not_o too_o mean_v a_o employment_n for_o they_o to_o bring_v this_o message_n to_o the_o shepherd_n luk._n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o fear_v not_o for_z behold_v i_o bring_v you_o good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n for_o unto_o you_o be_v bear_v this_o day_n in_o the_o city_n of_o david_n a_o saviour_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o lord_n verse_n 13.14_o and_o sudden_o there_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n praise_v god_n and_o say_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n and_o that_o good_a old_a man_n simeon_n verse_n 28_o 29._o when_o he_o have_v see_v the_o child_n jesus_n he_o take_v he_o up_o in_o be_v arm_n and_o bless_a god_n say_v now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n according_a to_o thy_o word_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o people_n israel_n christ_n himself_o be_v come_v they_o may_v now_o know_v that_o god_n be_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o mankind_n now_o they_o have_v a_o ample_a proof_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o make_v good_a what_o he_o have_v long_o before_o promise_v now_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o shadow_n will_v flee_v away_o the_o substance_n be_v come_v now_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n witness_v the_o silence_v the_o oracle_n of_o jupiter_n apollo_n and_o hecate_n as_o also_o the_o lock_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o janus_n 3._o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v in_o furnish_v they_o with_o pastor_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o greatness_n of_o which_o mercy_n may_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o circumstance_n 1._o the_o number_n of_o primitive_a church-officer_n be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a for_o species_n and_o kind_a there_o be_v none_o want_v which_o her_o condition_n do_v then_o call_v for_o of_o extraordinary_a officer_n there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n act_n 1.1_o seventy_o evangelist_n particular_a church_n have_v their_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o wit_n bishop_n i._n e._n pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v commit_v presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o people_n manner_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5._o and_o deacon_n who_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a act_v 6._o begin_v 2._o there_o be_v then_o a_o parity_n and_o equality_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o kind_n among_o the_o apostle_n none_o claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o the_o rest_n peter_n supremacy_n be_v then_o unknown_a as_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v to_o he_o matth._n 16.19_o so_o also_o to_o the_o rest_n joh._n 20.23_o the_o very_a affectation_n of_o pre-eminence_n be_v in_o those_o day_n distasteful_a to_o christ_n matth._n 18.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 20.25_o 26_o jesus_n call_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o say_v you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v you_o servant_n even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v and_o as_o it_o be_v distasteful_a to_o christ_n so_o also_o to_o themselves_o matth._n 20.21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o when_o the_o ten_o hear_v what_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n have_v ask_v for_o she_o two_o son_n they_o be_v move_v with_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o as_o one_o apostle_n be_v not_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n i._n e._n ordinary_a preach_v and_o rule_v officer_n or_o elder_n they_o be_v not_o two_o distinct_a office_n nor_o officer_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o act._n 20.17_o with_o 28._o who_o he_o have_v call_v presbyter_n v._n 17._o he_o call_v bishop_n v._n 28._o 2._o from_o philip._n 1.1_o he_o direct_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n philippi_n be_v but_o a_o city_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v metropolitan_a of_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n in_o it_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v only_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n this_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o chrysostome_n on_o the_o text._n 3_o from_o tit._n 1.5_o with_o 7._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a this_o for_o must_v either_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o precede_a verse_n or_o it_o signify_v nothing_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o both_o be_v the_o same_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o distinct_a officer_n 4._o from_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o presbyter_n to_o watch_v over_o their_o flock_n v._n 5._o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishoping_a it_o over_o they_o the_o work_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n be_v the_o same_o 5._o from_o ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o where_o all_o sort_n of_o officer_n both_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a be_v reckon_v and_o if_o lord_n prelate_n be_v neither_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n pastor_n nor_o techer_n they_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n creature_n but_o of_o humane_a institution_n 6._o from_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o to_o v._o 8_o begin_v where_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n for_o the_o examination_n and_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o then_o immediate_o he_o pass_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n without_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o presbyter_n as_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o rule_n for_o examination_n and_o ordination_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v god_n be_v good_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o give_v she_o such_o officer_n as_o do_v neither_o lord_n it_o over_o one_o another_o nor_o over_o the_o lord_n heritage_n a_o three_o circumstance_n of_o this_o mercy_n be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a commission_n matth._n 28._o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n whereas_o former_o it_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n now_o that_o he_o be_v not_o will_v any_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n see_v act._n 10.28_o 34_o 35._o mark_v 16.15_o luke_n 24.47_o act._n 1.8_o and_o 20.21_o rom._n 1.4_o 5._o 4._o he_o do_v furnish_v the_o apostle_n with_o variety_n of_o eminent_a gift_n and_o grace_n suitable_a to_o their_o work_n they_o have_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o preach_v that_o they_o need_v not_o read_v or_o study_n but_o they_o speak_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n gal._n 1.11_o 12._o eph._n 3.3_o at_o one_o of_o their_o sermon_n three_o thousand_o be_v convert_v act._n 2.41_o at_o another_o five_o thousand_o act._n 4.4_o they_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n they_o need_v not_o a_o book_n to_o read_v a_o prayer_n by_o a_o set_a form_n they_o have_v the_o gist_n of_o work_a miracle_n matth._n 10.8_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n they_o can_v confer_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o other_o act._n 8.17_o and_o 10.44_o and_o 19.6_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o church_n edification_n they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n joh._n 16.13_o they_o can_v inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o notorious_a hypocrite_n and_o blasphemer_n act._n 5.9_o 10._o and_o 13.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.6_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n whereby_o they_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v rom._n 11.5_o 26._o 2_o thess_n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o joh._n 16.13_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v prophetical_a 4._o consider_v the_o church_n itself_o and_o god_n goodness_n be_v great_a to_o they_o in_o these_o respect_n 1._o of_o ordinance_n 2._o order_n and_o government_n 3._o of_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o those_o day_n 4._o of_o their_o gift_n 5._o their_o grace_n 6._o perseverance_n 7._o suffering_n one_a they_o have_v no_o ordinance_n but_o what_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n these_o also_o be_v divine_o administer_v and_o a_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v that_o that_o do_v high_o beautify_v all_o their_o administration_n act._n 4.31_o
those_o time_n before_o you_o as_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n 1._o as_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o decline_v suffering_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n when_o indeed_o call_v of_o god_n thereunto_o so_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o suffer_v as_o busy_a body_n or_o evil-doer_n mattyrdom_n for_o christ_n be_v account_v so_o honourable_a among_o they_o that_o the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o be_v martyr_n indeed_o be_v register_v and_o keep_v upon_o record_n and_o such_o as_o do_v suffer_v either_o not_o for_o truth_n or_o without_o a_o call_v out_o of_o a_o itch_a appetite_n for_o honour_n be_v not_o enroll_v 2._o in_o all_o your_o suffering_n own_o magistracy_n and_o honour_v the_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o pure_a primitive_a church_n 3._o show_v all_o meekness_n towards_o your_o persecutor_n that_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v it_o be_v not_o through_o a_o peevish_a humoursomness_n or_o pride_n but_o real_o for_o conscience_n sake_n because_o you_o dare_v not_o sin_n against_o god_n that_o you_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o you_o do_v condescend_v to_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n civil_a unless_o they_o impose_v upon_o your_o conscience_n something_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n 4._o show_v love_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o hate_v you_o with_o a_o most_o cruel_a hatred_n in_o pray_v sincere_o hearty_o and_o constant_o for_o they_o matth._n 5._o end_n 5._o do_v not_o use_v any_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_n to_o deliver_v yourself_o from_o suffering_n heb._n 11.25_o 26._o 6._o as_o i_o will_v have_v none_o to_o venture_v upon_o suffering_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n a_o fleshly_a confidence_n will_v fail_v you_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n so_o let_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o weakness_n cause_n discouragement_n and_o a_o despondence_n of_o spirit_n but_o rather_o act_v dependence_n upon_o this_o good_a god_n that_o when_o ever_o he_o give_v the_o call_n he_o will_v proportion_v thy_o strength_n in_o some_o measure_n to_o thy_o suffering_n 1_o cor._n 10.13_o 7._o these_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v not_o only_o patient_a but_o of_o a_o cheerful_a spirit_n in_o all_o their_o suffering_n they_o sing_v psalm_n to_o one_o jesus_n let_v this_o be_v the_o gospel-frame_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n your_o heavenly_a father_n 1_o thess_n 5.18_o 8._o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o faith_n in_o apply_v particular_a promise_n to_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o in_o realize_v the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o eternity_n 9_o in_o all_o your_o suffering_n be_v public_a spirit_v i_o e._n let_v god_n glory_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o edification_n of_o church_n and_o christian_n and_o thy_o own_o soul_n advantage_n be_v aim_v at_o do_v not_o think_v how_o thou_o may_v get_v honour_n and_o a_o name_n to_o thyself_o but_o rather_o 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whatsoever_o thou_o do_v do_v or_o suffer_v let_v all_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 10._o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o begin_v well_o but_o resolve_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n to_o continue_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n 7._o god_n be_v good_a to_o his_o people_n from_o constantine_n time_n and_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o antichrist_n rise_v to_o his_o full_a height_n and_o to_o put_v the_o two_o last_o in_o one_o he_o have_v be_v good_a to_o they_o ever_o since_o he_o begin_v to_o decay_v and_o will_v continue_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o your_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o subject_n to_o premise_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o no_o soon_o be_v the_o church_n deliver_v from_o a_o persecute_a state_n but_o immediate_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o that_o a_o new_a storm_n do_v arise_v 2._o the_o church_n trial_n now_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o what_o they_o be_v former_o as_o than_o they_o suffer_v from_o profess_a pagan_n so_o now_o they_o be_v exercise_v with_o spiritual_a judgement_n they_o be_v pester_v with_o heresy_n and_o error_n from_o within_o and_o such_o as_o by_o profession_n be_v christian_n 3._o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o now_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o the_o denomination_n of_o the_o church_n state_n be_v from_o that_o which_o be_v chief_a and_o principal_a of_o the_o two_o evil_n heresy_n be_v the_o great_a 4._o the_o instrument_n by_o who_o they_o suffer_v be_v antichrist_n and_o his_o adherent_n 5._o in_o treat_v of_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n suffering_n in_o this_o age_n be_v contain_v under_o the_o trumpet_n 8._o and_o 9_o chap._n of_o the_o revel_n 6._o i_o understand_v the_o seven_o chap._n of_o the_o revel_n to_o be_v only_o a_o preparative_n to_o the_o sound_v of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o intervene_v between_o the_o open_n of_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o seal_n as_o also_o that_o the_o 10_o chap._n and_o beginning_n of_o the_o 11_o be_v no_o new_a prophecy_n distinct_a from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o trumpet_n but_o only_o intervene_v between_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o 7._o i_o must_v speak_v particular_o and_o more_o large_o than_o i_o intend_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o age_n that_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o same_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o so_o for_o method_n sake_n i_o shall_v summary_o give_v you_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o seven_o 8_o 9th_o 10_o 11_o chap._n of_o the_o revel_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n revelation_n chap._n seven_o 1._o take_v notice_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a to_o ensue_v be_v hint_v at_o v._o 1_o 2._o there_o be_v four_o angel_n stand_v on_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n hold_v the_o four_o wind_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o blow_v upon_o the_o earth_n nor_o on_o the_o sea_n nor_o on_o the_o tree_n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o earthy_a unstable_a and_o self-conceited_a professor_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n even_o a_o suspension_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o north_n and_o southwind_n of_o the_o spirit_n throughout_o all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n 2._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o evil_n can_v befall_v creature_n by_o chance_n but_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o overrule_v divine_a providence_n four_o angel_n be_v empower_v and_o commissioned_n from_o above_o before_o the_o thing_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n 3._o from_o verse_n 2.3_o observe_v such_o be_v god_n goodness_n and_o christ_n tender_a care_n towards_o his_o poor_a people_n that_o he_o suffer_v not_o these_o commissioned_n executioner_n of_o divine_a justice_n to_o go_v on_o hasty_o with_o their_o work_n till_o they_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v and_o guard_v against_o it_o 4._o the_o great_a lord_n chancellor_n the_o keeper_n of_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n be_v please_v to_o set_v his_o own_o mark_n upon_o his_o choose_a one_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v ensafe_v and_o secure_v against_o this_o ensue_a evil_n hurt_v not_o till_o we_o have_v seal_v the_o servant_n of_o our_o god_n in_o their_o forehead_n he_o give_v they_o that_o excellent_a unction_n 1_o john_n 2._o and_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n that_o though_o antichristian_a calamity_n may_v reach_v their_o body_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v their_o soul_n any_o considerable_a hurt_n 5._o herein_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n yet_o further_o that_o during_o antichrist_n rage_n the_o seal_a one_o be_v exact_o number_v to_o a_o man_n in_o the_o court-roll_n of_o heaven_n one_o hundred_o forty_o four_o thousand_o out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n i._n e._n as_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v but_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n among_o themselves_o be_v but_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v israelite_n so_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v preserve_v from_o antichristian_a pollutiones_fw-la shall_v be_v few_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o world_n of_o carnal_a professor_n that_o shall_v wonder_v after_o the_o beast_n 6._o from_o verse_n 9_o to_o the_o end_n you_o have_v a_o excellent_a prophetical_a hint_n of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o antichristianism_n and_o then_o their_o condition_n shall_v be_v glorious_a comparative_o i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o her_o wilderness_n condition_n and_o prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n then_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v
our_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n we_o be_v not_o to_o restrict_n it_o to_o they_o only_o 2._o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v who_o those_o of_o a_o clean_a heart_n be_v this_o distinction_n be_v necessary_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o legal_a cleanness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o complete_a purity_n according_a to_o what_o the_o law_n require_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o evangelical_n or_o gospel_n cleanness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v 1._o a_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n from_o heart-uncleanness_n 2._o a_o holy_a detestation_n hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o every_o sin_n 3._o a_o constant_a endeavour_n every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o sin_n 4._o a_o sincere_a cordial_a love_n to_o holiness_n and_o heart_n purity_n 5._o a_o fervent_a and_o earnest_a pray_v with_o david_n psal_n 51._o create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o 6._o a_o unfeigned_a faith_n whereby_o a_o humble_a soul_n do_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o guilt_n and_o filth_n of_o sin_n lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v of_o this_o late_a and_o not_o the_o former_a the_o assertion_n in_o the_o text_n be_v verify_v psal_n 32.1_o 2._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o transgression_n be_v cover_v bless_v be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n by_o this_o time_n you_o may_v perceive_v that_o my_o text_n point_v at_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o mention_v it_o not_o that_o common_a providential_a bounty_n whereof_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v make_v partaker_n but_o the_o specialty_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n 2._o though_o there_o be_v many_o titular_a christian_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o church-member_n saint_n and_o professor_n yet_o the_o specialty_n of_o love_n be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o portion_n of_o upright-hearted_n once_o only_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o most_o infallible_a certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a soul_n among_o they_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v it_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o how_o much_o more_o sweet_a to_o taste_v of_o it_o o_o its_o sweet_a to_o know_v it_o but_o much_o more_o sweet_a to_o feel_v it_o experimental_o and_o to_o have_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o my_o own_o soul_n in_o particular_a for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o more_o full_o i_o shall_v propose_v this_o method_n 1._o give_v some_o few_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o truth_n god_n be_v good_a to_o his_o people_n 2._o some_o demonstration_n thereof_o from_o what_o have_v be_v common_a to_o his_o people_n in_o all_o age_n 3._o from_o some_o particular_a blessing_n bestow_v upon_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n 4._o what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v to_o the_o gospel-church_n as_o in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o jew_n 5._o what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n day_n 6._o wherein_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 7._o what_o from_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o antichrist_n till_o he_o come_v to_o his_o full_a height_n and_o during_o his_o reign_n 8._o what_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v like_a to_o be_v from_o the_o first_o remarkable_a beginning_n of_o antichrist_n ruin_n to_o the_o time_n and_o period_n of_o his_o utter_a destruction_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v work_n enough_o carve_v out_o for_o i_o to_o speak_v and_o you_o to_o hear_v of_o we_o may_v well_o say_v who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v great_o discourage_v even_o at_o our_o first_o entrance_n upon_o it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o god_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o who_o work_n we_o be_v about_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n grace_n mercy_n love_n and_o bounty_n abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n he_o give_v liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n jam._n 1.5_o first_o for_o scripture_n proof_n take_v these_o few_o instead_o of_o many_o psal_n 31.19_o o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o which_o â—hou_n have_v wrought_v for_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n zech._n 3._o last_o ver_fw-la psal_n 103.11_o 12_o 13_o 15_o 16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 107._o this_o be_v four_o or_o five_o â—imes_n reiterated_a o_o that_o man_n will_v praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o psal_n 136._o this_o be_v 26_o time_n repeat_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o 145.7_o â—_o 9_o they_o shall_v abundant_o utter_v the_o memory_n of_o thy_o â—reat_a goodness_n and_o shall_v sing_v of_o thy_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_v â—nd_v of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tenâ—er_a mercy_n be_v ever_o all_o his_o work_n second_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o blessing_n as_o â—re_n common_a to_o the_o upright_o heart_v one_o in_o all_o age_n 〈◊〉_d a_o far_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o they_o â—re_n these_o 1._o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v upâ—n_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n to_o do_v they_o good_a before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n eph._n 1.4_o 5_o 6._o 2_o tim._n 1._o â—0_n 2._o that_o unspeakable_a and_o unparallell_a do_v mercy_n 〈◊〉_d god_n in_o promise_v and_o send_v his_o dear_a son_n to_o work_v redemption_n for_o his_o people_n be_v a_o confirmation_n â—f_o this_o joh._n 3_o 16._o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n 3_o there_o be_v one_o of_o god_n peculiar_a one_o but_o in_o due_a time_n have_v â—een_n effectual_o call_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n he_o â—…kes_v the_o heir_n of_o hell_n wrath_n and_o damnation_n and_o â—dopts_v they_o for_o his_o own_o child_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o beâ—old_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v partaker_n of_o micah_n 7.18_o o_o who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o our_o god_n that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o heritage_n isa_n 43.25_o ezek._n 36.22_o 5._o all_o such_o have_v have_v the_o soulsaving_a and_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n bestow_v upon_o they_o 2_o pet_n 1.4_o 6._o they_o have_v have_v ordinance_n and_o mean_n whereby_o grace_n and_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o they_o psal_n 147.19_o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n to_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n to_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n 7._o whatever_o blessing_n they_o have_v all_o be_v by_o the_o tenure_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o .._o all_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v o_o the_o never-enough-admired_a goodness_n of_o this_o god_n that_o have_v condescend_v so_o far_o as_o by_o a_o voluntary_a contract_n and_o covenant_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o debtor_n to_o such_o undeserving_a wretch_n psal_n 34.3_o o_o come_v let_v we_o magnify_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o 8._o god_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o have_v in_o all_o age_n furnish_v his_o people_n with_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o they_o if_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n be_v best_a for_o they_o than_o they_o have_v if_o the_o joy_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o the_o hiding_n of_o his_o face_n if_z poverty_n iâ—_n ache_v if_o ordinance_n or_o if_o sometime_o the_o want_n of_o ordinance_n be_v good_a for_o they_o if_o persecution_n or_o deliverance_n from_o it_o he_o have_v sanctify_v every_o state_n and_o condition_n make_v all_o thing_n work_v for_o their_o good_a rom._n 8.28_o in_o one_o word_n psal_n 84.11_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n he_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n no_o good_a thing_n will_v he_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o 37.37_o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a behold_v the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n isa_n 64.4_o psal_n 40.12_o many_o o_o lord_n my_o god_n be_v thy_o wonderful_a work_n which_o thou_o have_v
when_o they_o have_v pray_v the_o place_n be_v shake_v where_o they_o be_v assemble_v and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rev._n 1.12_o 14._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n and_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n i._n e._n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n have_v a_o tender_a heart_n and_o be_v both_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v they_o good_a his_o head_n and_o his_o hair_n be_v white_a like_o wool_n as_o white_a as_o snow_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n he_o do_v show_v himself_o in_o all_o their_o church-administrations_a to_o be_v full_a of_o wisdom_n gravity_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n as_o if_o they_o burn_v in_o a_o furnace_n and_o his_o voice_n be_v as_o the_o voice_n of_o many_o water_n ay_o e._n he_o do_v triumphant_o conquer_v many_o stouthearted_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n and_o regal_a authority_n in_o his_o ordinance_n ps_n 110.3_o 4._o and_o 45._o two_o god_n be_v good_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o good_a order_n discipline_n and_o government_n that_o be_v among_o they_o christ_n himself_o be_v their_o sovereign_n and_o supreme_a lawgiver_n in_o all_o church-matter_n according_a to_o what_o be_v prophesy_v is._n 9.6_o 7._o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n zech._n 6.13_o even_o he_o shall_v build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v bear_v the_o glory_n and_o he_o shall_v sit_v and_o rule_v upon_o his_o throne_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a of_o peter_n matth._n 16.19_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n joh._n 20._o of_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o herein_o be_v their_o order_n and_o polity_n that_o church-officer_n meddle_v only_o with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o authoritative_a exercise_n of_o church_n power_n and_o the_o church_n meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n during_o the_o first_o century_n nothing_o be_v do_v sine_fw-la consensu_fw-la plebis_fw-la without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n as_o mr._n jacob_n prove_v by_o a_o hundred_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o pure_a antiquity_n they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n act._n 1._o end_n and_o 6._o begin_v of_o admit_v member_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o saul_n seek_v to_o adjoin_v himself_o who_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o receive_v satisfaction_n from_o barnabas_n act._n of_o cast_v out_o offend_v member_n 1_o cor._n 5._o of_o readmitting_a excommunicate_a penitent_n 2_o cor._n 2._o their_o order_n be_v that_o no_o particular_a church_n do_v arrogate_v power_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o particular_a church_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o to_o consult_v with_o they_o concern_v some_o doctrinal_a difference_n do_v argue_v that_o they_o have_v full_a power_n to_o determine_v the_o matter_n among_o themselves_o without_o make_v any_o appeal_n their_o order_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o press_v thing_n indifferent_a upon_o scruple_v conscience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o and_o 9_o chapter_n they_o well_o know_v that_o to_o have_v do_v otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v tyranny_n and_o destructive_a to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o so_o for_o many_o other_o thing_n 3._o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n be_v call_v rev._n 12._o 1_o a_o woman_n that_o have_v on_o her_o head_n a_o crown_n of_o twelve_o star_n however_o they_o be_v brand_v by_o their_o enemy_n as_o heretical_a yet_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v be_v pure_o apostolical_a it_o be_v true_a false_a teacher_n do_v creep_v in_o now_o and_o then_o among_o they_o and_o corrupt_v several_a truth_n but_o through_o the_o vigilance_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o be_v quick_o and_o convince_o confute_v they_o do_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v seek_v righteousness_n for_o justification_n partly_o by_o christ_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n law_n but_o the_o epistle_n to_o coloss_n galat._n and_o hebrew_n be_v write_v against_o this_o heresy_n cerinthus_n deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n be_v write_v 2_o cor._n 11_o two_o 3._o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n for_o i_o fear_v leave_v as_o by_o any_o mean_v the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 4._o herein_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o not_o only_o the_o officer_n but_o also_o many_o of_o their_o member_n be_v man_n singular_o qualify_v with_o gift_n 1_o cor._n 1.5_o 7._o by_o he_o you_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o all_o utterance_n and_o in_o all_o knowledge_n so_o that_o you_o come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n see_v 1_o cor._n 14._o act._n 8._o mark_v 16.17_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v 5._o god_n be_v good_a to_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o grace_n rom._n 15.14_o and_o i_o myself_o be_o persuade_v of_o you_o brethren_n that_o you_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o eph._n 1.3_o 4_o 5._o philip._n 1.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n even_o as_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o i_o to_o think_v this_o of_o you_o all_o because_o i_o have_v you_o in_o my_o heart_n in_o as_o much_o as_o both_o in_o my_o bond_n and_o in_o the_o defence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o my_o grace_n and_o this_o i_o pray_v that_o your_o love_n may_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o abound_v in_o all_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n col._n 1.3_o 4._o we_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n since_o we_o hear_v of_o your_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o of_o the_o love_n which_o you_o have_v to_o all_o the_o saint_n 1_o thes_n 1.3_o remember_v without_o cease_v your_o work_n of_o faith_n your_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o patience_n of_o hope_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o father_n know_v brethren_n belove_v your_o election_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o their_o glory_n that_o they_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o love_n which_o do_v evidence_n itself_o in_o two_o notable_a act_n 1._o they_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n though_o some_o be_v for_o circumcision_n other_o against_o it_o some_o for_o observation_n of_o day_n ceremony_n eat_v meat_n and_o other_o not_o yet_o they_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n live_v in_o love_n and_o unity_n act_v 4.32_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n 2._o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o want_v necessary_n so_o long_o as_o other_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o supply_v they_o 2_o cor._n 9.12_o 13_o 14._o the_o administration_n of_o this_o service_n not_o only_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o be_v abundant_a also_o by_o many_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n while_o by_o the_o experiment_n of_o this_o ministration_n they_o glorify_v god_n for_o your_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o your_o liberal_a distribution_n unto_o they_o and_o unto_o all_o man_n and_o by_o their_o prayer_n for_o you_o which_o long_o after_o you_o for_o the_o exceed_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o you_o thanks_o be_v unto_o god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n rom._n 15.25_o 26_o 27._o i_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o minister_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o it_o have_v please_v they_o of_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n to_o make_v a_o certain_a contribution_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n it_o have_v please_v they_o very_o and_o their_o
debtor_n they_o be_v for_o if_o the_o gentile_n have_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thing_n their_o duty_n be_v also_o to_o minister_n unto_o they_o in_o carnal_a thing_n act_n 2.44_o 45._o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v and_o 4.32_o neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o ought_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a 6._o in_o all_o change_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v constant_a still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o sickle_n or_o variable_a some_o time_n for_o one_o thing_n sometime_o for_o another_o act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n 46.47_o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v 2_o cor._n 1.21_o 22._o 1_o thes_n 3.12_o 13._o rev._n 3.10_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n and_o 2.13_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 hold_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 last_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o confer_v the_o honour_n of_o martyrdom_n upon_o they_o stephen_n be_v the_o proto-martyr_n act_v 7._o they_o be_v scatter_v at_o jerusalem_n by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n acts._n 8._o paul_n and_o peter_n suffer_v at_o rome_n under_o nero_n the_o one_o behead_v the_o other_o crucify_a so_o also_o james_n surname_v justus_n nay_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o escape_v a_o violent_a death_n john_n only_o except_v let_v we_o make_v some_o use_n of_o all_o this_o in_o some_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o goodness_n to_o they_o o_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o ever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n o_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o truth_n ordinance_n gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o we_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n sharer_n in_o the_o mercy_n what_o be_v then_o write_v or_o transact_v say_v or_o do_v be_v all_o for_o our_o instruction_n 2._o do_v the_o lord_n give_v forth_o such_o a_o abundant_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o what_o the_o work_n of_o that_o day_n do_v require_v which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o carnal_a jew_n from_o off_o their_o ceremony_n and_o the_o heathenish_a gentile_n from_o satan_n to_o god_n who_o must_v see_v miracle_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v let_v we_o believe_v and_o be_v confident_a that_o the_o same_o good_a god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o proportion_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o church_n and_o servant_n to_o the_o work_n of_o this_o our_o day_n which_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n from_o antichristianism_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o any_o small_a bedewing_n and_o besprinkling_n of_o the_o spirit_n pour_v forth_o upon_o any_o in_o our_o time_n in_o order_n hereunto_o 3._o let_v we_o from_o hence_o bemoan_v ourselves_o and_o other_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o from_o they_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n of_o conversation_n perseverance_n in_o suffering_n contraria_fw-la mixta_fw-la seposita_fw-la clarius_fw-la elucescunt_fw-la in_o the_o primitive_a time_n christ_n place_v we_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o paradise_n but_o we_o have_v not_o keep_v our_o first_o habitation_n 4._o let_v we_o not_o only_o remember_v whence_o we_o be_v fall_v but_o also_o return_v to_o our_o first_o estate_n and_o when_o we_o set_v about_o a_o reformation_n whether_o personal_n or_o ecclesiastical_a let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o set_v the_o primitive_a pattern_n before_o we_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v let_v we_o love_v as_o they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o they_o do_v continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o fellowship_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n as_o they_o do_v no_o suffering_n fright_v they_o from_o follow_v the_o lamb_n be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n imitable_a so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n six_o god_n be_v good_a to_o his_o gospel_n israel_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o constantine_n time_n and_o here_o before_o i_o come_v to_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v these_o few_o general_a consideration_n as_o introductory_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o what_o be_v further_o intend_v 1._o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o that_o immediate_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o persecute_a state_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v so_o in_o their_o time_n but_o not_o as_o afterward_o when_o there_o be_v public_a law_n and_o edict_n make_v against_o the_o profession_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o respite_n till_o the_o gospel_n and_o church_n have_v some_o plantation_n 2._o the_o time_n of_o this_o persecute_a condition_n be_v three_o hundred_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o 3._o the_o instrument_n who_o the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o for_o this_o diabolical_a service_n be_v the_o heathen_a emperor_n of_o rome_n rev._n 12.3_o the_o party_n there_o combat_v against_o michael_n and_o his_o angel_n christ_n and_o his_o people_n be_v thus_o describe_v a_o great_a red_a dragon_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o seven_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n a_o dragon_n because_o of_o his_o power_n red_a because_o of_o his_o cruelty_n have_v seven_o head_n i_o e._n seven_o several_a sort_n of_o government_n in_o rome_n heathenish_a as_o also_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n have_v ten_o head_n with_o seven_o crown_n thereupon_o to_o distinguish_v rome-heathen_a from_o rome-antichristian_a rev._n 13.1_o that_o have_v not_o only_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n but_o also_o crown_n upon_o the_o horn_n to_o intimate_v that_o antichrist_n make_v kingdom_n of_o those_o that_o be_v but_o province_n during_o the_o dragon_n reign_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n 4._o have_v peruse_v several_a writer_n of_o great_a note_n both_o for_o godliness_n and_o learning_n upon_o that_o transcendant_o high_a mystical_a scripture_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o they_o guess_v right_o who_o assert_v that_o the_o seal_n chap._n 6._o hold_v forth_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n during_o the_o first_o three_o century_n of_o which_o ch._n 12._o to_o verse_n 13._o seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a 5._o in_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n i_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n of_o history_n to_o which_o i_o require_v no_o more_o of_o you_o but_o a_o historical_a faith_n i_o account_v it_o a_o great_a mercy_n that_o every_o age_n have_v have_v some_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o care_n it_o have_v be_v to_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n the_o memorable_a act_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o his_o people_n psal_n 145.4_o one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o work_n to_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a act_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o thy_o majesty_n and_o of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n 1._o god_n be_v good_a to_o they_o in_o give_v forth_o this_o incomparable_a rich_a and_o rare_a monument_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a the_o principal_a scope_n and_o intendment_n whereof_o be_v 1._o to_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o suffer_a time_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v but_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o encounter_v therewith_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o their_o suffering_n will_v be_v by_o who_o and_o of_o what_o continuance_n 3._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o encourage_v under_o all_o especial_o upon_o this_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o suffering_n shall_v befall_v you_o but_o according_a to_o the_o predetermination_n and_o fore-appointment_n of_o a_o wise_a god_n and_o love_a father_n 2._o let_v the_o church_n trouble_v be_v what_o they_o will_v they_o shall_v have_v a_o glorious_a and_o a_o assure_a issue_n see_v this_o be_v the_o good_a end_n of_o