in_o two_o thing_n in_o due_a deserve_a praise_n &_o commendation_n &_o in_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o good_a virtue_n &_o godly_a life_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n commend_v antipas_n unto_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v his_o good_a conversation_n but_o as_o for_o popish_a honour_n of_o invocation_n &_o adoration_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n again_o in_o call_v he_o faithful_a martyr_n he_o commend_v more_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n than_o the_o death_n to_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n not_o the_o death_n for_o a_o heretic_n may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o damnable_a opinion_n therefore_o antipas_n be_v a_o martyr_n not_o because_o he_o be_v slay_v but_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n ii_o point_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n christ_n show_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o antipas_n his_o death_n namely_o such_o among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n rule_v for_o he_o be_v slay_v say_v christ_n among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o word_n he_o repent_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o persecutor_n let_v they_o carry_v what_o face_n they_o will_v be_v in_o truth_n such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v where_o he_o have_v his_o hold_n and_o keep_v possession_n quest._n why_o do_v satan_n more_o dwell_v there_o than_o in_o other_o place_n answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o place_n be_v gentile_n who_o contemn_v and_o mock_v the_o gospel_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n whereby_o they_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o satan_n and_o by_o proportion_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o contemner_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o wicked_a way_n be_v indeed_o the_o stable_n and_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o many_o family_n as_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v mock_v god_n name_n blaspheme_v injustice_n and_o impiety_n practise_v so_o many_o hold_v of_o satan_n there_o be_v where_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o such_o they_o continue_v till_o they_o reform_v themselves_o of_o their_o impiety_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n of_o family_n especial_o shall_v love_v the_o gospel_n and_o see_v that_o in_o their_o family_n religion_n be_v teach_v embrace_v and_o obey_v that_o so_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v no_o hold_n in_o their_o family_n que._n whether_o may_v not_o antipas_n be_v pastor_n of_o this_o church_n have_v flee_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o persecution_n one_o that_o be_v direct_o intend_v against_o the_o pastor_n principal_o the_o other_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o in_o the_o persecution_n direct_v against_o the_o pastor_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v whether_o god_n give_v he_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o fly_v or_o not_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n he_o may_v fly_v and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assist_v he_o and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o his_o preservation_n but_o if_o god_n deny_v he_o mean_n to_o escape_v than_o he_o must_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o name_n and_o so_o he_o may_v not_o fly_v and_o such_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o antipas_n in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o the_o persecution_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o than_o the_o pastor_n may_v not_o fly_v but_o take_v part_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o stay_v and_o comfort_v his_o brethren_n verse_n 14._o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n here_o follow_v the_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o be_v first_o general_o propound_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o second_o in_o particular_a for_o want_v of_o zeal_n in_o suffer_v among_o they_o such_o as_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balam_n three_o he_o set_v down_o a_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n thereof_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 14_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o the_o general_a reproof_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v out_o against_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n vers_n 4._o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o special_a duty_n namely_o that_o every_o man_n must_v serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o sin_n he_o have_v in_o he_o which_o christ_n may_v have_v to_o lay_v unto_o his_o charge_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n do_v christ_n rehearse_v it_o unto_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v call_v ourselves_o to_o reckon_n and_o examine_v ourselves_o not_o by_o our_o own_o wit_n but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o search_v out_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o see_v how_o many_o thing_n christ_n may_v have_v against_o we_o that_o so_o make_v a_o beforehand_a reckon_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v clear_v by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v this_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o conscionable_a obedience_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v perish_v eternal_o for_o a_o day_n of_o account_n will_v come_v wherein_o we_o shall_v never_o escape_v unless_o by_o a_o beforehand_a reckon_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o prevent_v the_o same_o lamentable_a and_o fearful_a be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o never_o call_v themselves_o to_o this_o account_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o remorse_n hos_fw-la 7.2_o hereof_o jeremie_n complain_v 8.6_o that_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o denounce_v fearful_a judgement_n against_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o old_a world_n 24._o man_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o this_o security_n bring_v man_n soul_n to_o hell_n before_o they_o wot_v where_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o david_n cry_v out_o psal._n 50._o vers_fw-la 22._o oh_o consider_v this_o mean_v the_o account_n that_o god_n will_v take_v with_o they_o lest_o god_n tear_v they_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o the_o end_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o account_n make_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o many_o a_o one_o for_o how_o shall_v man_n embrace_v with_o comfort_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n till_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o their_o enmity_n with_o god_n and_o desert_n of_o condemnation_n ii_o point_n because_o thou_o have_v they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o particular_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o that_o they_o entertain_v and_o suffer_v heretical_a minister_n to_o live_v among_o they_o which_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n this_o show_v that_o though_o they_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o cold_o and_o without_o that_o fervent_a zeal_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v against_o such_o heretic_n use_n here_o first_o christ_n teach_v this_o church_n to_o show_v forth_o zeal_n in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o such_o heretic_n as_o by_o damnable_a doctrine_n do_v trouble_v they_o this_o place_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n when_o man_n hold_v heretical_a opinion_n the_o church_n after_o two_o or_o three_o admonition_n be_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o so_o do_v paul_n to_o hymaeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1._o tim._n 1.20_o second_o christ_n reprove_v this_o church_n for_o entertain_v such_o heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o member_n of_o god_n church_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a dislike_n of_o all_o person_n that_o hold_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o truth_n but_o maintain_v error_n against_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n to_o 5._o separat_fw-la
himself_o from_o such_o aâ—_n teach_v otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v give_v direct_a on_o and_o consent_v not_o unto_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n be_v puff_v up_o and_o know_v nothing_o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o careful_a practice_n we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n true_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o we_o must_v maintain_v with_o zeal_n and_o if_o any_o bring_v in_o other_o doctrine_n we_o must_v reject_v it_o and_o show_v forth_o detestation_n to_o he_o that_o bring_v it_o not_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n 2._o john_n 10._o we_o must_v rather_o loose_v our_o life_n than_o suffer_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deface_v three_o that_o which_o christ_n lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o this_o church_n may_v in_o sundry_a respect_n be_v charge_v upon_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n at_o this_o day_n namely_o want_v of_o zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o severity_n against_o sinner_n for_o though_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n repel_v the_o heresy_n of_o popery_n anabaptist_n and_o family_n of_o love_n and_o suppress_v all_o doctrine_n that_o race_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v commendable_a thing_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o congregation_n be_v abundance_n of_o atheist_n who_o by_o deed_n and_o conversation_n deny_v christ_n jesus_n for_o many_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o be_v profane_a who_o both_o think_v and_o speak_v most_o base_o of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o professor_n thereof_o yea_o we_o have_v flat_a epicure_n permit_v to_o live_v in_o our_o church_n such_o as_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n who_o give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o eat_v drink_v sport_n and_o delight_n without_o all_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o call_n we_o have_v also_o among_o we_o many_o cruel_a and_o merciless_a person_n that_o in_o their_o affair_n abound_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n wrong_v usury_n and_o oppression_n 5.11_o who_o tread_v be_v upon_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o covetousness_n whereby_o also_o they_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o godâ—_n people_n and_o flay_v off_o their_o skin_n from_o they_o and_o break_v their_o bone_n and_o chap_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o for_o the_o pot_n and_o as_o flesh_n within_o the_o cauldron_n mich._n 3.6_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o because_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o civil_a authority_n be_v permit_v without_o controlment_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n even_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v themselves_o flat_a enemy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o many_o of_o these_o be_v great_o countenance_v and_o grace_v for_o wisdom_n and_o reputation_n when_o as_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n be_v count_v vile_a all_o which_o as_o it_o argue_v exceed_v want_n of_o zeal_n in_o severity_n against_o sin_n so_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o come_v against_o we_o in_o judgement_n as_o he_o do_v against_o this_o church_n the_o mean_n whereby_o this_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v reform_v do_v follow_v afterward_o iii_o point_n the_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a reproof_n whereby_o the_o lord_n will_v move_v this_o church_n to_o detest_v these_o false_a teacher_n be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o similitude_n as_o balaam_n the_o false_a prophet_n teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o this_o church_n maintain_v among_o they_o nicholaitan_o who_o teach_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n at_o idol_n feast_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o similitude_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o 14_o verse_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v three_o point_n first_o what_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o offence_n be_v second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cast_v or_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n three_o by_o what_o mean_v king_n balac_n do_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o first_o a_o stumble_a block_n be_v proper_o any_o thing_n as_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o such_o like_a that_o be_v cast_v in_o a_o man_n way_n to_o hinder_v he_o in_o his_o gate_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o trip_v or_o fall_v and_o by_o resemblance_n in_o this_o place_n a_o offence_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o so_o to_o slip_v or_o fall_v or_o to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n further_o a_o offence_n be_v twofold_a either_o give_v or_o take_v a_o offence_n give_v be_v any_o speech_n or_o deed_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v provoke_v to_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v peter_n a_o offence_n unto_o christ_n though_o he_o take_v it_o not_o mat._n 16.23_o a_o offence_n take_v be_v when_o any_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o fall_v and_o sin_n by_o that_o which_o be_v well_o do_v by_o other_o so_o be_v the_o pharisy_n offend_v at_o the_o sacred_a preach_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ._n ii_o point_n the_o cast_n or_o put_v of_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o give_v a_o offence_n be_v the_o do_v or_o say_v of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v occasion_v to_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o about_o thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a thing_n evil_a be_v such_o as_o god_n word_n forbid_v and_o they_o be_v twofold_a either_o persuasion_n or_o example_n bad_a persuasion_n be_v false_a doctrine_n and_o evil_a counsel_n bad_a example_n be_v also_o a_o give_v of_o offence_n because_o it_o do_v embolden_v evil_a man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o draw_v the_o godly_a to_o evil_n again_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n etc._n etc._n may_v offence_n be_v give_v when_o as_o they_o be_v use_v unreasonable_o not_o in_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n and_o before_o fit_a person_n and_o of_o this_o paul_n speak_v say_v if_o i_o know_v my_o eat_n do_v offend_v my_o brother_n i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v the_o offence_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o offence_n give_v in_o evil_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a act_n do_v by_o balaam_n and_o according_o receive_v and_o take_v of_o the_o israelit_n for_o he_o use_v outward_a provocation_n to_o allure_v they_o unto_o sin_n iii_o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o king_n balac_n do_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n by_o provoke_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v this_o full_o read_v number_n 25._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o history_n be_v this_o when_o balaam_n have_v assay_v sundry_a way_n to_o curse_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o can_v not_o he_o give_v balac_n counsel_v to_o use_v mean_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o sin_n at_o his_o counsel_n balac_n send_v forth_o the_o most_o beautiful_a woman_n in_o his_o kingdom_n into_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o banquet_n with_o they_o at_o their_o idol_n feast_n that_o so_o they_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o fornication_n whereunto_o the_o israelite_n condescend_v and_o so_o sin_v against_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o use_n here_o observe_v a_o special_a property_n of_o false_a teacher_n namely_o to_o cast_v offence_n before_o man_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o salvation_n by_o this_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o this_o church_n the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n 1.1_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n because_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o true_a godliness_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n be_v call_v â—_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n because_o the_o scope_n thereof_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o all_o iniquity_n and_o abomination_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v between_o true_a doctrine_n and_o false_a even_o by_o look_v into_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n thereof_o if_o it_o aim_v at_o true_a
regard_n of_o sex_n be_v inferior_a may_v have_v more_o excellent_a gift_n and_o so_o likewise_o may_v exercise_v authority_n and_o rule_n and_o we_o find_v by_o good_a experience_n that_o the_o government_n of_o a_o woman_n be_v a_o haâ—pie_a government_n no_o record_n of_o time_n can_v show_v a_o more_o happy_a regiment_n for_o blessing_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a under_o any_o man_n than_o we_o have_v long_o enjoy_v under_o our_o noble_a queen_n the_o second_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n be_v that_o they_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o seduce_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o thereby_o to_o seduce_v god_n people_n that_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n christ_n reproof_n show_v evident_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o use_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o every_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o teach_v and_o hold_v what_o doctrine_n he_o will_v but_o all_o such_o man_n or_o woman_n as_o â—each_v erroneous_a doctrine_n by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v it_o be_v a_o grievous_a fault_n in_o any_o church_n not_o to_o restrain_v the_o author_n and_o maintainer_n of_o sect_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o of_o opinion_n which_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a gift_n in_o any_o church_n when_o they_o restrain_v the_o author_n and_o favourer_n of_o sect_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n our_o church_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v and_o approve_a and_o the_o commonwealth_n likewise_o for_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v both_o popish_a recusant_n and_o some_o protestant_n who_o depart_v from_o this_o our_o church_n as_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n but_o a_o member_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o babylon_n now_o that_o christ_n may_v aggravate_v these_o their_o offence_n he_o do_v describe_v both_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o teach_n he_o describe_v the_o woman_n first_o by_o her_o property_n in_o this_o name_n iâ—zabell_n that_o be_v one_o like_o jezabell_n second_o by_o her_o action_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n her_o teach_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n touch_v her_o property_n christ_n call_v her_o jezabell_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o for_o that_o she_o be_v like_a to_o jezabell_n and_o in_o her_o person_n revive_v the_o manner_n and_o opinion_n of_o jezabell_n for_o as_o jezabell_n bring_v among_o the_o israelite_n the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o idol_n baal_n so_o this_o woman_n labour_v to_o bring_v into_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n again_o jezabell_n be_v give_v to_o fornication_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v of_o she_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o jehu_n 2._o king_n 9.22_o and_o so_o be_v this_o woman_n give_v to_o fornication_n three_o jezabell_n be_v a_o woman_n of_o authority_n and_o by_o her_o place_n and_o dignity_n do_v countenance_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n and_o her_o wicked_a sin_n so_o it_o be_v like_a that_o this_o woman_n be_v of_o some_o place_n and_o authority_n and_o do_v thereby_o countenance_v her_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o damnable_a sin_n in_o this_o reason_n of_o her_o name_n use_n note_v first_o a_o notable_a practice_n of_o satan_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v this_o in_o succeed_a age_n he_o labour_v to_o revive_v the_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o wicked_a vice_n of_o ungodly_a person_n of_o former_a time_n this_o we_o see_v plain_a in_o this_o place_n for_o long_o after_o â—â—zabelâ—_n death_n the_o wife_n of_o ahab_n a_o wicked_a woman_n â—uen_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n he_o raise_v up_o â—nother_n woman_n like_o jezabell_n both_o for_o wicked_a life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o like_a practice_n he_o use_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o such_o as_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o counsel_n of_o machiavelli_n be_v reviue_v the_o craft_n of_o achitophel_n in_o the_o papist_n be_v reviue_v the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o wicked_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o recusant_n protestant_n be_v reviue_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o the_o sect_n call_v audiani_n the_o family_n of_o love_n revive_v the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o valentinian_o and_o the_o montanist_n and_o many_o other_o damnable_a error_n now_o this_o the_o devil_n do_v because_o he_o know_v by_o experience_n the_o great_a hurt_n that_o these_o opinion_n and_o sin_n have_v former_o do_v unto_o god_n church_n second_o christ_n call_v this_o woman_n jezabell_n that_o he_o may_v provoke_v this_o church_n to_o a_o great_a detestation_n of_o she_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o damnable_a way_n and_o that_o she_o may_v be_v in_o as_o great_a disgrace_n with_o they_o as_o be_v jezabell_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v better_o eschew_v her_o wicked_a seducement_n and_o herein_o we_o have_v a_o good_a direction_n for_o our_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n namely_o that_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o example_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o wicked_a woman_n we_o must_v thereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o be_v unlike_o they_o and_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o like_o they_o any_o way_n either_o in_o wicked_a opinion_n or_o in_o practice_n we_o must_v thereupon_o grow_v to_o a_o dislike_n with_o ourselves_o again_o find_v the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n or_o good_a woman_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o thereto_o and_o become_v like_o they_o and_o in_o this_o regard_n approve_v ourselves_o when_o we_o see_v ourselves_o conformable_a unto_o the_o godly_a in_o any_o virtue_n and_o grace_n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o christ_n describe_v this_o woman_n be_v her_o action_n she_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n that_o be_v she_o challenge_v herself_o to_o be_v one_o that_o do_v teach_v god_n will_n by_o the_o instinct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o herein_o she_o become_v a_o notable_a patron_n of_o the_o damnable_a sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o for_o she_o hold_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o fornication_n and_o of_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n hereof_o she_o say_v she_o be_v a_o prophetess_n one_o that_o speak_v nothing_o but_o as_o she_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o heretic_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o maintain_v their_o damnable_a device_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o induction_n of_o particular_a heretic_n in_o former_a age_n first_o use_n hence_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o labour_n to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_a whereby_o we_o may_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o many_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a teacher_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o herein_o they_o bewray_v their_o profaneness_n they_o ought_v the_o rather_o to_o labour_v for_o this_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o to_o know_v what_o be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o be_v not_o second_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o when_o we_o be_v unjust_o slander_v disgrace_v or_o injure_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o fret_v and_o fume_n but_o by_o patience_n to_o content_v ourselves_o for_o we_o see_v that_o wicked_a man_n to_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o manner_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o abuse_v god_n himself_o and_o make_v his_o bless_a spirit_n the_o author_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o error_n and_o sin_n we_o by_o our_o sin_n deserve_v disgrace_n and_o reproach_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v patient_a be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n as_o luke_n 23.40_o 41._o and_o rather_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o pet._n 4_o vers_fw-la 13._o again_o here_o observe_v how_o she_o prove_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o prophetess_n namely_o by_o her_o own_o testimony_n only_o she_o call_v herself_o so_o where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o note_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o wiâ—_n their_o own_o bare_a word_n and_o testimony_n a_o true_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n have_v sundry_a testimony_n beside_o their_o own_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o call_n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v diverse_a language_n without_o study_n and_o of_o work_a miracle_n they_o have_v also_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n join_v with_o integrity_n of_o life_n &_o last_o many_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o zeal_n courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o christ_n have_v describe_v this_o woman_n for_o her_o further_a disgrace_n as_o also_o to_o aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n in_o suffer_v
ministry_n will_v soon_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o man_n invention_n again_o in_o this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n saying_n to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v â—5_n for_o though_o john_n be_v endue_v with_o rare_a knowledge_n and_o singular_a gift_n yet_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o knowledge_n to_o his_o former_a the_o lord_n find_v he_o faithful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o reveal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o secret_n unto_o he_o in_o most_o full_a manner_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n at_o this_o day_n all_o that_o have_v care_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v it_o though_o their_o knowledge_n be_v small_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v they_o and_o add_v daily_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n not_o but_o wax_v worse_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n be_v because_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o have_v their_o knowledge_n increase_v by_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o know_v for_o if_o they_o do_v then_o to_o he_o which_o have_v shall_v more_o be_v add_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o be_v negligent_a to_o hear_v or_o know_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o spirit_n indeed_o send_v upon_o we_o yet_o not_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o blindness_n &_o ignorance_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o see_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o isay._n 6.9_o 6.9_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o four_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o time_n when_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v to_o s._n john_n this_o day_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o we_o sunday_n it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o on_o this_o day_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v bury_v the_o even_a of_o the_o jew_n sabboath_n which_o be_v our_o friday_n and_o he_o rest_v in_o the_o grave_a their_o whole_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n and_o rise_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n which_o be_v our_o sunday_n second_o this_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n account_n come_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n and_o be_v ordain_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o sanctify_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n especial_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n the_o manifestation_n whereof_o as_o some_o think_v john_n chief_o intend_v in_o this_o title_n and_o touch_v this_o time_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o point_n first_o who_o change_v the_o jew_n sabbath_n second_o for_o what_o cause_n three_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n power_n to_o change_v the_o sabbath_n day_n we_o now_o celebrate_v to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n be_v change_v into_o this_o lord_n day_n by_o christian_n emperor_n long_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o hold_v that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o change_n my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n either_o by_o voice_n or_o instinct_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v this_o sabbath_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o be_v keep_v a_o day_n of_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 16.1_o where_o paul_n ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n that_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n in_o the_o week_n this_o he_o leave_v not_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o appoint_v it_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a from_o christ._n now_o the_o day_n of_o collect_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sabbath_n day_n when_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v for_o god_n service_n for_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o christ_n first_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v then_o to_o gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n a_o oblation_n and_o the_o mass_n not_o a_o real_a sacrifice_n as_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o but_o spiritual_a because_o therewith_o be_v join_v collection_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oblation_n not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mass_n because_o the_o collect_v relief_n thereat_o be_v send_v to_o the_o poor_a saint_n abroad_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o keep_v this_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 20.7_o and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o observe_v any_o other_o day_n for_o a_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n after_o christ_n ascension_n save_v only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v keep_v none_o other_o but_o the_o old_a sabbath_n of_o the_o law_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v john_n 20.19.26_o the_o same_o day_n whereâ—n_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n â—e_v appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o eight_o day_n after_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o appear_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o same_o end_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v they_o a_o example_n to_o celebrate_v and_o keep_v that_o day_n wherein_o he_o rise_v again_o for_o a_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ii_o point_n the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n thaâ—_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o stand_v with_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n wherein_o as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v make_v a_o new_a heaven_n &_o a_o new_a earth_n chap._n 66._o and_o whereby_o man_n become_v new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n 5.17_o nay_o this_o redemption_n be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o the_o creation_n for_o in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n but_o in_o this_o redemption_n christ_n jesus_n be_v our_o head_n by_o the_o first_o creation_n we_o receive_v a_o temporal_a life_n but_o by_o redemption_n we_o receive_v life_n eternal_a in_o the_o creation_n adam_n be_v espouse_v to_o eve_n but_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n every_o christian_n be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o creation_n adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n in_o the_o creation_n god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v principal_o appear_v in_o this_o redemption_n with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o show_v mercy_n and_o justice_n justice_n in_o christ_n passion_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o forgiveness_n by_o creation_n he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o by_o redemption_n he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o and_o better_a than_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v the_o creation_n it_o be_v meet_v a_o day_n shall_v be_v set_v a_o apart_o for_o the_o memory_n thereof_o now_o no_o day_n can_v be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o which_o christ_n rise_v again_o whereby_o he_o confirm_v
he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n do_v hinder_v he_o he_o seek_v the_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o minister_n not_o only_o by_o stir_v up_o persecution_n but_o by_o keepinh_v his_o people_n from_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o every_o minister_n have_v need_v to_o take_v pain_n with_o patience_n in_o his_o call_n and_o as_o christ_n join_v together_o labour_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o shall_v every_o christian_n after_o this_o direction_n join_v patience_n with_o his_o pain_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n for_o look_v what_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o place_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o every_o child_n of_o god_n in_o he_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a call_n and_o therein_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n then_o consider_v the_o cross_n do_v accompany_v godly_a diligence_n they_o must_v labour_v to_o join_v patience_n with_o their_o diligence_n for_o their_o continuance_n in_o welldoing_a even_o under_o the_o cross_n and_o for_o attain_v of_o this_o patience_n they_o must_v set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o protection_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v dismay_v by_o any_o affliction_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v thus_o walk_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a place_n painful_o and_o with_o patience_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o commendation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a reward_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o their_o reward_n but_o on_o contrary_a if_o we_o walk_v in_o our_o calling_n negligent_o or_o else_o forsake_v they_o because_o of_o affliction_n or_o be_v impatient_a in_o our_o labour_n we_o shall_v loose_v our_o reward_n and_o undergo_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o outward_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v us._n the_o three_o special_a work_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n be_v severity_n show_v against_o wicked_a man_n in_o these_o word_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o evil_a man_n he_o mean_v such_o as_o live_v offensive_o and_o maintain_v manifest_a error_n and_o heresy_n these_o she_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o judge_v they_o as_o burden_n and_o therefore_o seek_v to_o disburden_v herself_o of_o they_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v purge_v of_o evil_a man_n use_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v put_v in_o practice_v this_o work_n so_o soon_o as_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n 4.14_o god_n cast_v he_o out_o from_o his_o face_n as_o appear_z by_o his_o own_o complaint_n to_o wit_n from_o that_o particular_a place_n where_o adam_n and_o his_o family_n worship_v god_n when_o false_a prophet_n and_o idolater_n do_v arise_v among_o the_o israelit_n the_o lord_n command_v 8._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v kill_v and_o take_v from_o among_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o jeremie_n 15.19_o if_o thou_o turn_v and_o repent_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a thou_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o my_o word_n 1._o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o paul_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n the_o church_n purge_v of_o that_o old_a leaven_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n put_v from_o among_o they_o verse_n 13._o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o testimony_n some_o reason_n may_v be_v add_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o separation_n first_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v be_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v but_o evil_a man_n defile_v god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n second_o lest_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o the_o infection_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o leaven_n sour_v the_o whole_a lump_n so_o will_v evil_a man_n defile_v the_o whole_a church_n three_o they_o be_v burden_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o every_o burden_n this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v a_o common_a fault_n in_o the_o most_o congregation_n among_o we_o wherein_o all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o unto_o the_o lord_n table_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o restraint_n as_o though_o every_o man_n be_v a_o good_a &_o sound_a christian_n whereas_o experience_n show_v that_o many_o be_v ignorant_a many_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o sabbath_n breaker_n drunkard_n and_o blasphemer_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v bar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n sever_v from_o the_o church_n as_o burden_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n a_o power_n judicial_a to_o suspend_v evil_a man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v commend_v this_o minister_n with_o his_o church_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n the_o reason_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o no_o force_n i._o say_v they_o the_o parable_n matth._n 13.30_o allow_v the_o grow_v together_o of_o tare_n and_o wheat_n till_o harvest_n and_o therefore_o evil_a man_n must_v be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o separation_n answ._n in_o that_o parable_n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a purge_n of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a purge_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o the_o field_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o mâ—n_z but_o angel_n that_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n again_o they_o allege_v luk_n 14.23_o compel_v they_o in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o come_v into_o the_o supper_n here_o say_v they_o all_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o but_o none_o must_v be_v exclude_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o compel_a man_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n but_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereto_o man_n must_v be_v cause_v to_o subject_v themselves_o which_o hinder_v nothing_o why_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n ordain_v only_o for_o such_o as_o repent_v and_o believe_v qu._n see_v this_o separation_n must_v be_v make_v how_o far_o forth_o may_v we_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o be_v open_o evil_a &_o offensive_a either_o for_o life_n or_o doctrine_n ans._n evil_a man_n must_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o commonwealth_n of_o some_o city_n or_o incorporation_n second_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n by_o toleration_n in_o the_o first_o regard_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o they_o i._o for_o outward_a deal_n and_o civil_a affair_n as_o bargain_v buy_v and_o sell_v etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o may_v maintain_v outward_a civil_a peace_n with_o they_o so_o paul_n command_v the_o roman_n 12.18_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n iii_o in_o this_o civil_a converse_v with_o the_o wicked_a we_o must_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o outward_a courtesy_n and_o love_n unto_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o do_v not_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n command_v we_o to_o be_v 3.2_o soft_a and_o courteous_a show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o man_n even_o to_o evil_a man_n as_o the_o reason_n follow_v show_v 3._o for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o time_n past_o unwise_a disobedient_a deceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o be_v we_o evil_a second_o consider_v they_o as_o dweller_n in_o the_o church_n and_o member_n by_o permission_n and_o so_o we_o may_v live_v with_o they_o in_o it_o for_o we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v permit_v therein_o christ_n live_v among_o the_o
reveal_v his_o will_n not_o to_o the_o proud_a but_o to_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o as_o isaiah_n say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n isay._n 57.15_o and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o a_o man_n must_v renounce_v his_o own_o natural_a wit_n and_o reason_n and_o become_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o even_o a_o fool_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o conceit_n also_o he_o must_v unfeigned_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o truth_n ask_v say_v christ_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o even_o 11.13_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o they_o that_o desire_v of_o the_o father_n and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n which_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o second_o after_o preparation_n he_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v thorough_o what_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v and_o what_o be_v theiâ—_n opinion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n maintain_v by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a oversight_n to_o misconceive_v the_o state_n of_o the_o adversary_n question_n by_o propound_v it_o otherwise_o than_o they_o hold_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o many_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o controversy_n three_o due_a proof_n must_v be_v make_v whether_o the_o adversary_n doctrine_n be_v of_o man_n or_o of_o god_n this_o be_v god_n commandment_n 1._o john_n 4.1_o prove_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o for_o trial_n hereof_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o cause_n isa._n 8._o vers_fw-la 20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o look_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o who_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o he_o do_v in_o his_o write_a word_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n the_o scripture_n show_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n examine_v be_v direct_o gather_v thence_o and_o by_o just_a consequent_a or_o not_o four_o serious_a consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o live_v of_o the_o teacher_n examine_v for_o a_o false_a teacher_n by_o god_n just_a judgement_n be_v usual_o a_o wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v 1â—_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o examine_v such_o they_o will_v appear_v howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o famous_a heretic_n do_v plain_o declare_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o discovery_n be_v sentence_n give_v in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n the_o church_n here_o give_v out_o a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a sentence_n against_o they_o she_o call_v they_o false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n and_o yet_o she_o sin_v not_o for_o christ_n commend_v she_o for_o it_o though_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_n can_v beseem_v any_o yet_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o place_n may_v give_v ouâ—_n severe_a speech_n against_o offender_n in_o token_n of_o detestation_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o offend_v thus_o john_n call_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n a_o generation_n of_o viper_n matth._n 3.7_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n luk._n 13.32_o and_o paul_n call_v the_o galatian_n fool_n gal._n 3.1_o and_o in_o this_o place_n the_o church_n call_v these_o false_a teacher_n liar_n which_o be_v very_o much_o for_o therein_o she_o accuse_v they_o of_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o teach_v that_o which_o be_v false_a indeed_o second_o that_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n with_o intent_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n in_o this_o discovery_n use_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o just_a accomplishment_n of_o paul_n prophecy_n acts._n 20.29_o 30._o namely_o that_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o among_o the_o ephesian_n grievous_a wolf_n and_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n and_o such_o be_v these_o false_a apostle_n who_o after_o examination_n be_v find_v liar_n again_o see_v in_o the_o day_n of_o this_o apostle_n john_n man_n dare_v presume_v to_o claim_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o do_v challenge_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v peter_n successor_n and_o to_o have_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o dare_v now_o avouch_v some_o book_n to_o be_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o as_o also_o bring_v in_o their_o tradition_n &_o unwritten_a verity_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o obey_v equal_o with_o god_n word_n verse_n 3._o thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v here_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v how_o this_o minister_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o false_a teacher_n after_o their_o discovery_n the_o manner_n we_o shall_v see_v in_o handle_v the_o point_n particular_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n thou_o have_v suffer_v or_o thou_o have_v bear_v a_o burden_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o be_v press_v down_o under_o a_o great_a burden_n this_o burden_n be_v the_o trouble_n which_o false_a apostle_n bring_v upon_o they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v partly_o by_o open_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n partly_o by_o the_o spread_a of_o their_o heretical_a and_o schismatical_a doctrine_n these_o false_a teacher_n be_v ebion_n cerinthus_n martion_n and_o such_o like_a who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n trouble_v this_o church_n as_o history_n do_v show_v here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o the_o best_a church_n shall_v be_v trouble_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o heretical_a teacher_n who_o both_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o persecution_n become_v grievous_a burden_n this_o the_o lord_n permit_v for_o weighty_a cause_n i._o that_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v excite_v more_o constant_o to_o embrace_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o jude_n 3._o most_o worthy_o exhort_v the_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n to_o fight_v for_o the_o common_a faith_n ii_o that_o professor_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o sound_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o not_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o it_o be_v â—ette_v say_v paul_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o approve_a may_v â—ee_n know_v iii_o that_o god_n may_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n reveal_v unto_o they_o 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11._o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o strange_a illusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n for_o many_o know_v the_o word_n that_o love_v it_o not_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o common_a scandal_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v use_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o lord_n wheat_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o evil_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o offence_n that_o hereby_o we_o be_v rather_o provoke_v with_o more_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v religion_n and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n have_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o deal_n of_o this_o church_n against_o these_o false_a apostle_n in_o all_o their_o persecution_n but_o first_o note_v the_o coherence_n of_o this_o virtue_n with_o the_o former_a thou_o have_v suffer_v trouble_n and_o have_v have_v patience_n quest._n how_o can_v these_o stand_v together_o it_o be_v against_o man_n nature_n in_o trouble_n to_o be_v patient_a for_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n make_v man_n discontent_n and_o to_o fret_v against_o god_n and_o man_n answ._n they_o stand_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 4._o tribulation_n bring_v forth_o patience_n namely_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o to_o they_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o their_o trouble_n shed_v
ver_fw-la 22.23_o iv._o every_o private_a man_n must_v profess_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o 1._o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o this_o confession_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n for_o by_o a_o blameless_a and_o holy_a conversation_n every_o christian_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2_o 15_o 16._o see_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o work_n use_n we_o must_v be_v admonish_v every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o we_o christâ—_n religion_n may_v be_v further_v for_o god_n church_n be_v not_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n only_o because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o maintain_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o pillar_n in_o his_o place_n to_o maintain_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o glory_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v more_o special_a care_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o two_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v herself_o against_o false_a teacher_n and_o have_v not_o faint_v here_o christ_n set_v down_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o church_n labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o true_a religion_n and_o thereby_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n namely_o by_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o labour_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o a_o notable_a example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v for_o we_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o for_o many_o year_n sundry_a among_o we_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o against_o all_o enemy_n though_o not_o without_o some_o trouble_n and_o danger_n now_o this_o which_o have_v be_v do_v be_v nothing_o unless_o we_o hold_v on_o our_o good_a course_n constant_o and_o labour_n unto_o death_n in_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n with_o peace_n for_o usual_o after_o long_a peace_n god_n try_v he_o by_o persecution_n neither_o know_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v of_o trial_n god_n will_v exercise_v us._n therefore_o as_o we_o now_o profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o let_v we_o continue_v constant_a therein_o and_o not_o turn_v with_o time_n or_o state_n for_o than_o we_o lose_v our_o commendation_n at_o christ_n hand_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n for_o her_o virtue_n verse_n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o decay_n in_o grace_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o here_o christ_n speak_v as_o a_o judge_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o lay_v this_o action_n unto_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n that_o be_v that_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v first_o call_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o love_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v not_o as_o though_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v it_o but_o only_o because_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o to_o wax_v cold_a in_o good_a work_n but_o some_o will_v say_v they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o their_o zeal_n and_o labour_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o their_o severity_n against_o false_a teacher_n how_o then_o have_v they_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n answ._n at_o this_o time_n when_o christ_n do_v thus_o reprove_v they_o their_o love_n be_v commendable_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n if_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o this_o church_n for_o leave_v her_o first_o love_n use_n then_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o against_o we_o at_o this_o day_n howsoever_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v high_a in_o his_o favour_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o a_o worse_a estate_n than_o this_o church_n now_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o church_n have_v leave_v off_o their_o first_o love_n and_o the_o great_a part_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o that_o many_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n be_v too_o too_o evident_a for_o such_o as_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n be_v content_a to_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o history_n of_o our_o church_n do_v show_v after_o they_o enjoy_v a_o little_a quietness_n become_v mere_a worldling_n as_o their_o life_n have_v testify_v afterward_o and_o in_o such_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o of_o ten_o or_o seven_o year_n have_v show_v fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n do_v now_o fall_v away_o and_o show_v none_o at_o all_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v see_v many_o for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o very_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n who_o soon_o after_o suffer_v pleasure_n profit_n or_o preferment_n to_o draw_v they_o quite_o away_o some_o i_o confess_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v free_a from_o this_o decay_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o grievous_a fault_n among_o we_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o these_o be_v the_o day_n whereof_o christ_n say_v 24.12.22_o love_n shall_v wax_v cold_a and_o whereof_o paul_n say_v man_n shall_v be_v 3.2_o lover_n of_o themselves_o for_o take_v the_o most_o congregation_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v yet_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o hearer_n be_v neither_o better_v for_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o obedience_n but_o remain_v still_o as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v this_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v no_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o have_v a_o formal_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o their_o mouth_n for_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v there_o most_o needs_o be_v increase_n in_o knowledge_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n again_o see_v how_o man_n general_o walk_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o therein_o behold_v a_o mere_a defect_n of_o love_n all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v be_v for_o their_o private_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n no_o regard_n be_v have_v of_o god_n glory_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n herein_o their_o own_o conscience_n shall_v be_v the_o witness_n so_o that_o general_o this_o may_v be_v say_v we_o have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o what_o a_o action_n than_o shall_v we_o think_v have_v christ_n against_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grievous_a and_o so_o our_o case_n fearful_a and_o dangerous_a if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o potentat_fw-la have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o and_o his_o case_n be_v good_a it_o will_v make_v we_o look_v about_o we_o yea_o to_o tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o to_o be_v at_o our_o wit_n end_n behold_v not_o a_o worldly_a prince_n but_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o matter_n against_o we_o just_a and_o grievoâ—â—â—_o oh_o how_o shall_v this_o move_v we_o to_o search_v ourselves_o to_o try_v our_o estate_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o his_o majesty_n we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o this_o charge_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o concern_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n show_v it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v god_n judgement_n by_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v of_o love_n again_o this_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n for_o decay_n of_o love_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o increase_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o brethren_n add_v grace_n to_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o add_v day_n unto_o day_n in_o our_o life_n that_o so_o our_o love_n may_v obound_v read_v 1._o thes._n 4.1.9_o 10_o where_o paul_n urge_v this_o duty_n at_o large_a he_o confess_v they_o do_v love_v one_o
this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n to_o bless_v â—_o themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v yet_o still_o to_o say_v and_o think_v god_n will_v bless_v they_o take_v a_o heretickâ—_n who_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o his_o error_n and_o he_o will_v say_v he_o teach_v that_o which_o in_o conscience_n he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n for_o which_o he_o will_v shed_v his_o blood_n and_o whereto_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n yield_v so_o take_v a_o profess_a witch_n man_n or_o woman_n they_o will_v say_v all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o good_a angel_n and_o by_o some_o special_a gift_n give_v unto_o they_o above_o other_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n from_o whence_o indeed_o come_v all_o they_o can_v do_v and_o so_o the_o carnal_a protestant_n of_o our_o time_n they_o look_v for_o god_n blessing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n after_o death_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n in_o sin_n &_o profaneness_n thus_o they_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o make_v christ_n a_o packhorse_n for_o their_o iniquity_n but_o in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o jew_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o lay_v down_o all_o presumptuous_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o goodness_n and_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o god_n favour_n without_o his_o true_a grace_n and_o rather_o look_v unto_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o that_o god_n may_v lift_v we_o up_o ii_o point_n christ_n judgement_n of_o they_o be_v this_o they_o be_v not_o jew_n but_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o seem_v to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o jewish_a manner_n but_o do_v indeed_o worship_v the_o devil_n herein_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v i._n how_o this_o can_v be_v true_a of_o any_o company_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n answ._n election_n be_v twofold_a special_a and_o general_a god_n special_a election_n be_v when_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsâ—ll_v he_o choose_v a_o man_n to_o life_n eternal_a and_o â—his_n befall_v not_o all_o the_o jew_n but_o some_o only_o god_n general_a election_n be_v â—hen_o he_o â—ouchsafeth_v any_o people_n to_o become_v his_o visible_a church_n to_o have_v and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o outward_a signeâ—_n and_o 〈…〉_z his_o covenant_n &_o thus_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n elect_v and_o therefore_o be_v circumcise_v and_o receive_v the_o passover_o from_o this_o general_a election_n a_o church_n and_o people_n may_v fall_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v 9_o and_o so_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n be_v indeed_o never_o within_o the_o particular_a call_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v fall_v away_o for_o god_n election_n remain_v sâ—â—e_z 2._o tim._n 2.19_o his_o calling_n be_v without_o repentance_n rom._n 11._o â—9_n ii_o point_n at_o what_o time_n do_v the_o jew_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n not_o at_o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n though_o that_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n for_o though_o some_o therein_o sin_v of_o malice_n yet_o many_o do_v it_o of_o ignorance_n this_o peter_n confess_v acts._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o sermon_n after_o christ_n ascension_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o 〈…〉_z that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o act_n â—_o â—â—_o but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o long_a time_n preach_v christ_n unto_o they_o &_o convince_v their_o conscience_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o remain_v obstinate_a reject_v and_o persecute_v both_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n then_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o gâ—â—â—ils_n â—_o whereby_o we_o see_v when_o a_o church_n of_o god_n become_v no_o church_n namely_o not_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o hold_v a_o heresy_n for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n hold_v justification_n by_o work_n yet_o thereupon_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o when_o they_o embrace_v a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v convict_v of_o it_o not_o by_o private_a man_n but_o by_o apostolical_a authority_n or_o by_o public_a judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o papist_n of_o the_o libertine_n and_o anabaptist_n family_n of_o love_n and_o such_o like_a namely_o that_o they_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n for_o they_o hold_v heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n which_o the_o church_n long_o ago_o condemn_v by_o apostolical_a and_o judicial_a authority_n again_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n many_o there_o be_v that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o church_n among_o we_o because_o some_o private_a man_n have_v reprove_v the_o same_o for_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o reform_v but_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a and_o foolish_a reason_n for_o first_o the_o error_n must_v be_v against_o the_o foundation_n and_o yet_o that_o make_v not_o a_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v obstinate_o maintain_v after_o sufficient_a reproof_n and_o judicial_a conviction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v affirm_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n iii_o point_n how_o become_v the_o jew_n a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n through_o their_o unbelief_n as_o be_v plain_o prove_v roman_a 11.20_o object_n but_o they_o hold_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o defend_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o which_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o they_o answ._n indeed_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o raze_v out_o and_o deny_v and_o so_o though_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n yet_o worship_v god_n out_o of_o christ_n they_o worship_v a_o idol_n and_o not_o that_o god_n which_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n for_o out_o of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o hold_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereupon_o some_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o indeed_o they_o hold_v they_o not_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v but_o a_o feign_a christ_n for_o they_o take_v from_o he_o both_o his_o nature_n especial_o his_o humanity_n and_o his_o office_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o separat_fw-la from_o they_o this_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v once_o a_o most_o famous_a people_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n must_v be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n continual_o for_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v reject_v they_o stand_v high_a in_o god_n favour_n but_o now_o for_o their_o unbelief_n they_o be_v cast_v off_o from_o god_n and_o be_v become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o must_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o to_o fear_n ro._n 11.20_o for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n they_o that_o be_v his_o first_o choose_v people_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v we_o that_o be_v but_o wild_a olive_n graff_v into_o the_o true_a vine_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o unbelief_n and_o labour_n for_o true_a faith_n which_o we_o must_v testify_v by_o obedience_n in_o our_o life_n &_o conversation_n verse_n 10._o fear_v none_o of_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v behold_v it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v cast_v 〈◊〉_d of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v trieâ—_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o thâ—_n proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n that_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n which_o i_o call_v counsel_n because_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v such_o kind_n of_o instruction_n
by_o the_o name_n of_o counsel_n first_o â—ere_z note_z that_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n and_o give_v her_o counsel_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o rebuke_n she_o for_o her_o fault_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o god_n church_n and_o so_o the_o member_n thereof_o may_v live_v without_o sin_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n but_o they_o be_v deceive_v christ_n therefore_o abstain_v from_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n not_o for_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n against_o they_o but_o for_o these_o two_o cause_n especial_o first_o because_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n do_v true_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v not_o decay_v in_o grace_n as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v and_o therefore_o have_v the_o pardon_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o be_v in_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n second_o this_o church_n do_v endeavour_n to_o obey_v christ_n and_o to_o testify_v her_o faith_n and_o love_n thereby_o now_o god_n accept_v the_o desire_n and_o will_n of_o obedience_n in_o his_o child_n as_o obedience_n itself_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o reprove_v they_o for_o any_o fault_n that_o be_v among_o they_o see_v this_o church_n be_v in_o affliction_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o accept_v that_o christ_n reprove_v nothing_o in_o she_o we_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v profitable_a for_o god_n church_n and_o people_n sometime_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o thereby_o be_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n preserve_v as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o many_o grievous_a sin_n prevent_v which_o otherwise_o god_n child_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o counsel_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o precept_n a_o pprophecy_n and_o a_o precept_n again_o the_o first_o precept_n be_v in_o these_o word_n fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v this_o precept_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v against_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o phil._n 2.12_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o rom._n 11.20_o â—e_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o fear_n i._o natural_a fear_n ii_o fear_n proceed_v from_o grace_n iii_o a_o distrustful_a fearful_a proceed_n from_o unbelief_n i._o the_o natural_a fear_n be_v a_o decline_a and_o eschew_v of_o death_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v thereto_o this_o fear_n be_v in_o all_o man_n in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o thing_n desire_v to_o preserve_v itself_o this_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o in_o his_o agony_n fear_v death_n as_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n asunder_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o only_o a_o infirmity_n without_o sin_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o fear_n be_v that_o which_o come_v from_o grace_n mal._n 1.6_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o â—onor_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n this_o fear_n be_v a_o reverend_a awe_n towards_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtue_n and_o no_o sin_n the_o three_o be_v distrustful_a fear_n when_o man_n for_o affliction_n forsake_v religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n stand_v more_o in_o fear_n of_o man_n than_o of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o fear_n which_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n forbid_v be_v a_o sin_n that_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n unto_o perdition_n in_o this_o commandment_n christ_n do_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o give_v they_o and_o we_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sin_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v conceive_v and_o the_o seed_n whereof_o remain_v still_o in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n namely_o distrustful_a unbelief_n whereby_o man_n fear_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n which_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o man_n consider_v not_o of_o god_n as_o he_o extend_v his_o providence_n over_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mighty_a judge_n take_v revenge_n upon_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n second_o here_o christ_n describe_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n people_n may_v arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o peril_n and_o trouble_n whatsoever_o to_o wit_n christian_a fortitude_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o true_a faith_n enable_v a_o man_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o with_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o danger_n whatsoever_o that_o he_o may_v in_o life_n and_o death_n maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o virtue_n god_n prescribe_v to_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o call_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v speak_v unto_o their_o people_n as_o christ_n speak_v unto_o this_o church_n fear_v not_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o they_o deal_v faithful_o they_o must_v change_v their_o note_n and_o say_v with_o joell_n 1â—.15_n wail_v and_o howl_v you_o priest_n and_o people_n lie_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n because_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n vengeance_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v lamentable_a to_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o people_n of_o who_o we_o may_v general_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n â—_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n and_o where_o knowledge_n be_v there_o be_v little_a conscience_n to_o live_v thereafter_o consider_v also_o how_o the_o most_o be_v carnal_a mind_v dead_a in_o sin_n they_o savour_v not_o thâ—_n thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v whole_o possess_v with_o earthly_a desire_n &_o delight_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n affect_v they_o not_o yea_o in_o all_o place_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o as_o natural_a sleep_n wrap_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n so_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n benumb_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n for_o though_o god_n preach_v daily_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o judgement_n yet_o like_o the_o old_a world_n we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o evil_a day_n we_o never_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o if_o herunto_o we_o join_v the_o common_a cry_a sin_n of_o this_o land_n as_o swear_v curse_a oppression_n sabbath_n break_v drunkenness_n whoredom_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n yea_o atheism_n itself_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o how_o can_v we_o say_v with_o christ_n fear_v not_o yea_o rather_o we_o must_v call_v man_n to_o repentance_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n for_o god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n neither_o will_v he_o always_o be_v chide_v nor_o wink_v at_o our_o iniquity_n he_o have_v whet_v his_o sword_n and_o bend_v his_o bow_n and_o unless_o we_o repent_v the_o day_n of_o havoc_n will_v come_v short_o wherein_o he_o will_v take_v vengeance_n upon_o all_o our_o iniquity_n and_o although_o this_o be_v the_o common_a state_n of_o our_o land_n yet_o christ_n have_v his_o remnant_n among_o we_o who_o mourn_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n and_o do_v endeavour_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o these_o it_o may_v be_v say_v fear_v not_o but_o take_v to_o yourselves_o christian_n courage_n &_o arm_v yourselves_o therewith_o lay_v aside_o all_o distrustful_a fear_n and_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o heart_n strive_v to_o keep_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o so_o shall_v christ_n appear_v to_o your_o joy_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v ashamed_a 66.5_o and_o to_o move_v god_n child_n to_o this_o christian_n fortitude_n first_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v distrustful_o fearful_a when_o they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n revel_v 21.8_o they_o must_v have_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n among_o the_o damn_a second_o let_v they_o observe_v the_o lord_n presence_n and_o his_o gracious_a promise_n of_o protection_n in_o distress_n 14.7_o he_o will_v cause_v his_o angel_n to_o pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o that_o no_o peril_n shall_v hurt_v they_o 2._o king_n 6._o when_o a_o mighty_a army_n come_v against_o elisha_n his_o servant_n be_v fore_o afraid_a but_o mark_v how_o he_o comfort_v he_o 16._o fear_v not_o say_v he_o for_o they_o that_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n child_n three_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o honourable_a estate_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v exceed_o when_o they_o have_v be_v beat_v 5.41_o that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v any_o
every_o man_n conscience_n will_v move_v unto_o he_o namely_o how_o may_v i_o escape_v the_o second_o death_n that_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n answ._n thou_o must_v in_o this_o life_n true_o turn_v unto_o god_n from_o all_o thy_o evil_a way_n renounce_v thyself_o and_o put_v all_o thy_o affiance_n in_o christ_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o evermore_o labour_v to_o keep_v true_a religion_n faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o death_n in_o all_o estate_n this_o do_v and_o though_o thou_o taste_v of_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o second_o death_n shall_v never_o touch_v thou_o three_o hereby_o christ_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o two_o death_n the_o second_o be_v the_o worse_a the_o bodily_a death_n be_v terrible_a unto_o nature_n but_o the_o second_o be_v the_o proper_a death_n indeed_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o soul_n and_o body_n eternal_o and_o yet_o behold_v the_o madness_n of_o man_n who_o fear_v great_o the_o first_o death_n and_o regard_v nothing_o the_o burn_a lake_n like_v unto_o little_a child_n that_o fear_v their_o own_o shadow_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o fire_n and_o water_n that_o will_v burn_v and_o drown_v they_o this_o be_v man_n miserable_a estate_n through_o the_o blindness_n of_o his_o mind_n &_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n verse_n 12._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n write_v this_o say_v he_o that_o have_v that_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n here_o be_v the_o three_o particular_a commandment_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o john_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n show_v there_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o angel_n and_o why_o this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v give_v unto_o john_n this_o three_o epistle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o former_a have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n in_o this_o verse_n the_o proposition_n of_o the_o epistle_n verse_n 13_o and_o so_o forward_o unto_o the_o 17_o and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o 17_o verse_n i._o part_n the_o preface_n show_v in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v namely_o in_o christ_n name_n the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o have_v show_v before_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n christ_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o action_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n verse_n 16._o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v that_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_a priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o king_n thereof_o to_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o same_o the_o sword_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n or_o in_o his_o mouth_n as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v that_o two_o edge_a sword_n yea_o that_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n thereby_o be_v signify_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o operation_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v hebr._n the_o 4.12_o christ_n be_v thus_o describe_v to_o comfort_v this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o hereby_o three_o thing_n be_v signify_v first_o his_o wonderful_a power_n in_o slay_v original_a sin_n and_o corruption_n by_o his_o word_n in_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o sin_n after_o it_o be_v once_o wound_v second_o that_o he_o will_v strengthen_v and_o preserve_v his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o true_a member_n thereof_o by_o the_o same_o word_n against_o all_o their_o enemy_n this_o it_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n both_o law_n and_o gospel_n must_v both_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v then_o whensoever_o any_o temptation_n come_v faith_n make_v the_o same_o word_n powerful_a in_o we_o to_o repel_v the_o temptation_n and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o affliction_n for_o it_o be_v that_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o wound_v all_o our_o enemy_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o sword_n in_o a_o sheath_n and_o will_v nothing_o help_v us._n three_o hereby_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o destroy_v all_o their_o enemy_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n why_o he_o so_o describe_v himself_o in_o this_o place_n how_o christ_n wound_v his_o enemy_n herewith_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o the_o sixteen_o verse_n with_o the_o use_v thereof_o verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n throne_n be_v and_o thou_o keep_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o thâ—se_a day_n when_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n the_o proposition_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o a_o reproof_n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o the_o commendation_n be_v twofold_a first_o general_a in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n then_o special_a in_o the_o word_n follow_v i_o know_v where_o thou_o dwell_v etc._n etc._n of_o the_o general_a commendation_n we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a epistle_n verse_n 2._o and_o 9_o this_o yet_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o christ_n herewith_o begin_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n intend_v no_o doubt_n hereby_o to_o settle_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o presence_n deep_o in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o holy_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o here_o christ_n give_v a_o precedent_n for_o his_o minister_n namely_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o must_v teach_v their_o people_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v christ_n be_v with_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v he_o see_v they_o this_o will_v cause_v they_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o their_o way_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v ever_o have_v sound_a knowledge_n or_o good_a conscience_n till_o he_o be_v persuade_v hereof_o abraham_n know_v well_o that_o in_o abimelekes_fw-mi court_n they_o will_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o murder_n because_o they_o 20.11_o want_v this_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v give_v all_o diligence_n hereunto_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a lesson_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v learn_v it_o but_o if_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n god_n blessing_n will_v be_v upon_o our_o endeavour_n and_o then_o shall_v we_o have_v knowledge_n upon_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n upon_o grace_n with_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o particular_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o her_o constancy_n in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o in_o a_o place_n where_o satan_n throne_n be_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o thou_o keep_v my_o name_n that_o be_v thou_o hold_v still_o my_o true_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n the_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v any_o place_n where_o superstition_n idolatry_n or_o profaneness_n be_v maintain_v without_o controlment_n and_o from_o whence_o wickedness_n be_v convey_v to_o other_o place_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o have_v his_o throne_n among_o man_n pergamus_n be_v a_o great_a city_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o maintain_v idolatry_n and_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o also_o iniquity_n be_v derive_v to_o other_o town_n and_o place_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o devil_n throne_n herein_o we_o may_v observe_v sundry_a point_n of_o great_a importance_n first_o the_o exceed_a policy_n of_o satan_n he_o have_v his_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o establish_n thereof_o he_o must_v have_v his_o throne_n where_o wickedness_n and_o idolatry_n be_v maintain_v without_o controlment_n and_o whence_o sin_n be_v derive_v to_o other_o place_n in_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v thus_o and_o will_v continue_v so_o to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o old_a world_n he_o have_v his_o throne_n among_o cain_n posterity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n the_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n where_o the_o people_n sacrifice_v to_o their_o idol_n be_v the_o devil_n throne_n the_o oracle_n of_o the_o gentile_n where_o the_o devil_n give_v answer_v unto_o man_n be_v his_o chief_a throne_n in_o the_o day_n of_o popery_n every_o church_n and_o chapel_n be_v throne_n of_o satan_n wherein_o be_v erect_v image_n &_o holy_a rood_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n whither_o the_o people_n come_v to_o worship_n from_o
create_v or_o ordain_v of_o god_n it_o have_v no_o property_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o yet_o a_o idol_n be_v something_o in_o man_n imagination_n which_o give_v to_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o repute_v it_o as_o god_n make_v it_o a_o god_n unto_o himself_o iii_o reason_n nâ—aman_n the_o syrian_a 1â—_n go_v into_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o god_n rimmon_n and_o there_o kneel_v down_o even_o so_o may_v christian_n go_v eat_v in_o idol_n temple_n ans._n when_o naaman_n go_v in_o thither_o he_o do_v not_o kneel_v down_o to_o the_o idol_n but_o to_o the_o king_n perform_v a_o civil_a duty_n unto_o his_o prince_n who_o use_v to_o lean_v on_o naamans_n shoulder_n and_o worship_v his_o false_a god_n and_o though_o naaman_n be_v present_a at_o idoll-worship_n &_o service_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o protestation_n against_o it_o for_o be_v cure_v of_o his_o leprosy_n he_o promise_v to_o worship_v no_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o thereupon_o he_o jade_a two_o mule_n with_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n in_o token_n of_o his_o public_a profession_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o true_a god_n for_o his_o cleanse_n if_o these_o in_o pergamus_n who_o christ_n dislike_v have_v go_v as_o naaman_n do_v into_o idol_n temple_n they_o have_v not_o sin_v as_o they_o do_v and_o at_o this_o day_n if_o man_n protest_v against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n they_o may_v enter_v into_o those_o congregation_n where_o mass_n be_v say_v for_o this_o protestation_n be_v a_o flat_a condemn_v of_o their_o false_a worship_n the_o second_o opinion_n of_o these_o nicolaitan_o be_v that_o man_n may_v lawful_o commit_v fornication_n this_o opinion_n they_o will_v thus_o justify_v first_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o lot_n who_o 19.8_o offer_v to_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n his_o daughter_n when_o they_o call_v for_o the_o stranger_n that_o be_v come_v into_o his_o house_n which_o thing_n say_v they_o lot_n will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o fornication_n have_v be_v a_o sin_n ans._n it_o seem_v that_o lot_n can_v be_v excuse_v in_o that_o action_n though_o his_o purpose_n be_v by_o a_o lesser_a evil_n to_o prevent_v a_o great_a but_o god_n have_v plain_o teach_v that_o no_o man_n may_v do_v the_o least_o evil_a for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o great_a good_a that_o can_v be_v rom._n 3.8_o ii_o reason_n the_o lord_n say_v they_o command_v hosea_n to_o take_v a_o wife_n of_o fornication_n and_o child_n of_o fornication_n hos._n 1.2_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unlawful_a ans._n there_o be_v diverse_a interpretation_n of_o that_o place_n some_o say_v that_o be_v only_o in_o vision_n and_o not_o a_o fact_n do_v other_o say_v it_o be_v in_o speech_n only_o because_o he_o prophesy_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v as_o a_o man_n of_o fornication_n unto_o they_o these_o exposition_n may_v well_o stand_v yet_o other_o hold_v that_o the_o lord_n command_v he_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o be_v do_v indeed_o and_o sundry_a circumstance_n seem_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fact_n do_v for_o the_o woman_n name_n be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v 3._o goâ—er_n and_o her_o father_n name_n diblaim_v second_o a_o thing_n in_o vision_n or_o in_o speech_n only_o do_v not_o so_o much_o prevail_v with_o wicked_a people_n as_o that_o which_o be_v do_v indeed_o three_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n of_o best_a divine_n that_o live_v near_a to_o the_o apostle_n time_n avouch_v it_o be_v a_o fact_n do_v object_n but_o this_o maintain_v fornication_n against_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n ans._n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o if_o the_o prophet_n have_v do_v it_o on_o his_o own_o head_n but_o he_o do_v it_o by_o god_n special_a appointment_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o may_v dispense_v with_o it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n god_n in_o his_o law_n forbid_v to_o kill_v yet_o abraham_n be_v command_v to_o kill_v his_o son_n which_o if_o he_o have_v do_v he_o have_v not_o sin_v because_o he_o have_v a_o special_a commandment_n for_o it_o which_o a_o man_n must_v obey_v though_o it_o be_v against_o a_o moral_a precept_n again_o hosea_n take_v a_o wife_n of_o fornication_n not_o to_o maintain_v she_o in_o her_o sin_n but_o to_o make_v she_o a_o chaste_a woman_n and_o whereas_o he_o be_v command_v also_o to_o take_v unto_o he_o child_n of_o fornication_n it_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o child_n beget_v by_o he_o but_o bear_v of_o she_o in_o fornication_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v take_v a_o wife_n with_o her_o child_n which_o she_o bring_v forth_o in_o fornication_n so_o that_o this_o place_n which_o way_n soever_o we_o take_v it_o do_v nothing_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a error_n iii_o reason_n acts._n 15._o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o church_n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v strangle_v from_o blood_n and_o from_o fornication_n there_o say_v they_o fornication_n be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o therefore_o may_v be_v use_v lawful_o answ._n it_o be_v there_o reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a first_o because_o it_o be_v so_o account_v of_o among_o the_o gentile_n second_o because_o the_o gentile_n do_v joint_o by_o these_o three_o thing_n offend_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a ii_o point_n the_o affection_n of_o christ_n towards_o these_o man_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v this_o hatred_n must_v be_v refer_v not_o to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o but_o to_o their_o opinion_n life_n and_o practice_n hereby_o christ_n will_v instruct_v we_o in_o sundry_a needful_a duty_n first_o use_n if_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o we_o must_v hate_v all_o honour_n and_o approbation_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o idol_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a these_o nicolaitan_o may_v say_v they_o abhor_v idol_n and_o worship_v they_o not_o only_o they_o go_v with_o their_o friend_n into_o their_o temple_n and_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v meat_n before_o they_o now_o even_o this_o deal_n christ_n hate_v wherein_o he_o do_v notable_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n which_o say_v they_o worship_v not_o idol_n but_o the_o true_a god_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n hate_v for_o they_o kneel_v down_o before_o they_o they_o adore_v they_o and_o light_a candle_n unto_o they_o and_o offer_v unto_o they_o many_o rich_a jewel_n and_o much_o sumptuous_a attire_n which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o the_o nicolaitan_o do_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v condemn_v and_o their_o practice_n also_o hate_v of_o us._n second_o christ_n hatred_n of_o the_o lest_o honour_n of_o idol_n do_v afford_v a_o special_a caveat_n to_o such_o man_n as_o give_v themselves_o to_o a_o travel_a life_n as_o into_o italy_n spain_n and_o other_o idolatrous_a place_n they_o shall_v content_v themselves_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o proceed_v further_o without_o warrant_n of_o a_o special_a call_n whereby_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o god_n gracious_a protection_n for_o hereby_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o themselves_o to_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n hate_v though_o they_o say_v they_o hate_v idolatry_n for_o if_o a_o man_n escape_v to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o abominable_a service_n yet_o he_o can_v avoid_v go_v to_o their_o temple_n where_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v some_o gift_n or_o perform_v some_o ceremony_n after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n whereby_o he_o shall_v give_v some_o approbatition_n at_o the_o least_o of_o their_o idolatry_n whereas_o he_o ought_v to_o hate_v the_o least_o appearance_n thereof_o even_o the_o garment_n spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n three_o by_o this_o his_o affection_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o grow_v to_o a_o hatred_n of_o all_o familiar_a society_n with_o idolater_n for_o though_o we_o may_v have_v society_n of_o concord_n with_o they_o yet_o society_n of_o amity_n which_o be_v a_o special_a like_n between_o man_n &_o man_n we_o must_v not_o maintain_v with_o they_o four_o christ_n hate_v not_o only_o their_o idolatry_n but_o their_o fornication_n also_o hereby_o teach_v we_o to_o grow_v to_o a_o hatred_n of_o fornication_n which_o the_o rather_o must_v be_v detest_v because_o 6.19_o the_o body_n of_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o christ_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o honour_n or_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o of_o christ._n again_o the_o body_n of_o every_o christian_n man_n and_o woman_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v a_o unseemly_a thing_n to_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v it_o the_o member_n
it_o be_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o devil_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v his_o profound_a craft_n and_o policy_n where_o note_n that_o when_o christ_n will_v allege_v the_o speech_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n he_o do_v it_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o count_v their_o doctrine_n deep_a learning_n but_o christ_n repeat_v their_o opinion_n call_v it_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n hence_o i_o gather_v use_n that_o christian_n can_v safe_o act_v and_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o heathen_a man_n for_o they_o be_v full_a of_o many_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o oath_n flat_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repeat_v but_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o christ_n practice_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n he_o will_v not_o repeat_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o a_o wicked_a woman_n without_o some_o note_n of_o disgrace_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o repeat_v these_o speech_n with_o disgrace_n and_o dislike_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o if_o they_o do_v that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o whole_a comedy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o bad_a speech_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n thus_o to_o reason_n from_o christ_n example_n as_o they_o speak_v these_o word_n christ_n add_v first_o to_o show_v that_o the_o word_n go_v before_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o word_n of_o jezabels_n follower_n touch_v her_o doctrine_n second_o to_o show_v the_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a mind_n of_o heretic_n in_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n thus_o have_v false_a teacher_n uphold_v their_o error_n by_o proud_a and_o swell_a word_n as_o jude_n the_o 16._o and_o 2._o pet._n 2.18_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o maintain_v but_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n of_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n from_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n teach_v the_o lowly_a his_o way_n and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a psal._n 25.14_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o false_a doctrine_n by_o swell_a word_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o preface_n before_o christ_n counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o counsel_n itself_o in_o this_o sentence_n though_o i_o lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o till_o i_o come_v this_o sentence_n be_v a_o distinction_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o than_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o that_o be_v howsoever_o i_o threaten_v my_o judgement_n unto_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n yet_o i_o will_v lay_v none_o other_o punishment_n upon_o you_o but_o my_o reproof_n only_o for_o suffer_v jezabell_n among_o you_o with_o her_o false_a doctrine_n and_o follower_n this_o branch_n of_o this_o distinction_n contain_v a_o most_o comfortable_a instruction_n namely_o that_o all_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o the_o time_n of_o common_a judgement_n under_o the_o bless_a protection_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o good_a and_o consider_v this_o mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o godly_a we_o must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o become_v follower_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o be_v we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o maintain_v the_o pure_a truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o show_v forth_o sincerity_n of_o manner_n in_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o endevor_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o cheerfulness_n hereby_o we_o shall_v get_v protection_n from_o common_a judgement_n when_o they_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o wicked_a but_o if_o we_o partake_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n we_o shall_v receive_v part_n in_o their_o plague_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v in_o these_o word_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v that_o be_v my_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v unto_o you_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n now_o i_o charge_v you_o that_o you_o hold_v that_o fast_o and_o maintain_v it_o until_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o most_o excellent_a commandment_n contain_v special_a instruction_n meeâ—_n for_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o all_o church_n before_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v commend_v this_o church_n for_o not_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o company_n but_o here_o he_o give_v they_o another_o commandment_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o all_o church_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o affect_v or_o approve_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o whatsoever_o according_a as_o paul_n bid_v the_o galatian_n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o be_v direct_v in_o sundry_a duty_n first_o use_n not_o to_o regard_v unwritten_a tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v so_o high_o magnify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v they_o second_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n which_o some_o bring_v unto_o we_o under_o colour_n of_o revelation_n from_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n three_o hereby_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o three_o great_a religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o jew_n and_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n the_o turkish_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o it_o have_v it_o beginning_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n with_o who_o doctrine_n only_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o also_o the_o jewish_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o regard_v for_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o papist_n we_o must_v renounce_v because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v but_o have_v it_o beginning_n by_o little_a and_o little_a long_a after_o their_o time_n if_o this_o commandment_n be_v safe_o keep_v which_o be_v lay_v on_o this_o church_n man_n will_v not_o be_v of_o so_o many_o religion_n but_o all_o will_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n cleave_v fast_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o it_o which_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n for_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o attain_v salvation_n last_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o those_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o therewith_o nothing_o regard_v new_a doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o glorious_a till_o i_o come_v here_o christ_n show_v how_o long_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v hold_v fast_o namely_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n whereby_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n church_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n but_o a_o most_o needful_a duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o by_o special_a commandment_n and_o withal_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o direct_v man_n soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 3.14_o to_o keep_v the_o true_a pattern_n of_o wholesome_a word_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o duty_n 3.15_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o christ_n for_o this_o cause_n give_v to_o his_o church_n both_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n â—1_n pastor_n to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o purity_n in_o manner_n and_o teacher_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n in_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n this_o therefore_o must_v admonish_v we_o that_o we_o have_v care_v not_o only_o to_o learn_v religion_n in_o our_o own_o person_n but_o also_o to_o convey_v the_o same_o to_o age_n follow_v that_o the_o purity_n thereof_o may_v be_v preserve_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n
and_o doctrine_n second_o reason_n antichrist_n say_v they_o sit_v in_o the_o 2.4_o temple_n of_o god_n now_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v god_n church_n &_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v god_n church_n answ._n he_o sit_v there_o not_o as_o a_o member_n thereof_o but_o as_o a_o usurper_n and_o deceiver_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o popery_n be_v the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v therein_o mingle_v as_o a_o little_a wheat_n with_o much_o chaff_n and_o as_o little_a gold_n with_o much_o dross_n so_o that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v where_o antichrist_n sit_v yet_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o we_o regard_v their_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n to_o beget_v or_o preserve_v spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o church_n further_o this_o which_o christ_n say_v of_o sardis_n may_v be_v say_v not_o only_o of_o the_o papist_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o protestant_n as_o of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n &_o of_o the_o most_o congregation_n in_o the_o great_a town_n thereof_o though_o not_o for_o doctrine_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n conversationsâ—_n for_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n seem_v to_o be_v alive_a by_o their_o outward_a profession_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o by_o occasion_n of_o outward_a peace_n these_o sin_n abound_v fullness_n of_o bread_n pride_n both_o inward_a in_o heart_n &_o outward_a in_o attire_n also_o cruelty_n covetousness_n &_o carnal_a security_n like_v as_o it_o be_v in_o noah_n time_n now_o where_o these_o sin_n reign_v there_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v want_v man_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o prejudice_n the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n to_o nullify_v it_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v his_o choose_a among_o we_o in_o all_o place_n who_o live_v indeed_o a_o spiritual_a life_n though_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n be_v dead_a in_o 〈◊〉_d &_o so_o will_v continue_v while_o peace_n abide_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o minister_n will_v not_o awake_a man_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v the_o rod_n of_o correction_n that_o must_v put_v into_o they_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v like_a to_o little_a child_n who_o beside_o admonition_n must_v feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n further_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n who_o christ_n call_v dead_a though_o they_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v note_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n who_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o and_o yet_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o part_n not_o whole_o and_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a conversation_n and_o of_o sundry_a erroneous_a opinion_n may_v yet_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v they_o err_v not_o in_o the_o foundation_n which_o serve_v for_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o think_v our_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n because_o it_o maintain_v not_o that_o outward_a order_n which_o they_o think_v shall_v be_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o must_v prefer_v church_n before_o church_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o condemn_v a_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n for_o some_o corruption_n that_o be_v therein_o a_o true_a body_n may_v have_v some_o blemish_n and_o a_o true_a church_n some_o want_n again_o the_o church_n of_o god_n say_v this_o be_v a_o church_n yet_o christ_n say_v they_o be_v dead_a how_o can_v these_o two_o stand_n answ._n the_o church_n about_o sardis_n judge_v this_o to_o be_v alive_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n because_o of_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o infant_n be_v not_o indeed_o all_o holy_a as_o experience_n show_v yet_o till_o we_o see_v the_o same_o make_v manifest_a we_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v holy_a that_o be_v bear_v of_o faithful_a parent_n even_o so_o ought_v the_o minister_n and_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n till_o god_n make_v manifest_a what_o he_o be_v paul_n follow_v this_o rule_n call_v whole_a church_n elect_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a here_o be_v two_o judgement_n one_o of_o neighbour_n church_n the_o other_o of_o christ_n and_o christ_n judgement_n be_v prefer_v we_o must_v therefore_o regard_v special_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o labour_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o &_o our_o conversation_n unto_o christ_n rather_o than_o to_o man_n for_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v of_o we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o must_v save_v and_o condemn_v this_o make_v 4.3.4_o paul_n to_o say_v i_o pass_v little_a to_o be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n why_o so_o for_o he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o without_o christ_n commendation_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o for_o christ_n may_v condemn_v we_o when_o man_n think_v well_o and_o speak_v well_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v woe_n be_v unto_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o luke_n 6.26_o verse_n 2._o be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o hypocrisy_n first_o when_o man_n profess_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n at_o all_o the_o second_o when_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o more_o than_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n this_o second_o kind_n of_o hypocrisy_n oft_o befall_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n reprove_v in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o former_a vers_n after_o which_o reproof_n here_o he_o propound_v a_o remedy_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o use_v the_o same_o the_o remedy_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n where_o be_v two_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o be_v watchful_a and_o to_o strengthen_v or_o confirm_v the_o decay_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o for_o the_o first_o be_v watchful_a to_o be_v watchful_a here_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a duty_n it_o be_v not_o bodily_a but_o spiritual_a and_o it_o be_v practise_v when_o any_o man_n have_v a_o circumspect_a care_n and_o diligent_a heed_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n this_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n concern_v two_o thing_n sin_n and_o death_n watchfulness_n against_o sin_n stand_v in_o two_o duty_n first_o a_o man_n must_v daily_o and_o continual_o bethink_v himself_o before_o hand_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o vice_n into_o which_o he_o may_v happy_o fall_v &_o for_o the_o do_v of_o this_o he_o must_v consider_v in_o himself_o two_o â—hings_n his_o nature_n and_o his_o call_v touch_v his_o nature_n he_o must_v consider_v that_o in_o he_o remain_v the_o seed_n and_o root_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o any_o sin_n whatsoever_o again_o a_o man_n consider_v his_o nature_n shall_v find_v himself_o more_o incline_v to_o some_o sin_n then_o to_o other_o and_o those_o he_o must_v especial_o mark_v and_o observe_v second_o for_o his_o call_v a_o man_n must_v mark_v the_o sin_n thereof_o for_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n every_o calling_n have_v his_o especial_a sin_n whereto_o man_n that_o walk_v therein_o be_v more_o incident_a the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o sin_n the_o minister_n he_o the_o lawyer_n his_o the_o physician_n his_o and_o the_o tradesman_n his_o and_o touch_v these_o a_o man_n must_v consider_v unto_o what_o vice_n and_o abuse_n man_n be_v most_o subject_a that_o walk_v in_o that_o call_n wherein_o he_o live_v and_o so_o shall_v he_o have_v a_o foresight_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o second_o after_o this_o foresight_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v watch_v his_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o though_o it_o be_v tempt_v and_o assault_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o any_o one_o sin_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n counsel_v 4.21_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o thy_o action_n may_v be_v keep_v holy_a and_o pure_a the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o watchfulness_n respect_v death_n or_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ._n in_o this_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v practise_v
nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o were_v cold_a or_o hot_a vers._n 16._o therefore_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o i_o shall_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n in_o these_o word_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o 21._o vers_fw-la be_v contain_v the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n a_o dispraise_n vers_fw-la 15.16_o 17._o and_o counsel_n vers_fw-la 18.19.20_o they_o be_v dispraise_v for_o two_o vice_n first_o lukewarmenesse_a vers_fw-la 15.16_o second_o for_o their_o pride_n vers_fw-la 17._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o be_v a_o general_a reproof_n signify_v thus_o much_o all_o thy_o work_n be_v know_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o utter_o dislike_v they_o then_o follow_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o dislike_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a which_o be_v a_o comparison_n borrow_v from_o water_n whereof_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n hot_a cold_a and_o lukewarm_a now_o hot_a and_o cold_a water_n do_v not_o so_o much_o annoy_v the_o stomach_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n do_v they_o be_v sometime_o comfortable_a to_o the_o stomach_n but_o lukewarm_a water_n do_v disquiet_v it_o till_o it_o be_v cast_v up_o and_o to_o these_o three_o kind_n of_o water_n he_o compare_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o cold_a water_n he_o understand_v such_o as_o be_v enemy_n to_o reliligion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n be_v the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o other_o barbarous_a people_n by_o hot_a water_n he_o understandeth_v man_n that_o be_v earnest_a and_o zealous_a of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o he_o say_v of_o this_o church_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a his_o meaning_n be_v thou_o be_v neither_o a_o open_a enemy_n nor_o true_o zealous_a of_o my_o gospel_n i_o will_v thou_o were_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n wish_v not_o simple_o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o he_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o estate_n of_o lukewarmness_a in_o which_o they_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v leâ—er_o thou_o were_v either_o cold_a or_o hot_a than_o thus_o lukewarm_a as_o thou_o be_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v understand_v it_o simple_o we_o shall_v make_v christ_n to_o desire_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o enemy_n by_o lukewarm_a man_n he_o understand_v a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o show_n god_n church_n but_o in_o truth_n want_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o thou_o be_v such_o say_v christ_n to_o this_o church_n therefore_o i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v look_v as_o he_o that_o have_v drink_v lukewarm_a water_n can_v abide_v it_o on_o his_o stomach_n but_o must_v needs_o spew_v it_o up_o again_o so_o be_o i_o weary_a of_o this_o thy_o securite_n i_o can_v abide_v it_o and_o therefore_o will_v i_o cast_v thou_o off_o from_o all_o fellowship_n with_o i_o and_o make_v of_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o church_n in_o show_n to_o be_v no_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v their_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o greatness_n whereof_o he_o aggravate_v first_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o extreme_n cold_a and_o hot_a both_o which_o he_o prefer_v before_o it_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o his_o wish_n and_o desire_v and_o second_o by_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o namely_o utter_a rejection_n hereby_o we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o whither_o this_o fault_n may_v not_o just_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o use_n after_o due_a trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n the_o which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v note_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o lukewarm_a christian_n the_o first_o lukewarm_a professor_n be_v the_o papist_n as_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o he_o do_v part_n stake_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n affirm_v that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o so_o assume_v part_n of_o christ_n glory_n to_o himself_o second_o all_o timeservers_a be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n that_o be_v all_o such_o as_o alter_v their_o religion_n with_o time_n and_o state_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n the_o prince_n be_v of_o which_o show_v evident_o what_o they_o will_v do_v in_o time_n to_o come_v namely_o turn_v with_o the_o time_n as_o their_o forefather_n have_v do_v the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o follower_n of_o nicodemus_n who_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o night_n only_o that_o be_v such_o as_o say_v and_o think_v that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o mass_n with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o keep_v their_o heart_n unto_o god_n these_o halt_n between_o two_o opinion_n and_o neither_o serve_v god_n nor_o baâ—ll_n four_o all_o mediator_n such_o as_o will_v make_v pacification_n between_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o papist_n so_o hold_v our_o religion_n as_o not_o care_v â—o_o embrace_v they_o also_o because_o they_o think_v they_o differ_v not_o in_o substance_n but_o in_o circumstance_n only_o let_v these_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v they_o be_v in_o heart_n laoditian_n five_o all_o worldling_n which_o as_o christ_n say_v luk._n 16.13_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n god_n and_o the_o world_n by_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o riches_n these_o man_n abound_v every_o where_o for_o though_o they_o hear_v god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v he_o in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o run_v after_o their_o covetousness_n ezech._n 33.31_o and_o who_o be_v such_o their_o conscience_n will_v witness_v yea_o their_o behaviour_n proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o though_o they_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n yet_o their_o wit_n and_o strength_n be_v spend_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o six_o those_o that_o profess_v christ_n reliligion_n in_o outward_a action_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o yet_o in_o their_o life_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o common_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n some_o to_o drunkenness_n to_o fornication_n to_o covetousness_n or_o cruelty_n some_o to_o this_o sin_n and_o some_o to_o that_o to_o this_o sort_n we_o must_v refer_v those_o that_o in_o word_n approve_v religion_n and_o yet_o their_o heart_n delight_n be_v in_o garnish_v themselves_o with_o the_o monstrous_a brutish_a and_o irreligious_a form_n of_o strange_a and_o foreign_a attire_n these_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o wit_n in_o the_o deck_v of_o their_o body_n and_o so_o suffer_v their_o soul_n to_o go_v to_o wrack_n when_o as_o apparel_n shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o shame_n through_o sin_n and_o by_o modest_a attire_n we_o shall_v express_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o these_o hereby_o profess_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n now_o though_o we_o be_v not_o entangle_v with_o these_o gross_a sin_n yet_o we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o from_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a for_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n of_o love_n to_o his_o truth_n of_o care_n to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n the_o want_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n what_o argue_v all_o these_o but_o lukewarmness_a herein_o we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n with_o job_n for_o we_o can_v plead_v with_o god_n no_o not_o for_o this_o common_a sin_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a have_v infect_v our_o congregation_n as_o it_o do_v this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o the_o sign_n thereof_o which_o be_v common_a among_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v our_o fearful_a estate_n the_o first_o sign_n be_v negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v this_o appear_v sundry_a way_n for_o first_o howsoever_o we_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v yet_o few_o do_v profit_n there_o by_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o life_n this_o may_v any_o man_n see_v to_o be_v true_a that_o have_v half_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v into_o the_o state_n of_o our_o assembly_n and_o man_n own_o conscience_n will_v herein_o witness_v against_o they_o again_o where_o god_n word_n be_v ordinary_o hear_v there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o search_v out_o and_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o nay_o man_n will_v not_o be_v at_o cost_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n and_o if_o they_o have_v one_o
be_v the_o cheap_a and_o the_o chief_a merchandise_n that_o ever_o be_v set_v to_o sale_n which_o we_o may_v buy_v without_o money_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a for_o ever_o many_o labour_n in_o tafficke_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n and_o yet_o often_o loose_v thereby_o but_o make_v this_o bargain_n once_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v never_o loose_v it_o nor_o any_o thing_n thereby_o but_o continue_v for_o ever_o rich_a in_o god_n verse_n 19_o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v be_v zealous_a therefore_o and_o amend_v because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v so_o sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n they_o may_v thereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o distrust_n and_o despair_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o mercy_n here_o therefore_o it_o please_v he_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o doubt_v after_o this_o sort_n if_o i_o use_v to_o rebuke_v &_o chasten_v all_o those_o who_o i_o love_v than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o my_o mercy_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o sharp_a reproof_n whereby_o i_o have_v threaten_v to_o spew_v you_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n for_o your_o sin_n of_o luke-warmnesse_n but_o thus_o i_o use_v to_o deal_v with_o all_o those_o who_o i_o love_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n you_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o my_o love_n and_o favour_n the_o meaning_n as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v christ_n love_v the_o creature_n two_o way_n as_o he_o be_v creator_n and_o as_o he_o be_v redeemer_n as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n he_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n with_o a_o common_a &_o general_a love_n whether_o they_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a reasonable_a or_o unreasonable_a as_o he_o be_v redeemer_n he_o love_v his_o creature_n with_o a_o special_a and_o a_o peculiar_a love_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o but_o proper_a to_o that_o part_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o of_o this_o peculiar_a love_n he_o speak_v here_o i_o rebuke_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n which_o be_v translate_v rebuke_v 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o significant_a than_o can_v fit_o be_v express_v in_o any_o one_o english_a word_n thus_o much_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v first_o i_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o after_o reprove_v admonish_v and_o check_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o chasten_v this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o kind_n of_o correction_n which_o a_o father_n use_v on_o his_o child_n call_v nurture_v which_o be_v correction_n to_o break_v the_o child_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o bad_a manner_n and_o to_o teach_v he_o his_o duty_n this_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n all_o those_o who_o i_o bear_v special_a favour_n unto_o do_v i_o convince_v of_o their_o particular_a fault_n and_o then_o check_v and_o reprove_v they_o and_o nurture_n they_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n to_o make_v they_o leave_v their_o particular_a vice_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n read_v pro._n 3.12_o whence_o the_o word_n be_v take_v &_o heb._n 12.5_o where_o they_o be_v more_o full_o explain_v here_o then_o christ_n set_v down_o his_o ordinary_a deal_n with_o they_o who_o he_o take_v and_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o member_n namely_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n he_o reprove_v and_o chasten_v they_o for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o break_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o this_o deal_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o every_o servant_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o exception_n yea_o christ_n lay_v rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n on_o all_o his_o child_n &_o that_o in_o diverse_a measure_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o party_n such_o as_o be_v hardly_o break_v of_o their_o sin_n he_o lay_v on_o they_o more_o heavy_a judgement_n and_o chastisement_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v 〈…〉_z humiliation_n and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d true_a 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n must_v look_v to_o go_v under_o his_o correction_n and_o his_o sharp_a and_o severe_a rebuke_n according_a as_o they_o be_v in_o heart_n dispose_v unto_o sin_n either_o more_o or_o less_o he_o must_v pass_v under_o the_o rod_n that_o will_v come_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezech._n 20.37_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v twofold_a set_v down_o prov._n 3.12_o the_o first_o thus_o my_o 〈◊〉_d despise_v noâ—_n the_o correction_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o lord_n correct_v who_o he_o love_v his_o chastycement_n be_v token_n of_o his_o love_n that_o be_v whensoever_o the_o lord_n either_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n reprove_v thy_o sin_n or_o by_o any_o affliction_n chasten_v thou_o despise_v it_o not_o neither_o set_a light_n by_o it_o but_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o unto_o thy_o own_o soul_n the_o second_o use_n be_v faint_v not_o when_o thou_o be_v correct_v that_o be_v let_v not_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o daunt_v thou_o but_o arm_v thyself_o with_o patience_n because_o he_o use_v to_o correct_v all_o those_o who_o he_o love_v make_v his_o chastisement_n token_n of_o his_o love_n second_o christ_n here_o set_v before_o all_o governor_n a_o example_n to_o follow_v especial_o to_o father_n and_o master_n his_o example_n be_v this_o on_o every_o child_n that_o he_o love_v he_o lay_v correction_n for_o this_o â—nd_n to_o break_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d answerable_o governor_n must_v show_v token_n of_o love_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o by_o due_a reproof_n and_o correction_n that_o â—o_o they_o may_v be_v break_v of_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o bring_v unto_o obedience_n to_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o both_o parent_n and_o master_n will_v follow_v christ_n in_o this_o example_n and_o so_o seek_v the_o reformation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o but_o more_o lamentable_a be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d parent_n and_o master_n do_v think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o if_o they_o provide_v for_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n food_n and_o raiment_n and_o necessary_n for_o the_o body_n and_o so_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o sin_n and_o so_o of_o many_o judgement_n both_o which_o ought_v to_o move_v they_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v this_o duty_n three_o the_o very_a order_n of_o christ_n word_n do_v minister_v unto_o we_o a_o necessary_a instruction_n â—â—â—ching_v his_o manner_n of_o correct_v his_o servant_n for_o first_o he_o propound_v a_o direct_a end_n of_o all_o his_o correction_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n their_o nurture_a and_o reformation_n then_o that_o he_o may_v attain_v thereto_o he_o proceed_v thus_o first_o he_o do_v convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o their_o sin_n then_o by_o reproof_n he_o rebuke_n and_o check_n they_o and_o last_o correct_v they_o by_o lay_v chastisement_n on_o they_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o bless_a order_n in_o use_v correction_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o party_n chastise_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o governor_n parent_n and_o master_n especial_o first_o they_o must_v propound_v a_o good_a end_n of_o their_o correction_n even_o the_o amendment_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o party_n and_o that_o they_o may_v then_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d they_o must_v first_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d then_o reprove_v check_n and_o admonish_v they_o and_o if_o that_o take_v not_o place_n they_o must_v proceed_v unto_o meet_a and_o convenient_a bodily_a correction_n all_o which_o must_v be_v do_v not_o for_o revenge_v but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o amendment_n and_o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o see_v how_o far_o many_o parent_n and_o governor_n over_o shoot_v themselves_o when_o as_o they_o make_v their_o correction_n matter_n of_o revenge_n and_o choler_n wherein_o they_o seldom_o intend_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o offender_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n flat_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v zealous_a therefore_o and_o repent_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n he_o propound_v a_o remedy_n against_o their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n he_o do_v direct_o propound_v a_o remedy_n against_o their_o luke-warmnesse_n but_o first_o observe_v the_o coherence_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a christ_n have_v say_v who_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o correct_v according_a as_o their_o fault_n be_v therefore_o say_v he_o to_o this_o church_n because_o i_o have_v rebuke_v and_o correct_v thou_o by_o severe_a threaten_n for_o thy_o luke-warmnesse_n therefore_o now_o become_v zealous_a and_o amend_v
apostle_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n of_o moâ—e_n excellent_a gift_n may_v do_v nothing_o without_o warrant_n of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o epistle_n itself_o follow_v contain_v thrâ—e_a part_n a_o preface_n a_o proposition_n and_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n contain_v a_o preparation_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v â—e_n that_o be_v the_o first_o to_o 〈◊〉_d last_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a in_o this_o preface_n he_o show_v in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v unto_o this_o church_n namely_o in_o christ_n name_n which_o he_o set_v down_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n in_o this_o church_n to_o a_o religious_a attention_n and_o a_o reverend_a care_n of_o receive_v the_o thing_n therein_o write_v as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o christ_n jesus_n second_o because_o no_o commandment_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o any_o creature_n but_o from_o christ_n alone_o and_o therefore_o this_o epistle_n concern_v the_o true_a worship_n and_o religion_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v in_o his_o name_n alone_o in_o this_o preface_n christ_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o notable_a argument_n first_o to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o second_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a the_o meaning_n of_o they_o both_o be_v show_v in_o the_o 17_o and_o 18_o verse_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n whence_o they_o be_v borrow_v by_o the_o first_o christ_n will_v signify_v that_o he_o be_v everliving_a god_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v before_o all_o creature_n and_o after_o they_o by_o the_o second_o that_o he_o be_v true_a man_n and_o assume_v man_n nature_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o to_o give_v to_o man_n eternal_a life_n in_o this_o description_n two_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v express_v i._o that_o christ_n be_v a_o person_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n godhead_n and_o manhood_n he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o therefore_o god_n he_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a and_o therefore_o be_v true_a man_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o one_o person_n can_v consist_v of_o two_o nature_n answ._n as_o body_n and_o soul_n concur_v to_o make_v one_o man_n so_o the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n concur_v to_o make_v one_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v unite_v ii_o doctr._n here_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a comfort_n unto_o god_n church_n and_o people_n in_o any_o misery_n or_o affliction_n which_o stand_v in_o two_o point_n first_o that_o christ_n be_v able_a to_o help_v they_o in_o any_o misery_n either_o by_o free_v they_o quite_o from_o it_o or_o ease_v they_o in_o it_o see_v he_o be_v god_n the_o first_o and_o last_o second_o that_o as_o he_o be_v able_a so_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o for_o he_o be_v man_n who_o take_v on_o he_o our_o nature_n die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o unto_o life_n to_o give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o very_a scope_n and_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n thus_o describe_v himself_o to_o this_o church_n that_o be_v in_o affliction_n here_o than_o we_o have_v direction_n where_o and_o whence_o to_o seek_v for_o true_a comfort_n 〈…〉_z tribulation_n of_o this_o life_n namely_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o consider_v both_o his_o ability_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o â—ase_v all_o 〈◊〉_d child_n in_o affliction_n and_o by_o these_o we_o must_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o despair_n and_o against_o immoderate_a griefâ—_n and_o sorrow_n under_o the_o cross_n verse_n 9_o i_o knâ—â—_n thy_o work_n and_o tribulation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d but_o thâ—â—_n arâ—_n 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n 〈…〉_z but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n here_o begin_v the_o proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n this_o proposition_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o counsel_n how_o to_o behave_v 〈◊〉_d self_n in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o commendation_n be_v in_o this_o nine_o verse_n wherewithal_o be_v mingle_v some_o comfort_n unto_o this_o church_n be_v in_o affliction_n i_o knâ—w_v thy_o workâ—â—_n these_o wordâ—_n be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a epistle_n the_o meaning_n brief_o be_v this_o i_o know_v all_o thy_o deal_n &_o thy_o way_n i_o know_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o i_o do_v withal_o well_o like_o and_o approve_v of_o they_o here_o christ_n set_v down_o a_o excellent_a property_n touch_v himself_o namely_o that_o he_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o nothing_o be_v hide_v from_o he_o and_o that_o this_o church_n may_v be_v resolve_v hereof_o he_o repeat_v this_o unto_o they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o vain_a repetition_n be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n we_o therefore_o in_o a_o our_o affair_n be_v here_o teach_v to_o labour_n to_o be_v full_o resolve_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o christ_n be_v with_o we_o and_o see_v we_o and_o know_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o our_o way_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o â—â—eds_o david_n have_v learn_v this_o when_o as_o he_o say_v 〈…〉_z thou_o know_v my_o sit_n and_o my_o rise_n thou_o understand_v my_o thought_n a_o far_o off_o thou_o compasse_v my_o path_n and_o my_o lie_v down_o and_o be_v accustom_v unto_o all_o my_o way_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o thou_o know_v it_o whole_o this_o persuasion_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o it_o will_v move_v a_o man_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o of_o his_o whole_a behaviour_n but_o where_o this_o persuasion_n be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n nor_o good_a behaviour_n in_o the_o life_n when_o this_o take_v place_n religion_n begin_v and_o increase_v with_o it_o so_o do_v good_a conscience_n and_o true_a obedience_n for_o he_o that_o have_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o he_o will_v not_o great_o fall_v psal._n 16.8_o and_o tribulation_n mark_v here_o how_o work_n that_o be_v a_o godly_a conversation_n and_o tribulation_n go_v together_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n will_v have_v tribulation_n join_v with_o his_o grace_n where_o he_o bestow_v his_o grace_n there_o also_o he_o lay_v tribulation_n and_o that_o for_o weighty_a cause_n as_o to_o humble_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n past_a to_o make_v trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o to_o prevent_v in_o they_o sin_n to_o come_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v move_v all_o god_n child_n in_o this_o our_o church_n to_o look_v for_o some_o tribulation_n for_o god_n have_v bestow_v among_o we_o plenty_n of_o his_o grace_n with_o long_a peace_n and_o many_o outward_a blessing_n and_o his_o will_n be_v that_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n shall_v accompany_v the_o same_o further_o christ_n say_v i_o know_v thy_o tribulation_n will_v hereby_o comfort_v this_o church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v true_a it_o be_v thou_o be_v in_o great_a trouble_n but_o it_o come_v not_o by_o chance_n but_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o do_v know_v and_o regard_v the_o same_o psal._n 113.6_o 7_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a be_v make_v a_o fruit_n of_o god_n behold_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a comfort_n for_o any_o church_n or_o people_n that_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o when_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o beside_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n therein_o christ_n jesus_n regard_v their_o sorrow_n this_o must_v needs_o arm_v they_o with_o long_a suffering_n and_o joyfulness_n we_o in_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v send_v tribulation_n among_o we_o now_o when_o they_o come_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v shall_v we_o sink_v under_o they_o no_o but_o we_o must_v now_o forecast_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v stay_v our_o heart_n under_o the_o smart_n and_o burden_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o settle_v our_o heart_n in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o christ_n see_v our_o affliction_n and_o withal_o have_v special_a care_n to_o comfort_n or_o deliver_v we_o as_o he_o see_v most_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o souleâ—_n in_o the_o next_o word_v christ_n set_v down_o two_o kind_n of_o tribulation_n in_o this_o church_n poverty_n and_o reproach_n by_o poverty_n he_o mean_v want_n of_o temporal_a thing_n to_o maintain_v this_o
natural_a life_n where_o observe_v sundry_a thing_n i._o that_o true_a religion_n and_o piety_n will_v not_o free_v any_o from_o outward_a poverty_n the_o religion_n of_o this_o church_n be_v excellent_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o want_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n think_v because_o he_o be_v godly_a he_o shall_v be_v rich_a or_o not_o fall_v into_o poverty_n if_o it_o be_v say_v â—_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n not_o only_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o also_o of_o this_o life_n that_o be_v of_o earthly_a blessing_n and_o riches_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o with_o difference_n eternal_a blessing_n only_o be_v promise_v absolute_o and_o temporal_a blessing_n with_o restraint_n namely_o if_o they_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o child_n otherwise_o they_o must_v want_v as_o this_o church_n do_v ii_o the_o lord_n will_v comfort_v this_o church_n in_o her_o poverty_n by_o say_v that_o he_o know_v it_o and_o regard_v it_o where_o we_o see_v a_o mean_n to_o comfort_v all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n of_o outward_a blessing_n they_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n see_v &_o observe_v their_o want_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n he_o will_v free_v they_o from_o it_o so_o it_o be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n or_o else_o arm_v they_o with_o patience_n to_o bear_v it_o if_o they_o pray_v unto_o he_o iii_o christ_n here_o approve_v of_o work_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v poverty_n so_o that_o good_a work_n and_o poverty_n may_v stand_v together_o and_o therefore_o good_a work_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o large_a aâ—mes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v it_o though_o these_o have_v due_a reward_n and_o praise_n in_o their_o place_n but_o every_o work_n of_o a_o man_n lawful_a call_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n with_o a_o honest_a heart_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o for_o god_n glory_n be_v a_o good_a work_n be_v the_o calling_n never_o so_o base_a thus_o may_v the_o shepherd_n please_v god_n in_o his_o call_n as_o well_o as_o the_o magistrate_n or_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o work_n that_o commend_v it_o unto_o god_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v but_o thou_o be_v rich_a here_o christ_n intend_v both_o to_o praise_v and_o to_o comfort_v this_o church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v notwithstanding_o thy_o outward_a poverty_n yet_o thou_o be_v rich_a in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d luke_n 12.21_o man_n be_v rich_a in_o god_n in_o two_o respect_n i._o when_o they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8_o 9_o christ_n become_v poor_a for_o our_o sake_n that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n hereupon_o david_n call_v the_o lord_n his_o portion_n and_o his_o cup._n and_o durable_a riches_n and_o righteousness_n be_v with_o wisdom_n proverb_n 8.18_o ii_o when_o they_o receive_v his_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n both_o in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n of_o this_o paul_n speak_v when_o he_o exhort_v rich_a man_n to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 1._o tim._n 6.16_o in_o this_o commendation_n sundry_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v i._o poor_a man_n be_v here_o teach_v see_v god_n deny_v unto_o they_o earthly_a riches_n and_o wealth_n to_o labour_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o god_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o in_o christ_n and_o to_o get_v such_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v do_v good_a duty_n both_o unto_o god_n and_o man_n in_o faith_n and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n ii_o rich_a man_n on_o who_o god_n bestow_v outward_a wealth_n must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o embrace_v paul_n charge_n 1._o tim._n 6.17_o 18_o above_o all_o thing_n seek_v for_o true_a riches_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o not_o suffer_v these_o outward_a blessing_n to_o puff_n up_o their_o mind_n but_o use_v they_o as_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o rich_a in_o god_n by_o get_v god_n grace_n do_v good_a work_n and_o distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a this_o admonition_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o deny_v unto_o the_o rich_a yet_o sure_o it_o be_v riches_n do_v choke_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o hinder_v the_o care_n man_n ought_v to_o have_v for_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o more_o of_o the_o poor_a sort_n receive_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o rich_a iii_o herein_o behold_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o man_n great_a labour_n and_o care_n be_v after_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o honour_n never_o regard_v the_o true_a treasure_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o will_v commend_v they_o unto_o god_n when_o the_o other_o must_v perish_v and_o the_o wicked_a owner_n thereof_o let_v we_o therefore_o judge_v as_o christ_n do_v of_o true_a riches_n and_o according_o labour_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o his_o â—ighâ—_n the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o tribulation_n be_v the_o reproach_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o these_o word_n i_o knâ—w_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v i_o know_v the_o grievous_a slander_n and_o revile_n which_o thy_o enemy_n fasten_v upon_o thou_o for_o blasphemy_n signify_v not_o only_a speech_n of_o disgrace_n against_o god_n but_o also_o against_o man_n as_o naâ—â—â—b_n be_v accuse_v 1._o king_n 21.10_o to_o 〈◊〉_d blaspheme_v god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o of_o this_o paul_n say_v when_o we_o be_v reâ—â—led_v we_o blesseâ—_n when_o we_o be_v blaspheme_v we_o pray_v 1._o cor._n 4.12_o 13._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o all_o church_n and_o man_n that_o desire_v true_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n must_v look_v for_o slander_n and_o revile_n neither_o must_v this_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o christ_n have_v say_v it_o must_v be_v so_o nay_o rather_o they_o may_v marvel_v if_o they_o shall_v suffer_v no_o reproach_n for_o christ_n sake_n see_v he_o have_v say_v curse_v be_v you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o luke_n 6.26_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o be_v so_o evil_o reward_v for_o well_o do_v but_o this_o must_v be_v their_o comfort_n and_o ground_n of_o patience_n that_o christ_n hear_v and_o know_v every_o reproach_n and_o will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n remedy_v the_o same_o the_o person_n which_o blaspheme_v this_o church_n be_v thus_o describe_v which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o in_o other_o famous_a city_n so_o in_o smyrna_n dwell_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v their_o synagogue_n that_o be_v such_o place_n of_o assembly_n where_o they_o serve_v god_n after_o their_o manner_n and_o though_o they_o deny_v christ_n yet_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o do_v blaspheme_v and_o rail_v upon_o the_o christian_n that_o believe_v in_o christ._n and_o of_o these_o christ_n say_v though_o by_o birth_n they_o be_v jew_n yet_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o true_a worshipper_n as_o they_o account_v themselves_o whereby_o in_o general_a we_o may_v see_v from_o who_o come_v rail_n and_o reproach_n on_o god_n servant_n namely_o from_o those_o which_o say_v they_o be_v true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d outwardpunc_fw-la rom._n 2.28_o he_o therefore_o that_o slander_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o servant_n for_o no_o friend_n of_o christ_n can_v possible_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o gospel_n and_o religion_n this_o shall_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a because_o they_o that_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o sincerity_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o subject_a to_o reproach_n he_o that_o refrain_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n isaiah_n 59_o 1â—_n touch_v these_o jew_n two_o point_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v i._n what_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n ii_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o first_o because_o they_o be_v jew_n by_o birth_n descend_v from_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n god_n ancient_a servant_n therefore_o they_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o their_o forefather_n be_v and_o