st._n john_n mention_n in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v they_o not_o utter_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v and_o dwell_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o place_n but_o ignorance_n barbarity_n and_o mahumetanism_n thus_o you_o see_v it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o though_o the_o catholic_n shall_v never_o fail_v yet_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n and_o nation_n may_v though_o he_o will_v not_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o will_v always_o have_v a_o church_n in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a it_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n he_o may_v remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o england_n or_o holland_n or_o any_o other_o particular_a nation_n which_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o jew_n mat._n 21._o 43._o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o thus_o christ_n threaten_v and_o because_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o repent_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o according_o for_o they_o be_v now_o become_v lo-ammi_a no_o more_o a_o people_n but_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a i_o can_v dismiss_v this_o point_n without_o a_o inference_n or_o two_o and_o one_a if_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v fail_v than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v vain_a in_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o her_o perpetuity_n and_o indefectibility_n we_o know_v she_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o very_a corrupt_a part_n of_o it_o too_o and_o therefore_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o fancy_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o st._n paul_n give_v they_o better_o advice_n rome_n 11._o 21_o 22._o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v for_o of_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o this_o epistle_n you_o know_v be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o this_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v infallible_a and_o perpetual_a st._n paul_n have_v mighty_o fail_v in_o his_o logic_n for_o he_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o fate_n which_o befall_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o may_v fail_v as_o well_o as_o they_o have_v do_v 2_o since_o particular_a church_n may_v fail_v than_o this_o shall_v make_v they_o study_v their_o preservation_n and_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o that_o purpose_n if_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o any_o nation_n shall_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n exchange_v plain_a and_o wholesome_a truth_n for_o fond_a speculation_n and_o opinion_n if_o they_o shall_v turn_v factious_a and_o schismatical_a neglect_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o pastor_n if_o they_o be_v dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o confute_v their_o religion_n by_o their_o life_n they_o will_v provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n and_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o they_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o promise_a safety_n and_o protection_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o people_n who_o neglect_v their_o own_o safety_n that_o he_o threaten_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o they_o except_o thou_o repente_v i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n how_o careful_a then_o shall_v we_o of_o this_o nation_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o gospel_n among_o we_o leave_v god_n carry_v it_o away_o from_o we_o unto_o a_o people_n that_o will_v better_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o to_o excite_v we_o all_o to_o this_o study_n and_o carefulness_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o three_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o have_v this_o candlestick_n remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n threaten_v as_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n except_o thou_o repent_v say_v christ_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n so_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v it_o as_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n unto_o the_o jew_n mat._n 21._o 43._o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o judgement_n will_v appear_v at_o large_a from_o these_o follow_a particular_n one_a it_o deprive_v a_o nation_n of_o its_o chief_a honour_n as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o a_o earthly_a king_n so_o it_o be_v a_o much_o high_a honour_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n hence_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 43._o 4._o since_o thou_o be_v precious_a in_o my_o sight_n thou_o have_v be_v honourable_a now_o all_o this_o honour_n be_v lose_v when_o once_o a_o nation_n lose_v its_o relation_n to_o god_n thus_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jew_n hosea_n 1._o 9_o then_o say_v god_n call_v his_o name_n lo-ammi_a for_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n when_o god_n remove_v his_o candlestick_n and_o reject_v a_o nation_n from_o be_v his_o people_n they_o become_v then_o as_o contemptible_a as_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o vile_a and_o despicable_a as_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o god_n disown_v they_o for_o his_o people_n 2_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n do_v also_o deprive_v a_o nation_n of_o god_n special_a care_n and_o providence_n we_o know_v god_n church_n and_o people_n be_v as_o dear_a to_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o he_o be_v as_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o wall_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o they_o now_o a_o wall_n of_o fire_n be_v both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a and_o denote_v that_o god_n by_o his_o special_a providence_n do_v not_o only_o defend_v his_o choose_a people_n but_o also_o offend_v and_o destroy_v their_o enemy_n behold_v say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 33._o 18._o behold_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o say_v he_o namely_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o of_o these_o he_o take_v a_o special_a care_n and_o exercise_n a_o most_o tender_a and_o watchful_a providence_n over_o they_o to_o deliver_v their_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o famine_n thus_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v our_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n and_o reject_v we_o from_o be_v his_o people_n then_o shall_v we_o lose_v our_o right_n and_o title_n to_o this_o his_o special_a care_n and_o providence_n we_o shall_v soon_o then_o become_v a_o prey_n unto_o our_o enemy_n a_o reproach_n and_o by_o word_n to_o all_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o when_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n a_o dreadful_a voice_n be_v hear_v in_o their_o temple_n say_v migremus_fw-la hinc_fw-la migremus_fw-la hinc_fw-la let_v we_o go_v hence_o let_v we_o go_v hence_o intimate_v that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v then_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o withdraw_v their_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o and_o present_o after_o this_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n be_v bring_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o have_v cease_v ever_o since_o not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o nation_n be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n and_o hate_v in_o all_o place_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v yet_o far_o 3_o to_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n esteem_v it_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n than_o other_o be_v adversity_n and_o oppression_n be_v heavy_a judgement_n and_o yet_o but_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o so_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o isaiah_n 30._o 20._o though_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o the_o bread_n of_o adversity_n and_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n yet_o shall_v not_o thy_o teacher_n be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n any_o more_o but_o thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n and_o thy_o ear_n shall_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o though_o oppression_n and_o adversity_n be_v heavy_a burden_n yet_o be_v they_o nothing_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o teacher_n and_o the_o deprivation_n of_o god_n ordinance_n so_o long_o as_o god_n candlestick_n shine_v among_o we_o and_o we_o enjoy_v
advantage_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n indeed_o our_o sin_n call_v aloud_o for_o such_o heavy_a judgement_n our_o superior_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n have_v acknowledge_v for_o we_o that_o profane_a swear_v perjury_n drunkenness_n and_o a_o violation_n of_o god_n sabbath_n have_v sad_o make_v this_o land_n to_o mourn_v and_o may_v we_o not_o add_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n word_n a_o misuse_n of_o his_o messenger_n a_o slight_n of_o his_o ordinance_n beside_o those_o faction_n and_o schism_n which_o abound_v among_o we_o and_o may_v not_o god_n just_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n oh_o than_o it_o be_v time_n that_o we_o shall_v all_o smite_v upon_o our_o breast_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n that_o our_o iniquity_n may_v not_o be_v our_o ruin_n but_o every_o kind_n of_o repentance_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n the_o greek_a word_n in_o the_o text_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o lactantius_n translate_v mutationes_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o melius_fw-la that_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o worse_a to_o better_o not_o a_o change_n of_o the_o look_v or_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n for_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi or_o a_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v not_o a_o change_n of_o our_o apparel_n or_o a_o put_n on_o of_o sackcloth_n for_o such_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o a_o wicked_a ahab_n but_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o text_n denote_v a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o as_o the_o prophet_n joel_n describe_v it_o a_o turn_n unto_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n chap._n 2._o 12._o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o pay_v a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n it_o will_v make_v we_o reform_v our_o life_n honour_n god_n gospel_n value_v his_o ordinance_n and_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o encourage_v those_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o be_v among_o we_o this_o be_v the_o repentance_n christ_n recommend_v and_o if_o it_o be_v careful_o practise_v by_o we_o we_o may_v prevent_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o the_o text_n and_o procure_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o we_o which_o god_n almighty_a grant_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o 2_o pet._n three_o 28._o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a dispute_n among_o papist_n and_o protestant_n where_o st._n peter_n be_v when_o he_o write_v this_o and_o his_o former_a epistle_n the_o papist_n will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v at_o rome_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o establish_v their_o papal_a monarchy_n and_o derive_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n from_o that_o great_a apostle_n but_o st._n peter_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 13._o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o babylon_n elect_v together_o with_o you_o salute_v you_o indeed_o st._n john_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n take_v babylon_n in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n for_o rome_n which_o well_o become_v his_o prophetic_a and_o mystical_a style_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o st._n peter_n who_o in_o these_o epistle_n write_v no_o prophecy_n but_o only_o plain_a instruction_n for_o the_o disperse_a jew_n shall_v take_v babylon_n in_o any_o other_o than_o a_o literal_a sense_n namely_o for_o that_o ancient_n and_o famous_a city_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o chaldea_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n to_o induce_v this_o belief_n as_o first_o st._n paul_n who_o about_o this_o time_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o st._n peter_n be_v then_o at_o rome_n notwithstanding_o he_o send_v commendation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n second_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n that_o the_o apostleship_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n commit_v to_o st._n peter_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o st._n paul_n this_o st._n jerom_n call_v principale_a mandatum_fw-la the_o main_a of_o their_o commission_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o st._n peter_n chief_a employment_n must_v be_v where_o the_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n be_v now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o babylon_n in_o chaldea_n be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o jew_n reside_v in_o great_a number_n after_o their_o captivity_n three_o st._n peter_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o jew_n scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n which_o all_o belong_v to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o babylon_n four_o st._n peter_n write_v to_o these_o disperse_a jew_n rehearse_v several_a nation_n where_o they_o reside_v as_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n but_o leave_v out_o chaldea_n where_o they_o reside_v in_o great_a number_n which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v not_o chaldea_n be_v the_o place_n from_o whence_o he_o write_v these_o epistle_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o from_o act_n 18._o 2._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o claudius_n caesar_n command_v all_o the_o jew_n to_o depart_v from_o rome_n so_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v st._n peter_n will_v not_o keep_v his_o residence_n there_o where_o he_o want_v his_o flock_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o rational_a to_o believe_v he_o reside_v at_o babylon_n where_o vast_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n reside_v also_o i_o have_v premise_v thus_o much_o to_o prove_v that_o st._n peter_n write_v these_o two_o epistle_n from_o babylon_n in_o chaldea_n because_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o papist_n have_v not_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o found_v their_o belief_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v at_o rome_n though_o on_o it_o depend_v their_o whole_a papal_a monarchy_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o you_o see_v how_o little_a it_o make_v for_o their_o purpose_n so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o human_a testimony_n to_o build_v this_o great_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v derive_v from_o papias_n a_o weak_a credulous_a person_n as_o eusebius_n style_v he_o by_o this_o time_n you_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n understand_v the_o place_n from_o which_o and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o st._n peter_n write_v and_o be_v short_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o to_o put_v off_o his_o earthly_a tabernacle_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o instruction_n he_o bequeath_v to_o the_o jew_n all_o which_o he_o conclude_v with_o the_o most_o important_a word_n of_o the_o text_n grow_v in_o grace_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o first_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v the_o duty_n itself_o grow_v in_o grace_n second_o we_o will_v inquire_v what_o be_v that_o degree_n or_o stature_n of_o grace_n a_o christian_n must_v grow_v to_o before_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o whether_o any_o far_a growth_n in_o grace_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n four_o what_o reason_n and_o encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o first_o namely_o to_o consider_v the_o duty_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n a_o christian_n life_n must_v be_v a_o continual_a progress_n in_o holiness_n he_o must_v not_o with_o hercules_n erect_v his_o pillar_n and_o write_v a_o non_fw-la ultra_fw-la upon_o they_o say_v hitherto_o will_v i_o go_v and_o no_o far_o for_o true_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a and_o multiply_a nature_n so_o that_o the_o good_a christian_a must_v not_o be_v content_a with_o his_o present_a attainment_n but_o with_o st._n paul_n he_o must_v always_o be_v press_v forward_o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o character_n solomon_n give_v of_o the_o just_a man_n prov._n 4_o 18._o the_o path_n of_o the_o justice_n be_v as_o the_o shine_v light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n he_o be_v not_o like_o josuahs_n sun_n that_o stand_v still_o in_o the_o firmament_n much_o less_o like_a hezekiah_n which_o go_v ten_o degree_n backward_o but_o he_o be_v like_o david_n sun_n which_o come_v forth_o as_o a_o bridegroom_n out_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o rejoice_v as_o a_o giant_n to_o run_v his_o race_n now_o this_o growth_n in_o grace_n denote_v at_o least_o these_o two_o blessing_n first_o the_o get_v
this_o book_n of_o psalm_n if_o after_o such_o wonderful_a deliverance_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v this_o day_n we_o still_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sin_n our_o most_o costly_a sacrifice_n will_v prove_v a_o abomination_n the_o lord_n will_v even_o spread_v the_o very_a dung_n of_o they_o on_o our_o face_n see_v therefore_o with_o what_o passion_n ezra_n exhort_v the_o jew_n to_o this_o duty_n after_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n ezra_n 9_o 13._o when_o we_o have_v receive_v such_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o we_o must_v therefore_o keep_v holiness_n in_o our_o life_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v fit_a to_o keep_v a_o holiday_n to_o the_o lord_n it_o become_v well_o the_o just_a to_o be_v thankful_a let_v the_o high_a praise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n and_o it_o will_v please_v he_o better_o than_o a_o bullock_n that_o have_v horn_n and_o hoof_n let_v we_o therefore_o reform_v our_o life_n and_o be_v thus_o wonderful_o deliver_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n let_v we_o serve_v without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v etc._n etc._n sermon_n v._n 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o corinth_n be_v seat_v on_o the_o peloponnesian_a isthmus_n have_v the_o advantage_n both_o of_o the_o ionian_a and_o aegean_a sea_n to_o bring_v into_o its_o bosom_n all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o these_o temporal_a blessing_n flow_v there_o in_o such_o great_a abundance_n that_o corinth_n be_v style_v by_o homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o pindar_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a the_o rich_a and_o happy_a city_n of_o corinth_n and_o as_o corinth_n be_v thus_o happy_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o trade_n and_o commerce_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o happy_a in_o have_v the_o gospel_n plant_v there_o by_o the_o great_a apostle_n s._n paul_n it_o be_v account_v the_o honour_n of_o these_o primitive_a church_n to_o have_v some_o apostle_n or_o other_o to_o be_v their_o founder_n and_o the_o more_o eminent_a the_o apostle_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n he_o plant_v now_o in_o this_o respect_n corinth_n be_v inferior_a unto_o none_o as_o be_v found_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n one_o who_o be_v sometime_o style_v by_o the_o ancient_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o in_o that_o modest_a character_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v of_o himself_o in_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 5._o tell_v we_o express_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a-whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n the_o honour_n therefore_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n can_v not_o but_o be_v great_a since_o it_o be_v plant_v by_o this_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o great_a if_o we_o add_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o learned_a author_n super_fw-la hac_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la maxim_n triumphant_a paulas_n st._n paul_n say_v he_o though_o he_o convert_v several_a other_o nation_n and_o plant_v several_a other_o church_n yet_o he_o seem_v to_o glory_v most_o yea_o even_a triumph_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o corinthian_n these_o he_o call_v his_o special_a work_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o very_a seal_n of_o his_o apostleship_n chap._n 9_o of_o this_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o st._n paul_n so_o it_o have_v also_o the_o happiness_n to_o be_v water_v by_o the_o eloquence_n of_o apollo_n and_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o st._n peter_n now_o one_o will_v have_v think_v a_o church_n thus_o happy_o plant_v and_o water_v might_n if_o any_o in_o the_o world_n have_v promise_v itself_o a_o immunity_n from_o schism_n and_o division_n at_o least_o so_o long_o as_o these_o infallible_a apostle_n and_o unerring_a guide_n be_v still_o alive_a but_o alas_o even_a infallibility_n itself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v a_o antidote_n against_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o raise_v and_o promote_a they_o here_o at_o corinth_n for_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n we_o find_v they_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o be_o of_o cephas_n and_o beside_o these_o schism_n which_o take_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o eminency_n of_o their_o teacher_n we_o find_v in_o this_o 11_o chapter_n several_a other_o division_n about_o the_o sacrament_n unity_n be_v indeed_o a_o signal_n blessing_n yet_o such_o as_o the_o best_a of_o church_n may_v not_o always_o enjoy_v corinth_n as_o glorious_a and_o eminent_a a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v be_v rend_v in_o piece_n by_o faction_n and_o division_n nay_o which_o be_v stranger_n yet_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n stamp_v a_o oportet_fw-la upon_o they_o there_o must_v say_v he_o be_v heresy_n or_o as_o he_o call_v they_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n division_n among_o you_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n will_v always_o watch_v their_o opportunity_n to_o sow_v these_o tare_n and_o god_n it_o seem_v be_v willing_a to_o permit_v they_o that_o the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o integrity_n of_o other_o may_v be_v discover_v so_o much_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o text_n for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o first_o that_o the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o misfortune_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n second_o what_o those_o cause_n be_v which_o make_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o some_o sort_n necessary_a three_o that_o god_n design_n in_o suffer_v these_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o and_o integrity_n of_o other_o four_o that_o those_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o honourable_a person_n who_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n amid_o these_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o arise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o approve_a one_o in_o the_o text._n there_o must_v say_v st._n paul_n be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o first_o namely_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o misfortune_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a great_a stranger_n both_o to_o scripture_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o misfortune_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o usual_a fate_n and_o misfortune_n of_o other_o church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o be_v sad_o distract_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n we_o find_v at_o galata_n such_o as_o preach_v up_o judaism_n and_o bewitch_v the_o galatian_n with_o a_o dangerous_a opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o legal_a rite_n st._n paul_n warn_v the_o colossian_n of_o such_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o spoil_v they_o through_o vain_a philosophy_n and_o bid_v they_o take_v care_n that_o no_o man_n beguile_v they_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n when_o he_o write_v his_o hierarchial_a epistle_n to_o titus_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o crete_n it_o seem_v heretic_n be_v so_o numerous_a in_o that_o church_n that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v he_o this_o apostolical_a canon_n among_o the_o rest_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n st._n john_n will_v show_v we_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n nicolaitan_n and_o balaamite_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n heretic_n stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o jezabel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o in_o ephesus_n the_o mother_n church_n counterfeit_v apostle_n who_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o but_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v liar_n though_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v at_o this_o time_n so_o famous_a that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o say_v s._n paul_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v free_a from_o division_n for_o our_o apostle_n give_v they_o this_o advise_v rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o
curiosity_n be_v another_o unhappy_a cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n hold_v fast_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n but_o curiosity_n make_v man_n desire_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o consequent_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o st._n paul_n foresee_v when_o he_o command_v timothy_n to_o charge_v some_o that_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o fable_n and_o endless_a genealogy_n which_o minister_v question_n rather_o than_o godly_a edify_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o and_o chap._n 6._o 3_o 4._o he_o condemn_v such_o as_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o dispute_v about_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n and_o surmise_n 4._o self-love_n be_v another_o unhappy_a cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o violent_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n give_v it_o the_o precedence_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n of_o luther_n society_n will_v continue_v long_o than_o they_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o little_a pronoun_n ego_fw-la i_o myself_o for_o whilst_o man_n prefer_v their_o own_o interest_n before_o the_o public_a whilst_o they_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n they_o tear_v his_o seamless_a coat_n in_o piece_n and_o make_v unhappy_a division_n among_o christian_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o these_o division_n st._n paul_n give_v this_o advice_n among_o other_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o phil._n 2._o 3_o 4._o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o long_o as_o these_o cause_n remain_v we_o must_v expect_v the_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o they_o so_o long_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v allow_v to_o go_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v man_n lust_n and_o passion_n to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o work_n so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v employ_v such_o instrument_n as_o the_o ambitious_a covetous_a curious_a and_o lover_n of_o themselves_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n church_n indeed_o god_n have_v power_n sufficient_a to_o prevent_v these_o division_n he_o can_v create_v a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n among_o christian_n but_o as_o st._n cyprian_n speak_v fieri_fw-la haec_fw-la dominus_fw-la permittit_fw-la &_o patitur_fw-la manente_fw-la propriae_fw-la libertatis_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la the_o lord_n say_v he_o suffer_v these_o division_n to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n because_o he_o leave_v man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o wi_n god_n do_v not_o employ_v his_o irresistible_a power_n in_o keep_v man_n from_o schism_n more_o than_o from_o other_o sin_n but_o have_v forbid_v it_o with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n imaginable_a have_v discypher_v the_o damnable_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o press_v christian_n by_o innumerable_a and_o those_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o keep_v this_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n he_o leave_v they_o to_o act_v for_o themselves_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v and_o punish_v everlasting_o such_o as_o dare_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v then_o if_o man_n be_v traitor_n to_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o state_n if_o they_o rebel_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o against_o their_o prince_n see_v god_n leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o commit_v this_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o sin_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v put_v the_o question_n why_o god_n leave_v man_n thus_o to_o their_o liberty_n though_o i_o may_v chastise_v such_o curiosity_n with_o solomon_n answer_n eccles._n 7._o 10._o who_o tell_v such_o curious_a person_n that_o they_o do_v not_o inquire_v wise_o concern_v this_o matter_n yet_o since_o st._n paul_n have_v furnish_v i_o with_o a_o more_o satisfactory_a reply_n in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v return_v they_o this_o answer_n in_o my_o three_o general_n namely_o three_o that_o god_n design_n in_o suffer_v these_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o integrity_n of_o other_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o text_n where_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a it_o be_v a_o golden_a sentence_n of_o st._n austin_n that_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a will_v never_o suffer_v evil_a but_o that_o be_v also_o omnipotent_a he_o be_v able_a to_o extract_v good_a out_o of_o evil._n when_o god_n suffer_v schism_n and_o division_n to_o befall_v his_o church_n his_o design_n be_v to_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o integrity_n of_o other_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o religion_n what_o good_a old_a simeon_n say_v of_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o it_o be_v set_v for_o the_o fall_n and_o rise_n of_o many_o in_o israel_n so_o long_o as_o religion_n prosper_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o world_n hypocrite_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o atheist_n will_v be_v content_a to_o own_v it_o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o fall_v into_o distress_n or_o labour_n under_o persecution_n than_o they_o fall_v off_o like_o leave_n in_o autumn_n indeed_o as_o st._n cyprian_n observe_v nemo_fw-la existimet_fw-la bonos_fw-es ecclesia_fw-la posse_fw-la discedere_fw-la none_o can_v imagine_v say_v he_o that_o good_a man_n will_v abjure_v the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n as_o he_o go_v on_o the_o wind_n drive_v not_o away_o the_o solid_a wheat_n but_o the_o chaff_n the_o storm_n may_v overturn_v the_o weak_a shrub_n but_o the_o sturdy_a oak_n gain_v strength_n and_o firmness_n by_o the_o tempest_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o st._n john_n 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o time_n of_o division_n be_v time_n of_o trial_n and_o do_v as_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o some_o sort_n anticipate_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o at_o such_o time_n the_o tare_n will_v gather_v themselves_o into_o bundle_n and_o leave_v the_o pure_a corn_n without_o any_o mixture_n in_o the_o field_n of_o the_o lord_n sound_v believer_n will_v now_o be_v know_v from_o hypocrite_n and_o though_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v crowd_v with_o such_o number_n as_o it_o be_v before_o yet_o its_o great_a loss_n will_v be_v only_o of_o rot_a member_n it_o will_v now_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v its_o friend_n from_o its_o foe_n and_o though_o a_o acacius_n a_o ecebolius_n and_o such_o like_a changeling_n may_v serve_v the_o time_n and_o themselves_o more_o yet_o all_o sincere_a christian_n will_v think_v it_o both_o their_o duty_n and_o honour_n to_o adhere_v courageous_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o four_o general_n propose_v namely_o four_o to_o show_v you_o that_o those_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o honourable_a person_n who_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n amid_o these_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o arise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o approve_a one_o in_o the_o text._n the_o greek_a word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v approve_v be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n we_o know_v such_o a_o trial_n make_v its_o solidity_n and_o lustre_n shine_v the_o bright_a yea_o it_o be_v now_o value_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o it_o be_v before_o even_o so_o christian_n when_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a amid_o schism_n and_o division_n it_o render_v they_o much_o more_o honourable_a than_o they_o be_v before_o there_o be_v a_o advantage_n say_v plutarch_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o their_o very_a enemy_n have_v there_o be_v no_o trojan_a war_n hector_n valour_n have_v never_o be_v so_o renown_v and_o the_o great_a the_o violence_n of_o a_o tempest_n be_v the_o more_o high_o do_v it_o commend_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o pilot_n even_o so_o the_o integrity_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n
general_n be_v also_o true_a of_o this_o scripture_n in_o particular_a namely_o that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o flood_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o ford_n though_o there_o be_v many_o depth_n where_o the_o great_a elephant_n may_v swim_v yet_o there_o be_v also_o some_o shallow_n where_o the_o least_o lamb_n will_v be_v able_a to_o wade_v in_o some_o place_n the_o holy_a spirit_n soar_v aloft_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o high_a and_o in_o other_o place_n he_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o condescend_v even_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o so_o he_o do_v here_o in_o the_o text_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o puzzle_v we_o but_o plain_a thing_n to_o instruct_v and_o direct_v we_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ephesus_z be_v a_o large_a city_n upon_o which_o depend_v several_a lesser_a place_n as_o the_o learned_a hammond_n and_o other_o observe_v and_o according_a to_o that_o government_n christ_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o angel_n or_o bishop_n constitute_v to_o oversee_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o place_n hence_o st._n austin_n speak_v of_o the_o seven_o angel_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n style_v they_o the_o bishop_n or_o governor_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n such_o a_o bishop_n or_o angel_n be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o antiquity_n tell_v we_o onesimus_n be_v their_o bishop_n to_o this_o bishop_n or_o angel_n do_v christ_n send_v a_o epistle_n as_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o ver_fw-la 1_o of_o this_o chapter_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v the_o whole_a epistle_n beside_o the_o prologue_n and_o the_o epilogue_n consist_v of_o four_o principal_a part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o they_o for_o their_o labour_n and_o patience_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o suffer_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a ver_fw-la 2_o 3._o second_o a_o reprehension_n wherein_o they_o be_v blame_v for_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n and_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 4._o and_o three_o a_o exhortation_n to_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o text_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n and_o four_o a_o commination_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n for_o the_o full_a understanding_n of_o which_o word_n first_o we_o will_v first_o inquire_v why_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v unto_o a_o candlestick_n second_o show_v you_o that_o this_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n three_o that_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o have_v this_o candlestick_n remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n four_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n and_o five_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v it_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o to_o inquire_v why_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v unto_o a_o candlestick_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n be_v plain_a from_o chap._n 1._o 20._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n and_o well_o may_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v unto_o a_o candlestick_n since_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o often_o compare_v unto_o a_o light_n we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o pprophecy_n say_v st._n peter_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o david_n psal._n 119._o 105._o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n the_o world_n indeed_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o very_a dark_a place_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o light_n it_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o dismal_a place_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o misery_n which_o infest_v this_o life_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o light_n which_o help_v to_o scatter_v and_o disperse_v these_o mist_n of_o trouble_n so_o king_n david_n find_v it_o psal._n 119._o 50._o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o the_o whole_a world_n say_v st._n john_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o find_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n but_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o give_v we_o his_o word_n to_o be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n how_o ought_v we_o then_o to_o prize_n and_o value_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o direction_n whereof_o we_o must_v have_v wander_v up_o and_o down_o the_o wilderness_n and_o never_o have_v find_v out_o the_o way_n to_o canaan_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o church_n nec_fw-la erit_fw-la illi_fw-la deus_fw-la pater_fw-la cui_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la mater_fw-la god_n say_v st._n cyprian_n will_v not_o be_v his_o father_n who_o do_v not_o own_o the_o church_n for_o his_o mother_n have_v we_o be_v bear_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n without_o god_n without_o christ_n and_o without_o hope_n in_o this_o world_n sure_a then_o we_o who_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o god_n church_n and_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o this_o light_n and_o learn_v to_o prize_n and_o value_v it_o otherwise_o we_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o lose_v all_o the_o advantage_n thereof_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o second_o general_n second_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n where_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n except_o thou_o repent_v i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n christ_n church_n therefore_o may_v fail_v and_o be_v extinguish_v but_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a decision_n of_o this_o point_n we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v of_o christ_n catholic_n and_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n seat_v in_o some_o particular_a kingdom_n or_o nation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o church_n of_o denmark_n and_o the_o like_a now_o one_a it_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n can_v never_o fail_v and_o be_v total_o extinguish_v this_o large_a candlestick_n shall_v never_o be_v remove_v we_o have_v several_a promise_n in_o scripture_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v continue_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o our_o saviour_n promise_v his_o apostle_n mat._n 28._o ult_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o mat._n 16._o 18._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n have_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o thus_o firm_a and_o stable_a be_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n speak_v elegant_o it_o may_v be_v assault_v but_o not_o defeat_v it_o may_v be_v distress_v but_o not_o destroy_v it_o may_v be_v wound_v but_o it_o shall_v not_o fall_v it_o may_v be_v toss_v but_o not_o wreck_v it_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v militant_a but_o yet_o never_o be_v overcome_v but_o 2_o though_o the_o catholic_n and_o universal_a church_n be_v thus_o stable_a and_o perpetual_a yet_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v claim_v this_o privilege_n the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o nation_n may_v utter_o fail_v and_o have_v its_o candlestick_n remove_v from_o it_o this_o be_v threaten_v in_o the_o text_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a fate_n of_o several_a other_o particular_a church_n for_o where_o be_v those_o many_o famous_a church_n in_o africa_n which_o be_v so_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n austin_n where_o be_v those_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n those_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n