_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o his_o time_n vos_fw-fr est_fw-fr be_v in_o ecclesia_fw-la sed_fw-la ego_fw-la extra_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la episcopus_fw-la though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o christian_n temporal_a saviour_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o open_v or_o shut_v in_o christ_n church_n nor_o extort_v the_o key_n of_o david_n or_o christ_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n to_o who_o christ_n leave_v it_o for_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n as_o by_o his_o delegated_a power_n what_o they_o bind_v in_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o wield_v his_o key_n but_o those_o to_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o method_n and_o way_n of_o direction_n who_o use_v they_o contrary_a to_o this_o they_o will_v find_v they_o scorpion_n in_o their_o hand_n ready_a to_o bite_v and_o destroy_v they_o instead_o of_o heal_v and_o cure_v remember_v the_o example_n of_o uzziah_n and_o tremble_v 2_o chron._n 26.16_o be_v it_o not_o the_o downfall_n to_o popery_n when_o spiritual_a man_n turn_v layick_n and_o bishop_n become_v prince_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n secular_a prince_n handle_v the_o spiritual_a key_n open_v and_o shut_v as_o they_o please_v make_v law_n edict_n and_o rule_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n prerogative_n only_o what_o undo_v our_o late_a episcopal_a hierarchy_n in_o england_n but_o mix_v sacred_a thing_n with_o profane_a make_v christ_n and_o caesar_n law_n all_o one_o the_o bishop_n he_o be_v make_v a_o temporal_a lord_n to_o act_v in_o the_o parliamentary_a and_o civil_a affair_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o requital_n hereof_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n he_o be_v make_v supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enact_v what_o law_n he_o please_v as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o who_o he_o will_v by_o his_o high_a court_n of_o delegate_n and_o high_a commission_n etc._n etc._n such_o a_o church_n such_o a_o head_n a_o civil_a church_n a_o civil_a head_n such_o a_o church_n such_o law_n such_o officer_n such_o key_n such_o pow-ar_a all_o prudential_o and_o all_o of_o the_o present_a world_n wisdom_n and_o fabricate_a and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a that_o the_o fabric_n last_v no_o long_o but_o fall_v witâ—in_o few_o age_n after_o the_o first_o structure_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o not_o now_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o church_n among_o we_o may_v be_v lull_v asleep_o as_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o constantine_n by_o overmuch_o indulgence_n and_o temporal_a honour_n cast_v upon_o she_o and_o her_o minister_n though_o i_o be_o not_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o just_a maintenance_n and_o temporal_a comfort_n yet_o i_o be_o jealous_a of_o they_o that_o all_o be_v not_o lambskin_n that_o appear_v so_o about_o they_o but_o that_o somewhat_o if_o not_o too_o much_o of_o the_o fox_n tail_n lie_v undiscovered_a within_o what_o mean_v else_o the_o bleat_n of_o the_o cattle_n i_o mean_v their_o press_v after_o preferment_n extraneous_a as_o to_o their_o church_n as_o head_n of_o university_n state-chaplain_n great_a parsonage_n commissioner_n and_o tryer_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o christ_n own_o key_n do_v often_o open_v to_o person_n against_o who_o christ_n have_v shut_v and_o shut_v against_o some_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v open_v so_o fallible_a be_v man_n that_o open_v with_o the_o wooden_a key_n of_o their_o own_o politic_n the_o lord_n deliver_v our_o sovereign_a magistrate_n from_o the_o snare_n of_o these_o spiritual_a machiavilian_o or_o machiavilian_a doctor_n that_o do_v teach_v the_o magistrate_n to_o lay_v his_o politic_n as_o rule_n to_o christ_n church_n that_o will_v have_v he_o open_a where_o christ_n shut_v and_o shut_v where_o christ_n open_v it_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a unto_o both_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o move_v or_o act_v out_o of_o their_o own_o proper_a sphere_n but_o act_v in_o their_o own_o orb_n the_o one_o in_o his_o civil_a government_n and_o state_n the_o other_o in_o his_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o church_n so_o both_o become_v gracious_a and_o honourable_a in_o their_o respective_a government_n and_o dominion_n quest._n but_o what_o shall_v not_o christian_n magistrate_n do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n or_o execute_v no_o part_n of_o their_o authority_n therein_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v first_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o several_a respect_n first_o in_o protect_v encourage_v and_o countenance_v the_o church_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o defend_v their_o liberty_n therein_o and_o so_o become_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n second_o as_o christ_n do_v approve_v and_o command_v obedience_n from_o all_o to_o magistrate_n and_o their_o law_n as_o for_o god_n sake_n rom._n 13._o so_o magistrate_n shall_v approve_v and_o command_v christ_n law_n and_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o within_o their_o respective_a boundary_n and_o jurisdiction_n three_o if_o any_o prove_v turbulent_a seditious_a or_o factious_a in_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o become_v a_o peace-breaker_n in_o the_o commonweal_n the_o magistrate_n may_v restrain_v he_o by_o his_o civil_a power_n four_o if_o any_o church_n member_n become_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o idolater_n a_o open_a delinquent_n against_o the_o first_o table_n or_o transgressor_n of_o the_o second_o the_o magistrate_n may_v chastise_v he_o for_o it_o over_z and_o above_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o require_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o civil_a law_n that_o equal_o reach_v all_o person_n that_o transgress_v they_o whether_o ecclesiastiques_n or_o other_o 2._o but_o second_o in_o the_o negative_a i_o answer_v that_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v nor_o be_v competent_a judge_n as_o magistrate_n of_o controversal_a point_n opinion_n doctrine_n or_o of_o thing_n mere_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n christ_n never_o endue_v the_o magistrate_n with_o such_o a_o power_n therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o prevalent_a a_o negative_a that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n the_o church_n alone_o under_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o that_o power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n suppress_v error_n in_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n now_o to_o who_o this_o rule_n be_v give_v the_o foresay_a power_n be_v give_v but_o the_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n only_o and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n mat._n 18._o therefore_o the_o say_a power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n and_o suppress_v error_n be_v commit_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n object_n but_o may_v not_o magistrate_n suppress_v error_n and_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o that_o end_n when_o they_o be_v thereunto_o well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n or_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v such_o adviser_n herein_o do_v first_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o call_n in_o their_o master_n service_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n plain_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v not_o provide_v a_o armoury_n sufficient_a in_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n to_o overthrow_v error_n as_o well_o as_o mean_n for_o their_o discovery_n be_v not_o this_o to_o run_v for_o carnal_a weapon_n whilst_o they_o lie_v by_o those_o make_v by_o god_n spiritual_a one_o and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o power_n principality_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n second_o if_o magistrate_n act_n thus_o upon_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o they_o must_v not_o only_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o act_n upon_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o do_v also_o hereby_o become_v but_o the_o executioner_n of_o their_o assembly_n decree_n what_o more_o do_v the_o popish_a prince_n when_o they_o execute_v the_o edict_n of_o the_o romish_a conclave_n and_o what_o otherwise_o do_v pilate_n when_o he_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o the_o priest_n sentence_n upon_o christ_n in_o crucify_a he_o a_o seamark_n to_o all_o to_o take_v notice_n on_o this_o account_n three_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o suppress_v error_n because_o christ_n have_v other_o law_n ordinance_n and_o way_n to_o suppress_v they_o
receive_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o double_a door_n open_v a_o free_a power_n give_v she_o by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ready_a and_o willing_a heart_n to_o receive_v it_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o from_o she_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n himself_o that_o have_v open_v it_o and_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o hellish_a design_n it_o can_v never_o be_v obscure_v and_o shut_v up_o more_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o vouchsafe_v and_o give_v fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n for_o a_o kindly_a entertainment_n of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o man_n wit_n conceit_n or_o eloquence_n of_o word_n will_v open_v this_o door_n either_o to_o one self_o or_o other_o christ_n must_v first_o open_v and_o give_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n or_o else_o the_o tongue_n will_v be_v as_o dumb_a as_o zachariah_n before_o john_n be_v bear_v unto_o all_o gospel_n mystery_n next_o the_o hearer_n will_v be_v as_o deaf_a unto_o the_o sound_n thereof_o as_o dumb_a unto_o the_o utterance_n of_o it_o before_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o work_v kind_o on_o their_o heart_n to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o how_o possible_o else_o can_v twelve_o plain_a tradesman_n mechanic_n fisherman_n etc._n etc._n go_v on_o with_o that_o boldness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v that_o door_n of_o utterance_n and_o entertainment_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n among_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n have_v not_o touch_v their_o tongue_n and_o unshut_a their_o mouth_n and_o tâ—â—_n heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n both_o at_o once_o the_o one_o with_o a_o power_n of_o speak_v the_o other_o with_o a_o power_n and_o willingness_n of_o hear_v receive_v and_o treasure_v up_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v what_o a_o large_a door_n have_v christ_n lay_v open_a since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o reformation_n to_o this_o present_a day_n this_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n who_o by_o weak_a and_o despicable_a thing_n and_o person_n have_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v consider_v with_o what_o weapon_n i_o have_v overcome_v their_o error_n i_o have_v never_o touch_v they_o with_o a_o finger_n but_o christ_n have_v destroy_v they_o all_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n i._n e._n the_o word_n of_o his_o gospel_n what_o do_n what_o imprisoning_n what_o fining_n what_o punishment_n what_o torture_n what_o punishment_n what_o death_n do_v the_o old_a popish_a doctor_n and_o clergy_n and_o of_o late_a the_o prelatical_a bishop_n raise_v and_o invent_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o door_n that_o christ_n have_v open_v to_o his_o faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o land_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v they_o prevail_v and_o get_v thereby_o but_o by_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o suffocate_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o true_a light_n become_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o break_v themselves_o to_o piece_n against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o become_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o such_o endeavour_n be_v again_o set_v on_o foot_n against_o christ_n faithful_a witness_n to_o shut_v that_o door_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v open_a to_o they_o let_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o time_n pass_v towards_o the_o prelatical_a person_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n be_v a_o curb_n unto_o such_o undertaker_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o reproach_n or_o act_n of_o man_n against_o they_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n for_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n for_o the_o sense_n run_v thus_o because_o though_o thy_o strength_n be_v but_o small_a and_o thy_o gift_n be_v but_o low_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o yet_o thou_o have_v well_o improve_v those_o which_o thou_o have_v and_o have_v maintain_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_a among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o put_v the_o couple_a particle_n and_o for_o the_o disjunctive_a though_o or_o yet_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n not_o in_o opposition_n of_o much_o corruption_n that_o reign_v in_o philadelphia_n as_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o name_n alive_a because_o the_o great_a part_n be_v dead_a but_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n be_v apparent_o no_o great_a strength_n comparative_o to_o what_o other_o have_v and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v she_o for_o her_o talon_n which_o she_o improve_n and_o put_v to_o profitable_a use_n according_a to_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v most_o commend_v of_o god_n and_o in_o nothing_o reprove_v by_o he_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o a_o small_a talon_n well_o improve_v be_v follow_v both_o by_o a_o benediction_n and_o a_o commendation_n from_o god_n himself_o the_o parable_n in_o match_n 25._o confirm_v this_o where_o he_o that_o increase_v his_o talon_n be_v make_v owner_n of_o more_o and_o governor_n of_o many_o city_n this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n bear_v the_o name_n from_o all_o her_o sister_n for_o her_o proficiency_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n though_o her_o strength_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o her_o profession_n and_o ability_n seem_v so_o high_a as_o the_o rest_n yet_o she_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o she_o surpass_v they_o all_o and_o have_v the_o great_a portion_n and_o blessing_n give_v she_o then_o to_o any_o other_o and_o so_o become_v the_o only_a daughter_n of_o her_o mother_n the_o peerless_a sister_n of_o the_o seven_o have_v not_o of_o late_a many_o low_a despicable_a church_n and_o person_n for_o well_o improve_n their_o small_a talent_n become_v fragrant_a garden_n and_o eminent_a workman_n in_o god_n vineyard_n while_o other_o of_o high_a profession_n part_n and_o ability_n for_o want_v of_o husband_v their_o talent_n both_o lose_v their_o talent_n and_o become_v barren_a desert_n and_o like_o unsavoury_a salt_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dunghill_n though_o my_o year_n be_v but_o few_o and_o my_o experience_n small_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o this_o improvement_n i_o have_v know_v great_a doctor_n to_o become_v wittol_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n child_n and_o babe_n by_o better_v of_o their_o talent_n though_o but_o of_o small_a and_o of_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o as_o but_o a_o mustardseed_n in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o to_o become_v sound_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o last_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o great_a tree_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v fly_v for_o shelter_n verse_n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o by_o this_o double_a remarkable_a asterisme_n or_o twice_o repeat_v note_n of_o attention_n behold_v in_o one_o verse_n christ_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o notable_a work_n in_o his_o church_n and_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o perverse_a jew_n that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v affliction_n and_o tribulation_n on_o the_o true_a professor_n thereof_o but_o to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o worship_v he_o before_o their_o foot_n to_o make_v they_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o this_o christ_n and_o this_o church_n who_o they_o have_v vilify_v blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v to_o be_v the_o only_a special_a object_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o explicate_v the_o word_n more_o full_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o
domitian_n trajane_n etc._n etc._n reach_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o neighbour_n asian_a church_n but_o she_o have_v her_o portion_n also_o of_o affliction_n and_o trial_n under_o they_o ten_o persecution_n but_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v expression_n here_o her_o portion_n herein_o be_v not_o so_o large_a as_o other_o have_v and_o therefore_o as_o to_o she_o it_o be_v call_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n a_o small_a particle_n of_o time_n respect_v the_o former_a ten_o day_n that_o go_v over_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 10._o quest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o say_v here_o that_o she_o be_v keep_v or_o save_v from_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n answ_n it_o be_v as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n now_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o save_v or_o deliver_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n several_a manner_n of_o way_n first_o that_o the_o temptation_n or_o trial_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o touch_v they_o this_o be_v not_o promise_v to_o philadelphia_n second_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v come_v upon_o they_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o suffer_v or_o quail_v under_o it_o but_o shall_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n or_o calamity_n manful_o by_o receive_v strength_n from_o christ_n to_o undergo_v it_o three_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v suffer_v under_o this_o hour_n of_o trial_n yet_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o reach_v they_o as_o to_o undo_v their_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n this_o be_v seal_v secure_v and_o keep_v safe_a by_o christ_n four_o they_o be_v save_v and_o deliver_v from_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n comparative_o as_o unto_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o lay_v upon_o they_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o be_v but_o a_o hour_n a_o taste_n of_o affliction_n while_o other_o pass_v under_o ten_o burn_a day_n of_o trial_n in_o these_o three_o latter_a sense_n philadelphia_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v keep_v safe_a from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n either_o from_o fail_v under_o it_o or_o lose_v by_o it_o in_o their_o eternal_a estate_n or_o comparative_o unto_o other_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o saint_n may_v suffer_v in_o a_o day_n of_o trial_n yet_o they_o receive_v little_a loss_n by_o it_o but_o raâ—her_o gain_v and_o profit_n it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o trial_n and_o refinement_n of_o their_o grace_n not_o for_o a_o destruction_n of_o they_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o hour_n not_o for_o a_o age_n and_o though_o the_o common_a calamity_n or_o hour_n of_o temptation_n shall_v so_o reach_v they_o as_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o life_n as_o often_o it_o do_v yet_o know_v there_o be_v save_v and_o deliver_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o evil_a of_o the_o temptation_n they_o be_v above_o that_o they_o be_v eterna_o mark_v by_o god_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v but_o shall_v be_v gather_v and_o make_v up_o as_o his_o jewel_n from_o out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n judgement_n god_n look_v with_o a_o distinguish_n and_o consider_v eye_n upon_o all_o person_n that_o he_o touch_v therewith_o his_o eye_n distinguish_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a psal_n 34.15_o 16._o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a that_o when_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o whole_a world_n christ_n be_v then_o take_v a_o special_a care_n for_o he_o in_o save_v they_o and_o seal_v they_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o that_o hour_n in_o rev._n 7.3_o when_o christ_n send_v forth_o his_o four_o destroy_a angel_n a_o special_a charge_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n give_v they_o say_v hurt_v not_o the_o earth_n neither_o the_o sea_n nor_o the_o tree_n till_o we_o have_v seal_v the_o servant_n of_o our_o god_n in_o their_o forehead_n and_o so_o they_o go_v present_o on_o to_o the_o seal_n and_o secure_v of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n before_o they_o go_v on_o with_o their_o destroy_a weapon_n compare_v ezek._n 9.4_o etc._n etc._n hereunto_o o_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o god_n who_o have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o we_o and_o eye_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v either_o preserve_v we_o as_o israel_n in_o a_o goshen_n or_o as_o christ_n himself_o be_v in_o egypt_n whilst_o the_o herod_n of_o the_o world_n do_v wrack_n their_o curse_a malice_n upon_o the_o infant_n of_o judea_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o so_o our_o temptation_n will_v be_v but_o for_o a_o hour_n as_o respect_v other_o and_o if_o it_o reach_v we_o further_o and_o seize_v our_o person_n and_o the_o relation_n most_o dear_a unto_o we_o be_v assure_v and_o know_v it_o be_v but_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o become_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o christ_n master_n brightman_n on_o this_o verse_n that_o make_v the_o reform_a church_n according_a to_o calvine_n the_o counterpane_n of_o this_o of_o philadelphia_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n assert_n the_o conterpane_n as_o the_o type_n former_o have_v be_v to_o have_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n a_o more_o grievous_a affliction_n far_o above_o all_o other_o yet_o a_o short_a one_o and_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o romish_a antichrist_n in_o the_o west_n and_o the_o turkish_a mahometan_a in_o the_o east_n but_o yet_o herein_o the_o church_n shall_v get_v the_o victory_n and_o i_o be_o thus_o far_o of_o opinion_n with_o master_n brightman_n that_o before_o the_o great_a battle_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v more_o eminent_o and_o signal_o be_v slay_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n by_o her_o antichristian_a enemy_n then_o at_o present_a she_o be_v for_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o strive_v and_o only_o of_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v forth_o and_o antichrist_n still_o hinder_v and_o prevail_v for_o it_o be_v give_v he_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o reign_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o prevail_v rev._n 13.7_o but_o before_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o about_o the_o finish_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o faithful_a witness_n of_o christ_n the_o beast_n that_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o shall_v make_v war_n against_o they_o and_o not_o only_o overcome_v they_o but_o kill_v they_o rev._n 11.7_o 8._o etc._n etc._n and_o their_o dead_a body_n shall_v lie_v in_o the_o street_n of_o the_o great_a city_n for_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a as_o the_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o the_o expectance_n of_o this_o signal_n day_n of_o affliction_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o the_o antichristian_a beast_n it_o far_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o overhasty_a expectance_n thereof_o that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v prepare_v by_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o remain_v unmovable_a in_o that_o day_n it_o be_v still_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o christ_n after_o great_a and_o signal_n calamity_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v with_o salvation_n joy_n and_o rest_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o he_o himself_o by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n enter_v into_o his_o glory_n therefore_o you_o saint_n think_v it_o not_o strange_a when_o such_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n come_v over_o you_o christ_n will_v save_v and_o keep_v you_o from_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v conqueror_n at_o the_o last_o and_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n rev._n 5.11_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o word_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o world_n indefinite_o but_o in_o a_o limit_a sense_n as_o that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a son_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o world_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o his_o holy_a church_n and_o member_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a whatsoever_o the_o arminâ—â—n_n and_o universalist_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o by_o the_o world_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v in_o asia_n and_o else_o where_o for_o christ_n never_o send_v a_o day_n or_o hour_n of_o trial_n on_o the_o wicked_a world_n for_o what_o need_n he_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o be_v neither_o regenerate_v nor_o under_o grace_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o grace_n to_o make_v trial_n of_o either_o by_o way_n of_o quicken_a strengthen_v or_o confirm_v so_o that_o when_o christ_n promise_v to_o philadelphia_n that_o he_o
mountain_n christ_n and_o his_o saint_n shall_v be_v the_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o world_n he_o and_o they_o shall_v rule_v the_o nation_n not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o all_o of_o they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n which_o never_o as_o yet_o be_v fulfil_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o season_n quest_n but_o the_o great_a question_n and_o doubt_n be_v whether_o this_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v here_o on_o earth_n or_o in_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o answ_n i_o answer_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n or_o new_a church-state_n be_v to_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o sure_a not_o in_o heaven_n second_o it_o be_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n according_a to_o 2_o pet._n 3.13_o now_o righteousness_n or_o justice_n be_v proper_o in_o earth_n among_o live_a saint_n and_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o additional_a promise_n of_o future_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n above_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n to_o miss_v it_o or_o need_v any_o promise_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o three_o in_o this_o new_a state_n christ_n shall_v rule_v the_o nation_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n now_o sure_o it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v no_o nation_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v rule_v with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v on_o earth_n four_o this_o new_a city_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o angel_n rev._n 21.17_o and_o it_o be_v find_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o man_n that_o be_v of_o the_o angel_n one_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o cubit_n and_o how_o this_o finite_a measure_n can_v suit_v with_o the_o infiniteness_n and_o immeasurableness_n of_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n let_v the_o wise_a consider_v therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o a_o estate_n on_o earth_n five_o in_o verse_n 24._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v bring_v their_o glory_n and_o honour_n unto_o it_o now_o this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n for_o they_o can_v bring_v no_o addition_n unto_o that_o 6._o to_o this_o new_a state_n there_o be_v promise_v that_o god_n will_v wipe_v off_o all_o sorrow_n and_o tear_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o night_n there_o now_o this_o be_v superfluous_a to_o be_v promise_v and_o add_v to_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n the_o habitation_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v fulfil_v to_o a_o new_a church_n state_n here_o on_o earth_n seven_o and_o last_o how_o unreasonable_a will_v it_o be_v to_o describe_v the_o invisible_a heaven_n above_o with_o river_n with_o street_n and_o with_o tree_n therein_o suitable_a only_o to_o a_o estate_n here_o on_o earth_n as_o this_o be_v in_o rev._n 22.1_o 2._o and_o this_o be_v that_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o that_o paul_n speak_v of_o gal._n 4.26_o which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o it_o be_v call_v heavenly_a and_o from_o above_o because_o of_o its_o divine_a original_n and_o of_o its_o right_n of_o inheritance_n and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o descend_v or_o come_v down_o from_o god_n because_o god_n singular_a power_n and_o mercy_n shall_v glorious_o appear_v in_o build_v this_o new_a city_n and_o this_o new_a heaven_n or_o heavenly_a church_n state_n shall_v be_v on_o earth_n according_a to_o rev._n 21.1_o and_o understand_v that_o subordiâ—ata_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la contraria_fw-la there_o may_v be_v a_o heaven_n on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o heaven_n above_o there_o may_v be_v a_o church_n triumphant_a on_o earth_n and_o yet_o in_o heaven_n also_o and_o therefore_o to_o close_v with_o that_o of_o rev._n 5.11_o which_o be_v very_o downright_a and_o positive_a for_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n and_o we_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n quest_n but_o another_o question_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o this_o imperial_a reign_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o general_a resurrection_n and_o judgement_n or_o before_o answ_n i_o answer_v after_o the_o particular_a resurrection_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n the_o saint_n shall_v first_o arise_v and_o come_v with_o christ_n and_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o be_v join_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v then_o alive_a which_o at_o the_o sound_n of_o christ_n trump_n and_o in_o a_o moment_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o make_v immortal_a as_o their_o brethren_n the_o raise_a one_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v reign_v a_o thousand_o year_n and_o over_o who_o but_o over_o the_o unbelieve_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v christ_n great_a day_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o day_n of_o his_o reign_n wherein_o himself_o with_o his_o saint_n and_o member_n do_v reign_v over_o and_o judge_v the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n wherein_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n with_o god_n and_o this_o he_o do_v before_o the_o ultimate_a act_n of_o all_o for_o towards_o the_o evening_n of_o this_o great_a day_n god_n suffer_v satan_n to_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n shore_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o gog_n and_o magog_n to_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n of_o these_o immortal_a saint_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a rev._n 20.8_o 9_o but_o they_o be_v all_o take_v in_o that_o enterprise_n with_o their_o leader_n satan_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o everlasting_a fire_n and_o present_o thereon_o follow_v the_o general_a resurrection_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o find_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v cast_v into_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n and_o i_o will_v willing_o demand_v of_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v this_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n after_o the_o general_a judgement_n or_o after_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o when_o all_o the_o elect_a saint_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v translate_v into_o heaven_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n even_o the_o father_n they_o that_o shall_v conceive_v that_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n or_o church_n state_n shall_v descend_v unto_o the_o earth_n after_o all_o the_o saint_n be_v carry_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o long_o before_o prepare_v mansion_n even_o into_o that_o heavenly_a place_n where_o himself_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o john_n 17.24_o i_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o want_v some_o hellebore_n or_o rather_o true_a light_n from_o above_o to_o enlighten_v their_o dark_a understanding_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o sure_a the_o time_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n be_v to_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o general_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o world_n from_o the_o word_n which_o shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o my_o god_n observe_v observe_v 2._o that_o that_o glorious_a new_a church-state_n that_o the_o saint_n shall_v enjoy_v or_o otherwise_o that_o the_o â—aints_n imperial_a reign_n shall_v be_v most_o eminent_o conspicuous_a and_o open_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o great_a question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o true_a church_n or_o the_o only_a saint_n in_o the_o world_n this_o question_n than_o will_v be_v clear_v and_o put_v out_o of_o doubt_n and_o not_o till_o then_o whole_o but_o in_o part_n according_a to_o the_o several_a measure_n of_o outward_a token_n and_o character_n which_o may_v be_v counterfeit_a and_o hypocritical_a but_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o deceit_n no_o hypocrisy_n shall_v lie_v hide_v the_o name_n of_o god_n will_v be_v write_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o eminent_o obvious_a to_o all_o beholder_n and_o so_o plain_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o operation_n and_o effect_n thereof_o as_o if_o the_o very_a name_n have_v be_v write_v in_o their_o forehead_n and_o sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o this_o new_a city_n come_v down_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o and_o john_n see_v by_o a_o prophetical_a vision_n this_o new_a city_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n rev._n 20.2_o and_o if_o it_o be_v already_o come_v down_o from_o god_n as_o some_o of_o those_o day_n do_v vain_o dream_v of_o it_o will_v sure_o be_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v both_o by_o the_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a also_o by_o the_o godly_a as_o be_v the_o especial_a workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n only_o
in_o which_o their_o soul_n will_v delight_v neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o compartner_n in_o that_o kingdom_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o weak_a christian_n shall_v be_v a_o partner_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n must_v needs_o know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o earth_n already_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o then_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o also_o for_o there_o be_v write_v thereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o the_o same_o all_o signify_v power_n strength_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o feel_v the_o effect_n thereof_o unto_o their_o pain_n if_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v rule_v and_o break_v they_o as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n as_o in_o cap._n 2._o v._n 27._o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o kingdom_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o god_n shall_v sure_o be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o all_o and_o especial_o come_v with_o thaâ—_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n do_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o most_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o morning_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o miriads_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o raâ—â—â—d_a saâ—â—â—s_n that_o none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v deal_v plain_o with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v the_o saint_n to_o reign_v before_o their_o leader_n head_n and_o king_n appear_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o right_a with_o their_o master_n spirit_n who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a ready_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n not_o draw_v the_o sword_n to_o free_v or_o revenge_v himself_o or_o his_o follower_n but_o check_v peter_n for_o it_o when_o he_o attempt_v it_o on_o malchas_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o lay_v hand_n upon_o he_o christ_n well_o know_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n of_o this_o age_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o sword_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o suffer_v and_o patience_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o they_o that_o go_v another_o way_n may_v build_v a_o city_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n who_o builder_n be_v god_n they_o may_v erect_v a_o city_n who_o builder_n be_v man_n and_o on_o who_o gate_n and_o wall_n be_v write_v their_o own_o name_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n they_o may_v build_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n a_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o beast_n may_v reign_v in_o not_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o kingdom_n of_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o they_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o trust_v thereunto_o may_v be_v just_o involve_v into_o utter_a ruin_n and_o misery_n for_o trust_v to_o the_o weak_a arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o hope_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a new_a city_n promise_v to_o the_o conquer_a suffer_a patient_a saint_n and_o not_o to_o the_o heady_a rebellious_a or_o precipitant_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o whereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v and_o inscribe_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o say_v at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o descend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o lamb_n wife_n the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o conspicuous_a for_o light_n and_o glory_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n thereof_o and_o bring_v their_o glory_n to_o it_o and_o this_o city_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n neither_o of_o the_o moon_n to_o shine_v in_o it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o rev._n 21.23_o verse_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o word_n be_v so_o often_o inculcate_v at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o peculiarly_a relate_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o all_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o also_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o it_o be_v not_o only_o write_v for_o they_o but_o for_o our_o instruction_n also_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o wise_a christian_n consider_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n ver._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o of_o christ_n monitory_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v archippus_n as_o some_o say_v mention_v coloss_n 4.17_o not_o far_o from_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n it_o be_v call_v laodicea_n from_o laodice_n wife_n of_o antiochus_n who_o build_v it_o in_o honour_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o call_v it_o according_a to_o her_o name_n laodicea_n which_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v as_o much_o as_o commandress_n princess_n or_o dictatrix_n of_o the_o people_n the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o this_o church_n be_v somewhat_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o name_n she_o conceive_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n a_o princess_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o in_o vers_n 17._o she_o vaunt_v herself_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o be_v increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n bring_v she_o to_o the_o trial_n she_o be_v find_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v often_o in_o his_o providence_n ordain_v name_n to_o person_n and_o place_n suitable_a and_o well_o comport_v with_o their_o natural_a disposition_n and_o quality_n christ_n be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n joshua_n have_v a_o name_n also_o from_o the_o same_o root_n he_o be_v also_o a_o temporal_a saviour_n unto_o israel_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n save_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n many_o example_n be_v find_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o john_n who_o name_n and_o nature_n both_o be_v gracious_a chrysostome_n he_o be_v a_o eloquent_a golden_a mouth_a father_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v 2._o for_o place_n and_o church_n rome_n be_v call_v roma_n from_o romulus_n from_o some_o old_a word_n of_o the_o like_a sound_n which_o signify_v strength_n babylon_n from_o babel_n confusion_n philadelphia_n have_v a_o belove_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o belove_a church_n laodicea_n have_v a_o vainglorious_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a church_n much_o boast_n of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n while_o miserable_a poor_a and_o naked_a these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v here_o describe_v under_o a_o threefold_a property_n 1._o as_o the_o amen_o 2._o as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 3._o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n these_o three_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o general_a description_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preliminary_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o amen_o out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o what_o christ_n promise_v and_o predict_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n must_v sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v not_o fail_v he_o add_v another_o property_n take_v out_o of_o chap._n 1._o v._n 5._o he_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n now_o what_o this_o amen_o have_v promise_v predict_v and_o say_v in_o these_o prophecy_n must_v
affection_n or_o accident_n of_o her_o disease_n in_o respect_n of_o herself_o or_o of_o other_o she_o be_v in_o a_o pitiful_a lamentable_a and_o miserable_a state_n and_o condition_n the_o three_o latter_a declare_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o her_o disease_n she_o be_v poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a you_o know_v to_o be_v poor_a be_v to_o be_v beggarly_a so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a signify_v a_o beggar_n she_o be_v not_o poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o in_o she_o own_o eye_n which_o be_v a_o bless_a poverty_n mat._n 5.3_o but_o she_o be_v a_o poor_a beggarly_a miserable_a one_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o beggarly_a which_o be_v hateful_a odious_a she_o be_v a_o true_a beggar_n beg_v she_o will_v and_o never_o leave_v beg_v of_o the_o king_n prince_n nobles_z and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n till_o she_o have_v get_v the_o choice_a fat_a thing_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o become_v her_o patrimony_n she_o be_v a_o stout_a sturdy_a beggar_n if_o you_o will_v not_o give_v she_o will_v take_v beggar_n lie_v in_o the_o cross_a lane_n and_o highway_n to_o beg_v of_o all_o they_o meet_v so_o beggar_n of_o this_o rampant_a church_n lie_v close_o to_o all_o great_a assembly_n to_o diet_n parliament_n counsel-table_n great_a man_n house_n to_o beg_v the_o advowsons_n and_o to_o catch_v the_o scrap_n of_o preferment_n that_o fall_v in_o their_o way_n i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v none_o of_o this_o beggarly_a poverty_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n christ_n true_a minister_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o noble_a temper_n and_o spirit_n then_o to_o serve_v at_o table_n for_o lucre_n sake_n their_o master_n will_v provide_v for_o they_o in_o a_o more_o honourable_a way_n if_o they_o can_v but_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o their_o sustentation_n and_o livelihood_n it_o be_v a_o wise_a observation_n of_o m._n brightman_n concern_v our_o english_a clergy_n in_o his_o day_n under_o episcopacy_n that_o the_o angel_n of_o england_n in_o plain_a term_n grow_v wealthy_a by_o beg_v and_o as_o he_o further_o say_v neither_o be_v he_o in_o very_a truth_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v call_v aught_o save_o my_o lord_n beggar_n in_o the_o next_o place_n blindness_n be_v add_v to_o her_o beggarliness_n to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o grievous_a a_o blind_a beggar_n be_v the_o most_o deplore_a and_o miserable_a of_o all_o beggar_n for_o be_v necessitate_v to_o seek_v and_o beg_v for_o his_o live_n abroad_o yet_o want_v of_o sight_n will_v not_o let_v he_o seek_v so_o blindness_n of_o mind_n want_v of_o true_a spiritual_a understanding_n where_o true_a riches_n lie_v be_v a_o great_a addition_n of_o misery_n to_o a_o poor_a beggarly_a church_n that_o make_v she_o to_o seek_v amiss_o and_o to_o call_v that_o riches_n which_o be_v not_o true_o riches_n from_o this_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n it_o proceed_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o that_o follow_v her_o step_n do_v beg_v and_o seek_v greedy_o after_o riches_n honour_n and_o preferment_n that_o be_v mere_o transitory_a and_o vain_a and_o leave_v alone_o the_o true_a riches_n the_o treasure_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o never_o perish_v yea_o they_o be_v so_o blind_a and_o obstinate_o blind_a that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o strike_v at_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o blindness_n and_o to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n unto_o everlasting_a treasure_n in_o the_o last_o place_n there_o be_v add_v nakedness_n as_o a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o church_n when_o one_o be_v strip_v of_o his_o garment_n and_o render_v naked_a his_o shame_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n according_a to_o that_o of_o nahum_n 3.5_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o she_o be_v a_o poor_a blind_a beggar_n but_o she_o be_v a_o naked_a blind_a beggar_n the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o all_o sort_n we_o have_v see_v the_o poverty_n the_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o christ_n have_v also_o discover_v her_o nakedness_n unto_o we_o we_o know_v her_o shame_n and_o wherein_o her_o secret_a abomination_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o she_o now_o to_o boast_v of_o her_o spiritual_a pomp_n and_o trumpery_n while_o christ_n have_v discover_v her_o skirt_n and_o show_v we_o that_o she_o be_v a_o beggarly_a one_o void_a of_o all_o true_a spiritual_a riches_n that_o she_o be_v a_o blind_a one_o ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n of_o true_a happiness_n that_o she_o be_v naked_a that_o be_v for_o want_v of_o spiritual_a garment_n about_o she_o she_o be_v leave_v open_a and_o bare_a to_o all_o shame_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v against_o she_o for_o her_o deformity_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o spiritual_a discern_a eye_n o_o that_o god_n will_v make_v the_o reform_a church_n among_o we_o to_o discern_v between_o true_a riches_n and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o only_o in_o pretence_n that_o he_o will_v put_v a_o noble_a spirit_n into_o they_o than_o that_o of_o laodicea_n a_o beggarly_a poor_a one_o wait_v for_o the_o crumb_n of_o preferment_n at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o shall_v he_o provide_v for_o the_o raven_n and_o the_o lion_n whelp_n their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n and_o will_v he_o forget_v the_o member_n of_o his_o own_o body_n god_n forbid_v oh_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o father_n anoint_v our_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o our_o blindness_n may_v be_v do_v away_o and_o discover_v our_o nakedness_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v seek_v unto_o thou_o for_o a_o cover_n for_o gold_n that_o be_v try_v and_o for_o a_o raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v that_o our_o nakedness_n may_v not_o appear_v before_o thou_o to_o our_o utter_a shame_n and_o confusion_n amen_n verse_n 18._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v elothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o thy_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v you_o have_v hitherto_o hear_v of_o laodiceas_n sin_n want_v and_o misery_n here_o follow_v her_o remedy_n proportionable_a to_o her_o disease_n here_o be_v gold_n not_o outward_a glitter_a or_o pretend_a gold_n but_o try_v gold_n offer_v to_o help_v she_o of_o her_o poverty_n here_o be_v white_a raiment_n a_o glorious_a raiment_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n offer_v to_o cover_v her_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n and_o here_o be_v eyesalve_n offer_v even_o true_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n from_o above_o that_o she_o may_v see_v the_o way_n unto_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o open_v the_o word_n a_o little_a more_o full_o i_o counsel_v thou_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o counsel_n and_o advise_v and_o who_o will_v not_o follow_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o counsel_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o unto_o we_o also_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o vainglorious_a yet_o beggarly_a condition_n as_o she_o be_v in_o for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o write_v only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o we_o for_o observe_v what_o the_o spirit_n often_o say_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o the_o matter_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v as_o well_o unto_o we_o as_o unto_o laodicea_n and_o that_o threefold_a as_o the_o disease_n be_v threefold_a 1._o to_o buy_v gold_n try_a gold_n which_o be_v set_v against_o poverty_n 2._o white_a garment_n which_o be_v for_o a_o cover_n of_o her_o nakedness_n 3._o eyesalve_n which_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o her_o blindness_n first_o by_o the_o way_n from_o the_o party_n counsel_v to_o buy_v he_o be_v the_o same_o from_o who_o it_o be_v buy_v i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v gold_n of_o i_o note_v observe_v that_o all_o true_a spiritual_a riches_n and_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o christ_n alone_o christ_n send_v we_o not_o to_o our_o own_o work_n or_o to_o his_o bless_a mother_n or_o to_o any_o other_o saint_n depart_v with_o so_o many_o ave_fw-la maria_n so_o many_o pater_fw-la noster_n or_o so_o many_o vow_n and_o pilgrimage_n to_o buy_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o come_v buy_v they_o of_o i_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o great_a dispenser_n of_o his_o father_n treasure_n all_o power_n be_v give_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o son_n and_o it_o be_v most_o just_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o