mind_n and_o in_o that_o very_a manner_n he_o will_v if_o he_o be_v present_a and_o if_o they_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n they_o shall_v be_v suspect_v of_o unfaithfulnes_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n will_v he_o deliver_v his_o word_n partly_o in_o english_a partly_o in_o latin_a or_o use_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n &_o philosophy_n or_o of_o poet_n and_o sure_o though_o man_n call_v this_o the_o learned_a way_n of_o preach_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o that_o christ_n command_v nay_o if_o this_o be_v admit_v it_o will_v bring_v in_o barbarism_n and_o expel_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o bring_v in_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v among_o the_o schoolman_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o needless_a disputation_n the_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o phrase_n christ_n use_v the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o they_o signify_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o the_o candlestick_n signify_v the_o seven_o church_n but_o be_v so_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o the_o exposition_n in_o the_o sacrament_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v warrant_v and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o as_o the_o papist_n hold_v for_o as_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hold_v that_o these_o be_v seven_o angel_n indeed_o because_o they_o be_v call_v so_o so_o to_o hold_v the_o bread_n be_v real_o transform_v indeed_o into_o christ_n body_n but_o be_v a_o sign_n as_o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n be_v put_v for_o the_o thing_n signify_v this_o bread_n be_v that_o be_v represent_v my_o body_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o verse_n i._n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o the_o four_o action_n of_o christ_n whereby_o john_n describe_v he_o which_o be_v that_o christ_n in_o these_o two_o chapter_n give_v he_o 7._o particular_a commandment_n to_o write_v seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o first_o of_o these_o seven_o particular_a commandment_n be_v in_o this_o first_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o commandment_n follow_v the_o epistle_n itself_o these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o eight_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n this_o word_n be_v two_o way_n use_v first_o it_o signify_v the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v common_o and_o of_o the_o most_o second_o it_o may_v signify_v a_o company_n of_o minister_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n 28._o as_o paul_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o which_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d overseer_n show_v there_o be_v many_o minister_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o this_o word_n angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n as_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o one_o man_n signify_v a_o whole_a multitude_n god_n bid_v moses_n send_v my_o son_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o particular_a he_o note_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n so_o though_o antichrist_n be_v not_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o pope_n 2._o yet_o paul_n call_v he_o that_o antichrist_n and_o that_o child_n of_o perdition_n &_o so_o it_o skill_v not_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o for_o one_o man_n or_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o governor_n in_o this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v two_o point_n first_o the_o intent_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o he_o direct_v his_o letter_n not_o to_o they_o all_o but_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o where_o he_o say_v he_o which_o have_v ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n write_v to_o the_o church_n now_o in_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n he_o intimate_v to_o he_o his_o duty_n first_o that_o he_o must_v especial_o labour_v to_o teach_v the_o particular_a content_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n second_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o teach_v but_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n second_o he_o write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n himself_o because_o he_o especial_o do_v great_a good_a or_o harm_n to_o the_o church_n if_o the_o minister_n be_v good_a there_o come_v much_o good_a if_o he_o be_v evil_a there_o come_v much_o evil_n as_o all_o example_n show_v now_o christ_n write_v for_o this_o cause_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v diligent_a and_o so_o the_o cause_n of_o good_a not_o of_o evil_a the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o christ_n among_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n first_o which_o be_v not_o because_o it_o have_v authority_n above_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o it_o be_v in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n above_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v the_o mother_n city_n for_o they_o be_v all_o candlestick_n and_o all_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o because_o it_o excel_v all_o other_o city_n in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n for_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n first_o to_o this_o church_n by_o which_o he_o show_v that_o those_o church_n town_n and_o people_n which_o excel_v either_o in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n and_o other_o temporal_a gift_n they_o must_v also_o excel_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o man_n in_o particular_a as_o they_o excel_v in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n they_o must_v excel_v other_o in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n so_o then_o each_o town_n must_v as_o it_o excel_v other_o in_o that_o it_o have_v a_o great_a name_n great_a riches_n or_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n go_v before_o other_o which_o want_v they_o if_o they_o excel_v other_o in_o these_o and_o be_v inferior_a in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o man_n too_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o all_o ordinary_a epistle_n have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n now_o the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o end_n and_o intent_n of_o it_o be_v to_o draw_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o reverence_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o christ_n propound_v not_o that_o first_o but_o make_v a_o entrance_n to_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o reverence_n and_o regard_v his_o admonition_n the_o three_o reason_n which_o he_o use_v to_o do_v this_o be_v thus_o frame_v if_o i_o be_v he_o which_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v he_o which_o by_o my_o mighty_a power_n guide_n bless_v protect_v and_o defend_v thou_o and_o thy_o minister_n and_o if_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n that_o be_v be_o always_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o church_n to_o guide_v bless_v and_o protect_v you_o than_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o reverence_v my_o admonition_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la my_o admonition_n must_v be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o preface_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o see_v christ_n repeat_v that_o again_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o show_v this_o be_v a_o most_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learned_a and_o practise_v of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v that_o christ_n he_o be_v present_a in_o his_o church_n &_o be_v present_a by_o his_o special_a providence_n do_v bless_v guide_n and_o protect_v it_o both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o learn_v and_o to_o be_v certain_o persuade_v of_o even_o of_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o providence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v have_v sound_a religion_n &_o this_o stand_v not_o in_o a_o swim_a knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n but_o in_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o heart_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o providence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o all_o duty_n of_o our_o call_n see_v christ_n make_v this_o his_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o admonition_n so_o if_o we_o think_v
must_v hear_v and_o then_o be_v call_v in_o this_o last_o age_n only_o the_o word_n be_v send_v to_o all_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o former_a age_n 2._o again_o false_a it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v grace_n general_o to_o all_o man_n so_o that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v grace_n offer_v to_o salvation_n if_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o but_o god_n give_v not_o the_o word_n to_o all_o for_o all_o have_v not_o hear_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o have_v grace_n the_o second_o duty_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o this_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v of_o they_o second_o to_o practice_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n but_o of_o these_o before_o the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o repent_v that_o be_v though_o she_o repent_v before_o yet_o she_o must_v restore_v and_o renew_v her_o repentancce_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o begin_v but_o often_o renew_v our_o repentance_n and_o not_o only_o for_o great_a sin_n but_o for_o little_a slip_n and_o defect_n in_o grace_n as_o dulness_n of_o heart_n want_v of_o zeal_n coldness_n in_o practice_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n now_o because_o this_o church_n be_v ready_a to_o die_v christ_n add_v a_o reason_n to_o put_v life_n into_o she_o if_o she_o have_v any_o grace_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o renew_v thy_o repentance_n restore_v that_o grace_n decay_v in_o thou_o i_o will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n sudden_o and_o with_o speedy_a destruction_n that_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n or_o way_n to_o escape_v it_o note_v here_o that_o this_o threaten_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o with_o condition_n and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a commination_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n where_o christ_n threaten_v to_o pour_v out_o his_o whole_a wrath_n on_o a_o church_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n or_o mean_n to_o escape_v it_o then_o we_o have_v the_o same_o sin_n that_o she_o have_v use_v be_v dead_a in_o security_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o long_a prosperity_n we_o have_v need_n of_o this_o admonition_n to_o move_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n to_o restore_v god_n grace_n decay_v in_o we_o yet_o it_o seem_v we_o make_v light_a account_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n if_o a_o man_n have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n this_o will_v stir_v he_o up_o but_o if_o this_o most_o fearful_a commination_n will_v not_o move_v we_o than_o the_o end_n of_o all_o must_v needs_o follow_v even_o the_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n must_v lay_v hold_v on_o we_o and_o cast_v we_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n where_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o help_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o comfort_n if_o after_o a_o long_a time_n she_o shall_v get_v out_o but_o he_o must_v live_v there_o for_o ever_o without_o all_o end_n of_o pain_n when_o he_o have_v be_v there_o a_o thousand_o year_n his_o pain_n be_v still_o as_o great_a and_o as_o much_o nay_o no_o end_n he_o can_v have_v then_o we_o must_v awake_v from_o our_o sin_n repent_v for_o our_o sin_n our_o security_n dulness_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o shake_v off_o our_o ignorance_n and_o that_o because_o against_o these_o sin_n christ_n give_v out_o this_o most_o terrible_a and_o fearful_a commination_n vers._n 4._o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n before_o christ_n have_v reprove_v this_o church_n of_o hypocrisy_n now_o he_o commend_v she_o for_o a_o few_o which_o profess_v his_o name_n among_o they_o but_o christ_n have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a how_o then_o can_v this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n ans._n though_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n yet_o a_o few_o some_o of_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o testify_v their_o faith_n in_o obedience_n out_o of_o this_o coherence_n we_o have_v two_o instruction_n to_o learn_v first_o that_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v call_v a_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n and_o part_n and_o those_o which_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o better_a part_n which_o believe_v for_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v a_o number_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n believe_v in_o christ._n now_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o believe_v in_o christ._n those_o which_o believe_v not_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o as_o bad_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o body_n so_o these_o be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o church_n second_o we_o see_v a_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o church_n though_o all_o be_v call_v yet_o some_o call_v be_v dead_a some_o alive_a in_o christ_n and_o continue_v so_o now_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o from_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n rom._n 11._o 4._o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n fall_v to_o idolatry_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v seven_o thousand_o which_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o then_o his_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o some_o stand_n and_o some_o fall_n so_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n live_v some_o be_v dead_a be_v because_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o good_a pleasure_n leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o othersome_a he_o give_v his_o spirit_n this_o as_o before_o confute_v universal_a grace_n which_o derogate_v much_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o this_o why_o some_o stand_n some_o fall_n come_v from_o and_o high_a cause_n even_o from_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o and_o enable_v some_o to_o stand_v by_o his_o spirit_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n here_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o better_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o few_o person_n know_v to_o i_o by_o their_o name_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o thing_n clean_a and_o unclean_a not_o in_o themselves_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n now_o among_o the_o jew_n if_o a_o man_n with_o his_o hand_n or_o garment_n touch_v a_o thing_n unclean_a he_o be_v defile_v which_o ceremony_n signify_v to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v not_o only_o from_o sin_n but_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o that_o they_o may_v not_o touch_v any_o unclean_a thing_n no_o not_o with_o their_o garment_n then_o here_o christ_n will_v show_v there_o be_v sundry_a in_o sardis_n which_o do_v abstain_v both_o from_o sin_n and_o all_o occasion_n show_n and_o appearance_n of_o sin_n though_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a yet_o many_o in_o sardis_n make_v such_o conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o avoid_v the_o very_a occasion_n of_o sin_n hence_o we_o see_v use_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v few_o in_o number_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n but_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_n that_o they_o defile_v not_o their_o garment_n that_o be_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n christ_n prepare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o a_o little_a flock_n isaiah_n say_v only_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o jew_n must_v be_v save_v the_o rest_n harden_v and_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n be_v broad_a and_o easy_a and_o many_o run_v that_o way_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v contrary_a mark_n 7._o 7._o then_o see_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v few_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v the_o multitude_n but_o this_o sin_n carry_v many_o a_o man_n to_o hell_n and_o to_o sin_n when_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v as_o the_o most_o do_v to_o live_v as_o the_o most_o live_a we_o must_v rather_o follow_v the_o little_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o run_v after_o the_o multitude_n a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v person_n know_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o particular_a name_n they_o be_v call_v name_n because_o christ_n write_v their_o name_n in_o a_o bill_n then_o we_o see_v christ_n know_v his_o servant_n particular_o by_o their_o name_n luke_n 10._o he_o know_v all_o our_o hair_n much_o more_o our_o name_n john_n 10._o christ_n call_v his_o sheep_n by_o their_o name_n this_o be_v a_o special_a comfort_n for_o
three_o the_o devil_n tend_v to_o maintain_v idolatry_n error_n and_o wickedness_n deut._n 13._o these_o to_o maintain_v true_a apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v call_v christ_n revelation_n to_o show_v that_o christ_n now_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o kingly_a office_n do_v still_o rule_v order_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v not_o call_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n see_v christ_n jesus_n now_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n use_v enter_v into_o his_o kingly_a office_n do_v give_v his_o church_n revelation_n we_o see_v his_o constant_a care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o the_o first_o age_n he_o give_v doctrine_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o that_o time_n and_o after_o he_o give_v his_o church_n prophecy_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n plain_o and_o also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n &_o repentance_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o now_o after_o all_o these_o be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v no_o less_o care_n of_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v give_v it_o now_o in_o this_o last_o age_n a_o notable_a prophecy_n and_o revelation_n by_o john_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o show_v how_o he_o come_v by_o this_o revelation_n and_o whence_o he_o have_v it_o he_o have_v it_o give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n and_o these_o word_n explain_v the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o god_n give_v he_o that_o be_v god_n the_o father_n not_o the_o whole_a trinity_n for_o where_o this_o name_n god_n be_v oppose_v to_o christ_n there_o it_o signify_v the_o first_o person_n namely_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o first_o person_n be_v often_o call_v by_o this_o name_n alone_o god_n because_o he_o be_v first_o in_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o christ_n receive_v his_o divine_a nature_n and_o godhead_n from_o the_o father_n by_o communication_n the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o they_o both_o the_o father_n receive_v it_o from_o none_o god_n give_v to_o he_o answer_n how_o can_v it_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n see_v he_o be_v god_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n ans._n we_o conceive_v of_o christ_n 2._o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n second_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n as_o he_o be_v god_n the_o father_n give_v he_o nothing_o see_v he_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o same_o with_o the_o father_n in_o all_o thing_n save_v in_o propriety_n of_o person_n second_o he_o be_v conceive_v as_o the_o mediator_n not_o god_n simple_o but_o god-man_n or_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v of_o the_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n as_o he_o be_v god-man_n or_o god_n incarnate_a so_o he_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v i_o of_o the_o father_n mat._n 28._o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o god_n incarnate_a and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n phil._n 2._o god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n etc._n etc._n not_o as_o he_o be_v simple_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n so_o here_o the_o revelation_n be_v give_v he_o not_o as_o he_o be_v god_n simple_o but_o as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n mediator_n and_o god_n incarnate_a neither_o can_v any_o say_v hence_o christ_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o godhead_n for_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v god-man_n not_o simple_o god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v man_n and_o mediator_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n and_o confess_v that_o in_o that_o respect_n god_n the_o father_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n the_o father_n be_v the_o head_n of_o christ._n 1._o cor._n 3._o 11._o 6._o 3._o 29._o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n god-man_n nay_o as_o christ_n sit_v at_o his_o father_n right_a hand_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o as_o mediator_n and_o look_v as_o he_o receive_v all_o power_n of_o the_o father_n so_o must_v he_o restore_v it_o again_o as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n now_o follow_v the_o mean_n how_o he_o give_v christ_n this_o revelalation_n he_o give_v it_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o lord_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o make_v this_o his_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n for_o christ_n be_v king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v part_n of_o his_o law_n to_o the_o church_n he_o be_v king_n also_o of_o this_o book_n as_o part_v of_o his_o law_n and_o royalty_n again_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v man_n for_o his_o manhood_n be_v unite_v to_o his_o godhead_n he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v they_o ere_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n know_v they_o as_o he_o be_v man_n first_o use_v we_o observe_v that_o this_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v christ_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o it_o and_o the_o right_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o a_o land_n belong_v to_o a_o prince_n and_o to_o none_o else_o so_o these_o law_n the_o book_n of_o this_o scripture_n they_o be_v christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n &_o privilege_n for_o god_n give_v they_o to_o he_o and_o to_o none_o but_o he_o only_o and_o he_o send_v his_o angel_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o this_o book_n may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o royalty_n and_o interest_n of_o this_o belong_v only_o to_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o he_o alone_o so_o the_o same_o follow_v of_o all_o other_o then_o hence_o i_o gather_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v authority_n above_o these_o law_n above_o this_o book_n for_o this_o be_v christ_n privilege_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o by_o proportion_n for_o these_o be_v christ_n law_n all_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o they_o none_o must_v be_v above_o they_o for_o than_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o they_o be_v give_v to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o christ_n jesus_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o these_o law_n than_o no_o man_n have_v authority_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v man_n to_o have_v royalty_n interest_n and_o title_n into_o these_o scripture_n monarch_n and_o prince_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o their_o jurisdiction_n but_o they_o must_v all_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o these_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v indeed_o great_a &_o have_v authority_n over_o their_o subject_n yea_o more_o over_o all_o cause_n yet_o only_o those_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o cause_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sacrament_n see_v these_o book_n be_v christ_n royalty_n 2._o and_o he_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n authority_n we_o note_v that_o he_o alone_o can_v expound_v scripture_n without_o help_n of_o scripture_n he_o alone_o can_v give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n indeed_o man_n can_v give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o scripture_n for_o they_o have_v a_o ministry_n here_o and_o by_o scripture_n they_o expound_v scripture_n but_o christ_n alone_o without_o scripture_n can_v give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n this_o condemn_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n which_o give_v the_o church_n absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o expound_v and_o determine_v of_o scripture_n without_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o be_v to_o take_v christ_n his_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n and_o to_o give_v it_o to_o man_n but_o christ_n alone_o have_v absolute_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o his_o own_o law_n man_n indeed_o in_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministerial_a judgement_n by_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n 3._o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o book_n now_o this_o book_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o christ_n jesus_n his_o son_n yea_o a_o most_o excellent_a gift_n now_o this_o be_v not_o affirm_v by_o any_o write_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o excellent_a this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o reverence_v the_o scripture_n more_o than_o any_o man_n write_n whatsoever_o then_o this_o show_v the_o blindness_n of_o this_o age_n which_o delight_n only_o in_o the_o hear_n
knowledge_n wisdom_n constancy_n zeal_n piety_n and_o religion_n so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o his_o prophet_n not_o to_o all_o but_o his_o servant_n man_n of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o exceed_a holiness_n and_o piety_n indeed_o the_o lord_n reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n to_o wicked_a man_n as_o to_o balaam_n but_o they_o never_o know_v they_o comfortable_o it_o be_v a_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vision_n reveal_v and_o to_o know_v the_o same_o now_o both_o these_o befall_v s._n john_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o exceed_a holiness_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n love_v he_o and_o of_o singular_a and_o rare_a gift_n now_o the_o devil_n make_v no_o such_o choice_n but_o his_o vision_n befall_v man_n which_o be_v heretic_n wicked_a notorious_a sinner_n and_o they_o have_v no_o rare_a and_o special_a gift_n as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o befall_v then_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o it_o as_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v to_o his_o own_o apostle_n s._n john_n after_o the_o description_n of_o christ_n 9_o john_n describe_v himself_o by_o many_o modest_a term_n title_n first_o your_o brother_n that_o be_v of_o they_o be_v member_n all_o of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o family_n god_n the_o father_n be_v head_n and_o householder_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n we_o all_o be_v fellow_n brethren_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n be_v by_o he_o the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n and_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o by_o this_o title_n first_o he_o set_v out_o his_o humility_n and_o great_a modesty_n 1._o for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n above_o all_o man_n which_o live_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n he_o be_v the_o last_o apostle_n and_o have_v apostolical_a authority_n be_v a_o most_o true_a professor_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o brother_n to_o all_o true_a believer_n make_v himself_o but_o equal_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o esteem_v better_o of_o all_o our_o brethren_n then_o of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v ourselves_o inferior_a to_o they_o second_o by_o this_o title_n we_o see_v he_o have_v his_o hart_n full_a of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o we_o but_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n &_o religion_n to_o these_o especial_o shall_v we_o show_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o they_o which_o have_v the_o same_o head_n christ_n the_o same_o god_n the_o same_o faith_n hope_n 12._o religion_n and_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o affect_v to_o one_o another_o and_o be_v link_v by_o all_o these_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o near_a love_n then_o be_v between_o man_n &_o man_n but_o in_o this_o world_n 5._o as_o isaiah_n say_v man_n hate_v their_o brethren_n even_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n whereby_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v if_o they_o live_v with_o more_o conscience_n than_o other_o than_o they_o revile_v speak_v ill_o of_o and_o hate_v they_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o title_n companion_n or_o fellow_n partner_n compartner_z in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o patience_n he_o be_v partner_n with_o they_o in_o tribulation_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v this_o vision_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n under_o that_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n about_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o flee_v to_o pathmos_n at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o partner_n with_o they_o in_o affliction_n by_o which_o he_o show_v our_o estate_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n to_o live_v in_o affliction_n not_o to_o be_v companion_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n but_o partaker_n of_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o therefore_o those_o which_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o follow_v he_o they_o must_v deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n daily_o and_o because_o of_o this_o estate_n the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v call_v the_o militant_a church_n now_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o tribulation_n use_v we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o church_n which_o have_v have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n so_o long_o without_o persecution_n we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v give_v we_o that_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n for_o see_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v under_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v and_o try_v his_o church_n for_o it_o must_v increase_v and_o grow_v by_o trial_n the_o lord_n have_v send_v labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n a_o long_a time_n which_o have_v gather_v much_o wheat_n into_o the_o lord_n barn_n now_o there_o must_v come_v a_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v his_o fan_n and_o sieve_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v with_o the_o fan_n and_o sieve_n of_o persecution_n try_v the_o wheat_n and_o winnow_v the_o corn_n from_o the_o chaff_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v who_o be_v his_o true_a child_n then_o stand_v it_o we_o in_o hand_n to_o take_v heed_n we_o be_v find_v good_a corn_n and_o not_o chaff_n that_o we_o may_v abide_v the_o sieve_n that_o we_o prove_v not_o light_a corn_n blow_v about_o with_o the_o wind_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v burn_v he_o call_v himself_o their_o fellow_n partner_n in_o affliction_n because_o his_o pitiful_a hart_n be_v move_v with_o compassion_n to_o all_o his_o fellow_n member_n and_o partner_n in_o affliction_n when_o he_o remember_v their_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n they_o suffer_v under_o the_o cruel_a tyrant_n dominitian_n now_o look_v what_o be_v in_o he_o the_o same_o affection_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v pitiful_a full_a of_o compassion_n for_o the_o poor_a afflict_a member_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o be_v our_o fellow_n member_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o fellow_n feel_v with_o they_o and_o show_v our_o compassion_n in_o pity_v they_o if_o the_o foot_n be_v prick_v the_o head_n stoop_v the_o eye_n behold_v and_o look_v on_o it_o the_o finger_n pull_v it_o out_o the_o hand_n apply_v the_o plaster_n the_o other_o foot_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v for_o help_v the_o tongue_n to_o ask_v for_o counsel_n and_o all_o the_o member_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n in_o pity_n and_o fellow_n feel_v so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v affliction_n be_v prick_v with_o persecution_n for_o christ_n cause_n than_o shall_v we_o as_o fellow_n member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o help_n we_o can_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o show_v our_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o that_o he_o set_v first_o affliction_n then_o add_v a_o kingdom_n he_o show_v that_o the_o affliction_n &_o cross_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o be_v beat_v and_o tread_v by_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 21._o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o this_o momentany_a affliction_n cause_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a weight_n of_o glory_n 18._o not_o that_o it_o deserve_v or_o effect_n it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o pathway_n to_o heaven_n then_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a when_o it_o befall_v we_o use_v for_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v wander_a sheep_n out_o of_o the_o way_n into_o the_o ready_a and_o beat_a way_n to_o heaven_n nay_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a when_o we_o have_v no_o affliction_n 8._o for_o than_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n see_v the_o lord_n afflict_v every_o child_n which_o be_v he_o in_o patience_n a_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o persevere_v in_o affliction_n to_o go_v on_o suffer_v till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n affliction_n be_v the_o beat_a way_n heaven_n be_v our_o joyful_a end_n patience_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o
keep_v that_o day_n for_o a_o sabbath_n wherein_o he_o rise_v and_o the_o eight_o day_n after_o appear_v to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n now_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o here_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n day_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n after_o of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n in_o which_o we_o be_v make_v new_a man_n so_o that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n as_o isaiah_n speak_v chap._n 66._o nay_o this_o be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o that_o see_v in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n in_o this_o christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o head_n in_o that_o adam_n be_v the_o chief_a in_o this_o christ._n in_o that_o hevah_n be_v give_v to_o adam_n in_o this_o we_o to_o christ_n his_o church_n to_o he_o in_o that_o adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o that_o god_n mercy_n only_o in_o this_o both_o his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n in_o punish_v of_o chirst_n and_o give_v we_o forgiveness_n appear_v in_o that_o god_n show_v his_o wisdom_n &_o goodness_n but_o in_o part_n but_o herein_o this_o he_o show_v it_o full_o in_o that_o he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o now_o he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o &_o better_a then_o ever_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o day_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v that_o and_o the_o lord_n appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o much_o more_o shall_v there_o be_v one_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o now_o there_o be_v no_o day_n fit_a than_o that_o day_n wherein_o christ_n jesus_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n to_o remember_v his_o resurrection_n but_o may_v the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n change_v the_o sabbath_n to_o any_o other_o day_n objection_n as_o to_o tuesday_n wednesday_n etc._n etc._n answ._n it_o can_v i_o think_v because_o time_n and_o season_n belong_v to_o god_n he_o alone_o can_v dispose_v of_o they_o act._n 1._o 6._o the_o church_n have_v not_o knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n much_o less_o of_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o that_o which_o the_o father_n keep_v in_o his_o own_o bosom_n the_o church_n can_v know_v but_o the_o father_n alone_o so_o keep_v time_n and_o season_n therefore_o the_o church_n can_v know_v they_o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o power_n to_o change_v their_o sabbath_n no_o more_o have_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o change_v their_o sabbath_n ob._n but_o the_o jew_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v feast_n therefore_o they_o can_v appoint_v sabbath_n day_n hest._n 9_o 17._o they_o for_o their_o deliverance_n appoint_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n of_o rejoice_v so_o 1_o maccab._n 4._o 8._o answer_n they_o appoint_v indeed_o solemn_a day_n for_o rejoice_v and_o solemn_a feast_n for_o special_a deliverance_n but_o they_o appoint_v not_o any_o day_n for_o a_o sabath_n &_o rest_n for_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n some_o hold_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v it_o nay_o to_o make_v any_o day_n the_o sabbath_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v convenient_o two_o day_n in_o a_o week_n but_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o the_o word_n if_o this_o day_n use_v the_o lord_n day_n be_v a_o day_n to_o remember_v the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n here_o reprove_v first_o they_o which_o make_v this_o day_n a_o day_n of_o pleasure_n pastime_n and_o delight_n for_o most_o young_a man_n and_o servant_n employ_v this_o day_n whole_o on_o their_o own_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n make_v it_o a_o day_n of_o carnal_a rejoice_v spend_v it_o in_o eat_v drink_v card_v dice_a riot_n and_o excess_n so_o that_o they_o turn_v this_o lord_n day_n set_v apart_o to_o his_o worship_n into_o a_o day_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v of_o they_o which_o live_v more_o civil_o than_o the_o former_a yet_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v their_o own_o business_n and_o take_v iorney_n on_o this_o day_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n that_o a_o man_n may_v aswell_o and_o with_o as_o honest_a and_o good_a a_o heart_n serve_v god_n in_o his_o own_o business_n at_o home_n as_o they_o which_o go_v to_o church_n but_o by_o this_o they_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n appoint_v to_o his_o service_n their_o own_o day_n to_o do_v their_o own_o work_n and_o not_o he_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v of_o those_o which_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n only_o at_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n but_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n they_o may_v spend_v it_o how_o they_o will_v on_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o pastime_n or_o their_o own_o business_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n enjoin_v they_o and_o these_o man_n part_v stake_n with_o god_n they_o give_v he_o one_o part_n and_o that_o the_o lesser_a and_o bestow_v the_o other_o on_o their_o own_o business_n or_o pleasure_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n not_o in_o part_n but_o in_o whole_a and_o so_o they_o break_v the_o four_o commandment_n then_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o duty_n be_v to_o keep_v this_o day_n a_o sabbath_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o be_v command_v in_o the_o four_o commandment_n 1._o we_o must_v rest_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n second_o from_o all_o the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o employ_v it_o whole_o on_o the_o service_n of_o god_n sanctify_v this_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o morning_n to_o the_o evening_n now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n first_o public_a in_o the_o congregation_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_n and_o there_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n second_o private_a when_o man_n in_o their_o own_o private_a house_n at_o home_n sanctify_v it_o in_o meditate_v read_v and_o think_v of_o the_o word_n in_o pray_v private_o and_o give_v thanks_n for_o benefit_n we_o must_v not_o employ_v that_o day_n in_o our_o own_o business_n if_o the_o officer_n shall_v take_v our_o servant_n from_o our_o work_n &_o set_v he_o about_o the_o common_a good_a we_o will_v be_v grieve_v and_o if_o we_o take_v the_o day_n appoint_v to_o god_n service_n and_o bestow_v it_o on_o our_o own_o affair_n shall_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v offend_v and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n public_o and_o never_o profit_n be_v because_o we_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n only_o public_o and_o not_o private_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o meditate_v read_v the_o word_n pray_v and_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n at_o home_n we_o may_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n public_o but_o without_o all_o increase_n of_o grace_n faith_n knowledge_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o we_o perform_v neither_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o get_v any_o grace_n see_v this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o that_o end_n now_o to_o proceed_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n he_o give_v john_n these_o vision_n rather_o on_o this_o day_n than_o another_o be_v because_o though_o john_n be_v absent_a in_o body_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a in_o spirit_n in_o pray_v for_o it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o be_v absent_a he_o will_v show_v his_o presence_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o he_o can_v perform_v in_o that_o solitary_a place_n as_o fast_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n now_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o occupy_v the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n see_v john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o pathmos_n use_v a_o desert_n place_n yet_o he_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o he_o can_v perform_v hence_o we_o see_v that_o they_o which_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n as_o in_o prison_n sick_a of_o some_o great_a disease_n or_o
seek_v to_o get_v one_o foot_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o he_o have_v 16._o here_o s._n john_n describe_v he_o by_o his_o part_n and_o the_o property_n of_o every_o part_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n that_o be_v seven_o angel_n seven_o minister_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o minister_n be_v compare_v to_o star_n first_o because_o as_o star_n send_v out_o light_a to_o man_n on_o earth_n so_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o give_v light_n to_o man_n even_o spiritual_a light_n by_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o and_o by_o conversation_n of_o life_n among_o they_o second_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o star_n because_o as_o the_o star_n have_v their_o continual_a abode_n in_o heaven_n never_o descend_v down_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n especial_o shall_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o more_o special_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o calling_n first_o by_o seek_v their_o own_o salvation_n second_o by_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o by_o which_o two_n they_o must_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n though_o they_o have_v their_o body_n in_o earth_n three_o because_o they_o shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o star_n for_o dan._n 12._o they_o which_o do_v their_o duty_n they_o shall_v shine_v like_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n that_o be_v all_o regiment_n and_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o christ_n he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a disposition_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ministry_n see_v he_o alone_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o his_o church_n he_o care_v for_o it_o and_o look_v to_o it_o see_v these_o star_n be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n 1._o this_o show_v that_o the_o choose_n &_o furnish_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n belong_v to_o christ_n eph._n 4._o he_o give_v they_o their_o gift_n and_o place_n then_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o last_o age_n to_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v out_o laborer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o so_o his_o child_n may_v be_v gather_v and_o a_o end_n make_v of_o these_o miserable_a day_n he_o hold_v these_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n whereby_o we_o see_v he_o give_v they_o defence_n and_o protection_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o calling_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n &_o though_o they_o have_v sundry_a discouragement_n yet_o see_v christ_n he_o order_v their_o ministry_n and_o dispose_v of_o it_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a nothing_o shall_v hinder_v their_o course_n nothing_o shall_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o duty_n neither_o the_o want_n of_o obedience_n in_o they_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o labour_v not_o see_v that_o fruit_n they_o shall_v nor_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o profession_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o see_v they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n this_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n idle_n man_n esteem_v it_o most_o base_a &_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o mean_a call_n and_o so_o discourage_v many_o but_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n defend_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o now_o what_o great_a glory_n can_v there_o be_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o honour_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o carry_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n though_o wicked_a man_n dishonour_v they_o esteem_v so_o base_o of_o they_o this_o shall_v stir_v those_o who_o have_v good_a gift_n to_o get_v this_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n thus_o to_o be_v honour_v of_o christ._n they_o must_v be_v unblameable_a 4._o for_o see_v christ_n carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o will_v hold_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o pure_a as_o he_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v defile_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a he_o will_v take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n put_v it_o under_o his_o brazen_a foot_n and_o grind_v it_o to_o piece_n and_o the_o more_o he_o have_v honour_v they_o the_o more_o will_v he_o dishonour_v they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o hearer_n be_v bind_v to_o profit_n else_o they_o must_v drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n for_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v punish_v for_o not_o preach_v than_o they_o for_o not_o hear_v and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n he_o describe_v he_o by_o the_o two_o last_o part_n of_o his_o body_n his_o mouth_n and_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o mouth_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v describe_v heb._n 4._o 12._o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v not_o only_o into_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o the_o bone_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o marrow_n so_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n deep_o to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o it_o enter_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o search_v every_o nook_n and_o corner_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a the_o word_n have_v a_o double_a operation_n one_o in_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o wicked_a this_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o word_n it_o wound_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o so_o by_o the_o same_o wound_n bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n esa._n 11._o 4._o he_o shall_v with_o his_o breath_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o word_n slay_v the_o wicked_a 8._o this_o be_v that_o sword_n that_o have_v and_o will_v kill_v antichrist_n ob._n but_o how_o come_v it_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v wound_v or_o kill_v any_o how_o shall_v it_o slay_v a_o wicked_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n the_o first_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n the_o soul_n convey_v to_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n the_o second_o be_v when_o a_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o word_n be_v wound_v and_o smite_v and_o so_o receive_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o deadly_a wound_n the_o three_o degree_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v go_v into_o hell_n fire_n for_o even_o a_o sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o hell_n and_o eternal_a death_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o the_o inflict_a and_o give_v of_o this_o wound_n there_o be_v three_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o he_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o their_o sin_n all_o their_o pride_n rebellion_n hypocrisy_n the_o damnable_a corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o all_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 24._o 25._o if_o in_o the_o church_n all_o prophecy_n there_o come_v in_o one_o which_o believe_v not_o he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o because_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o so_o the_o secret_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v the_o second_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o he_o after_o reveal_v to_o they_o the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n his_o indignation_n against_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o law_n be_v call_v the_o kill_a law_n because_o it_o show_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n three_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v sharpen_v the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n make_v it_o awake_a and_o terrify_v a_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v or_o remember_v the_o word_n and_o the_o curse_v denounce_v against_o sinner_n so_o felix_n when_o paul_n preach_v to_o he_o of_o justice_n and_o temperancy_n he_o faint_v and_o tremble_v the_o word_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wound_v his_o conscience_n with_o terror_n and_o fear_n so_o dan._n 5._o beltashar_n see_v but_o a_o hand_n writing_n he_o
any_o open_o wicked_a in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v any_o private_a company_n with_o he_o show_v he_o no_o special_a familiarity_n but_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o as_o burden_n to_o us._n and_o have_v examine_v they_o this_o sharp_a deal_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v 2_o part_n the_o first_o be_v examination_n the_o second_o condemnation_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n the_o first_o part_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n the_o second_o the_o oppose_a of_o herself_o against_o they_o be_v discover_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n teach_v two_o point_n first_o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o it_o special_a grace_n and_o wisdom_n a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o discern_v 1._o cor._n 2._o 15._o 1._o cor._n 11._o spiritual_a man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v of_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o blood_n between_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a bread_n and_o wine_n 2._o cor._n 13._o prove_v yourselves_o show_v that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v power_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v faith_n or_o not_o 1._o joh._n 5._o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o she_o have_v power_n to_o discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n and_o by_o this_o gift_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n no_o society_n save_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v this_o gift_n to_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o error_n true_a apostle_n and_o false_a apostle_n second_o we_o gather_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v whether_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o some_o man_n it_o please_v to_o call_v this_o to_o question_n nay_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church_n in_o england_n but_o call_v it_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o ministry_n in_o it_o no_o word_n no_o sacrament_n now_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o we_o in_o england_n and_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n in_o scotland_n &_o other_o evangelicall_a and_o reform_a church_n judge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v so_o though_o they_o deny_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rather_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o or_o many_o particular_a true_a church_n then_o of_o any_o one_o private_a or_o of_o many_o man_n yea_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o false_a apostle_n it_o have_v also_o power_n to_o judge_v of_o scripture_n to_o judge_v which_o book_n be_v canonical_a which_o be_v not_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v be_v false_a that_o the_o church_n indeed_o can_v judge_v but_o as_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o their_o church_n this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v this_o power_n long_o before_o rome_n be_v in_o such_o name_n nay_o it_o be_v in_o this_o time_n of_o john_n of_o far_o great_a name_n than_o rome_n and_o more_o famous_a and_o excellent_a the_o second_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discovery_n of_o false_a apostle_n consist_v in_o what_o this_o judicial_a action_n stand_v which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n it_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o condemnation_n of_o they_o after_o examination_n for_o the_o first_o he_o say_v and_o have_v examine_v for_o the_o second_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n to_o come_v to_o this_o examination_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v a_o gift_n of_o examination_n question_n and_o do_v examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o their_o doctrine_n but_o how_o may_v a_o particular_a church_n examine_v a_o false_a apostle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n answer_n to_o do_v this_o the_o man_n or_o church_n which_o will_v do_v it_o must_v first_o prepare_v themselves_o and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o examine_v and_o in_o this_o preparation_n must_v have_v a_o humble_a heart_n and_o lowly_a spirit_n for_o god_n reveal_v not_o his_o will_n to_o proud_a man_n such_o as_o have_v high_a mind_n in_o their_o conceit_n and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o he_o must_v clean_o renounce_v his_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o his_o own_o reason_n if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n after_o this_o preparation_n he_o must_v make_v prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o spirit_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v the_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v open_v his_o eye_n by_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o judge_v of_o truth_n &_o falsehood_n luk._n 11._o jam._n 1._o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o must_v labour_v thorough_o to_o know_v and_o well_o to_o conceive_v of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n he_o must_v seek_v to_o understand_v they_o their_o ground_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n to_o propound_v a_o man_n error_n and_o not_o in_o that_o meaning_n he_o propound_v it_o or_o give_v it_o they_o must_v further_o prove_v and_o try_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o do_v this_o he_o must_v come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o the_o matter_n not_o a_o dumb_a letter_n as_o the_o papist_n hold_v but_o the_o true_a judge_n in_o all_o matter_n and_o most_o sufficient_a esa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o joh._n 5._o search_v the_o scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n must_v be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o matter_n he_o must_v give_v sentence_n and_o no_o angel_n saint_n or_o man_n now_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o write_a word_n therefore_o they_o must_v search_v whether_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o can_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v collect_v out_o of_o they_o they_o must_v after_o all_o this_o look_n to_o their_o life_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o false_a apostle_n shall_v lead_v a_o good_a life_n we_o must_v look_v on_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o for_o though_o he_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o his_o life_n be_v well_o sift_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o mat._n 7._o christ_n bid_v we_o try_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n a_o bad_a tree_n can_v bring_v good_a fruit_n but_o if_o a_o man_n try_v and_o taste_v they_o though_o they_o appear_v beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v but_o hypocritical_a and_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v descry_v by_o this_o one_o mark_n by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o they_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n they_o have_v live_v answerable_a they_o can_v but_o live_v according_o there_o be_v never_o any_o which_o be_v a_o famous_a heretic_n in_o the_o church_n but_o his_o life_n be_v stain_v with_o monstrous_a sin_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o discovery_n be_v condemnation_n or_o sentence_n against_o they_o for_o after_o she_o have_v examine_v they_o &_o find_v they_o not_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v she_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n note_v she_o call_v they_o liar_n use_v sharp_a speech_n and_o yet_o sin_v not_o see_v christ_n commend_v she_o so_o minister_n to_o show_v their_o hatred_n against_o vice_n may_v use_v sharp_a speech_n not_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_v but_o only_o to_o show_v our_o hatred_n and_o mislike_v of_o sin_n so_o john_n baptist_n call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n paul_n the_o galatian_n fool_n in_o that_o she_o call_v they_o liar_n doctrine_n it_o show_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o speak_v false_o and_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v untrue_a second_o that_o they_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n to_o hurt_v and_o deceive_v the_o church_n for_o these_o three_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o liar_n again_o here_o we_o see_v that_o which_o paul_n act._n 20._o foretell_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o be_v fulfil_v that_o among_o the_o ephesian_n shall_v arise_v liar_n on_o they_o which_o profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o again_o if_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v yet_o alive_a dare_v so_o take_v on_o they_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n and_o be_v none_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n dare_v six_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o take_v this_o upon_o he_o and_o say_v he_o be_v peter_n successor_n to_o take_v on_o he_o apostolical_a power_n
up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n 2._o cor._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v paradise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o pleasure_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o most_o infinite_a for_o so_o gen._n 30._o 8._o rahell_n wrestle_v with_o leah_n with_o wrestle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o great_a wrestle_n so_o in_o the_o psalm_n to_o show_v how_o huge_a and_o high_a the_o hill_n be_v david_n call_v they_o the_o hill_n of_o god_n the_o mountain_n of_o god_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o huge_a mountain_n so_o here_o he_o call_v it_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n to_o show_v it_o be_v a_o place_n most_o excellent_a full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n this_o place_n be_v set_v out_o at_o large_a reu._n 22._o then_o see_v this_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o place_n we_o shall_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v thither_o to_o wean_v our_o mind_n from_o earthly_a paradise_n which_o be_v but_o a_o prison_n and_o lift_v our_o head_n up_o to_o heaven_n set_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n on_o thing_n above_o phil._n 3._o vers._n 8._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v from_o this_o eight_o verse_n to_o the_o twelve_o be_v the_o second_o epistle_n or_o letter_n to_o another_o church_n of_o asia_n namely_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o before_o this_o second_o epistle_n be_v a_o second_o particular_a commandment_n to_o john_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o in_o these_o word_n and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v which_o particular_a commandment_n be_v prefix_v before_o the_o epistle_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o every_o church_n that_o s._n john_n have_v sufficient_a call_n to_o write_v the_o same_o and_o that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o of_o himself_o and_o so_o shall_v all_o they_o which_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o sufficient_a call_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o without_o doubt_n believe_v the_o same_o as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v their_o call_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v of_o more_o excellent_a gift_n have_v it_o then_o such_o which_o be_v but_o ordinary_a man_n this_o commandment_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o the_o particular_a commandment_n be_v the_o epistle_n itself_o stand_v of_o three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n be_v in_o the_o eight_o verse_n and_o contain_v a_o preparation_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o preface_n he_o show_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v namely_o in_o christ_n he_o which_o be_v and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o last_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o stir_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o a_o religious_a care_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n second_o because_o no_o commandment_n concern_v religion_n and_o god_n service_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n but_o only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ._n now_o this_o epistle_n be_v concern_v religion_n and_o god_n worship_n he_o propound_v it_o in_o christ_n his_o name_n alone_o and_o christ_n in_o this_o preface_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o notable_a argument_n first_o that_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o second_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a but_o these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o that_o be_v he_o be_v everlasting_a god_n which_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n afore_o all_o creature_n &_o after_o all_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o live_v that_o be_v be_v god_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n become_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o rise_v to_o give_v everlasting_a life_n to_o us._n in_o which_o word_n note_v two_o point_n of_o doctrine_n first_o 1._o that_o christ_n be_v a_o person_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n namely_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n for_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o and_o last_o he_o must_v be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o be_v alive_a he_o be_v man_n and_o as_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n make_v one_o man_n so_o the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n concur_v to_o make_v one_o christ._n the_o second_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v a_o comfort_n or_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n first_o that_o he_o be_v god_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v able_a second_o he_o be_v man_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v willing_a to_o help_v to_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o all_o misery_n or_o else_o ease_v they_o for_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o ergo_fw-la true_a god_n ergo_fw-la able_a to_o help_v second_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o live_v therefore_o willing_a see_v he_o come_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o to_o rise_v again_o to_o give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o these_o word_n to_o comfort_v the_o church_n in_o misery_n and_o hence_o be_v the_o very_a fountain_n of_o all_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n if_o the_o lord_n lie_v any_o cross_n on_o thou_o as_o persecution_n tribulation_n misery_n or_o calamity_n then_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n christ_n be_v god_n able_a to_o help_v he_o be_v man_n willing_a to_o deliver_v thou_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o prop_n to_o stay_v and_o hold_v we_o up_o that_o we_o sink_v not_o in_o persecution_n or_o cross_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n after_o the_o preface_n follow_v the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v the_o matter_n and_o content_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o epistle_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n second_o counsel_n for_o she_o concern_v time_n to_o come_v the_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o nine_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n in_o these_o word_n as_o there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o she_o there_o be_v also_o a_o comfort_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o commend_v she_o but_o comfort_v she_o be_v in_o misery_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n we_o hear_v these_o word_n before_o expound_v i_o know_v that_o be_v i_o see_v thy_o work_n way_n deal_v the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o thy_o life_n i_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o same_o it_o like_v and_o please_v i_o well_o in_o that_o christ_n say_v he_o know_v her_o work_n here_o be_v a_o notable_a property_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o see_v all_o church_n he_o behold_v all_o man_n action_n he_o see_v their_o word_n work_n affection_n and_o action_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n before_o so_o now_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v always_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n he_o see_v and_o behold_v all_o her_o deal_n and_o this_o consideration_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o religion_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n see_v his_o heart_n hear_v every_o word_n behold_v all_o his_o action_n and_o mark_v all_o his_o word_n david_n 139._o psalm_n the_o lord_n behold_v all_o my_o secret_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o he_o know_v it_o so_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o our_o word_n our_o thought_n our_o action_n of_o all_o we_o do_v or_o say_v nay_o where_o this_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n no_o faith_n no_o conscience_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n see_v his_o work_n behold_v and_o mark_n they_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o life_n sin_n as_o he_o do_v and_o thy_o tribulation_n here_o he_o join_v work_n and_o tribulation_n together_o where_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o tribulation_n must_v needs_o go_v with_o work_n and_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n where_o grace_n be_v there_o must_v be_v tribulation_n where_o god_n give_v grace_n he_o add_v tribulation_n first_o to_o humble_v they_o second_o to_o try_v they_o three_o to_o prevent_v other_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v else_o commit_v i_o know_v thy_o tribulation_n this_o then_o be_v add_v to_o comfort_v the_o church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v true_a thou_o be_v in_o tribulation_n but_o it_o come_v not_o by_o chance_n but_o from_o god_n my_o father_n i_o know_v it_o i_o see_v and_o behold_v it_o and_o have_v care_n of_o
be_v general_o after_o he_o expound_v this_o you_o namely_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n except_o jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n where_o note_n christ_n speak_v to_o they_o distinguish_v between_o person_n namely_o the_o church_n and_o her_o angel_n and_o jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n so_o suitable_o he_o give_v his_o doctrine_n to_o they_o now_o he_o be_v the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n teach_v his_o minister_n what_o to_o do_v namely_o to_o distinguish_v between_o man_n and_o man_n doctrine_n and_o doctrine_n not_o to_o deliver_v every_o part_n of_o the_o word_n to_o all_o man_n but_o to_o divide_v it_o aright_o to_o give_v to_o every_o person_n that_o which_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o he_o but_o how_o must_v the_o word_n be_v deliver_v to_o mix_v congregation_n where_o there_o be_v both_o weak_a and_o strong_a papist_n and_o protestant_n despair_v and_o impenitent_a auditor_n ans._n we_o must_v imitate_v christ_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o person_n and_o suitable_o direct_v our_o doctrine_n to_o they_o impenitent_a and_o hard_a heart_a sinner_n must_v have_v threaten_n with_o exception_n of_o the_o penitent_a hard_o heart_a must_v have_v no_o comfort_n but_o judgement_n with_o limitation_n to_o they_o which_o despair_n these_o comfort_n with_o limitation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v impenitent_a now_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o rest_n of_o they_o christ_n show_v and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v not_o this_o learning_n where_o he_o give_v two_o note_n to_o know_v these_o rest_n by_o the_o first_o they_o which_o have_v not_o this_o learning_n which_o maintain_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n the_o second_o note_n they_o which_o have_v not_o know_v the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v which_o have_v not_o approve_v like_v withstand_v nor_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o that_o depth_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v that_o doctrine_n of_o jesabel_n which_o they_o call_v and_o esteem_v to_o be_v deep_a and_o profound_a learning_n which_o these_o though_o they_o know_v it_o yet_o do_v not_o with_o knowledge_n approve_v it_o which_o jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n judge_v profound_a learning_n beyond_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n of_o the_o first_o note_n i_o have_v speak_v before_o in_o the_o second_o note_n we_o may_v mark_v a_o wicked_a practice_n of_o jesabel_n and_o her_o follower_n they_o esteem_v their_o own_o learning_n high_o profound_a but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n a_o high_a conceit_n of_o her_o own_o false_a doctrine_n but_o a_o base_a opinion_n of_o true_a apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o this_o opinion_n have_v be_v in_o many_o heretic_n so_o the_o jew_n hold_v that_o god_n give_v moses_n two_o doctrine_n the_o first_o be_v the_o write_a law_n which_o be_v for_o the_o common_a people_n the_o second_o be_v a_o more_o secret_a doctrine_n which_o moses_n have_v by_o revelation_n and_o so_o convey_v it_o to_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o keep_v still_o in_o the_o cabbala_n so_o the_o papist_n think_v the_o write_a word_n but_o a_o inky_a letter_n a_o dead_a letter_n or_o nose_n of_o wax_n but_o the_o common_a consent_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o chatholikes_n that_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n contemn_v the_o write_a word_n in_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n so_o the_o anabaptist_n they_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v to_o be_v milk_n for_o every_o novice_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o heart_n among_o themselves_o that_o be_v the_o strong_a meat_n nay_o this_o opinion_n be_v in_o our_o church_n for_o we_o prefer_v the_o write_n of_o man_n before_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o a_o man_n expound_v a_o text_n by_o the_o word_n gather_v doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n this_o we_o call_v simple_a preach_n but_o if_o any_o bring_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n as_o saint_n ambrose_n augustine_n with_o latin_a or_o greek_a this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o learned_a kind_n of_o preach_v which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o magnify_v the_o write_n of_o man_n to_o think_v high_o of_o they_o but_o to_o disgrace_v the_o word_n of_o god_n think_v base_o of_o it_o here_o christ_n say_v i_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o profound_a learning_n not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o devil_n where_o we_o see_v christ_n allege_v this_o say_n of_o jesabel_n do_v it_o with_o a_o disgrace_n he_o say_v it_o be_v deepness_n and_o profoundness_n but_o of_o the_o devil_n yea_o christ_n say_v not_o it_o be_v profound_a indeed_o but_o that_o it_o be_v jesabels_n speech_n as_o they_o say_v hence_o i_o gather_v that_o christian_a man_n can_v safe_o play_v stage_n play_n and_o comedy_n of_o heathen_a and_o profane_a man_n for_o these_o be_v full_a of_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o wicked_a say_n against_o god_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n now_o if_o christ_n allege_v but_o one_o word_n of_o a_o wicked_a woman_n do_v it_o not_o without_o disgrace_n of_o she_o how_o can_v christian_a man_n not_o only_o speak_v but_o by_o gesture_n act_n heathen_a and_o profane_a comedy_n as_o they_o speak_v he_o add_v these_o word_n first_o to_o show_v that_o the_o word_n he_o allege_v before_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o jesabels_n and_o her_o scholar_n second_o to_o show_v the_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a mind_n of_o they_o in_o that_o they_o call_v their_o own_o heretical_a opinion_n profound_a learning_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o false_a teacher_n to_o use_v swell_a word_n and_o great_a brag_n to_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n jude_n vers_fw-la 16._o 2._o pet._n 2._o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n be_v in_o humility_n both_o of_o spirit_n and_o manner_n of_o teach_v the_o lord_n teach_v his_o will_n to_o the_o contrite_a and_o humble_a man_n psalm_n 25._o 14._o now_o follow_v christ_n counsel_n though_o i_o lay_v no_o other_o burden_n on_o you_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v you_o hold_v that_o still_o which_o i_o give_v you_o to_o the_o end_n this_o distinction_n contain_v two_o part_n though_o i_o lay_v no_o other_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o verse_n yet_o i_o will_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o five_o and_o twenty_o verse_n in_o the_o first_o part_n christ_n say_v though_o i_o have_v punish_v jesabel_n leave_v she_o on_o a_o bed_n punish_v her_o child_n and_o family_n yet_o i_o will_v lay_v no_o burden_n on_o thou_o but_o only_o that_o i_o reprove_v thou_o for_o the_o suffering_n of_o jesabel_n this_o christ_n speak_v to_o comfort_v they_o and_o all_o such_o as_o give_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v sincerity_n of_o life_n and_o of_o doctrine_n for_o these_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o common_a judgement_n and_o have_v the_o lord_n protection_n in_o common_a affliction_n though_o i_o punish_v jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n yet_o when_o wicked_a man_n be_v punish_v in_o common_a destruction_n you_o which_o study_n to_o maintain_v sincerity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o life_n shall_v have_v god_n protection_n in_o common_a judgement_n then_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o imitate_v they_o 1._o to_o labour_v to_o maintain_v sincerity_n in_o doctrine_n to_o defend_v truth_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n if_o we_o labour_v to_o obey_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v sincere_a heart_n then_o in_o common_a judgement_n though_o jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n yea_o all_o wicked_a person_n be_v punish_v it_o shall_v not_o touch_v we_o we_o shall_v find_v god_n mercy_n and_o protection_n our_o punishment_n shall_v be_v only_a reproof_n for_o some_o defection_n in_o us._n but_o if_o we_o maintain_v falsehood_n in_o doctrine_n live_v loose_o not_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n than_o god_n judgement_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o and_o afflict_v us._n but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o 25._o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v after_o the_o preface_n follow_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o angel_n and_o church_n of_o thyatira_n which_o stand_v in_o a_o distinction_n though_o i_o will_v lay_v no_o burden_n on_o thou_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v you_o hold_v fast_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part_n be_v in_o the_o 24._o verse_n the_o second_o part_n in_o these_o word_n as_o before_o i_o say_v that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v that_o which_o my_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n have_v teach_v you_o that_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n they_o have_v deliver_v you_o hold_v that_o fast_o with_o both_o hand_n till_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n before_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n for_o not_o approve_v the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jesabel_n but_o
with_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n ephes._n 2._o 7._o 2._o cor._n 6._o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n that_o be_v shall_v be_v witness_n and_o approver_n of_o christ_n sentence_n not_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o give_v judgement_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v catch_v up_o first_o and_o he_o give_v sentence_n they_o sit_v by_o he_o shall_v approve_v it_o second_o he_o give_v we_o this_o power_n because_o he_o by_o this_o enable_v he_o in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o overcome_v sin_n the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o corruption_n by_o this_o we_o see_v our_o dignity_n every_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v power_n over_o nation_n over_o the_o world_n to_o rule_v and_o break_v they_o in_o piece_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o use_v be_v this_o our_o privilege_n then_o we_o have_v need_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_n for_o we_o can_v condemn_v other_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n for_o a_o judge_n to_o condemn_v a_o malefactor_n of_o murder_n or_o theft_n and_o be_v guilty_a himself_o so_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v full_a of_o sin_n and_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o it_o he_o will_v never_o let_v we_o sit_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n with_o himself_o then_o see_v we_o be_v king_n judge_n and_o have_v such_o privilege_n we_o must_v look_v to_o ourselves_o again_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n in_o persecution_n if_o thou_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v a_o king_n a_o judge_n though_o thou_o be_v now_o poor_a abuse_v and_o persecute_v yet_o the_o time_n come_v when_o thou_o shall_v judge_v and_o condemn_v thy_o persecutor_n and_o be_v avenge_v of_o they_o and_o rule_v the_o nation_n as_o a_o shepherd_n rule_v his_o sheep_n that_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o feed_v they_o john_n 21._o feed_v my_o lamb_n that_o be_v feed_v and_o rule_v hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v peter_n be_v the_o general_a bishop_n to_o guide_v and_o feed_v christ_n sheep_n that_o be_v the_o world_n but_o then_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v a_o pope_n for_o every_o one_o have_v power_n to_o rule_v the_o nation_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o none_o will_v say_v every_o one_o shall_v have_v so_o large_a authority_n than_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o supremacy_n further_o from_o this_o place_n the_o papist_n gather_v that_o saint_n be_v patron_n of_o country_n and_o kingdom_n second_o that_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o saint_n in_o heaven_n for_o say_v they_o they_o have_v rule_v of_o nation_n ergo_fw-la they_o know_v they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o abuse_v the_o text_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v any_o christian_n shall_v rule_v over_o one_o nation_n but_o over_o all_o indefinite_o neither_o do_v they_o rule_v as_o christ_n but_o as_o have_v benefit_n of_o his_o power_n again_o both_o their_o collection_n be_v bad_a for_o by_o nation_n here_o be_v not_o mean_v any_o country_n or_o kingdom_n but_o the_o wicked_a only_o they_o have_v rule_v over_o not_o all_o nation_n simple_o but_o wicked_a man_n and_o unbeliever_n and_o i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o morning_n star_n 28._o here_o be_v the_o second_o benefit_n promise_v by_o christ_n to_o he_o which_o overcome_v namely_o the_o morning_n star_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o come_v thereby_o the_o morning_n star_n be_v that_o star_n which_o rise_v before_o the_o sun_n some_o time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o by_o heathen_a man_n be_v call_v venus_n which_o in_o deed_n be_v christ_n himself_o reu._n 22._o 16._o now_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o star_n first_o because_o he_o illuminate_v man_n will_n and_o understand_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n second_o to_o show_v that_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o balaam_n num._n 24._o be_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n fulfil_v for_o now_o christ_n have_v by_o his_o apostle_n reveal_v himself_o plentiful_o to_o all_o nation_n again_o he_o be_v call_v the_o morning_n star_n for_o special_a resemblance_n for_o that_o star_n rise_v not_o at_o midnight_n or_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o night_n but_o in_o the_o morning_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o day_n and_o then_o shine_v bright_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o christ_n the_o true_a morning_n star_n come_v not_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n he_o come_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o now_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n more_o full_o than_o ever_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 9_o christ_n then_o be_v call_v this_o morning_n star_n for_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o have_v darkness_n and_o candle_n light_n but_o now_o christ_n shine_v out_o bright_o i_o will_v give_v he_o here_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o two_o benefit_n first_o perfect_a illumination_n and_o lightning_n whereby_o all_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v dispel_v after_o this_o life_n and_o man_n shall_v then_o so_o far_o know_v god_n as_o man_n nature_n can_v comprehend_v the_o second_o benefit_n be_v the_o light_n of_o glory_n not_o only_o of_o knowledge_n but_o perfect_a glory_n for_o by_o fellowship_n of_o this_o glory_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v like_o saint_n and_o angel_n shine_v star_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n see_v christ_n be_v a_o star_n 1._o we_o see_v how_o they_o be_v deceive_v which_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n without_o good_a conscience_n in_o pleasure_n and_o security_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o belong_v to_o christ_n they_o have_v the_o true_a light_n but_o such_o as_o live_v in_o blindness_n never_o seek_v to_o know_v god_n will_v &_o obey_v he_o these_o be_v in_o darkness_n have_v no_o light_n in_o christ_n for_o what_o fellowship_n be_v there_o betwixt_o light_n and_o darkness_n we_o must_v follow_v peter_n rule_n 2._o first_o labour_n to_o have_v this_o star_n to_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v when_o we_o use_v mean_n to_o have_v the_o beam_n of_o this_o sun_n to_o shine_v on_o we_o to_o get_v knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n to_o have_v this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o lighten_v our_o mind_n and_o withal_o to_o warm_v and_o refresh_v our_o dead_a soul_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o spring_n revive_v all_o thing_n which_o seem_v dead_a we_o must_v set_v open_a the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o entertain_v this_o comfortable_a light_n see_v christ_n be_v the_o morning_n star_n not_o that_o shine_v in_o the_o night_n but_o in_o the_o morning_n in_o the_o day_n time_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o godliness_n and_o sobriety_n as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n rom._n 13._o 12._o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o this_o light_n it_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o eternal_a darkness_n let_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n here_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o conclusion_n but_o of_o this_o often_o before_o chap._n iii_o verse_n 1._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o five_o particular_a commandment_n to_o john_n that_o he_o shall_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o that_o great_a and_o famous_a city_n of_o sardis_n the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o body_n or_o substance_n three_o a_o conclusion_n first_o the_o preface_n show_v in_o who_o name_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o give_v it_o the_o more_o authority_n it_o contain_v a_o lively_a description_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o kingly_a office_n as_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o in_o two_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n first_o in_o that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n second_o the_o seven_o star_n for_o the_o first_o i_o show_v what_o it_o mean_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 4._o namely_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o grace_n so_o that_o to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n ob._n all_o god_n servant_n have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o that_o be_v no_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o christ._n ans._n true_a but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o christ_n have_v it_o two_o way_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o deity_n second_o of_o his_o humanity_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o have_v in_o he_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n therefore_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o work_v by_o he_o and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v in_o the_o church_n he_o do_v it_o by_o he_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n
bow_v and_o crouch_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o most_o of_o the_o people_n every_o where_o content_n themselves_o with_o outward_a and_o formal_a worship_n with_o mumble_v over_o their_o creed_n pater_fw-la noster_fw-la and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n they_o be_v never_o smite_v down_o with_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o their_o own_o sin_n their_o natural_a pride_n be_v never_o beat_v down_o with_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n then_o if_o we_o will_v be_v true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n let_v we_o come_v willing_o let_v we_o worship_n god_n in_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o let_v we_o come_v with_o humble_a heart_n with_o mortify_a mind_n and_o affection_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v worship_v he_o aright_o the_o second_o fruit_n of_o the_o conversion_n concern_v man_n before_o thy_o foot_n mean_v the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v reverence_v it_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o they_o shall_v cast_v themselves_o down_o in_o the_o congregation_n as_o man_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o a_o footstool_n for_o they_o to_o trample_v and_o tread_v on_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n which_o these_o convert_a jew_n have_v before_o commit_v this_o their_o exceed_a reverence_n show_v itself_o in_o the_o root_n of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o base_a conceit_n and_o vile_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o so_o shall_v every_o true_a convert_n study_v to_o confess_v namely_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n of_o all_o god_n child_n and_o think_v so_o base_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v not_o a_o member_n but_o the_o footstool_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o must_v we_o follow_v if_o we_o be_v true_o convert_v we_o must_v have_v a_o base_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o think_v we_o be_v the_o most_o vile_a of_o all_o god_n people_n &_o give_v place_n to_o all_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o sin_n paul_n tim._n 2._o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n and_o we_o must_v do_v the_o like_a for_o the_o proud_a pharisaical_a heart_n be_v far_o from_o repentance_n but_o the_o lowly_a and_o humble_a heart_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a word_n for_o why_o do_v these_o persecute_a jew_n become_v true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o reverence_v his_o church_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o will_v make_v they_o persuade_v that_o i_o love_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a reverence_n all_o superior_n have_v reverence_v due_a to_o they_o by_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o father_n master_n magistrate_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o they_o may_v have_v true_a reverence_n of_o their_o inferior_n they_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o they_o procure_v to_o themselves_o true_a reverence_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o then_o those_o which_o excel_v in_o birth_n or_o riches_n they_o must_v not_o look_v to_o be_v reverence_v for_o they_o but_o for_o that_o they_o be_v love_v of_o god_n and_o whence_o come_v it_o that_o man_n in_o authority_n as_o the_o father_n master_n magistrate_n prince_n etc._n etc._n want_v their_o due_a honour_n and_o reverence_n but_o because_o they_o seek_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o namely_o to_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n here_o be_v the_o second_o promise_n of_o christ_n namely_o preservation_n of_o this_o church_n in_o time_n of_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n this_o epistle_n and_o book_n be_v write_v by_o john_n after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o day_n of_o diocletian_n now_o after_o he_o come_v trajan_n who_o raise_v a_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n in_o all_o country_n put_v to_o death_n many_o of_o god_n child_n now_o of_o this_o persecution_n christ_n foretell_v this_o church_n and_o withal_o make_v this_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v preserve_v they_o out_o of_o the_o emperor_n hand_n and_o add_v a_o reason_n they_o be_v constant_a to_o obey_v his_o gospel_n in_o the_o promise_n consider_v first_o the_o occasion_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v second_o the_o thing_n promise_v deliverance_n three_o a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o that_o which_o shall_v come_v on_o this_o church_n the_o occasion_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n some_o understand_v by_o word_n of_o patience_n the_o commandment_n of_o patience_n which_o she_o shall_v obey_v but_o that_o be_v too_o narrow_a but_o it_o signify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n teach_v in_o christ._n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n first_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o patience_n second_o because_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o patience_n to_o work_v it_o in_o we_o for_o when_o a_o man_n believe_v his_o salvation_n in_o christ_n than_o he_o be_v patient_a in_o all_o thing_n three_o and_o especial_o because_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v obey_v constant_o to_o the_o end_n without_o patience_n for_o a_o time_n one_o may_v obey_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o obey_v and_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o end_n without_o patience_n the_o good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o in_o patience_n luk._n 8._o this_o church_n receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o and_o constant_o believe_v it_o for_o which_o be_v promise_v deliverance_n in_o persecution_n then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n well_o use_v be_v reward_v with_o plenty_n and_o increase_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o they_o which_o have_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a the_o lord_n will_v reward_v it_o with_o great_a increase_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o take_v pain_n to_o increase_v and_o use_v our_o talon_n of_o faith_n patience_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o man_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v double_v and_o triple_a the_o same_o otherwise_o he_o will_v take_v that_o talon_n from_o us._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o patience_n how_o necessary_a be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o learn_v the_o same_o see_v the_o calamity_n and_o affliction_n belong_v to_o any_o calling_n be_v very_o many_o we_o must_v get_v our_o bread_n in_o the_o sweat_n of_o our_o brow_n and_o no_o man_n be_v free_a from_o sickness_n sorrow_n and_o death_n now_o if_o we_o will_v endure_v these_o affliction_n we_o must_v have_v this_o grace_n of_o patience_n and_o constant_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o will_v make_v we_o patient_a in_o any_o cross_n whatsoever_o again_o we_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n now_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n not_o of_o disorder_n but_o of_o all_o order_n and_o moderation_n teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v and_o hold_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o will_n whereas_o if_o we_o want_v it_o we_o be_v carry_v away_o at_o their_o pleasure_n my_o patience_n christ_n call_v it_o he_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o work_v it_o in_o us._n and_o this_o be_v add_v to_o beat_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o this_o church_n for_o when_o christ_n commend_v they_o for_o obedience_n they_o may_v begin_v to_o be_v too_o proud_a therefore_o he_o have_v commend_v she_o lest_o she_o shall_v be_v so_o he_o tell_v she_o it_o be_v not_o her_o own_o but_o his_o gift_n he_o put_v it_o into_o her_o heart_n and_o this_o may_v beat_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o but_o all_o good_a thing_n in_o we_o come_v from_o christ_n he_o bestow_v they_o on_o we_o he_o give_v all_o nothing_o we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v proud_a of_o it_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o that_o be_v from_o the_o great_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o trajan_n which_o last_v fourteen_o year_n wherein_o many_o of_o god_n child_n be_v put_v to_o death_n hence_o note_n that_o god_n have_v set_v down_o the_o very_a time_n and_o hour_n in_o which_o he_o will_v try_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o child_n deut._n 8._o the_o lord_n lead_v israel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n to_o try_v they_o chap._n 13._o 3._o he_o send_v false_a prophet_n to_o try_v his_o servant_n whether_o they_o will_v cleave_v to_o he_o or_o not_o so_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v time_n to_o try_v his_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o see_v what_o grace_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n so_o he_o
outward_o in_o body_n but_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n join_v heart_n and_o hand_n be_v indeed_o as_o good_a professor_n as_o we_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n we_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v remove_v our_o crown_n and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n which_o will_v bring_v forth_o better_a increase_n and_o seek_v to_o maintain_v it_o better_o vers._n 12._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o promise_n which_o contain_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v second_o the_o thing_n promise_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v for_o the_o first_o he_o give_v to_o understand_v that_o whosoever_o will_v have_v his_o service_n please_v unto_o god_n must_v dispose_v himself_o to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o to_o wage_v battle_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a except_o he_o be_v a_o good_a soldier_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o turn_v to_o god_n than_o he_o have_v innumerable_a enemy_n both_o within_o himself_o and_o without_o to_o make_v he_o take_v another_o course_n and_o turn_v from_o god_n now_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o good_a soldier_n these_o enemy_n will_v overcome_v he_o for_o the_o second_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v eternal_a life_n in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n christ_n here_o allude_v to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n who_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o build_v pillar_n upon_o hill_n and_o mountain_n that_o the_o posterity_n to_o come_v may_v remember_v they_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a 1._o sa._n 18._o 18._o absolom_n in_o his_o life_n have_v rear_v he_o up_o a_o pillar_n which_o be_v in_o the_o king_n dale_n for_o he_o say_v i_o have_v no_o son_n to_o keep_v my_o name_n in_o remembrance_n this_o then_o be_v the_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o man_n to_o set_v up_o pillar_n for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o body_n but_o i_o will_v make_v the_o man_n himself_o that_o overcome_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a figure_v by_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v other_o set_v up_o pillar_n in_o field_n and_o mountain_n but_o i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n that_o be_v i_o will_v not_o only_o make_v he_o a_o part_n but_o a_o worthy_a part_n in_o the_o temple_n my_o god_n this_o be_v set_v down_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v christ_n god_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n otherwise_o as_o he_o be_v god_n the_o second_o person_n he_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o first_o he_o shall_v abide_v a_o pillar_n for_o ever_o he_o shall_v not_o need_v renew_v as_o the_o pillar_n of_o man_n do_v this_o pillar_n shall_v have_v three_o name_n first_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o do_v signify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n second_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n by_o city_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o triumphant_a church_n but_o the_o place_n thereof_o namely_o the_o high_a heaven_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v i_o will_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o he_o be_v a_o citizen_n of_o the_o place_n of_o glory_n this_o city_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v by_o a_o resemblance_n it_o be_v call_v new_a jerusalem_n because_o that_o be_v a_o city_n that_o resemble_v paradise_n where_o adam_n be_v new_a jerusalem_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v new_a jerusalem_n see_v it_o be_v before_o the_o earthly_a jerusalem_n answ._n it_o be_v call_v new_a not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o be_v but_o in_o regard_n of_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o my_o god_n it_o be_v not_o say_v it_o shall_v come_v down_o but_o it_o be_v come_v down_o this_o clause_n be_v add_v to_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n which_o he_o that_o overcome_v may_v make_v thus_o heaven_n be_v far_o off_o how_o can_v heaven_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n ans._n it_o come_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o by_o it_o we_o begin_v to_o be_v citizen_n thereof_o eph._n 2._o the_o three_o name_n be_v my_o new_a name_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v glory_n and_o power_n ob._n but_o christ_n have_v glory_n and_o power_n from_o all_o eternity_n ans._n true_a he_o have_v so_o but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v mean_v as_o he_o be_v god_n incarnate_a now_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n which_o make_v he_o describe_v the_o estate_n of_o life_n everlasting_a be_v these_o first_o to_o comfort_v they_o which_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n he_o do_v describe_v the_o reward_n thereof_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o encourage_v man_n to_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o faith_n learn_v we_o then_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n to_o keep_v this_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n by_o behold_v the_o estate_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o the_o reward_n thereof_o 26._o moses_n desire_v to_o suffer_v affliction_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o second_o reason_n of_o this_o description_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o view_v the_o excellency_n of_o life_n everlasting_a many_o man_n be_v draw_v from_o religion_n because_o they_o take_v such_o pleasure_n in_o earthly_a matter_n which_o they_o will_v not_o if_o they_o think_v eternal_a life_n so_o great_a a_o matter_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o practice_v paul_n rule_n in_o the_o 1._o to_o tim._n 6._o 12._o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n man_n with_o both_o hand_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o world_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o riches_n none_o lay_v sure_o hold_v of_o life_n everlasting_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o sweet_a pleasant_a bless_a and_o glorious_a the_o four_o reason_n be_v to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n not_o to_o fear_v the_o cruel_a death_n that_o can_v be_v see_v bodily_a death_n be_v a_o door_n to_o glory_n thus_o much_o general_o of_o the_o twelve_o verse_n now_o it_o follow_v that_o i_o speak_v particular_o i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n 1._o that_o which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a that_o they_o must_v begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n militant_a if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v be_v a_o pillar_n in_o heaven_n thou_o must_v begin_v to_o be_v one_o on_o earth_n by_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o gospel_n again_o in_o that_o he_o say_v i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o church_n triumphant_a they_o must_v learn_v to_o amend_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n who_o think_v every_o church_n as_o holy_a as_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o have_v the_o same_o reverence_n and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v god_n for_o his_o god_n here_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n god_n will_v never_o save_v nor_o bless_v we_o out_o of_o christ_n his_o son_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v give_v thanks_n to_o god_n thou_o must_v do_v it_o through_o christ_n if_o thou_o will_v receive_v any_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o not_o out_o of_o christ._n i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o citizen_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n as_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n otherwise_o we_o can_v never_o look_v for_o heaven_n phil._n 3._o 20._o i_o will_v make_v heaven_n come_v down_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o man_n heaven_n be_v shut_v up_o by_o our_o sin_n but_o god_n have_v open_v it_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v enter_v therein_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o new_a name_n we_o must_v become_v new_a creature_n for_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o old_a man_n we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o heaven_n vers._n 13._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n now_o whereas_o christ_n again_o and_o again_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o warrant_n if_o they_o preach_v the_o same_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n