general_n be_v also_o true_a of_o this_o scripture_n in_o particular_a namely_o that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o flood_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o ford_n though_o there_o be_v many_o depth_n where_o the_o great_a elephant_n may_v swim_v yet_o there_o be_v also_o some_o shallow_n where_o the_o least_o lamb_n will_v be_v able_a to_o wade_v in_o some_o place_n the_o holy_a spirit_n soar_v aloft_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o high_a and_o in_o other_o place_n he_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o condescend_v even_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o so_o he_o do_v here_o in_o the_o text_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o puzzle_v we_o but_o plain_a thing_n to_o instruct_v and_o direct_v we_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ephesus_z be_v a_o large_a city_n upon_o which_o depend_v several_a lesser_a place_n as_o the_o learned_a hammond_n and_o other_o observe_v and_o according_a to_o that_o government_n christ_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o angel_n or_o bishop_n constitute_v to_o oversee_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o place_n hence_o st._n austin_n speak_v of_o the_o seven_o angel_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n style_v they_o the_o bishop_n or_o governor_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n such_o a_o bishop_n or_o angel_n be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o antiquity_n tell_v we_o onesimus_n be_v their_o bishop_n to_o this_o bishop_n or_o angel_n do_v christ_n send_v a_o epistle_n as_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o ver_fw-la 1_o of_o this_o chapter_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v the_o whole_a epistle_n beside_o the_o prologue_n and_o the_o epilogue_n consist_v of_o four_o principal_a part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o they_o for_o their_o labour_n and_o patience_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o suffer_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a ver_fw-la 2_o 3._o second_o a_o reprehension_n wherein_o they_o be_v blame_v for_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n and_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 4._o and_o three_o a_o exhortation_n to_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o text_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n and_o four_o a_o commination_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n for_o the_o full_a understanding_n of_o which_o word_n first_o we_o will_v first_o inquire_v why_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v unto_o a_o candlestick_n second_o show_v you_o that_o this_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n three_o that_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o have_v this_o candlestick_n remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n four_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n and_o five_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v it_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o to_o inquire_v why_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v unto_o a_o candlestick_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n be_v plain_a from_o chap._n 1._o 20._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n and_o well_o may_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v unto_o a_o candlestick_n since_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o often_o compare_v unto_o a_o light_n we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o pprophecy_n say_v st._n peter_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o david_n psal._n 119._o 105._o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n the_o world_n indeed_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o very_a dark_a place_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o light_n it_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o dismal_a place_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o misery_n which_o infest_v this_o life_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o light_n which_o help_v to_o scatter_v and_o disperse_v these_o mist_n of_o trouble_n so_o king_n david_n find_v it_o psal._n 119._o 50._o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o the_o whole_a world_n say_v st._n john_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o find_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n but_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o give_v we_o his_o word_n to_o be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n how_o ought_v we_o then_o to_o prize_n and_o value_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o direction_n whereof_o we_o must_v have_v wander_v up_o and_o down_o the_o wilderness_n and_o never_o have_v find_v out_o the_o way_n to_o canaan_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o church_n nec_fw-la erit_fw-la illi_fw-la deus_fw-la pater_fw-la cui_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la mater_fw-la god_n say_v st._n cyprian_n will_v not_o be_v his_o father_n who_o do_v not_o own_o the_o church_n for_o his_o mother_n have_v we_o be_v bear_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n without_o god_n without_o christ_n and_o without_o hope_n in_o this_o world_n sure_a then_o we_o who_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o god_n church_n and_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o this_o light_n and_o learn_v to_o prize_n and_o value_v it_o otherwise_o we_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o lose_v all_o the_o advantage_n thereof_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o second_o general_n second_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n where_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n except_o thou_o repent_v i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n christ_n church_n therefore_o may_v fail_v and_o be_v extinguish_v but_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a decision_n of_o this_o point_n we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v of_o christ_n catholic_n and_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n seat_v in_o some_o particular_a kingdom_n or_o nation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o church_n of_o denmark_n and_o the_o like_a now_o one_a it_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n can_v never_o fail_v and_o be_v total_o extinguish_v this_o large_a candlestick_n shall_v never_o be_v remove_v we_o have_v several_a promise_n in_o scripture_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v continue_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o our_o saviour_n promise_v his_o apostle_n mat._n 28._o ult_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o mat._n 16._o 18._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n have_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o thus_o firm_a and_o stable_a be_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n speak_v elegant_o it_o may_v be_v assault_v but_o not_o defeat_v it_o may_v be_v distress_v but_o not_o destroy_v it_o may_v be_v wound_v but_o it_o shall_v not_o fall_v it_o may_v be_v toss_v but_o not_o wreck_v it_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v militant_a but_o yet_o never_o be_v overcome_v but_o 2_o though_o the_o catholic_n and_o universal_a church_n be_v thus_o stable_a and_o perpetual_a yet_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v claim_v this_o privilege_n the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o nation_n may_v utter_o fail_v and_o have_v its_o candlestick_n remove_v from_o it_o this_o be_v threaten_v in_o the_o text_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a fate_n of_o several_a other_o particular_a church_n for_o where_o be_v those_o many_o famous_a church_n in_o africa_n which_o be_v so_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n austin_n where_o be_v those_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n those_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n
this_o book_n of_o psalm_n if_o after_o such_o wonderful_a deliverance_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v this_o day_n we_o still_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sin_n our_o most_o costly_a sacrifice_n will_v prove_v a_o abomination_n the_o lord_n will_v even_o spread_v the_o very_a dung_n of_o they_o on_o our_o face_n see_v therefore_o with_o what_o passion_n ezra_n exhort_v the_o jew_n to_o this_o duty_n after_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n ezra_n 9_o 13._o when_o we_o have_v receive_v such_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o we_o must_v therefore_o keep_v holiness_n in_o our_o life_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v fit_a to_o keep_v a_o holiday_n to_o the_o lord_n it_o become_v well_o the_o just_a to_o be_v thankful_a let_v the_o high_a praise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n and_o it_o will_v please_v he_o better_o than_o a_o bullock_n that_o have_v horn_n and_o hoof_n let_v we_o therefore_o reform_v our_o life_n and_o be_v thus_o wonderful_o deliver_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n let_v we_o serve_v without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v etc._n etc._n sermon_n v._n 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o corinth_n be_v seat_v on_o the_o peloponnesian_a isthmus_n have_v the_o advantage_n both_o of_o the_o ionian_a and_o aegean_a sea_n to_o bring_v into_o its_o bosom_n all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o these_o temporal_a blessing_n flow_v there_o in_o such_o great_a abundance_n that_o corinth_n be_v style_v by_o homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o pindar_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a the_o rich_a and_o happy_a city_n of_o corinth_n and_o as_o corinth_n be_v thus_o happy_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o trade_n and_o commerce_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o happy_a in_o have_v the_o gospel_n plant_v there_o by_o the_o great_a apostle_n s._n paul_n it_o be_v account_v the_o honour_n of_o these_o primitive_a church_n to_o have_v some_o apostle_n or_o other_o to_o be_v their_o founder_n and_o the_o more_o eminent_a the_o apostle_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n he_o plant_v now_o in_o this_o respect_n corinth_n be_v inferior_a unto_o none_o as_o be_v found_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n one_o who_o be_v sometime_o style_v by_o the_o ancient_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o in_o that_o modest_a character_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v of_o himself_o in_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 5._o tell_v we_o express_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a-whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n the_o honour_n therefore_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n can_v not_o but_o be_v great_a since_o it_o be_v plant_v by_o this_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o great_a if_o we_o add_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o learned_a author_n super_fw-la hac_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la maxim_n triumphant_a paulas_n st._n paul_n say_v he_o though_o he_o convert_v several_a other_o nation_n and_o plant_v several_a other_o church_n yet_o he_o seem_v to_o glory_v most_o yea_o even_a triumph_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o corinthian_n these_o he_o call_v his_o special_a work_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o very_a seal_n of_o his_o apostleship_n chap._n 9_o of_o this_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o st._n paul_n so_o it_o have_v also_o the_o happiness_n to_o be_v water_v by_o the_o eloquence_n of_o apollo_n and_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o st._n peter_n now_o one_o will_v have_v think_v a_o church_n thus_o happy_o plant_v and_o water_v might_n if_o any_o in_o the_o world_n have_v promise_v itself_o a_o immunity_n from_o schism_n and_o division_n at_o least_o so_o long_o as_o these_o infallible_a apostle_n and_o unerring_a guide_n be_v still_o alive_a but_o alas_o even_a infallibility_n itself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v a_o antidote_n against_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o raise_v and_o promote_a they_o here_o at_o corinth_n for_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n we_o find_v they_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o be_o of_o cephas_n and_o beside_o these_o schism_n which_o take_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o eminency_n of_o their_o teacher_n we_o find_v in_o this_o 11_o chapter_n several_a other_o division_n about_o the_o sacrament_n unity_n be_v indeed_o a_o signal_n blessing_n yet_o such_o as_o the_o best_a of_o church_n may_v not_o always_o enjoy_v corinth_n as_o glorious_a and_o eminent_a a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v be_v rend_v in_o piece_n by_o faction_n and_o division_n nay_o which_o be_v stranger_n yet_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n stamp_v a_o oportet_fw-la upon_o they_o there_o must_v say_v he_o be_v heresy_n or_o as_o he_o call_v they_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n division_n among_o you_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n will_v always_o watch_v their_o opportunity_n to_o sow_v these_o tare_n and_o god_n it_o seem_v be_v willing_a to_o permit_v they_o that_o the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o integrity_n of_o other_o may_v be_v discover_v so_o much_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o text_n for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o first_o that_o the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o misfortune_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n second_o what_o those_o cause_n be_v which_o make_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o some_o sort_n necessary_a three_o that_o god_n design_n in_o suffer_v these_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o and_o integrity_n of_o other_o four_o that_o those_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o honourable_a person_n who_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n amid_o these_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o arise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o approve_a one_o in_o the_o text._n there_o must_v say_v st._n paul_n be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o first_o namely_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o misfortune_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a great_a stranger_n both_o to_o scripture_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o misfortune_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o usual_a fate_n and_o misfortune_n of_o other_o church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o be_v sad_o distract_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n we_o find_v at_o galata_n such_o as_o preach_v up_o judaism_n and_o bewitch_v the_o galatian_n with_o a_o dangerous_a opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o legal_a rite_n st._n paul_n warn_v the_o colossian_n of_o such_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o spoil_v they_o through_o vain_a philosophy_n and_o bid_v they_o take_v care_n that_o no_o man_n beguile_v they_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n when_o he_o write_v his_o hierarchial_a epistle_n to_o titus_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o crete_n it_o seem_v heretic_n be_v so_o numerous_a in_o that_o church_n that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v he_o this_o apostolical_a canon_n among_o the_o rest_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n st._n john_n will_v show_v we_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n nicolaitan_n and_o balaamite_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n heretic_n stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o jezabel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o in_o ephesus_n the_o mother_n church_n counterfeit_v apostle_n who_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o but_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v liar_n though_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v at_o this_o time_n so_o famous_a that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o say_v s._n paul_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v free_a from_o division_n for_o our_o apostle_n give_v they_o this_o advise_v rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o
st._n john_n mention_n in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v they_o not_o utter_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v and_o dwell_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o place_n but_o ignorance_n barbarity_n and_o mahumetanism_n thus_o you_o see_v it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o though_o the_o catholic_n shall_v never_o fail_v yet_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n and_o nation_n may_v though_o he_o will_v not_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o will_v always_o have_v a_o church_n in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a it_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n he_o may_v remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o england_n or_o holland_n or_o any_o other_o particular_a nation_n which_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o jew_n mat._n 21._o 43._o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o thus_o christ_n threaten_v and_o because_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o repent_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o according_o for_o they_o be_v now_o become_v lo-ammi_a no_o more_o a_o people_n but_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a i_o can_v dismiss_v this_o point_n without_o a_o inference_n or_o two_o and_o one_a if_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v fail_v than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v vain_a in_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o her_o perpetuity_n and_o indefectibility_n we_o know_v she_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o very_a corrupt_a part_n of_o it_o too_o and_o therefore_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o fancy_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o st._n paul_n give_v they_o better_o advice_n rome_n 11._o 21_o 22._o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v for_o of_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o this_o epistle_n you_o know_v be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o this_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v infallible_a and_o perpetual_a st._n paul_n have_v mighty_o fail_v in_o his_o logic_n for_o he_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o fate_n which_o befall_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o may_v fail_v as_o well_o as_o they_o have_v do_v 2_o since_o particular_a church_n may_v fail_v than_o this_o shall_v make_v they_o study_v their_o preservation_n and_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o that_o purpose_n if_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o any_o nation_n shall_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n exchange_v plain_a and_o wholesome_a truth_n for_o fond_a speculation_n and_o opinion_n if_o they_o shall_v turn_v factious_a and_o schismatical_a neglect_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o pastor_n if_o they_o be_v dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o confute_v their_o religion_n by_o their_o life_n they_o will_v provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n and_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o they_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o promise_a safety_n and_o protection_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o people_n who_o neglect_v their_o own_o safety_n that_o he_o threaten_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o they_o except_o thou_o repente_v i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n how_o careful_a then_o shall_v we_o of_o this_o nation_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o gospel_n among_o we_o leave_v god_n carry_v it_o away_o from_o we_o unto_o a_o people_n that_o will_v better_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o to_o excite_v we_o all_o to_o this_o study_n and_o carefulness_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o three_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o have_v this_o candlestick_n remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n threaten_v as_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n except_o thou_o repent_v say_v christ_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n so_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v it_o as_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n unto_o the_o jew_n mat._n 21._o 43._o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o judgement_n will_v appear_v at_o large_a from_o these_o follow_a particular_n one_a it_o deprive_v a_o nation_n of_o its_o chief_a honour_n as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o a_o earthly_a king_n so_o it_o be_v a_o much_o high_a honour_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n hence_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 43._o 4._o since_o thou_o be_v precious_a in_o my_o sight_n thou_o have_v be_v honourable_a now_o all_o this_o honour_n be_v lose_v when_o once_o a_o nation_n lose_v its_o relation_n to_o god_n thus_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jew_n hosea_n 1._o 9_o then_o say_v god_n call_v his_o name_n lo-ammi_a for_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n when_o god_n remove_v his_o candlestick_n and_o reject_v a_o nation_n from_o be_v his_o people_n they_o become_v then_o as_o contemptible_a as_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o vile_a and_o despicable_a as_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o god_n disown_v they_o for_o his_o people_n 2_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n do_v also_o deprive_v a_o nation_n of_o god_n special_a care_n and_o providence_n we_o know_v god_n church_n and_o people_n be_v as_o dear_a to_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o he_o be_v as_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o wall_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o they_o now_o a_o wall_n of_o fire_n be_v both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a and_o denote_v that_o god_n by_o his_o special_a providence_n do_v not_o only_o defend_v his_o choose_a people_n but_o also_o offend_v and_o destroy_v their_o enemy_n behold_v say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 33._o 18._o behold_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o say_v he_o namely_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o of_o these_o he_o take_v a_o special_a care_n and_o exercise_n a_o most_o tender_a and_o watchful_a providence_n over_o they_o to_o deliver_v their_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o famine_n thus_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v our_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n and_o reject_v we_o from_o be_v his_o people_n then_o shall_v we_o lose_v our_o right_n and_o title_n to_o this_o his_o special_a care_n and_o providence_n we_o shall_v soon_o then_o become_v a_o prey_n unto_o our_o enemy_n a_o reproach_n and_o by_o word_n to_o all_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o when_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n a_o dreadful_a voice_n be_v hear_v in_o their_o temple_n say_v migremus_fw-la hinc_fw-la migremus_fw-la hinc_fw-la let_v we_o go_v hence_o let_v we_o go_v hence_o intimate_v that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v then_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o withdraw_v their_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o and_o present_o after_o this_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n be_v bring_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o have_v cease_v ever_o since_o not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o nation_n be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n and_o hate_v in_o all_o place_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v yet_o far_o 3_o to_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n esteem_v it_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n than_o other_o be_v adversity_n and_o oppression_n be_v heavy_a judgement_n and_o yet_o but_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o so_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o isaiah_n 30._o 20._o though_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o the_o bread_n of_o adversity_n and_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n yet_o shall_v not_o thy_o teacher_n be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n any_o more_o but_o thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n and_o thy_o ear_n shall_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o though_o oppression_n and_o adversity_n be_v heavy_a burden_n yet_o be_v they_o nothing_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o teacher_n and_o the_o deprivation_n of_o god_n ordinance_n so_o long_o as_o god_n candlestick_n shine_v among_o we_o and_o we_o enjoy_v
be_v take_v in_o this_o figurative_a sense_n this_o cup_n represent_v my_o blood_n for_o it_o follow_v present_o after_o i_o will_v not_o drink_v henceforth_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n say_v christ_n until_o that_o day_n when_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a with_o you_o in_o my_o father_n kingdom_n the_o fruit_n be_v call_v sometime_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o grape_n but_o sure_o without_o a_o figure_n it_o can_v be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o christ._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o our_o church_n be_v apostolical_a also_o in_o deny_v transubstantiation_n 6._o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n be_v account_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o most_o dangerous_a crime_n for_o since_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v there_o be_v no_o transubstantiation_n but_o it_o remain_v bread_n we_o dare_v not_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o it_o which_o we_o believe_v a_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v 7._o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o condemn_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n condemn_v only_o what_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n have_v condemn_v before_o for_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v unto_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o here_o we_o be_v forbid_v and_o that_o in_o most_o comprehensive_a term_n the_o make_n of_o any_o image_n whatsoever_o to_o worship_n it_o it_o be_v not_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v image_n of_o idol_n or_o false_a god_n but_o it_o be_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o this_o commandment_n for_o the_o golden_a calf_n be_v condemn_v in_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n under_o those_o representation_n our_o church_n therefore_o do_v not_o allow_v her_o member_n to_o picture_n god_n the_o father_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o old_a man_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o bird_n or_o dove_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n yea_o a_o infinite_o glorious_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v picture_v without_o a_o injury_n but_o to_o worship_v such_o picture_n or_o image_n be_v as_o s._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 1._o to_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n 8._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v also_o just_o condemn_v the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n by_o mental_a and_o vocal_a prayer_n as_o the_o trent_n council_n enjoin_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o learned_a papist_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v it_o and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o text_n i._n e._n the_o foundation_n of_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n the_o temple_n of_o old_a be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o denote_v that_o religious_a prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n say_v express_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v to_o hear_v mental_a prayer_n belong_v only_o to_o god_n who_o alone_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v such_o prayer_n unto_o creature_n be_v to_o make_v they_o more_o than_o creature_n the_o saint_n must_v be_v omnipresent_v if_o they_o can_v hear_v all_o their_o votary_n who_o pray_v to_o they_o in_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o omnipresence_n be_v a_o attribute_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a essence_n thou_o be_v a_o god_n that_o hear_v prayer_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o therefore_o unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v we_o be_v tell_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o since_o he_o be_v most_o willing_a and_o able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o we_o do_v not_o use_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v injure_v the_o merit_n of_o that_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n who_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o these_o few_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v give_v and_o i_o may_v have_v give_v you_o many_o more_o it_o can_v but_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o serious_a unprejudiced_a person_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o like_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o text_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o adversary_n have_v always_o be_v think_v considerable_a i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o pope_n paul_n iu._n who_o as_o bishop_n andrews_n report_v make_v this_o offer_n to_o q._n elizabeth_n that_o if_o she_o will_v but_o own_o his_o supremacy_n he_o will_v confirm_v our_o way_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n appertain_v to_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n as_o we_o now_o do_v sure_o this_o holy_a father_n will_v never_o have_v confirm_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consonant_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o since_o he_o be_v please_v to_o offer_v his_o confirmation_n we_o will_v requite_v his_o kindness_n by_o value_v our_o church_n the_o more_o upon_o his_o approbation_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o three_o general_n i_o propose_v i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v sufficient_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n like_o that_o of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o text_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o and_o no_o other_o foundation_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o close_a leave_v a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o exhortation_n with_o you_o and_o beseech_v you_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n to_o keep_v the_o ephesian_n steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o desire_v they_o chap._n 3._o not_o to_o faint_v and_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v strengthen_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n he_o bid_v they_o chap._n 4._o have_v a_o care_n they_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v as_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o scare_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n by_o fear_n of_o persecution_n so_o neither_o will_v he_o have_v they_o gull_v of_o it_o by_o the_o sleight_n and_o subtlety_n of_o false_a teacher_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o true_a church_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o we_o must_v resemble_v those_o best_a of_o christian_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 2._o 42._o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n but_o alas_o how_o apt_a be_v man_n to_o barter_n away_o religion_n for_o some_o worldly_a emolument_fw-fr how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o carry_v their_o religion_n in_o their_o pocket_n and_o stick_v not_o with_o judas_n to_o betray_v their_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n unless_o perhaps_o their_o covetousness_n be_v great_a and_o a_o large_a sum_n be_v requisite_a to_o patch_v up_o their_o break_a fortune_n if_o naaman_n preferment_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o religion_n you_o must_v allow_v he_o a_o dispensation_n and_o permit_v he_o to_o bow_v in_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o rather_o than_o pilate_n will_v hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o caesar_n favour_n he_o will_v pronounce_v our_o saviour_n innocent_a one_o hour_n and_o condemn_v he_o the_o next_o thus_o christ_n be_v make_v to_o truckle_n under_o the_o world_n and_o gain_n will_v be_v godliness_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o those_o that_o be_v sober_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v
the_o great_a advantage_n of_o prayer_n sermon_n and_o sacrament_n other_o judgement_n may_v the_o better_o be_v dispense_v with_o famine_n be_v another_o very_a sore_a judgement_n when_o this_o rage_n god_n be_v say_v to_o march_v through_o the_o land_n in_o indignation_n hab._n 3_o 12._o and_o we_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o direful_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o famine_n we_o read_v in_o our_o chronicle_n that_o there_o be_v former_o such_o a_o dreadful_a famine_n in_o this_o island_n that_o when_o malefactor_n be_v lead_v out_o of_o prison_n towards_o the_o place_n of_o exeeution_n the_o poor_a hungry_a people_n will_v present_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o tear_v they_o in_o piece_n eat_v they_o up_o and_o we_o will_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o when_o we_o read_v ezek._n 5_o 10._o of_o father_n eat_v up_o their_o son_n and_o son_n their_o father_n and_o which_o be_v stanger_n and_o more_o unnatural_a yet_o we_o find_v lamen_n 4_o 10._o tender_a compassionate_a woman_n force_v by_o the_o extremity_n of_o hunger_n to_o seethe_v their_o own_o child_n these_o be_v horrid_a instance_n of_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o famine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o a_o devourer_n as_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o devour_v himself_o as_o you_o may_v read_v isai._n 9_o 20._o where_o every_o man_n be_v bring_v in_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n thus_o great_a and_o heavy_a a_o judgement_n be_v famine_n yea_o by_o some_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sore_a heaven_n can_v inflict_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v inferior_a to_o this_o of_o the_o text_n when_o god_n in_o wrath_n remove_v our_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n when_o he_o take_v his_o gospel_n away_o from_o we_o and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n no_o less_o than_o this_o be_v assert_v amos_n 8._o 11_o 12._o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n that_o i_o will_v send_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n not_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n not_o a_o thirst_n of_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o shall_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o north_n even_o to_o the_o east_n shall_v they_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o thus_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o sore_a judgement_n than_o the_o famine_n of_o bread_n and_o well_o indeed_o it_o may_v since_o the_o one_o destroy_v only_o the_o body_n the_o other_o destroy_v the_o soul_n if_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v away_o worse_o than_o egyptian_a darkness_n will_v ensue_v such_o as_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o fall_v and_o that_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n from_o whence_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o three_o general_n and_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o have_v our_o candlestick_n remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n for_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n deprive_v a_o nation_n of_o its_o chief_a honour_n and_o make_v they_o become_v lo-ammi_a or_o no_o people_n it_o deprive_v they_o also_o of_o god_n special_a care_n and_o providence_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n unto_o their_o enemy_n and_o last_o it_o surpass_v the_o sore_a of_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n be_v far_o more_o tolerable_a than_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n these_o consideration_n if_o any_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o value_v god_n ordinance_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o former_o we_o have_v and_o excite_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n as_o this_o and_o to_o help_v we_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n the_o better_a i_o come_v in_o the_o four_o place_n four_o brief_o to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o cause_n which_o bring_v such_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n and_o one_a sin_n be_v the_o general_n cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o than_o the_o text_n itself_o where_o christ_n bid_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v from_o whence_o she_o have_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n nothing_o but_o our_o iniquity_n can_v separate_v betwixt_o our_o god_n and_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o will_v be_v our_o ruin_n for_o god_n will_v not_o continue_v his_o gospel_n to_o a_o backslide_n and_o disobedient_a people_n but_o will_v take_v it_o away_o and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v better_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o 2_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o messenger_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o 2_o chron._n 36._o 15_o 16._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n send_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o his_o messenger_n rise_v up_o betimes_o and_o send_v because_o he_o have_v compassion_n on_o his_o people_n and_o on_o his_o dwell_a place_n but_o they_o mock_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v his_o word_n and_o misuse_v his_o prophet_n until_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n arise_v against_o his_o people_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n so_o amos_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n threaten_v they_o with_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n he_o assign_v this_o among_o other_o reason_n ver_fw-la 5._o namely_o because_o they_o profane_v his_o sabbath_n and_o despise_v his_o ordinance_n and_o indeed_o when_o a_o nation_n undervalue_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n and_o carry_v his_o gospel_n to_o a_o people_n more_o worthy_a of_o it_o 3_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v another_o grand_a cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n historian_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v it_o which_o open_v the_o way_n to_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n to_o overflow_v the_o eastern_a church_n and_o let_v mahumetanism_n into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v this_o which_o bring_v that_o deluge_n of_o goth_n and_o vandal_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n upon_o the_o west_n and_o indeed_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o s._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 3._o 16._o that_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o will_v be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o four_o general_n and_o show_v you_o some_o of_o those_o cause_n which_o provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o a_o people_n and_o nation_n sin_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a the_o contempt_n of_o god_n messenger_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o those_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o rage_n in_o a_o nation_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v now_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o debauchery_n rage_v in_o the_o land_n such_o gross_a profanation_n of_o god_n sabbath_n contempt_n of_o his_o messenger_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o withal_o so_o many_o dangerous_a schism_n and_o faction_n among_o we_o as_o may_v just_o cause_v we_o to_o dread_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o the_o text._n but_o i_o will_v not_o foretell_v your_o danger_n but_o exhort_v you_o to_o prevent_v it_o and_o that_o by_o repentance_n as_o the_o text_n direct_v which_o five_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o general_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o heavy_a judgement_n now_o this_o can_v better_o be_v learn_v than_o from_o that_o advice_n christ_n give_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o this_o place_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n repentance_n therefore_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v take_v to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n if_o we_o 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enjoy_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n whilst_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o groan_n under_o worse_a than_o egyptian_a darkness_n this_o be_v the_o true_a gideon_n fleece_n which_o be_v water_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o celestial_a grace_n whilst_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n lie_v dry_a and_o parch_a not_o unlike_o some_o barren_a and_o curse_a wilderness_n this_o in_o st._n austine_n comparison_n be_v the_o true_a ark_n in_o which_o alone_o we_o can_v be_v secure_a from_o the_o deluge_n of_o god_n wrath_n thus_o great_a be_v their_o happiness_n who_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o some_o difficulty_n there_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n as_o tertullian_n observe_v of_o old_a faciunt_fw-la favos_fw-la &_o vespae_fw-la faciunt_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la &_o marcionitae_n the_o most_o dangerous_a wasp_n have_v their_o cell_n say_v he_o even_o so_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v leah_n for_o rachel_n or_o embrace_v a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o a_o juno_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v that_o description_n st._n paul_n give_v we_o of_o the_o true_a church_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o heaven_n or_o if_o you_o have_v rather_o take_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o household_n of_o god_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o far_o explain_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o prove_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v second_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v sufficient_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o four_o that_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n be_v as_o happy_a as_o be_v those_o ephesian_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n say_v they_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o this_o household_n of_o god_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v st._n paul_n be_v the_o household_n of_o god_n or_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v so_o because_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n we_o be_v sure_o these_o inspire_a minister_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n preach_v and_o plant_v none_o but_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o can_v be_v no_o bad_a church_n which_o 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of_o heretic_n do_v not_o our_o saviour_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o sheep_n will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o not_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o where_o be_v this_o voice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v hear_v but_o sound_v in_o the_o write_n of_o these_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o say_v st._n peter_n you_o do_v well_o if_o you_o take_v heed_n nor_o be_v this_o any_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o what_o be_v general_o own_a by_o the_o ancient_a father_n tertullian_n bring_v in_o the_o church_n speak_v such_o word_n as_o these_o sum_n apostolorum_fw-la sic_fw-la teneo_fw-la sicut_fw-la illi_fw-la testamento_fw-la caverunt_fw-la i_o be_o heir_n say_v she_o to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n whatever_o truth_n they_o leave_v i_o in_o their_o write_n whatever_o doctrine_n they_o bequeath_v i_o in_o their_o testament_n these_o i_o firm_o believe_v these_o i_o will_v constant_o hold_v ireneus_fw-la call_v the_o gospel_n columnam_fw-la &_o firmamentum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n st._n chrysostome_n treat_v at_o large_a upon_o this_o question_n how_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v know_v return_v this_o answer_n more_o than_o once_o the_o true_a church_n be_v best_a know_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v he_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o agree_v with_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o heretical_a which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o they_o none_o speak_v more_o large_o or_o more_o excellent_o to_o this_o point_n than_o the_o great_a st._n austin_n who_o in_o his_o admirable_a book_n against_o the_o donatist_n write_v thus_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o donatist_n be_v where_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o church_n what_o therefore_o shall_v we_o do_v shall_v we_o seek_v it_o in_o our_o own_o word_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o think_v we_o have_v rather_o seek_v it_o in_o his_o word_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o best_a know_v his_o own_o church_n let_v not_o therefore_o these_o speech_n be_v hear_v among_o we_o this_o i_o say_v and_o this_o thou_o say_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v certain_a book_n of_o god_n to_o who_o authority_n we_o both_o stand_v we_o both_o consent_n we_o both_o believe_v there_o let_v we_o seek_v the_o church_n there_o let_v we_o try_v our_o cause_n i_o will_v not_o have_v the_o church_n demonstrate_v by_o man_n teach_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o god_n set_v therefore_o aside_o all_o such_o matter_n let_v they_o show_v forth_o the_o church_n if_o they_o can_v not_o by_o the_o speech_n and_o rumour_n of_o the_o african_n not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o bishop_n not_o in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o disputer_n not_o in_o vision_n and_o revelation_n not_o in_o sign_n and_o false_a miracle_n because_o god_n word_n have_v abundant_o prepare_v we_o and_o make_v we_o ready_a against_o these_o thing_n but_o let_v they_o declare_v it_o out_o of_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o song_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o word_n of_o the_o pastor_n himself_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o church_n or_o no_o let_v they_o declare_v only_o by_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o be_v the_o instruction_n these_o be_v the_o foundation_n these_o be_v the_o supporter_n of_o our_o cause_n thus_o far_o st._n austin_n and_o because_o he_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o full_a to_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o further_a authority_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o she_o trent_n catechism_n that_o no_o church_n be_v catholic_n that_o do_v not_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n she_o must_v not_o hold_v any_o new_a faith_n say_v they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v of_o old_a by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o catechism_n the_o nicene_n father_n do_v well_o to_o add_v the_o word_n apostolic_a to_o their_o creed_n say_v i_o believe_v one_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n namely_o that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o be_v the_o only_a true_a catholic_n church_n which_o be_v apostolic_a that_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n which_o both_o romanist_n and_o protestant_n own_v to_o be_v so_o and_o indeed_o without_o this_o all_o those_o other_o mark_n which_o be_v pretend_v will_v signify_v nothing_o unity_n without_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v find_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n