that_o be_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n this_o be_v out_o of_o question_n and_o appear_v as_o before_o be_v show_v by_o the_o title_n give_v it_o vers_n 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n oppose_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o use_v make_v of_o it_o ver_fw-la 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o etc._n etc._n 2._o this_o apostasy_n be_v catholic_n and_o universal_a overspreading_a the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o indefinite_a speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 1._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n even_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o &_o by_o the_o event_n 3._o this_o apostasy_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wherein_o man_n do_v not_o profess_o fall_v from_o christ_n but_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n do_v fight_n against_o he_o in_o a_o hide_a and_o artificial_a manner_n vers_fw-la 7._o 4._o this_o apostasy_n shall_v be_v one_o body_n and_o have_v a_o catholic_a head_n who_o shall_v in_o that_o manner_n rule_v over_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o christ_n do_v over_o his_o church_n vers_fw-la 4._o 5._o this_o apostasy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v such_o on_o the_o sudden_a but_o to_o begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o increase_v and_o afterward_o again_o to_o decrease_v by_o degree_n vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o 6._o this_o apostasy_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v vers_fw-la 7._o 7._o it_o shall_v prevail_v against_o those_o that_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o give_v liberty_n and_o indulgence_n unto_o themselves_o to_o live_v in_o some_o sin_n vers_fw-la 10._o 8._o it_o shall_v be_v effect_v and_o uphold_v with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n &_o lie_v wonder_n vers_fw-la 9_o 9_o it_o shall_v be_v consume_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n mouth_n i._o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 8._o all_o these_o point_n be_v clear_a enough_o out_o of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o may_v we_o well_o conclude_v that_o where_o all_o these_o may_v be_v verify_v of_o any_o apostasy_n now_o in_o be_v that_o it_o be_v either_o the_o same_o with_o it_o or_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o these_o point_n be_v true_a this_o apostasy_n must_v needs_o now_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o great_o concern_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v warn_v thereof_o as_o also_o that_o for_o the_o find_v thereof_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v the_o secret_a nook_n and_o corner_n wood_n and_o wilderness_n for_o it_o be_v to_o spread_v over_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o this_o apostasy_n then_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o prophesy_v of_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o notorious_a for_o 1._o that_o this_o romish_a church_n have_v make_v a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o for_o this_o 1000_o year_n so_o that_o she_o be_v no_o more_o like_a to_o that_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v at_o rome_n than_o hell_n be_v to_o heaven_n may_v appear_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church_n government_n 3._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 4._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o worship_n 1._o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n hold_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o catholic_a church_n universal_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n unto_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n do_v appertain_v as_o member_n so_o that_o they_o be_v hold_v no_o true_a church_n or_o member_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o profess_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o what_o part_n so_o ever_o of_o the_o world_n they_o abide_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v be_v a_o particular_a church_n only_o comprehend_v under_o it_o only_o those_o christian_n which_o dwell_v in_o and_o about_o rome_n and_o not_o in_o any_o other_o place_n for_o paul_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n describe_v it_o thus_o the_o saint_n at_o rome_n and_o conclude_v his_o epistle_n with_o salutation_n unto_o such_o person_n as_o inhabit_v in_o or_o about_o rome_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v send_v from_o corinth_n unto_o this_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o this_o church_n be_v every_o where_o and_o have_v not_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n again_o this_o apostle_n write_v to_o other_o church_n give_v they_o as_o great_a glorious_a and_o respectful_a title_n and_o privilege_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o this_o church_n neither_o do_v he_o any_o where_o in_o any_o colourable_a manner_n subject_n they_o to_o this_o but_o write_v unto_o they_o as_o entire_a and_o distinct_a and_o free_a church_n of_o themselves_o never_o exhort_v or_o move_v unto_o subjection_n or_o obedience_n to_o this_o church_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n he_o will_v out_o of_o question_n have_v describe_v it_o write_v unto_o it_o as_o james_n and_o peter_n do_v write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n to_o the_o 12._o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o to_o the_o stranger_n that_o dwell_v through_o pontus_n asia_n etc._n etc._n so_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o even_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o that_o this_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n plant_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o coventrie_n or_o lichfield_n or_o london_n and_o for_o any_o colour_n of_o aught_o in_o god_n word_n these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o yea_o this_o parish_n of_o stapen-hill_n may_v make_v as_o good_a claim_n to_o be_v the_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v 2._o the_o head-officer_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o same_o for_o name_n &_o office_n that_o be_v appoint_v in_o other_o church_n for_o have_v they_o be_v officer_n of_o a_o other_o kind_n the_o apostle_n will_v undoubted_o have_v give_v notice_n of_o it_o but_o the_o head-officer_n of_o this_o church_n be_v such_o as_o who_o name_n and_o peculiar_a office_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n or_o time_n the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n do_v often_o mention_v the_o church-governor_n in_o their_o time_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o syllable_n concern_v any_o pope_n cardinal_n abbot_n monk_n friar_n jesuit_n etc._n etc._n nor_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o officer_n take_v these_o office_n and_o officer_n out_o of_o the_o present_a romish_a church_n and_o you_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o church_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a without_o they_o 3._o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n whereby_o it_o differ_v from_o those_o reform_a church_n that_o have_v make_v separation_n from_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o other_o church_n in_o those_o time_n comprehend_v in_o the_o canonical_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n transubstantiation_n man_n freewill_n ability_n to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n merit_n of_o work_n satisfaction_n for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v not_o be_v needful_a upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o enter_v into_o proof_n of_o particular_n this_o in_o general_a may_v serve_v for_o a_o proof_n of_o all_o her_o enmity_n to_o the_o scripture_n diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o as_o much_o as_o she_o may_v prefer_v her_o own_o authority_n above_o they_o her_o tie_v the_o scripture_n to_o what_o translation_n she_o please_v to_o what_o sense_n she_o list_v and_o her_o keep_v they_o lock_v from_o the_o people_n show_v that_o her_o fundamental_a doctrine_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequent_a differ_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n 4._o her_o principal_a worship_n and_o service_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n be_v as_o different_a as_o may_v be_v from_o that_o worship_n &_o service_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o
apostle_n to_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o church_n her_o mass_n her_o dirge_n her_o trental_n her_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a her_o pilgrimage_n procession_n adoration_n of_o image_n angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v her_o vow_n of_o virginity_n and_o poverty_n her_o service_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o do_v her_o principal_a worship_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o these_o have_v any_o colour_n or_o shadow_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n or_o in_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o this_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o catholic_a apostasy_n need_v no_o proof_n see_v themselves_o glory_n and_o boast_v of_o the_o catholicness_n of_o their_o religion_n especial_o before_o luther_n and_o how_o general_o and_o universal_o their_o worship_n and_o faith_n aforesaid_a have_v be_v receive_v and_o profess_v neither_o have_v there_o be_v since_o the_o apostle_n any_o profession_n so_o general_a and_o universal_a as_o the_o papacy_n when_o it_o be_v at_o his_o height_n in_o this_o they_o glory_n but_o except_o they_o can_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n this_o their_o glory_n be_v their_o shame_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o rather_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o of_o this_o apostasy_n because_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a departure_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n in_o which_o case_n not_o the_o true_a church_n but_o the_o apostatical_a must_v be_v universal_a 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o catholic_a head_n who_o in_o that_o manner_n rule_v over_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o christ_n do_v over_o his_o church_n for_o the_o pope_n claim_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n make_v law_n according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n even_o to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v under_o he_o of_o no_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n come_v not_o in_o all_o at_o one_o time_n but_o by_o degree_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n decrease_v it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v see_v in_o history_n when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o gross_a and_o main_a point_n of_o the_o popish_a religion_n come_v in_o 5._o it_o prevail_v against_o who_o most_o sure_o such_o as_o evident_o show_v that_o they_o bear_v no_o love_n to_o the_o word_n but_o be_v despiser_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o such_o in_o our_o experience_n be_v they_o that_o use_v to_o be_v seduce_v man_n that_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v any_o colour_n to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n save_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o cross_v their_o corruption_n 6._o the_o whole_a world_n know_v with_o what_o efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o satan_n it_o have_v be_v uphold_v how_o busy_a satan_n be_v how_o oft_o he_o appear_v in_o goblin_n fairy_n walk_v spirit_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o support_v of_o it_o 7._o it_o can_v endure_v the_o brightness_n of_o god_n word_n but_o melt_v before_o it_o as_o snow_n before_o the_o sun_n hitherto_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o antichristian_a apostasy_n that_o here_o be_v prophesy_v of_o because_o all_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n thereof_o do_v most_o lively_o agree_v thereunto_o more_o than_o to_o any_o religion_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o apostasy_n and_o that_o great_a antichrist_n here_o prophesy_v of_o which_o appear_v partly_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o apostasy_n of_o that_o church_n &_o shall_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o those_o note_n whereby_o in_o this_o prophecy_n he_o be_v describe_v the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o antichrist_n be_v a_o man_n of_o sinne._n i._n not_o only_o a_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o as_o satan_n be_v a_o notable_a instrument_n of_o satan_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n this_o agree_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o sea_n in_o a_o manner_n since_o they_o become_v universal_a bishop_n it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o monstrous_a villain_n most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o historian_n you_o shall_v not_o read_v of_o any_o sect_n or_o order_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o among_o who_o so_o many_o &_o such_o monster_n have_v be_v find_v as_o among_o they_o murderer_n poisoner_n of_o their_o predecessor_n simoniac_n negromancer_n sodomite_n adulterer_n atheist_n church-robber_n etc._n etc._n yea_o such_o lewd_a person_n ordinary_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v that_o the_o time_n be_v in_o those_o part_n where_o the_o pope_n most_o abide_v that_o when_o they_o will_v note_v a_o man_n for_o a_o notorious_a extraordinary_a villain_n or_o knave_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o knave_n or_o villain_n enough_o to_o be_v pope_n non_fw-fr est_fw-fr opus_fw-la instare_fw-la again_o they_o be_v not_o only_o such_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o the_o grand_a patron_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o and_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o lewdness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v their_o trade_n to_o devise_v how_o they_o may_v either_o by_o law_n force_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o protect_v such_o as_o be_v wicked_a he_o be_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o ignorance_n use_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n he_o have_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v the_o right_a way_n to_o serve_v he_o he_o forbid_v marriage_n to_o all_o his_o clergy_n which_o be_v innumerable_a the_o hundred_o part_n whereof_o be_v idle_a belly_n not_o force_v to_o any_o pain_n but_o live_v like_o epicure_n and_o swine_n put_v up_o to_o feed_v by_o mean_n whereof_o innumerable_a adultery_n fornication_n rape_n sodomitry_n murder_n of_o infant_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n be_v commit_v he_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v stew_n as_o it_o be_v college_n and_o society_n of_o whore_n whereunto_o man_n may_v free_o without_o punishment_n repair_v and_o count_v it_o better_o for_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o keep_v a_o whore_n or_o to_o defile_v a_o other_o man_n wife_n then_o to_o have_v a_o wife_n of_o their_o own_o he_o count_v some_o sin_n small_a and_o venial_a not_o deserve_v hell_n fire_n and_o no_o sin_n so_o gross_a but_o that_o for_o money_n he_o can_v pardon_v it_o and_o he_o can_v dispense_v with_o incest_n divorce_n at_o his_o pleasure_n discharge_n man_n of_o their_o oath_n and_o absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n etc._n etc._n by_o mean_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v the_o procurer_n and_o author_n of_o infinite_a treason_n rebellion_n assassinate_n poison_n bloodshed_n of_o many_o thousand_o murder_n of_o prince_n and_o potentate_n and_o other_o the_o like_a villainy_n in_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n the_o second_o note_n follow_v he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o perdition_n wherein_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v such_o a_o other_o as_o judas_n be_v and_o sure_o judas_n may_v well_o be_v a_o emblem_n to_o represent_v the_o nature_n disposition_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o most_o part_n judas_n be_v a_o covetous_a wretch_n and_o grudge_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v go_v beside_o his_o bag_n so_o be_v the_o pope_n judas_n seek_v all_o mean_n to_o betray_v christ_n so_o do_v the_o pope_n in_o his_o member_n judas_n though_o christ_n convince_v his_o conscience_n of_o the_o vileness_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o denounce_v such_o a_o woe_n against_o he_o as_o may_v just_o have_v terrify_v he_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o hold_v on_o his_o wicked_a purpose_n so_o do_v the_o pope_n judas_n in_o word_n and_o ceremonial_a compliment_n most_o honour_a christ_n when_o he_o betray_v he_o so_o do_v the_o pope_n judas_n come_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n so_o have_v the_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o judas_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o of_o his_o own_o perdition_n so_o be_v the_o pope_n none_o live_v more_o like_a man_n ordain_v to_o destruction_n than_o they_o 3._o the_o antichrist_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o oppose_v himself_o against_o and_o lift_v himself_o up_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n the_o scripture_n give_v this_o title_n not_o to_o god_n himself_o only_o but_o to_o angel_n also_o psal_n
contemn_v and_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o inferior_n unto_o they_o be_v thy_o authority_n among_o christian_n as_o great_a as_o paul_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o less_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o consent_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n to_o show_v for_o that_o which_o thou_o hold_v teach_v and_o profess_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v and_o send_v be_v thessalonian_n i_o certain_a people_n dwell_v in_o or_o about_o that_o famous_a city_n of_o thessalonica_n in_o macedonia_n build_v by_o philip_n the_o father_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o so_o name_v in_o memory_n of_o a_o great_a victory_n get_v over_o thessalia_n a_o country_n of_o greece_n border_v upon_o macedonia_n this_o epistle_n be_v not_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o country_n there_o but_o to_o the_o church_n i._o to_o so_o many_o of_o they_o whether_o citizen_n or_o other_o as_o be_v join_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a society_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o be_v the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v and_o write_v their_o epistle_n unto_o the_o special_a fruit_n then_o of_o this_o and_o such_o like_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v reap_v principal_o by_o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n thereof_o those_o which_o direct_a letter_n to_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o state_n use_v therein_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a to_o treat_v of_o such_o matter_n as_o principal_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n they_o write_v unto_o howsoever_o therefore_o heretic_n schismatic_n person_n excommunicate_v and_o infidel_n may_v reap_v some_o fruit_n and_o profit_n by_o the_o due_a read_n and_o meditate_v upon_o this_o epistle_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inspire_v and_o breathe_v for_o the_o use_n 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the_o near_a and_o most_o inseparable_a and_o bless_a union_n that_o may_v be_v the_o apostle_n amplify_v this_o union_n by_o describe_v that_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o which_o this_o church_n be_v to_o be_v he_o and_o their_o father_n his_o and_o their_o lord_n and_o jesus_n so_o that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v a_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n be_v a_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o so_o jesus_n signify_v unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o this_o union_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n but_o horror_n in_o the_o same_o god_n therefore_o be_v their_o father_n and_o christ_n their_o saviour_n and_o lord_n those_o that_o be_v thus_o ingraff_v into_o they_o may_v presume_v to_o receive_v from_o this_o father_n be_v almighty_a any_o good_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v need_v and_o to_o be_v secure_v and_o free_v from_o any_o evil_n that_o may_v hurt_v they_o it_o be_v a_o nature_n ingraff_v into_o father_n by_o this_o heavenly_a father_n to_o do_v their_o child_n all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v and_o such_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o have_v be_v content_a with_o a_o great_a price_n even_o with_o their_o own_o servitude_n yea_o death_n to_o redeem_v their_o servant_n from_o their_o cruel_a enemy_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v hurt_v if_o it_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o inhibit_v it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n their_o jesus_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v in_o the_o near_a bond_n even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n knit_v unto_o god_n &_o christ_n they_o may_v build_v upon_o it_o that_o this_o christ_n their_o saviour_n in_o who_o they_o be_v will_v save_v they_o from_o whatsoever_o may_v hurt_v they_o that_o this_o god_n their_o father_n will_v show_v the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a disposition_n of_o a_o father_n towards_o they_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o lively_a feel_n of_o if_o in_o our_o holy_a communion_n and_o society_n with_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o god_n as_o dutiful_a child_n &_o unto_o christ_n jesus_n as_o faithful_a servant_n till_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o use_v we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o if_o we_o desire_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o become_v not_o in_o outward_a profession_n only_o and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n delight_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o this_o prerogative_n be_v here_o attribute_v unto_o such_o never_o think_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o long_o at_o least_o as_o thou_o be_v not_o in_o will_n and_o affection_n join_v unto_o the_o same_o 2._o let_v we_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o true_a member_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n until_o we_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o this_o that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n and_o so_o in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o father_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o let_v we_o never_o rest_v and_o be_v at_o quiet_a until_o we_o have_v a_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a sense_n indeed_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o our_o father_n and_o our_o saviour_n by_o some_o infallible_a fruit_n and_o sign_n thereof_o for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o god_n as_o in_o their_o father_n and_o in_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o saviour_n but_o they_o shall_v if_o they_o stir_v up_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o they_o feel_v in_o some_o degree_n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o father_n and_o of_o a_o saviour_n transfuse_v into_o their_o soul_n 3._o let_v every_o church_n esteem_v this_o union_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o prerogative_n that_o may_v be_v if_o it_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o set_v forth_o itself_o withal_o yet_o let_v we_o esteem_v this_o to_o be_v fullness_n of_o honour_n unto_o it_o the_o fruit_n that_o spring_v from_o this_o union_n the_o grace_n that_o be_v communicate_v in_o this_o conjunction_n shall_v abundant_o content_v and_o satisfy_v every_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o she_o have_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n to_o boast_v of_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n verse_n 2._o grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o
if_o they_o look_v not_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o draw_v into_o most_o pestilent_a and_o pernicious_a error_n such_o as_o may_v take_v away_o all_o hope_n of_o and_o comfort_n in_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n 4._o that_o the_o serious_a meditation_n and_o consideration_n of_o christ_n come_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o assemble_v unto_o he_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o uphold_v and_o support_v all_o good_a christian_n against_o such_o error_n it_o be_v a_o special_a bond_n to_o bind_v we_o unto_o the_o truth_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o admonition_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o that_o whereas_o some_o secret_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o their_o salvation_n go_v about_o under_o diverse_a pretence_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o day_n they_o will_v not_o in_o any_o case_n be_v disquiet_v and_o trouble_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o such_o falsehood_n what_o colour_n soever_o they_o shall_v bring_v for_o the_o same_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n 1._o the_o error_n itself_o wherewith_o seducer_n go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n 2._o the_o pretence_n which_o they_o either_o do_v or_o may_v use_v for_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o error_n 3._o their_o intent_n in_o persuade_v together_o with_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a that_o will_v follow_v upon_o the_o entertain_v thereof_o 4._o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o case_n 1._o the_o error_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judgement_n out_o of_o hand_n even_o in_o their_o day_n a_o evident_a untruth_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n since_o have_v discover_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n shall_v certain_o come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pernicious_a error_n to_o determine_v of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a time_n of_o his_o come_n any_o further_a than_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o observe_v we_o how_o busy_a satan_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o error_n in_o religion_n he_o that_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n will_v be_v much_o more_o bold_a now_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v upon_o what_o ground_n we_o build_v our_o faith_n 2._o the_o pretence_n that_o either_o they_o do_v or_o may_v allege_v be_v these_o private_a revelation_n apostolical_a tradition_n write_n of_o the_o apostle_n wrest_v and_o misinterpret_v these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v infect_v and_o poison_v the_o church_n with_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o these_o they_o be_v by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o seduce_v to_o this_o day_n 3._o the_o intent_n of_o these_o seducer_n in_o persuade_v hereunto_o be_v not_o manifest_o express_v and_o sure_o it_o may_v seem_v at_o the_o first_o to_o be_v a_o godly_a error_n and_o that_o they_o can_v mean_v no_o hurt_n but_o good_a that_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o it_o can_v produce_v nothing_o but_o religious_a thought_n &_o deed_n in_o the_o receiver_n thereof_o cause_v they_o the_o more_o careful_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o bold_o hold_v up_o their_o head_n in_o that_o day_n and_o sure_o those_o christian_n live_v a_o most_o holy_a life_n that_o so_o live_v to_o day_n as_o if_o they_o look_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v unto_o judgement_n to_o morrow_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v rather_o be_v a_o loose_a than_o a_o saver_n much_o less_o a_o gainer_n by_o this_o error·_n but_o the_o apostle_n earnestness_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o instrument_n which_o he_o use_v in_o persuade_v to_o this_o error_n have_v a_o pestilent_a intent_n and_o purpose_n therein_o and_o that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o mischievous_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n who_o be_v now_o work_v in_o a_o mystery_n his_o own_o greatness_n for_o though_o for_o a_o time_n the_o persuasion_n hereof_o may_v stir_v up_o some_o to_o look_v to_o their_o way_n and_o bridle_v their_o nature_n from_o many_o sin_n yet_o when_o at_o length_n they_o shall_v perceive_v that_o they_o fear_v in_o vain_a and_o that_o their_o religious_a fear_n be_v upon_o a_o wrong_a ground_n it_o will_v make_v they_o afterward_o break_v forth_o into_o so_o much_o the_o more_o profaneness_n yea_o and_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o at_o length_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o day_n at_o all_o and_o so_o will_v it_o prove_v a_o mean_n also_o to_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o profane_a mocker_n as_o it_o do_v indeed_o in_o those_o time_n 2._o pet._n 3.4_o and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o weaken_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o for_o this_o error_n there_o may_v seem_v they_o be_v not_o right_o understand_v some_o ground_n let_v we_o therefore_o belove_a take_v heed_n of_o any_o error_n in_o religion_n though_o it_o have_v never_o such_o a_o show_n for_o many_o time_n those_o error_n in_o the_o event_n prove_v most_o pestilent_a that_o carry_v most_o show_v of_o piety_n note_v we_o withal_o how_o antichrist_n in_o the_o very_a egg_n have_v endeavour_v by_o all_o way_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 4._o the_o duty_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n require_v of_o they_o be_v twofold_a first_o that_o they_o be_v not_o distract_v in_o mind_n shake_v as_o it_o be_v beside_o their_o wit_n and_o trouble_v wherein_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v satan_n slight_a and_o policy_n oft_o by_o false_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o distract_v and_o astonish_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o disturb_v and_o drive_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n by_o that_o mean_v not_o only_o to_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o such_o holy_a and_o sound_a instruction_n as_o may_v stay_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a instrument_n for_o he_o further_a to_o work_v upon_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o fond_a illusion_n and_o delusion_n at_o his_o pleasure_n that_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o familist_n anabaptist_n and_o other_o like_a enthusiast_n of_o our_o time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o course_n of_o some_o of_o some_o of_o those_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o affect_v a_o severe_a and_o austere_a course_n of_o life_n then_o ordinary_a have_v so_o weaken_v their_o brain_n and_o confound_v their_o imagination_n that_o they_o have_v afterward_o fall_v into_o a_o number_n of_o strange_a fantastical_a conceit_n which_o partly_o satan_n take_v his_o opportunity_n have_v suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o partly_o their_o own_o distemper_n have_v of_o itself_o forge_v and_o fraught_v their_o head_n with_o the_o second_o thing_n he_o here_o intimate_v be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o prone_a to_o be_v distract_v and_o perplex_v with_o such_o strange_a and_o unsound_a doctrine_n and_o with_o such_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o sure_o such_o indeed_o be_v our_o natural_a corruption_n some_o remainder_n whereof_o abide_v in_o the_o best_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n evident_o teach_v out_o of_o the_o word_n oft_o affect_v we_o but_o faint_o when_o such_o frivolous_a conceit_n though_o have_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o or_o ground_n of_o they_o so_o strong_o possess_v we_o that_o with_o many_o false_a fear_n they_o affright_v and_o amaze_v we_o and_o make_v we_o in_o a_o manner_n beside_o ourselves_o this_o corruption_n shall_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o strive_v and_o contend_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o howsoever_o we_o labour_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n tender_a and_o pliable_a for_o god_n spirit_n and_o word_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o we_o strengthen_v our_o mind_n against_o such_o frivolous_a and_o false_a fear_n and_o terror_n as_o satan_n by_o his_o instrument_n and_o their_o strange_a fancy_n shall_v assay_v to_o possess_v we_o with_o the_o second_o duty_n that_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n deceive_v they_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n forewarn_v they_o that_o by_o no_o manner_n of_o man_n or_o mean_n they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v on_o this_o wise_a that_o neither_o the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o publish_v such_o point_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v never_o so_o holy_a and_o religious_a in_o their_o life_n or_o to_o be_v never_o so_o
our_o adversary_n if_o not_o all_o do_v grant_v it_o 2._o that_o under_o antichrist_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a revolt_n but_o from_o who_o from_o the_o pope_n &_o roman_a church_n so_o that_o antichrist_n shall_v rather_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v call_v antipope_n then_o antichrist_n yet_o let_v we_o take_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n 4._o the_o event_n have_v show_v it_o diverse_a of_o the_o father_n have_v complain_v of_o it_o one_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o his_o time_n 36._o that_o it_o have_v the_o casket_n &_o cabinet_n wherein_o the_o jewel_n &_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o have_v lose_v the_o jewel_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o have_v lose_v the_o jewel_n and_o treasure_n themselves_o and_o compare_v she_o to_o a_o woman_n fall_v from_o her_o prosperity_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o show_v but_o some_o bare_a token_n and_o sign_n only_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o bethel_n but_o beth-aven_a that_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o tavern_n or_o tippling-house_n 〈…〉_z another_o afterward_o complain_v of_o his_o time_n oh_o say_v he_o these_o be_v the_o unhappy_a time_n wherein_o man_n will_v not_o endure_v wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o again_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n inward_a and_o incurable_a wound_n papist_n themselves_o have_v complain_v of_o it_o not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n say_v one_o in_o a_o speech_n make_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n ditontinuâ—_n i_o will_v they_o have_v not_o with_o one_o consent_n fall_v from_o religion_n to_o superstition_n from_o faith_n to_o infidelity_n from_o christ_n to_o antichrist_n from_o god_n to_o the_o belly-god_n a_o pope_n himself_o can_v say_v of_o his_o time_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o of_o that_o belief_n that_o our_o prince_n be_v if_o they_o will_v worship_v idol_n we_o will_v worship_v they_o also_o because_o charity_n be_v cold_a and_o all_o 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watch_v and_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n add_v withal_o that_o even_o of_o their_o own_o self_n also_o man_n shall_v arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o the_o other_o three_o point_n to_o wit_n wherein_o this_o apostasy_n consist_v when_o it_o begin_v and_o how_o long_o it_o shall_v last_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o verse_n follow_v and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v discover_v even_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n vers._n 4._o which_o be_v a_o adversary_n and_o exalt_v himself_o against_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n so_o that_o he_o sit_v as_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o as_o god_n hitherto_o of_o the_o apostasy_n the_o effect_v thereof_o follow_v which_o be_v the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o a_o strange_a monster_n that_o shall_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o grow_v great_a and_o great_a by_o the_o increase_n thereof_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n he_o shall_v be_v he_o show_v by_o the_o description_n of_o he_o wherein_o he_o give_v to_o understand_v how_o necessary_a it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o discern_v he_o the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o he_o describe_v he_o be_v his_o lewdness_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sin_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v not_o only_o that_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v a_o sinful_a man_n or_o some_o great_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n only_o but_o by_o man_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v one_o that_o have_v the_o art_n and_o mystery_n of_o sin_v whereby_o he_o do_v not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n sin_n but_o make_v it_o a_o trade_n and_o a_o occupation_n to_o draw_v other_o unto_o sin_n he_o be_v such_o a_o sinner_n as_o the_o pharisee_n be_v that_o will_v compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n and_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n then_o themselves_o 23.15_o and_o therefore_o also_o be_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o antichrist_n call_v afterward_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o that_o all_o his_o wit_n strength_n and_o authority_n shall_v be_v herein_o employ_v to_o abandon_v and_o overthrow_v righteousness_n and_o to_o advance_v sin_n and_o rebellion_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n against_o god_n and_o his_o son_n christ._n therefore_o also_o in_o some_o measure_n all_o his_o subject_n be_v a_o company_n of_o such_o as_o have_v learn_v this_o art_n and_o it_o will_v be_v good_a for_o all_o that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o know_v this_o man_n &_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o he_o &_o to_o have_v as_o little_a deal_n with_o he_o as_o may_v be_v for_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n be_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n yea_o to_o be_v artificial_a sinner_n to_o make_v it_o a_o trade_n to_o draw_v other_o to_o sin_n and_o be_v such_o sinner_n as_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v sin_v the_o less_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o sin_n or_o shall_v deem_v themselves_o so_o to_o do_v there_o be_v none_o therefore_o that_o fear_v god_n that_o shall_v desire_v to_o have_v any_o league_n or_o communion_n with_o he_o or_o with_o any_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n and_o follower_n for_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o good_a by_o he_o unless_o they_o serve_v he_o in_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o be_v to_o sever_v ourselves_o from_o all_o inordinate_a person_n how_o much_o more_o than_o from_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n 3.6_o the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n describe_v he_o be_v his_o cruelty_n and_o so_o the_o second_o title_n he_o give_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o be_v the_o same_o title_n that_o be_v give_v judas_n the_o traitor_n by_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o appear_v 17.12_o that_o antichrist_n shall_v in_o nature_n and_o quality_n be_v a_o other_o judas_n and_o as_o it_o be_v judas_n his_o successor_n and_o indeed_o there_o can_v as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n between_o two_o then_o between_o they_o in_o this_o title_n there_o be_v a_o hebraisme_n whereby_o be_v mean_v 1._o passive_o one_o destinate_a and_o ordain_v to_o destruction_n as_o filius_fw-la gehennae_fw-la math._n 23.15_o the_o son_n of_o hell_n one_o that_o shall_v have_v his_o portion_n in_o hell_n fire_n silij_fw-la irae_fw-la child_n of_o wrath_n ephes._n 2.3_o and_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n such_o as_o shall_v partake_v in_o god_n promise_n rom._n 9.8_o 2._o active_o one_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o destroyer_n of_o other_o as_o the_o son_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n math._n 11.19_o so_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n for_o a_o destroyer_n to_o which_o purpose_n also_o be_v antichrist_n call_v abaddon_n &_o apollyon_n 1._o a_o destroyer_n so_o that_o as_o judas_n 9.11_o before_o he_o come_v to_o his_o end_n be_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n so_o shall_v antichrist_n be_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o he_o die_v and_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n and_o that_o a_o mighty_a one_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v a_o destroyer_n &_o that_o a_o mighty_a &_o powerful_a one_o so_o that_o whosoever_o follow_v he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o come_v to_o eternal_a ruin_n &_o confusion_n with_o he_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o he_o we_o have_v better_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o thief_n and_o robber_n then_o of_o antichrist_n he_o be_v destinate_a not_o only_o to_o damn_v his_o own_o soul_n but_o all_o those_o also_o that_o submit_v unto_o he_o if_o the_o lord_n
unto_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o this_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o sanctify_a spirit_n go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o light_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o eye_n of_o faith_n do_v direct_v and_o what_o need_v they_o fear_v to_o be_v seduce_v or_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o have_v such_o a_o spirit_n to_o move_v they_o such_o a_o eye_n and_o light_n and_o rule_v to_o direct_v they_o vers._n 14._o whereunto_o he_o have_v call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n to_o obtain_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o the_o inward_a mean_n be_v wrought_v be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o he_o call_v their_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o declare_v that_o whatsoever_o they_o minister_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o that_o be_v minister_n shall_v tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o minister_v that_o only_a to_o god_n people_n that_o we_o may_v avow_v to_o be_v gospel_n by_o this_o ministry_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o call_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o sanctification_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n the_o gospel_n then_o yea_o our_o gospel_n i_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n practise_v and_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v god_n own_o consecrate_a instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n work_v sanctification_n &_o faith_n thus_o do_v the_o lord_n honour_v his_o ministry_n so_o that_o they_o which_o be_v the_o despiser_n thereof_o never_o have_v any_o true_a faith_n or_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o antichrist_n and_o sure_o who_o be_v they_o that_o he_o prevail_v against_o in_o our_o kingdom_n be_v they_o not_o manifest_a despiser_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o unto_o sanctification_n and_o faith_n they_o can_v but_o honour_v it_o as_o the_o bless_a instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o show_v further_a wherein_o the_o end_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n consist_v in_o call_v of_o they_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ._n i._n of_o that_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n by_o christ_n which_o christ_n our_o head_n himself_o in_o heaven_n now_o enjoy_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o debase_v the_o glory_n of_o antichrist_n to_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o glory_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n to_o take_v seizin_n and_o possession_n of_o in_o our_o behalf_n and_o sure_o one_o main_a cause_n why_o a_o many_o be_v so_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o glitter_a show_n of_o antichrist_n pompous_a estate_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o mind_n set_v nor_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o soul_n fix_v on_o that_o wonderful_a and_o unutterable_a and_o inconceivable_a glory_n that_o for_o all_o christ_n faithful_a follower_n be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v vile_a in_o their_o eye_n if_o they_o so_o do_v vers._n 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o and_o keep_v the_o instruction_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o our_o epistle_n the_o use_n and_o application_n follow_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v see_v you_o have_v so_o great_a matter_n of_o comfort_n brethren_n stand_v fast_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o 3._o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n that_o he_o exhort_v they_o unto_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o duty_n 3._o the_o mean_n of_o perform_v of_o the_o duty_n the_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o stand_v fast_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n borrow_v from_o soldier_n who_o in_o brunt_n of_o battle_n gather_v their_o strength_n together_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overthrow_v so_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o strength_n they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v stand_v against_o the_o brunt_n and_o storm_n of_o antichrist_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o the_o belove_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v powerful_o and_o strong_o assault_v by_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o apostasy_n aforesaid_a if_o they_o look_v not_o unto_o themselves_o 2._o that_o they_o must_v therefore_o gather_v all_o their_o force_n and_o strength_n together_o to_o stand_v strong_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o no_o tempest_n and_o storm_n may_v remove_v they_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o word_n therefore_o i._n see_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v elect_v you_o &c_n &c_n therefore_o stand_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n then_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o of_o our_o election_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o security_n but_o it_o have_v this_o nature_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v find_v to_o stir_v up_o man_n so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o more_o that_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n the_o more_o he_o will_v strive_v to_o keep_v the_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o make_v he_o wax_v secure_a but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o resolute_a against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o his_o body_n be_v in_o that_o case_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v slay_v in_o battle_n howsoever_o he_o may_v be_v wound_v maim_a and_o hurt_v will_v that_o make_v he_o to_o yield_v himself_o to_o his_o enemy_n or_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o wound_n and_o hurt_v he_o will_v it_o not_o rather_o make_v he_o fight_v so_o much_o the_o more_o courageous_o 3._o the_o mean_n follow_v of_o perform_v this_o duty_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o other_o may_v stand_v fast_o the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o hold_v fast_o or_o lay_v a_o sure_a hand_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v upon_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n these_o tradition_n be_v all_o such_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v teach_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n whether_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n for_o unto_o they_o who_o the_o apostle_n with_o their_o own_o mouth_n preach_v their_o word_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o their_o write_n but_o with_o we_o to_o who_o they_o never_o speak_v their_o write_n only_o be_v authentical_a and_o not_o their_o word_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o speak_v more_o than_o they_o write_v 1._o the_o dutil_a then_o be_v this_o to_o lay_v hold_n with_o both_o hand_n on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o part_n or_o parcel_n thereof_o to_o be_v wring_v forth_o of_o our_o hand_n 2._o this_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o antichrist_n have_v so_o much_o prevail_v for_o that_o man_n have_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v suffer_v now_o one_o ordinance_n and_o then_o a_o other_o to_o be_v wring_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n vers._n 16._o now_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o our_o god_n even_o the_o father_n which_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n 17._o comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o word_n and_o good_a work_n the_o second_o mean_n of_o stand_v fast_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v twofold_a 1._o consolation_n of_o the_o heart_n except_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n send_v a_o comfortable_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o daunt_v and_o terrify_v one_o shall_v hardly_o hold_v fast_o whereas_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n comfort_v the_o heart_n so_o long_o we_o shall_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o faith_n 2._o god_n must_v also_o establish_v we_o and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o word_n and_o good_a work_n that_o we_o may_v so_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n that_o we_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n for_o if_o antichrist_n can_v trip_v we_o in_o either_o he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o dangerous_a blow_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o prayer_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o god_n the_o father_n stir_v he_o thereunto_o by_o mention_n of_o that_o free_a favour_n of_o he_o towards_o they_o whereby_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v love_v they_o and_o give_v they_o everlasting_a consolation_n by_o put_v they_o in_o good_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o grace_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o future_a