it_o and_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o then_o we_o must_v do_v as_o mary_n do_v we_o must_v leave_v other_o less_o matter_n and_o sit_v at_o christ_n foot_n to_o hear_v his_o gracious_a word_n luke_n 11._o further_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v the_o same_o knowledge_n convey_v to_o other_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v true_o we_o can_v contain_v ourselves_o but_o we_o must_v needs_o teach_v other_o he_o which_o drink_v of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v full_a stream_n of_o run_a water_n joh._n 7._o he_o can_v hold_v it_o in_o but_o will_v convey_v it_o to_o other_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v first_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n he_o must_v teach_v and_o instruct_v his_o family_n for_o god_n have_v bind_v he_o in_o conscience_n to_o spread_v abroad_o that_o knowledge_n he_o have_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o his_o family_n and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a yet_o god_n require_v he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v they_o that_o so_o a_o particular_a and_o little_a church_n may_v be_v in_o his_o family_n again_o every_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o win_v his_o enemy_n and_o those_o which_o be_v ignorant_a to_o believe_v the_o word_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o the_o wicked_a labour_n to_o win_v man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v much_o more_o shall_v we_o yea_o and_o every_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o edify_v those_o which_o be_v fellow-member_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o faith_n hope_n love_n repentance_n and_o such_o like_a &_o as_o jude_n say_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o save_v some_o last_o to_o maintain_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n 1._o pet._n 3._o 15._o see_v the_o maintain_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n use_v we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n labour_v for_o it_o to_o spread_v it_o 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religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o which_o love_v god_n and_o love_v religion_n indeed_o shall_v continue_v from_o year_n to_o year_n in_o ignorance_n never_o profit_v in_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o better_v his_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n and_o in_o that_o man_n live_v in_o their_o particular_a calling_n without_o all_o love_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o argue_v they_o love_v not_o god_n for_o if_o they_o love_v god_n they_o must_v needs_o love_v their_o neighbour_n these_o go_v together_o but_o man_n practise_v their_o calling_n with_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o of_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n no_o love_n to_o god_n no_o love_n to_o religion_n this_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o labour_n to_o get_v true_a love_n of_o god_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o christ_n have_v no_o action_n against_o us._n for_o if_o a_o king_n or_o a_o mighty_a man_n shall_v have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o 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keep_v my_o name_n though_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v erect_v his_o throne_n yet_o thou_o maintaine_v my_o name_n and_o hold_v it_o fast_o so_o that_o neither_o fraud_n nor_o force_n of_o enemy_n can_v take_v it_o from_o thou_o my_o name_n that_o be_v my_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 9_o thou_o do_v constant_o hold_v and_o maintain_v it_o and_o my_o religion_n thou_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o my_o servant_n have_v deliver_v to_o thou_o so_o that_o in_o these_o word_n christ_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o constancy_n in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o use_v to_o hold_v believe_v and_o maintain_v religion_n but_o we_o must_v do_v it_o constant_o so_o the_o word_n signifiâ—s_v we_o must_v hold_v the_o same_o fast_o against_o all_o adversary_n not_o easy_o turn_v with_o any_o blast_n of_o man_n doctrine_n but_o so_o to_o hold_v religion_n that_o no_o enemy_n by_o force_n or_o fraud_n draw_v it_o from_o us._n when_o math._n 13._o the_o man_n find_v the_o pearl_n he_o sell_v all_o to_o buy_v the_o field_n and_o if_o a_o man_n among_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o field_n by_o his_o cunning_a and_o skill_n a_o golden_a mine_n he_o will_v not_o tell_v it_o to_o any_o but_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o he_o have_v &_o buy_v the_o ground_n that_o so_o he_o may_v enrich_v himself_o so_o we_o if_o we_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o make_v it_o we_o to_o have_v it_o make_v sure_a to_o we_o to_o sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o loose_a life_n itself_o rather_o then_o to_o forgo_v that_o precious_a pearl_n 1._o tim._n 3._o 9_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o precious_a jewel_n which_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o treasury_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o can_v be_v break_v into_o but_o must_v be_v strong_a in_o which_o store-house_n and_o treasury_n we_o must_v have_v true_a religion_n and_o faith_n lock_v that_o nothing_o get_v it_o from_o we_o but_o lose_v all_o we_o have_v even_o our_o life_n before_o we_o part_v with_o it_o for_o if_o that_o be_v sure_a all_o be_v well_o but_o if_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v lose_v all_o be_v go_v salvation_n be_v lose_v thy_o soul_n be_v perish_v now_o for_o her_o further_a commendation_n christ_n set_v out_o her_o constancy_n by_o two_o argument_n first_o that_o she_o hold_v religion_n without_o denial_n second_o that_o she_o hold_v it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n never_o deny_v religion_n or_o revolt_v from_o faith_n in_o christ_n she_o do_v not_o as_o many_o man_n who_o hold_v believe_v and_o maintain_v religion_n yet_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n they_o will_v revolt_v in_o this_o we_o must_v imitate_v she_o else_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v we_o grace_n to_o repent_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o we_o perish_v esaw_n sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o small_a thing_n a_o few_o red_a pottage_n but_o after_o he_o seek_v it_o with_o repentance_n and_o tear_n &_o can_v not_o get_v it_o we_o must_v then_o hold_v religion_n and_o not_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n revolt_v and_o deny_v it_o lest_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o no_o grace_n to_o repent_v which_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n that_o be_v i_o own_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_a religion_n religion_n be_v call_v christ_n first_o because_o christ_n with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v author_n of_o it_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v good_a be_v from_o above_o second_o because_o he_o reveal_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n three_o because_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o religion_n christ_n be_v the_o whole_a subject_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o christ_n set_v out_o her_o constancy_n be_v that_o she_o hold_v religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o persecute_v she_o be_v constant_a when_o antiphas_n be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o this_o antiphas_n be_v it_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v by_o any_o history_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v he_o be_v pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n who_o oppose_v himself_o and_o oppugn_v the_o doctrine_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o that_o city_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o point_n first_o he_o commend_v this_o martyr_n antiphas_n when_o he_o say_v that_o my_o servant_n my_o faithful_a servant_n antiphas_n he_o extol_v he_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o honour_n and_o commend_v martyr_n which_o die_v for_o christ_n cause_n and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o give_v they_o their_o due_a deserve_a honour_n and_o commendation_n as_o christ_n do_v to_o antiphas_n second_o by_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o conversation_n of_o life_n for_o this_o cause_n christ_n commend_v this_o good_a martyr_n that_o the_o people_n of_o pergamus_n may_v imitate_v he_o in_o his_o constancy_n not_o to_o honour_v he_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v with_o divine_a honour_n and_o invocation_n again_o he_o say_v that_o my_o faithful_a martyr_n not_o commend_v he_o for_o his_o death_n that_o he_o die_v but_o for_o the_o cause_n for_o not_o the_o death_n but_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o man_n may_v die_v for_o heresy_n and_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o martyr_n but_o antiphas_n he_o be_v a_o true_a martyr_n ergo_fw-la christ_n say_v that_o my_o servant_n nay_o that_o my_o faithful_a servant_n antiphas_n in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o author_n of_o this_o death_n of_o antiphas_n some_o among_o you_o some_o of_o pergamus_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n they_o be_v such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o reign_v and_o this_o he_o repeat_v to_o show_v that_o they_o which_o have_v contemn_v christ_n religion_n though_o they_o pretend_v good_a thing_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o they_o they_o be_v his_o hold_n and_o castle_n object_n but_o why_o do_v the_o devil_n dwell_v in_o the_o city_n of_o pergamus_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o city_n be_v gentile_n they_o hate_v and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n &_o so_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o must_v then_o take_v heed_n we_o never_o contemn_v the_o fame_n for_o in_o a_o family_n where_o they_o live_v in_o ignorance_n in_o injustice_n fraud_n and_o wickedness_n there_o the_o devil_n rule_v he_o have_v his_o throne_n that_o be_v a_o stable_n for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o then_o master_n of_o family_n and_o parent_n which_o govern_v family_n must_v see_v they_o love_v and_o embrace_v religion_n and_o teach_v it_o to_o their_o family_n else_o their_o house_n be_v but_o the_o stable_n of_o satan_n his_o place_n to_o dwell_v in_o ob._n but_o whether_o may_v not_o antiphas_n be_v minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n have_v flee_v answ._n persecution_n be_v double_a either_o direct_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n principal_o or_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o person_n he_o may_v fly_v safe_o if_o he_o get_v opportunity_n to_o preserve_v his_o life_n and_o have_v liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o fly_v but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o whole_a church_n then_o unless_o he_o have_v liberty_n grant_v by_o they_o he_o must_v stay_v and_o take_v part_n with_o they_o in_o their_o persecution_n now_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v antiphas_n persecution_n see_v he_o be_v so_o call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o he_o commend_v she_o before_o but_o here_o he_o rebuke_n she_o and_o this_o reproof_n be_v first_o general_o propound_v then_o in_o more_o particular_a in_o general_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o want_v zeal_n thou_o bear_v with_o they_o which_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o have_v these_o word_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n before_o and_o here_o repeat_v they_o again_o teach_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o search_v what_o be_v in_o they_o that_o christ_n may_v have_v against_o they_o to_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o strait_a reckon_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v do_v from_o their_o beginning_n to_o their_o end_n and_o all_o their_o life_n narrow_o to_o examine_v themselves_o
to_o lay_v their_o sin_n before_o their_o eye_n without_o flatter_v or_o favour_v themselves_o not_o after_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o but_o to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o in_o all_o their_o life_n look_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v for_o which_o christ_n will_v come_v against_o they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o many_o man_n be_v in_o the_o church_n perish_v never_o consider_v their_o former_a life_n how_o they_o have_v live_v and_o for_o what_o sin_n christ_n will_v come_v against_o they_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v death_n by_o christ_n heavy_a and_o strait_a sentence_n and_o come_v to_o life_n we_o must_v thus_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o reckon_n and_o simple_o lay_v all_o our_o sin_n in_o word_n think_v and_o deed_n before_o our_o eye_n to_o think_v what_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o to_o condemn_v ourselves_o then_o we_o shall_v prevent_v that_o judgement_n of_o christ_n he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o enter_v into_o sentence_n with_o we_o if_o we_o have_v put_v all_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o book_n and_o reckon_v already_o for_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v want_v the_o minister_n may_v speak_v and_o preach_v to_o little_a purpose_n because_o thou_o have_v bear_v with_o they_o that_o be_v entertain_v they_o which_o be_v wicked_a here_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o more_o particular_a namely_o want_v of_o zeal_n they_o suffer_v man_n which_o maintain_v damnable_a doctrine_n and_o heretical_a opinion_n to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o dwell_v among_o they_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n so_o we_o see_v though_o they_o hold_v religion_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o cold_o not_o show_v their_o fervent_a zeal_n against_o such_o as_o maintain_v damnable_a doctrine_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o church_n may_v use_v zeal_n in_o excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o those_o which_o maintain_v damnable_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n they_o may_v after_o due_a admonition_n excommunicate_v they_o and_o cut_v they_o off_o as_o pernicious_a member_n 1._o tim._n 2._o alexander_n and_o hymineus_n be_v excommunicate_v &_o the_o church_n may_v follow_v paul_n example_n to_o cut_v off_o such_o as_o hold_v heresy_n in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o see_v christ_n be_v offend_v for_o this_o their_o forbear_n of_o those_o wicked_a man_n we_o see_v we_o must_v not_o entertain_v such_o as_o hold_v such_o error_n and_o damnable_a doctrine_n but_o have_v indignation_n against_o they_o hate_v their_o opinion_n and_o detest_v they_o the_o church_n must_v be_v courageous_a to_o defend_v truth_n in_o religion_n to_o stand_v against_o wicked_a heretic_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o remain_v obstinate_a vers._n 14._o thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o entertain_v certain_a wicked_a man_n and_o evil_a person_n which_o maintain_v and_o teach_v balaams_n doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o as_o christ_n reprove_v they_o here_o so_o he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v to_o we_o in_o this_o church_n that_o he_o have_v something_o against_o we_o for_o want_v of_o zeal_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n for_o though_o our_o church_n do_v not_o hold_v and_o maintain_v but_o repel_v the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o family_n of_o love_n yet_o christ_n may_v true_o say_v he_o have_v something_o against_o we_o for_o want_v of_o zeal_n against_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a man_n for_o in_o our_o church_n they_o abound_v there_o be_v abundance_n of_o atheist_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o which_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n &_o all_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o atheist_n though_o not_o in_o word_n yet_o in_o life_n deny_v god_n and_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o god_n can_v distinguish_v between_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o heresy_n and_o damnable_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n they_o think_v not_o reverent_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n among_o we_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o epicure_n who_o give_v themselves_o to_o all_o licentiousness_n to_o eat_v drink_n and_o sport_n themselves_o these_o love_v not_o the_o word_n but_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n they_o will_v hear_v sometime_o once_o a_o year_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o be_v all_o there_o be_v also_o unmerciful_a and_o cruel_a man_n oppressor_n man_n which_o in_o their_o private_a calling_n use_v all_o injustice_n deceit_n fraud_n wrong_v oppression_n with_o usury_n and_o such_o horrible_a sin_n these_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n we_o count_v they_o as_o politic_a and_o great_a man_n now_o the_o suffering_n of_o these_o man_n among_o we_o show_v that_o in_o our_o church_n be_v great_a want_n of_o zeal_n fervency_n and_o severity_n for_o which_o christ_n will_v come_v against_o we_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n the_o reason_n follow_v and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o rebuke_n which_o be_v to_o move_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n to_o detest_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o false_a prophet_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o balaam_n that_o he_o give_v wicked_a counsel_n to_o balaak_n to_o cast_v a_o block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o make_v they_o eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n it_o stand_v in_o a_o comparison_n or_o similitude_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n balaam_n cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o israelite_n to_o move_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n so_o there_o be_v some_o among_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o labour_n to_o move_v man_n to_o the_o same_o sin_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o similitude_n be_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n as_o balaam_n teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o give_v ill_a counsel_n to_o balaak_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o what_o his_o false_a counsel_n be_v and_o what_o a_o offence_n be_v second_o the_o cast_n of_o offence_n before_o the_o israelite_n three_o the_o mean_n how_o a_o offence_n proper_o be_v any_o thing_n word_n or_o deed_n which_o be_v cast_v in_o a_o man_n way_n to_o make_v he_o stumble_v or_o fall_v or_o go_v out_o of_o his_o way_n as_o a_o stone_n or_o piece_n of_o wood_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o stumble_a block_n proper_o here_o it_o be_v take_v by_o comparison_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o hinder_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n which_o hinder_v or_o stop_v he_o make_v he_o fall_v or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n offence_n be_v double_a either_o give_v or_o take_v offence_n give_v be_v any_o word_n or_o deed_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v procure_v to_o sin_n offence_n take_v be_v when_o a_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v offend_v by_o that_o which_o be_v do_v well_o of_o another_o so_o when_o christ_n do_v well_o and_o preach_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n the_o pharisee_n be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o do_v well_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o well_o do_v now_o one_o give_v a_o offence_n when_o he_o make_v one_o offend_v and_o cause_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v to_o sin_n so_o peter_n tell_v christ_n that_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o he_o christ_n bid_v he_o come_v behind_o he_o satan_n where_o peter_n give_v a_o offence_n to_o christ_n though_o christ_n do_v not_o sin_n for_o christ_n take_v not_o the_o occasion_n which_o peter_n yet_o offer_v as_o for_o the_o give_v of_o offence_n it_o be_v to_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n by_o any_o thing_n the_o mean_n be_v thing_n either_o simple_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a by_o thing_n in_o themselves_o evil_a as_o those_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n those_o thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o be_v either_o ill_a persuasion_n or_o ill_a example_n for_o by_o these_o offence_n be_v often_o give_v for_o evil_a persuasion_n and_o example_n draw_v the_o better_a sort_n often_o to_o sin_n and_o be_v very_o dangerous_a mean_n to_o make_v man_n offend_v again_o offence_n be_v give_v by_o thing_n indifferent_a not_o evil_a in_o themselves_o but_o when_o man_n use_v they_o unreasonable_o and_o unfit_o out_o of_o time_n
lectures_fw-fr upon_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n preach_v in_o cambridge_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1595._o by_o master_n william_n perkins_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o church_n by_o robert_n hill_n bachelor_n in_o divinity_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o excellent_a sermon_n pen_v at_o the_o request_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o wise_a councillor_n ambrose_n earl_n of_o warwick_n in_o which_o be_v prove_v that_o rome_n be_v babylon_n and_o that_o babylon_n be_v fall_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n follow_v they_o rev._n 13._o 13._o london_n print_v by_o richard_n field_n for_o cuthbert_n burbie_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o swan_n 1604._o â§_o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a sir_n edward_n montagu_n sir_n walter_n montagu_n sir_n henry_n montagu_n and_o sir_n charles_n montagu_n knight_n m._n james_n montagu_n doctor_n of_o divinity_n deane_n of_o his_o majesty_n chapel_n and_o m._n sidney_n montagu_n esquire_n the_o lady_n susan_n sandys_n and_o the_o lady_n theodosia_n capel_n child_n of_o that_o right_n worthy_a and_o religious_a sir_n edward_n montagu_n of_o bowghton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northhampton_n knight_n and_o of_o the_o lady_n elizabeth_n his_o worthy_a wife_n sister_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n harington_n baron_n of_o exton_n and_o father_n to_o the_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o countess_n of_o bedford_n grace_n and_o peace_n right_o worshipful_a as_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n have_v 13._o twelve_o son_n so_o christ_n the_o messiah_n have_v 1._o twelve_o disciple_n but_o as_o joseph_n be_v belove_v above_o 3._o all_o those_o son_n so_o john_n be_v belove_v above_o 21._o all_o the_o disciple_n joseph_o be_v apparel_v better_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o john_n be_v inspire_v far_o better_a than_o the_o rest_n 38._o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o joseph_n egypt_n have_v want_v her_o food_n temporal_a and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o john_n the_o church_n have_v want_v her_o food_n eternal_a 25._o the_o future_a state_n of_o egypt_n be_v reveal_v to_o joseph_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v reveal_v to_o john_n the_o one_o be_v 4._o exile_v because_o his_o father_n love_v he_o and_o the_o other_o exile_v because_o his_o master_n love_v he_o the_o place_n of_o his_o exile_n be_v into_o the_o 9_o island_n of_o pathmos_n be_v before_o by_o trajan_n put_v into_o a_o vessel_n of_o temporum_fw-la scald_a oil_n but_o that_o god_n who_o show_v his_o vision_n to_o 12._o abraham_n in_o the_o mount_n 28._o to_o jacob_n in_o the_o field_n 40._o to_o joseph_n in_o the_o stock_n 3._o to_o moses_n in_o midian_a 14._o to_o jeremie_n in_o the_o prison_n 2._o to_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n 10._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o tanner_n even_o he_o show_v his_o vision_n to_o john_n in_o his_o exile_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o person_n he_o can_v advance_v who_o he_o list_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o place_n he_o can_v reveal_v where_o he_o list_v for_o person_n he_o can_v prefer_v 4._o abel_n before_o cain_n 1._o jacob_n before_o esau_n 16._o david_n before_o eliab_n 1._o mathias_n before_o judas_n he_o can_v make_v 10._o moses_n a_o courtier_n 1._o job_n a_o potentate_n 7._o samuel_n a_o judge_n 1._o david_n a_o king_n 1._o solomon_n a_o sovereign_n 19_o elysha_n a_o ploughman_n 1._o amos_n a_o neatheard_n 1._o jeremie_n a_o priest_n 6._o daniel_n a_o prince_n 1._o isaiah_n of_o the_o blood_n royal_a 9_o matthew_n a_o publican_n 18._o peter_n a_o fisher_n regi_fw-la and_o paul_n a_o tentmaker_n to_o be_v penner_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o place_n as_o no_o time_n can_v prescribe_v against_o the_o king_n of_o a_o nation_n so_o no_o place_n can_v prescribe_v against_o this_o king_n of_o all_o nation_n 5._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o the_o spirit_n work_v where_o it_o list_v it_o please_v christ_n who_o be_v call_v in_o this_o revelation_n 5._o that_o faithful_a witness_n that_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a 8._o that_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n 18._o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o last_o 16._o he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n 14._o which_o have_v that_o sharp_a sword_n 15._o his_o eye_n like_o fire_n 1._o his_o foot_n like_o brass_n 1._o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o hand_n 7._o the_o key_n of_o david_n who_o be_v call_v here_o 14._o amen_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o in_o daniel_n he_o that_o 22._o reveal_v secret_n it_o please_v this_o christ_n to_o reveal_v secret_n to_o john_n not_o by_o dream_n as_o to_o 28._o jacob_n or_o apparition_n as_o to_o 3._o moses_n or_o by_o voice_n as_o 3._o to_o adam_n but_o partly_o by_o vision_n and_o partly_o by_o voice_n as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o turn_v 9_o saul_n into_o paul_n this_o john_n be_v legatus_fw-la à _fw-la latere_fw-la that_o ambassador_n who_o lean_v on_o his_o lord_n breast_n revelation_n he_o write_v christ_n history_n there_o he_o show_v his_o love_n to_o christ_n he_o write_v the_o church_n history_n there_o christ_n show_v his_o love_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o which_o he_o do_v not_o reveal_v to_o his_o 7._o servant_n this_o prophet_n for_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n we_o may_v see_v how_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n and_o what_o condition_n it_o shall_v have_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v it_o be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o book_n revelation_n if_o we_o respect_v the_o general_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n after_o john_n have_v describe_v the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n which_o be_v god_n the_o father_n chap._n 4._o and_o christ_n his_o son_n chap._n 5._o he_o come_v to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v prediction_n have_v 6._o obsignation_n chap._n 7._o indignation_n chap._n 8._o 9_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v obsignation_n of_o such_o as_o must_v be_v save_v &_o indignation_n on_o thing_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o for_o the_o more_o particular_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n have_v chap._n 10._o show_v his_o warrant_n to_o write_v he_o come_v to_o her_o action_n first_o in_o her_o prophet_n second_o in_o her_o body_n in_o her_o prophet_n their_o fight_n fall_a rising_z chap._n 11._o in_o her_o body_n compare_v she_o to_o a_o woman_n clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n chap._n 12._o and_o describe_v she_o by_o her_o combat_n conquest_n triumph_n her_o combat_n defensive_a chap._n 13._o and_o offensive_a in_o christ_n by_o word_n chap._n 14._o threaten_n chap._n 15._o and_o judgement_n chap._n 16._o her_o victory_n get_v against_o that_o rome_n whore_n chap._n 17._o and_o 18._o the_o empire_n beast_n chap._n 19_o and_o the_o devil_n dragon_n chap._n 20._o and_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o she_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v under_o the_o type_n of_o jerusalem_n most_o comfortable_o set_v down_o chap._n 21._o 22._o the_o thing_n in_o this_o book_n be_v i_o grant_v very_o dark_a to_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v to_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n but_o as_o that_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v we_o can_v now_o tell_v what_o be_v foretell_v in_o it_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v easy_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o the_o posterity_n to_o come_v shall_v better_o understand_v this_o book_n than_o we_o do_v because_o it_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v neither_o be_v this_o book_n like_o the_o city_n of_o the_o 13._o anakims_n or_o the_o 3._o tree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o may_v not_o be_v reach_v to_o for_o 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n but_o to_o come_v to_o these_o three_o chapter_n write_v by_o john_n surname_v the_o divine_a &_o expound_v by_o one_o a_o most_o worthy_a divine_a the_o first_o chapter_n be_v a_o proem_n or_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n the_o two_o latter_a be_v epistle_n dedicate_a this_o book_n the_o dedication_n be_v make_v to_o 1._o seven_o several_a church_n and_o by_o name_n to_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v call_v angel_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n minister_n have_v many_o excellent_a title_n give_v they_o though_o now_o they_o be_v scarce_o grace_v with_o title_n they_o be_v call_v 20._o prophet_n 9_o seer_n 13._o remembrancer_n 1._o trumpet_n 1._o watchmen_z 3._o husbandman_n 24._o steward_n 4._o maiden_n 47._o fisher_n 24._o
by_o your_o countenance_n it_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v you_o all_o that_o blessing_n of_o blessing_n julianum_fw-la which_o if_o jerome_n say_v true_a few_o man_n have_v that_o you_o may_v transire_fw-la à _fw-la deliciis_fw-la ad_fw-la delicias_fw-la go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n and_o be_v a_o long_a time_n happy_a in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o ever_o happy_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v london_n saint_n martin_n in_o the_o field_n from_o my_o worshipful_a friend_n master_n oldisworths_n house_n 16._o by_o which_o family_n as_o paul_n be_v by_o the_o house_n of_o onesiphorus_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o late_a and_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v say_v the_o last_o visitation_n i_o have_v receive_v no_o small_a refresh_n march_n 12._o 1604._o your_o worship_n to_o command_v robert_n hill_n fellow_n of_o s._n johns_n college_n in_o cambridge_n lectures_fw-fr upon_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n revel_v 1._o 1._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o my_o purpose_n in_o choose_v this_o text_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n namely_o the_o seven_o several_a epistle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n which_o contain_v sundry_a use_n &_o instruction_n fit_a for_o our_o time_n and_o age_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n question_n we_o must_v consider_v of_o one_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o this_o present_a book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v canonical_a or_o not_o for_o some_o have_v heretofore_o &_o some_o now_o do_v call_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o in_o question_n answer_n but_o we_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v canonical_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o other_o canonical_a scripture_n our_o argument_n and_o reason_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v because_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v apostolical_a as_o any_o which_o diligent_o read_v the_o book_n may_v perceive_v second_o because_o the_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o open_v and_o expound_v the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v apostolical_a that_o be_v plain_a simple_a and_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n three_o because_o this_o book_n have_v be_v approve_v general_o of_o all_o church_n refuse_v of_o no_o one_o church_n in_o any_o age_n since_o john_n write_v it_o &_o it_o be_v never_o call_v into_o question_n but_o of_o some_o particular_a man_n never_o of_o any_o whole_a church_n four_o the_o thing_n foretell_v in_o this_o book_n come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v foretell_v as_o among_o the_o rest_n in_o one_o for_o all_o may_v appear_v by_o that_o sign_n john_n see_v in_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n two_o beast_n come_v one_o out_o of_o the_o sea_n the_o second_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o signify_v the_o roman_a empire_n the_o second_o the_o roman_a apostatical_a church_n which_o both_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o last_o age_n now_o follow_v the_o reason_n which_o some_o allege_v to_o prove_v it_o not_o canonical_a reason_n but_o they_o be_v all_o of_o no_o force_n first_o s._n john_n he_o name_v himself_o in_o this_o book_n where_o he_o never_o name_v himself_o once_o in_o all_o his_o gospel_n no_o not_o then_o when_o he_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o name_n himself_o but_o seek_v to_o avoid_v it_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o book_n but_o write_v by_o some_o other_o and_o publish_v in_o his_o name_n the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a answer_n for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o history_n and_o a_o prophecy_n s._n john_n in_o his_o history_n do_v not_o name_n himself_o for_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a reason_n why_o one_o in_o a_o history_n of_o another_o man_n shall_v name_v himself_o but_o in_o a_o prophecy_n as_o this_o book_n be_v it_o be_v more_o requisite_a he_o shall_v mention_v his_o own_o name_n and_o so_o do_v other_o prophet_n as_o jeremiah_n mention_v his_o name_n in_o his_o book_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n so_o isaiah_n and_o daniel_n in_o every_o chapter_n mention_v their_o name_n then_o see_v they_o do_v it_o so_o often_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o s._n john_n in_o his_o book_n repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o but_o five_o time_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n they_o object_n that_o his_o style_n in_o this_o book_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o he_o use_v in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o gospel_n ans._n the_o difference_n of_o the_o stile_n rise_v from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o matter_n see_v there_o he_o write_v a_o history_n here_o he_o pen_v a_o prophecy_n again_o here_o he_o write_v not_o his_o own_o word_n but_o those_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n by_o particular_a revelation_n they_o say_v his_o book_n have_v be_v reject_v in_o diverse_a age_n as_o not_o canonical_a ans._n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o refuse_v of_o any_o general_a church_n but_o of_o some_o private_a man_n now_o the_o disallow_n of_o any_o private_a man_n can_v make_v a_o whole_a book_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o then_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o james_n his_o epistle_n shall_v not_o be_v canonical_a which_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o church_n now_o come_v to_o the_o word_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o vision_n the_o preface_n first_o contain_v a_o entrance_n to_o his_o matter_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n the_o vision_n from_o the_o nine_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o preface_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n second_o the_o inscription_n the_o title_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n the_o inscription_n from_o the_o four_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n the_o title_n in_o these_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n a_o revelation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o manifestation_n or_o discovery_n of_o thing_n secret_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o this_o word_n be_v take_v here_o revelation_n from_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o three_o kind_n first_o by_o dream_n second_o by_o vision_n three_o by_o create_a voice_n of_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num_fw-la 12._o 6._o 8._o 4._o partly_o by_o vision_n partly_o by_o voice_n now_o this_o be_v not_o by_o dream_n for_o he_o receive_v these_o thing_n not_o by_o dream_n vision_n or_o voice_n alone_o but_o by_o vision_n from_o christ_n and_o by_o voice_n from_o god_n so_o than_o it_o be_v mix_v partly_o receive_v by_o vision_n partly_o by_o voice_n utter_v from_o god_n in_o these_o three_o first_o verse_n the_o revelation_n be_v describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o author_n jesus_n christ_n second_o the_o end_n three_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v four_a the_o matter_n fifthly_o the_o instrument_n sixth_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o seven_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o first_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o describe_v this_o revelation_n be_v the_o author_n uz._n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o he_o it_o be_v call_v his_o revelation_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o not_o to_o exclude_v the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o show_v the_o special_a office_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o peculiar_a office_n belong_v to_o the_o second_o person_n be_v to_o reveal_v and_o to_o publish_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n because_o his_o office_n be_v to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o man_n second_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v difference_n between_o this_o revelation_n and_o all_o 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servant_n in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n for_o s._n john_n be_v his_o servant_n not_o only_o in_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o general_o but_o in_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o particular_a call_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o paul_n 9_o he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o general_o but_o in_o the_o special_a call_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o preach_v the_o same_o this_o example_n of_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v our_o direction_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o general_a call_n of_o christian_n but_o serve_v christ_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o profess_v christ_n in_o public_a assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n we_o must_v serve_v he_o at_o home_n as_o the_o magistrate_n not_o only_o in_o his_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o in_o his_o particular_a call_n as_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n the_o minister_n as_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n as_o he_o be_v a_o master_n and_o so_o all_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a calling_n must_v obey_v christ._n and_o if_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n come_v to_o the_o assembly_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n yet_o in_o his_o family_n fail_v and_o perform_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o master_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n he_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n though_o man_n accept_v so_o of_o he_o because_o he_o must_v be_v obedient_a to_o christ_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a call_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o john_n be_v describe_v namely_o the_o effect_n that_o he_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o john_n bear_v this_o record_n partly_o by_o preach_v partly_o by_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v two_o part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n add_v of_o thing_n do_v and_o say_v by_o christ._n and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v call_v his_o testimony_n into_o question_n he_o say_v he_o testify_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_n he_o see_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a the_o end_n why_o he_o allege_v these_o word_n be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o these_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v use_v that_o to_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o a_o false_a if_o they_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v true_a deut._n 13._o if_o they_o work_v wonder_n and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o true_a god_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o must_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v of_o his_o authority_n he_o allege_v luk._n 10._o 1._o johns_n testimony_n and_o confirm_v johns_n testimony_n to_o be_v true_a ask_v they_o this_o question_n the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n show_v that_o john_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n see_v his_o baptism_n that_o be_v his_o doctrine_n be_v from_o heaven_n hereby_o we_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o false_a allege_a by_o the_o papist_n be_v no_o true_a difference_n for_o they_o say_v if_o one_o can_v work_v miracle_n he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n whereas_o deut._n 13._o false_a prophet_n may_v do_v that_o but_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o he_o which_o bring_v this_o though_o he_o can_v not_o work_v a_o miracle_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n now_o follow_v the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v which_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o propound_v and_o deliver_v of_o it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o delivery_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n second_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n now_o in_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o convey_v his_o scripture_n to_o man_n we_o see_v his_o perpetual_a care_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n also_o we_o see_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n as_o also_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o book_n see_v they_o be_v deliver_v to_o man_n by_o god_n and_o by_o he_o he_o deliver_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n this_o show_v the_o blasphemy_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n a_o dumb_a judge_n they_o hold_v that_o general_a counsel_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o word_n that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n it_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n to_o they_o which_o otherwise_o they_o say_v of_o themselves_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a and_o dumb_a word_n but_o we_o see_v they_o be_v far_o above_o all_o these_o for_o they_o be_v most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a and_o also_o most_o excellent_a see_v they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o he_o convey_v to_o a_o angel_n who_o deliver_v they_o to_o john_n and_o he_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o church_n these_o degree_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o show_v they_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a bless_a be_v they_o which_o hear_v etc._n etc._n 3._o here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n of_o this_o description_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v by_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o be_v hear_v or_o read_v and_o join_v with_o mark_v and_o attention_n it_o bring_v happiness_n bless_a that_o be_v blessedness_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a belong_v to_o they_o which_o hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n and_o mark_v it_o keep_v it_o in_o memory_n remember_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n partly_o present_a partly_o to_o come_v bless_a be_v he_o which_o read_v here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o of_o this_o book_n particular_o for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o life_n everlasting_a joh._n 20._o last_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o so_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n 1._o joh._n 1._o â—_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n itself_o joh._n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v thence_o erroneous_a and_o miss_v of_o the_o end_n of_o happiness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v light_a by_o by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n and_o have_v all_o their_o truth_n from_o it_o see_v the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n 1_o as_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n we_o see_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o bar_v they_o of_o
must_v have_v our_o ear_n open_v to_o become_v listener_n and_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o do_v his_o will_n 7._o we_o may_v answer_v with_o david_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n further_o after_o we_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n we_o must_v practice_v that_o we_o hear_v in_o perform_v true_a repentance_n and_o labour_a faithful_o in_o our_o vocation_n for_o as_o we_o see_v man_n of_o trade_n become_v cunning_a by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o their_o trade_n so_o if_o we_o practise_v true_a obedience_n in_o repentance_n and_o our_o vocation_n we_o shall_v be_v skilful_a in_o the_o word_n it_o follow_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v keep_v and_o remember_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o special_a duty_n to_o keep_v these_o prophecy_n which_o be_v to_o come_v so_o the_o angel_n bid_v daniel_n seal_v up_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophecy_n till_o the_o time_n come_v 4._o that_o be_v remember_v and_o keep_v it_o diligent_o so_o matthew_n 24._o 15._o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o mark_v and_o remember_v what_o he_o say_v mat._n 24._o 25._o behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o where_o he_o show_v that_o when_o any_o great_a thing_n be_v to_o befall_v the_o church_n than_o we_o must_v in_o these_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o remember_v they_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a word_n bless_a be_v he_o which_o read_v etc._n etc._n see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o must_v short_o be_v fulfil_v therefore_o those_o be_v bless_v which_o read_v and_o keep_v this_o pprophecy_n and_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o secret_a objection_n for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v we_o need_v not_o read_v this_o prophecy_n see_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n but_o he_o add_v the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o so_o take_v that_o objection_n away_o now_o see_v these_o word_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o here_o repeat_v again_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o they_o contain_v some_o weighty_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o to_o be_v earnest_o think_v of_o now_o s._n john_n add_v these_o word_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o the_o church_n though_o it_o can_v be_v overtake_v with_o deadly_a sleep_n yet_o it_o may_v slumber_v and_o be_v cast_v into_o some_o beginning_n of_o sleep_n as_o the_o five_o wise_a virgin_n though_o they_o sleep_v not_o so_o careless_o as_o the_o other_o yet_o they_o all_o sleep_v not_o a_o deadly_a sleep_n but_o a_o slumber_n for_o in_o the_o church_n there_o may_v be_v some_o remnant_n of_o security_n cant._n 5._o 2._o the_o church_n sleep_v but_o so_o as_o she_o always_o listen_v as_o awaken_v be_v in_o a_o light_a slumber_n now_o lest_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v careless_a sleep_v and_o drowsy_a the_o holy_a ghost_n add_v these_o word_n the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n second_o he_o add_v these_o word_n to_o confirm_v the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o affliction_n see_v by_o these_o word_n he_o foretell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v to_o last_v but_o a_o short_a time_n the_o time_n of_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o affliction_n can_v long_o endure_v then_o this_o shall_v comfort_v those_o which_o suffer_v for_o christ_n his_o sake_n in_o this_o that_o christ_n foretell_v the_o church_n use_v that_o now_o in_o the_o last_o age_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n we_o must_v be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v short_o befall_v they_o temtation_n affliction_n the_o cross_n and_o calamity_n shall_v present_o befall_v we_o the_o time_n of_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o will_v present_o befall_v us._n and_o if_o we_o have_v this_o confidence_n that_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o will_v make_v we_o do_v all_o in_o good_a conscience_n stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o mischief_n for_o so_o the_o bad_a servant_n think_v his_o master_n will_v defer_v his_o come_n he_o smite_v and_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n and_o the_o old_a world_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o flood_n shall_v come_v though_o they_o be_v foretell_v of_o it_o till_o they_o be_v all_o sweep_v away_o by_o water_n we_o than_o shall_v lay_v this_o to_o our_o heart_n ever_o think_v the_o lord_n be_v at_o the_o door_n he_o be_v present_o to_o come_v to_o judgement_n and_o we_o ought_v the_o rather_o to_o think_v of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v have_v ease_n peace_n and_o the_o gospel_n flourish_v this_o 8_o year_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o peace_n and_o now_o trouble_v and_o persecution_n now_o then_o see_v these_o cross_n which_o must_v fall_v on_o the_o church_n they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v present_o we_o can_v but_o look_v for_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n after_o so_o long_a peace_n and_o preach_v john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n 4._o grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o four_o verse_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o inscription_n of_o this_o book_n wherein_o be_v first_o the_o party_n which_o write_v it_o and_o dedicate_v it_o second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v dedicate_v first_o the_o party_n which_o dedicate_v it_o be_v john_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n in_o the_o inscription_n be_v two_o part_n first_o a_o dedication_n second_o a_o salutation_n contain_v from_o the_o four_o till_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n there_o be_v first_o the_o party_n which_o dedicate_v it_o second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v dedicate_v the_o party_n which_o dedicate_v it_o be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o in_o this_o four_o verse_n repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o repeat_v no_o more_o but_o his_o bare_a name_n without_o any_o title_n of_o commendation_n he_o repeat_v it_o again_o to_o show_v and_o certify_v every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o true_a penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v this_o revelation_n but_o though_o he_o repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o add_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n many_o title_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n this_o he_o do_v to_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v never_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o cause_n to_o our_o own_o praise_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o god_n glory_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n maintain_v this_o paul_n practise_v who_o often_o humble_v himself_o and_o call_v himself_o the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n yet_o when_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n come_v into_o question_n than_o he_o set_v out_o himself_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a apostle_n and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o 2._o cor._n 11._o so_o may_v we_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n be_v in_o question_n set_v out_o ourselves_o with_o title_n of_o commendation_n the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n concern_v they_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o call_v they_o church_n second_o in_o asia_n why_o write_v he_o to_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o church_n see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o it_o be_v part_v and_o diverse_o sunder_v into_o part_n as_o in_o one_o country_n there_o be_v one_o church_n or_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o one_o city_n or_o town_n another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o and_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n see_v every_o congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o lie_v against_o other_o country_n be_v call_v by_o their_o name_n as_o the_o english_a french_a spanish_a italian_a sea_n so_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o particular_a country_n town_n and_o
subsist_v these_o word_n prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v they_o be_v to_o certify_v he_o that_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o to_o show_v he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o bring_v his_o own_o testimony_n namely_o i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v unto_o thou_o be_v from_o god_n even_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 1._o which_o be_o god_n equal_a to_o my_o father_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o christ_n note_v a_o singular_a care_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n but_o withal_o to_o certify_v his_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o here_o he_o tell_v john_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n to_o certify_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o he_o reveal_v not_o only_o his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o act._n 10._o peter_n have_v a_o vision_n and_o withal_o the_o lord_n assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o vision_n and_o when_o christ_n preach_v his_o father_n will_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n which_o be_v as_o sâ—ales_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o 2._o that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o will_n this_o first_o confute_v the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a till_o we_o hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v uncertain_a to_o we_o though_o certain_a in_o itself_o to_o be_v certain_a to_o us._n but_o we_o must_v here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o child_n but_o withal_o use_v mean_n to_o certify_v man_n heart_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sure_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o even_o to_o man_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o speak_v word_n of_o the_o same_o â—_o this_o confute_v all_o carnal_a man_n there_o be_v many_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v as_o they_o think_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n see_v man_n opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o diverse_a that_o one_o can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o we_o differ_v in_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o diverse_a opinion_n yet_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n they_o differ_v not_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v differ_v in_o opinion_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o religion_n but_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v stand_v sure_a and_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o lord_n can_v make_v man_n out_o of_o it_o to_o learn_v his_o will_n and_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o religion_n now_o follow_v the_o commandment_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n etc._n etc._n this_o have_v two_o part_n first_o s._n john_n must_v write_v the_o thing_n he_o receive_v second_o he_o must_v send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n now_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o book_n and_o he_o must_v set_v down_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o god_n to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n because_o he_o be_v now_o in_o banishment_n and_o can_v not_o come_v to_o they_o and_o be_v present_a with_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o therefore_o he_o must_v write_v these_o in_o a_o book_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v holpen_v by_o they_o second_o he_o must_v not_o only_o write_v they_o in_o a_o book_n but_o send_v they_o to_o these_o seven_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o cruel_a time_n of_o their_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v these_o book_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o truth_n first_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o word_n second_o because_o she_o keep_v the_o same_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o also_o give_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o then_o that_o these_o church_n may_v keep_v publish_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o must_v send_v they_o write_v to_o they_o hence_o we_o learn_v use_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v a_o excellent_a help_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o send_v this_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n this_o confute_v first_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o write_a word_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a &_o inky_a letter_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n to_o be_v turn_v any_o way_n second_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o look_v for_o revelation_n contemn_v the_o write_a word_n but_o see_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n we_o may_v learn_v 2._o that_o the_o read_n of_o this_o book_n as_o of_o other_o scripture_n be_v god_n ordinance_n whether_o it_o be_v public_a or_o private_a and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o use_v as_o god_n ordinance_n with_o reverence_n and_o good_a conscience_n indeed_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o begin_v faith_n and_o to_o work_v repentance_n but_o the_o read_n of_o they_o public_o and_o private_o have_v his_o proper_a use_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n yea_o to_o increase_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o us._n write_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o that_o a_o man_n in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n may_v be_v the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n s._n john_n a_o famous_a apostle_n and_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o banishment_n and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n from_o all_o company_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o give_v to_o none_o but_o they_o which_o be_v his_o servant_n then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v and_o continue_v in_o banishment_n yet_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n we_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o he_o be_v sure_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o john_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o these_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o most_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n in_o which_o be_v plant_v seven_o most_o excellent_a church_n of_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n here_o be_v name_v one_o by_o one_o then_o i_o turn_v back_o 12._o here_o be_v his_o preparation_n or_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n when_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o i_o be_v loud_a and_o great_a i_o turn_v to_o see_v he_o which_o deliver_v it_o to_o i_o in_o the_o preparation_n we_o must_v consider_v first_o the_o mean_n to_o move_v john_n to_o attention_n namely_o a_o voice_n second_o the_o end_n to_o make_v he_o attentive_a and_o to_o enjoin_v he_o his_o duty_n namely_o to_o write_v and_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o preparation_n which_o be_v that_o he_o turn_v back_o when_o he_o hear_v this_o loud_a and_o great_a voice_n to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v which_o give_v the_o voice_n by_o this_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n we_o may_v learn_v our_o duty_n for_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o man_n which_o give_v the_o voice_n so_o must_v we_o deal_v with_o god_n s._n john_n hear_v a_o voice_n and_o then_o he_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v so_o must_v we_o do_v with_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n ready_a to_o turn_v from_o god_n and_o run_v from_o he_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v by_o our_o sin_n now_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o we_o be_v run_v on_o in_o another_o way_n we_o must_v turn_v to_o he_o turn_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o way_n confess_v our_o sin_n to_o he_o that_o so_o
turn_v to_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n for_o unless_o s._n john_n have_v turn_v to_o see_v the_o vision_n and_o he_o which_o speak_v he_o have_v not_o see_v it_o so_o unless_o we_o turn_v to_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o in_o time_n whilst_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o he_o though_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n never_o so_o much_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o be_v the_o representation_n of_o christ_n his_o majesty_n and_o magnificence_n as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n and_o it_o be_v set_v out_o by_o a_o large_a description_n of_o christ_n from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n in_o which_o description_n s._n john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v touch_v christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v partly_o by_o see_v and_o herein_o he_o describe_v christ_n first_o by_o his_o place_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n like_a to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n first_o he_o describe_v christ_n by_o the_o place_n i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n one_o like_v etc._n etc._n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v of_o john_n in_o a_o vision_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v it_o in_o the_o twenty_o verse_n so_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v here_o call_v candlestick_n for_o their_o resemblance_n which_o they_o have_v with_o candlestick_n for_o as_o their_o property_n be_v to_o bear_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o candle_n and_o lamp_n even_o so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o and_o publish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o by_o preach_v and_o maintain_v it_o partly_o by_o profess_v the_o faith_n â—_o see_v every_o church_n be_v a_o candlestick_n and_o not_o a_o candle_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n of_o the_o word_n use_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o but_o only_o can_v bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n and_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o light_n the_o true_a light_n be_v christ_n himself_o then_o they_o can_v give_v light_n to_o man_n conscience_n and_o heart_n but_o all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o bear_v the_o candle_n and_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n by_o instruct_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n 2._o we_o learn_v that_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n be_v candle_n burn_v and_o shine_a light_n place_v in_o the_o shaft_n of_o this_o candlestick_n for_o though_o the_o minister_n must_v especial_o be_v blaze_v lamp_n to_o the_o people_n as_o john_n baptist_n be_v joh._n 5._o 35._o yet_o also_o be_v all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n these_o blaze_a candle_n to_o hold_v forth_o this_o light_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o light_n to_o the_o world_n phil._n 2._o 15._o 16._o every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n must_v be_v a_o shine_a candle_n and_o a_o burn_a lamp_n now_o that_o he_o may_v be_v such_o a_o one_o he_o must_v first_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o then_o as_o a_o blaze_a candle_n send_v forth_o the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o godly_a life_n and_o conversation_n we_o all_o profess_v we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n than_o we_o must_v carry_v and_o hold_v forth_o these_o burn_a light_n have_v light_n in_o ourselves_o to_o send_v it_o out_o to_o other_o by_o teach_v they_o in_o our_o call_n and_o live_v godly_a and_o give_v good_a example_n and_o so_o shine_v to_o the_o world_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o this_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o burn_a lamp_n first_o it_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n phil._n 2._o 15._o every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n must_v be_v a_o blaze_a light_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o perverse_a nation_n we_o must_v carry_v ourselves_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n send_v out_o our_o light_n to_o all_o man_n for_o a_o second_o reason_n mark_v the_o fruit_n and_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v this_o carry_v of_o ourselves_o as_o shine_a light_n when_o a_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o send_v out_o this_o light_n by_o instruct_v other_o and_o in_o a_o godly_a example_n he_o win_v many_o man_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o man_n if_o he_o have_v one_o to_o hold_v he_o out_o a_o candle_n in_o winter_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o way_n to_o go_v whither_o he_o will_v he_o take_v this_o as_o a_o great_a benefit_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o to_o light_v the_o way_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n even_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n be_v dim_a and_o dark_a candle_n and_o live_v not_o in_o the_o church_n as_o blaze_a light_n but_o in_o sin_n ignorance_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n hence_o great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n come_v to_o man_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o when_o a_o man_n know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o sin_n he_o give_v a_o false_a direction_n and_o so_o many_o follow_v he_o even_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n and_o by_o his_o bad_a example_n he_o draw_v man_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v simile_n to_o eternal_a destruction_n in_o haven_n town_n if_o a_o man_n remove_v the_o night_n mark_v and_o the_o candle_n set_v to_o direct_v the_o ship_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o sink_v all_o the_o ship_n for_o they_o have_v wrong_a direction_n run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n because_o they_o go_v to_o the_o light_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_a place_n and_o so_o they_o miss_v the_o channel_n and_o light_n on_o rock_n and_o perish_v so_o man_n in_o this_o world_n they_o sail_v as_o on_o the_o sea_n to_o heaven_n now_o if_o we_o by_o our_o wicked_a life_n remove_v the_o mark_n and_o give_v wrong_a direction_n they_o must_v needs_o miss_v the_o right_a way_n and_o so_o come_v to_o a_o false_a haven_n not_o heaven_n but_o hell_n and_o so_o then_o see_v either_o by_o our_o godly_a life_n we_o draw_v man_n to_o heaven_n or_o by_o our_o bad_a life_n we_o carry_v they_o to_o hell_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v by_o life_n and_o doctrine_n to_o give_v good_a direction_n the_o three_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o to_o be_v burn_a light_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o he_o which_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o shine_v not_o in_o teach_v other_o by_o his_o good_a example_n he_o incur_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n the_o light_n and_o candle_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n who_o dress_v and_o trim_v they_o &_o for_o that_o purpose_n he_o have_v snuffer_n and_o such_o instrument_n now_o in_o the_o church_n every_o man_n be_v a_o candle_n stand_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o a_o stick_n christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o trim_a and_o dresser_n of_o they_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o trim_v they_o and_o dress_v these_o candle_n now_o if_o after_o three_o or_o four_o time_n dress_v and_o snuff_v of_o this_o candle_n still_o it_o burn_v dim_a and_o will_v not_o shine_v out_o he_o will_v either_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o stick_n or_o else_o he_o will_v take_v and_o tread_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n so_o those_o which_o in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o send_v out_o a_o shine_a light_n the_o lord_n he_o dress_v and_o snuff_v they_o but_o if_o they_o still_o burn_v dimmely_a cast_v not_o a_o clear_a light_n in_o instruct_v other_o and_o leave_v good_a example_n the_o lord_n will_v cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o place_n put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n and_o clean_o extinguish_v they_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o danger_n every_o man_n in_o his_o shaft_n and_o place_n the_o minister_n in_o he_o the_o unlettered_a man_n in_o he_o must_v teach_v other_o give_v good_a example_n else_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v this_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v in_o judgement_n and_o stamp_n it_o out_o and_o extinguish_v that_o light_n nay_o very_a reason_n require_v this_o at_o our_o hand_n see_v we_o be_v all_o light_n of_o this_o candlestick_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o shall_v send_v out_o light_a in_o winter_n time_n we_o hang_v out_o light_n that_o by_o they_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o help_v they_o in_o
their_o journey_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o help_v man_n in_o temporal_a light_n and_o not_o much_o more_o careful_a to_o help_v they_o in_o light_n towards_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o ignorant_a and_o loose_a liver_n as_o there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o let_v they_o now_o begin_v to_o shine_v for_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o good_a light_n they_o be_v in_o the_o candlestick_n they_o must_v cease_v from_o ignorance_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n and_o begin_v to_o burn_v and_o cast_v light_a as_o good_a candle_n both_o by_o doctrine_n and_o good_a example_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v bring_v a_o candle_n in_o a_o stick_n to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o light_v it_o twice_o or_o thrice_o and_o it_o will_v not_o take_v light_n we_o will_v in_o anger_n cast_v it_o down_o so_o christ_n if_o he_o use_v mean_n to_o light_v these_o ignorant_a and_o loose-living_a person_n many_o time_n if_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v light_v he_o in_o his_o displeasure_n will_v cast_v they_o down_o out_o of_o the_o candlestick_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o take_v the_o place_n of_o a_o good_a candle_n but_o rather_o tread_v and_o stamp_v they_o under_o foot_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o ignorant_a person_n many_o which_o continue_v in_o their_o ignorance_n &_o rebellion_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o sin_n but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o good_a blaze_a lamp_n many_o hold_v the_o place_n of_o good_a light_n but_o be_v dark_a dim_a and_o give_v no_o light_n let_v these_o fear_n god_n judgement_n will_v any_o be_v true_a candle_n burn_v and_o blaze_a light_n let_v they_o first_o get_v knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n furnish_v and_o replenish_v their_o heart_n with_o knowledge_n and_o after_o practice_v the_o same_o faithful_o in_o obedience_n in_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n shine_v to_o other_o in_o holy_a example_n exhort_v and_o instruct_v they_o that_o so_o shine_v forth_o clear_o and_o cheerful_o christ_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o light_n may_v like_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o for_o unless_o we_o shine_v thus_o in_o this_o candlestick_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o we_o have_v our_o place_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v light_n nor_o joy_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v then_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n clear_a and_o fair_a for_o evermore_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n so_o call_v for_o two_o cause_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n of_o gold_n first_o because_o as_o gold_n be_v most_o excellent_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o society_n and_o company_n of_o man_n all_o company_n and_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o family_n town_n city_n kingdom_n commonweal_n they_o be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o excellent_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v above_o all_o these_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_a no_o society_n come_v near_o it_o first_o because_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v have_v and_o obtain_v but_o in_o none_o of_o these_o society_n of_o man_n it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o they_o be_v society_n of_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v church_n or_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a society_n because_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o society_n they_o be_v all_o ordain_v to_o maintain_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o this_o even_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o 3_o the_o church_n it_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v all_o other_o society_n because_o herein_o be_v their_o honour_n and_o preferment_n in_o that_o they_o be_v either_o church_n or_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n see_v the_o church_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o excellent_a society_n in_o this_o world_n 1._o we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n have_v special_a care_n to_o become_v member_n of_o this_o society_n man_n have_v care_n and_o labour_n to_o become_v member_n of_o those_o town_n which_o be_v in_o corporation_n and_o have_v freedom_n above_o other_o then_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o labour_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n see_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a society_n 2._o and_o all_o refer_v to_o maintain_v the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v our_o special_a care_n to_o maintain_v that_o church_n every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n as_o the_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n the_o minister_n in_o their_o calling_n yea_o every_o man_n in_o his_o particular_a call_n must_v seek_v to_o preserve_v this_o society_n see_v this_o society_n adorn_v the_o other_o 3._o &_o give_v they_o their_o beauty_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o bring_v all_o society_n to_o this_o man_n in_o family_n must_v seek_v to_o make_v their_o family_n a_o church_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o which_o rule_v a_o town_n to_o make_v it_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o ecclesiastical_a society_n so_o king_n to_o make_v their_o kingdom_n a_o church_n &_o member_n by'r_a of_o the_o catholic_a church_n because_o all_o other_o society_n without_o the_o church_n be_v but_o as_o place_n without_o light_n and_o without_o the_o candlestick_n to_o hold_v up_o and_o without_o this_o light_n they_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o golden_a stick_n because_o it_o be_v most_o precious_a to_o god_n none_o so_o dear_a none_o so_o near_o to_o god_n as_o this_o society_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n therefore_o to_o express_v how_o dear_a it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o his_o hand_n and_o a_o sign_n on_o his_o right_a arm_n can._n 8._o 6._o zachary_n call_v the_o church_n the_o apple_n of_o god_n eye_n show_v it_o be_v most_o dear_a in_o god_n sight_n as_o precious_a as_o the_o apple_n of_o the_o eye_n which_o be_v most_o tender_a to_o us._n psal._n 45._o it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o queen_n in_o a_o vesture_n of_o gold_n nay_o no_o society_n be_v so_o precious_a and_o dear_a to_o christ_n as_o this_o see_v he_o have_v shed_v his_o own_o heart_n blood_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v his_o church_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o that_o be_v he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o church_n continual_o in_o all_o time_n he_o have_v continual_a care_n of_o it_o to_o gather_v his_o church_n and_o be_v gather_v to_o preserve_v it_o and_o defend_v it_o from_o all_o her_o enemy_n see_v christ_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n present_a to_o gather_v and_o defend_v it_o 1._o then_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whereby_o they_o will_v have_v one_o head_n of_o all_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v needless_a for_o christ_n be_v present_a gather_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n at_o all_o time_n then_o there_o need_v no_o general_a vicar_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o king_n they_o of_o a_o commission_n cease_v though_o they_o be_v assign_v before_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o take_v on_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o king_n in_o his_o presence_n all_o man_n will_v condemn_v he_o so_o though_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o office_n to_o the_o pope_n yet_o see_v he_o be_v present_a at_o all_o time_n in_o his_o church_n to_o gather_v and_o defend_v it_o the_o general_a government_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v needless_a and_o it_o be_v extreme_a arrogancy_n to_o take_v on_o he_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o presence_n see_v christ_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n 2._o we_o must_v do_v as_o enoch_n gen._n 5._o 22._o walk_n with_o or_o before_o christ_n when_o we_o take_v any_o thing_n in_o hand_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n we_o must_v do_v all_o in_o christ_n presence_n we_o must_v do_v all_o we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v have_v approbation_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n to_o look_v to_o it_o to_o defend_v it_o he_o see_v what_o we_o do_v therefore_o do_v all_o that_o he_o may_v like_v of_o it_o and_o approve_v it_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o we_o must_v have_v direction_n for_o that_o we_o do_v out_o of_o his_o word_n and_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o walk_v before_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v many_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o be_v unblameable_a in_o this_o wicked_a world_n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o christ_n be_v describe_v be_v his_o
mind_n and_o in_o that_o very_a manner_n he_o will_v if_o he_o be_v present_a and_o if_o they_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n they_o shall_v be_v suspect_v of_o unfaithfulnes_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n will_v he_o deliver_v his_o word_n partly_o in_o english_a partly_o in_o latin_a or_o use_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n &_o philosophy_n or_o of_o poet_n and_o sure_o though_o man_n call_v this_o the_o learned_a way_n of_o preach_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o that_o christ_n command_v nay_o if_o this_o be_v admit_v it_o will_v bring_v in_o barbarism_n and_o expel_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o bring_v in_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v among_o the_o schoolman_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o needless_a disputation_n the_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o phrase_n christ_n use_v the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o they_o signify_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o the_o candlestick_n signify_v the_o seven_o church_n but_o be_v so_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o the_o exposition_n in_o the_o sacrament_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v warrant_v and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o as_o the_o papist_n hold_v for_o as_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hold_v that_o these_o be_v seven_o angel_n indeed_o because_o they_o be_v call_v so_o so_o to_o hold_v the_o bread_n be_v real_o transform_v indeed_o into_o christ_n body_n but_o be_v a_o sign_n as_o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n be_v put_v for_o the_o thing_n signify_v this_o bread_n be_v that_o be_v represent_v my_o body_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o verse_n i._n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o the_o four_o action_n of_o christ_n whereby_o john_n describe_v he_o which_o be_v that_o christ_n in_o these_o two_o chapter_n give_v he_o 7._o particular_a commandment_n to_o write_v seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o first_o of_o these_o seven_o particular_a commandment_n be_v in_o this_o first_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o commandment_n follow_v the_o epistle_n itself_o these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o eight_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n this_o word_n be_v two_o way_n use_v first_o it_o signify_v the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v common_o and_o of_o the_o most_o second_o it_o may_v signify_v a_o company_n of_o minister_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n 28._o as_o paul_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o which_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d overseer_n show_v there_o be_v many_o minister_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o this_o word_n angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n as_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o one_o man_n signify_v a_o whole_a multitude_n god_n bid_v moses_n send_v my_o son_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o particular_a he_o note_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n so_o though_o antichrist_n be_v not_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o pope_n 2._o yet_o paul_n call_v he_o that_o antichrist_n and_o that_o child_n of_o perdition_n &_o so_o it_o skill_v not_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o for_o one_o man_n or_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o governor_n in_o this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v two_o point_n first_o the_o intent_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o he_o direct_v his_o letter_n not_o to_o they_o all_o but_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o where_o he_o say_v he_o which_o have_v ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n write_v to_o the_o church_n now_o in_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n he_o intimate_v to_o he_o his_o duty_n first_o that_o he_o must_v especial_o labour_v to_o teach_v the_o particular_a content_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n second_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o teach_v but_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n second_o he_o write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n himself_o because_o he_o especial_o do_v great_a good_a or_o harm_n to_o the_o church_n if_o the_o minister_n be_v good_a there_o come_v much_o good_a if_o he_o be_v evil_a there_o come_v much_o evil_n as_o all_o example_n show_v now_o christ_n write_v for_o this_o cause_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v diligent_a and_o so_o the_o cause_n of_o good_a not_o of_o evil_a the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o christ_n among_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n first_o which_o be_v not_o because_o it_o have_v authority_n above_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o it_o be_v in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n above_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v the_o mother_n city_n for_o they_o be_v all_o candlestick_n and_o all_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o because_o it_o excel_v all_o other_o city_n in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n for_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n first_o to_o this_o church_n by_o which_o he_o show_v that_o those_o church_n town_n and_o people_n which_o excel_v either_o in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n and_o other_o temporal_a gift_n they_o must_v also_o excel_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o man_n in_o particular_a as_o they_o excel_v in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n they_o must_v excel_v other_o in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n so_o then_o each_o town_n must_v as_o it_o excel_v other_o in_o that_o it_o have_v a_o great_a name_n great_a riches_n or_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n go_v before_o other_o which_o want_v they_o if_o they_o excel_v other_o in_o these_o and_o be_v inferior_a in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o man_n too_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o all_o ordinary_a epistle_n have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n now_o the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o end_n and_o intent_n of_o it_o be_v to_o draw_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o reverence_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o christ_n propound_v not_o that_o first_o but_o make_v a_o entrance_n to_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o reverence_n and_o regard_v his_o admonition_n the_o three_o reason_n which_o he_o use_v to_o do_v this_o be_v thus_o frame_v if_o i_o be_v he_o which_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v he_o which_o by_o my_o mighty_a power_n guide_n bless_v protect_v and_o defend_v thou_o and_o thy_o minister_n and_o if_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n that_o be_v be_o always_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o church_n to_o guide_v bless_v and_o protect_v you_o than_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o reverence_v my_o admonition_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la my_o admonition_n must_v be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o preface_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o see_v christ_n repeat_v that_o again_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o show_v this_o be_v a_o most_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learned_a and_o practise_v of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v that_o christ_n he_o be_v present_a in_o his_o church_n &_o be_v present_a by_o his_o special_a providence_n do_v bless_v guide_n and_o protect_v it_o both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o learn_v and_o to_o be_v certain_o persuade_v of_o even_o of_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o providence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v have_v sound_a religion_n &_o this_o stand_v not_o in_o a_o swim_a knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n but_o in_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o heart_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o providence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o all_o duty_n of_o our_o call_n see_v christ_n make_v this_o his_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o admonition_n so_o if_o we_o think_v
and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n and_o withal_o guide_v bless_v and_o protect_v the_o same_o we_o can_v but_o be_v move_v to_o walk_v as_o enoch_n and_o abraham_n do_v with_o god_n even_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o this_o second_o verse_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n 2._o which_o be_v the_o proposition_n which_o contain_v the_o very_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o epistle_n this_o proposition_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n second_o a_o rebuke_n or_o reprehension_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n first_o the_o commendation_n be_v in_o general_a i_o know_v thy_o work_n second_o in_o particular_a for_o particular_a duty_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n some_o expound_v it_o of_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n but_o that_o can_v stand_v but_o when_o he_o say_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v the_o deal_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o affair_n i_o know_v they_o they_o be_v open_a and_o not_o hide_v from_o i_o and_o not_o only_o know_v they_o but_o with_o approbation_n allow_v they_o as_o in_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o four_o verse_n where_o there_o be_v a_o opposition_n though_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v allow_v they_o yet_o i_o find_v fault_n in_o some_o thing_n with_o thou_o whereas_o christ_n he_o know_v use_v that_o be_v approve_v their_o work_n way_n deal_v conversation_n and_o live_n this_o may_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o all_o secret_a and_o hide_a sin_n the_o adulterer_n thief_n and_o murderer_n wait_v for_o the_o night_n when_o they_o think_v none_o see_v they_o than_o they_o may_v as_o they_o think_v practice_v any_o sin_n so_o the_o tradesman_n he_o think_v no_o man_n see_v he_o change_v and_o counterfeit_v his_o ware_n and_o blear_a man_n eye_n think_v all_o be_v well_o and_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v such_o fraud_n deceit_n guile_n and_o injustice_n among_o man_n be_v because_o man_n think_v they_o can_v do_v it_o so_o as_o none_o shall_v see_v they_o they_o say_v god_n regard_v and_o see_v not_o our_o deal_n psal._n 94._o 7._o but_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v that_o though_o they_o can_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o can_v hide_v it_o from_o god_n see_v they_o be_v always_o in_o his_o sight_n this_o will_v make_v man_n make_v conscience_n of_o many_o secret_a corruption_n and_o sin_n in_o their_o heart_n whereas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o approbation_n obiction_n and_o so_o christ_n approve_v of_o their_o work_n some_o may_v ask_v how_o can_v god_n approve_v of_o that_o which_o do_v not_o satisfy_v his_o law_n as_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n do_v not_o answer_n answ._n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o more_o than_o the_o law_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o word_n now_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v and_o unfeigned_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n if_o a_o man_n do_v this_o in_o truth_n the_o lord_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n so_o christ_n here_o he_o approve_v of_o their_o work_n proceed_v from_o a_o pure_a will_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n as_o perfect_a take_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n but_o see_v christ_n approve_v their_o work_n objection_n the_o papist_n may_v argue_v hence_o thus_o if_o god_n approve_v thus_o of_o man_n than_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n if_o they_o have_v none_o than_o a_o man_n may_v fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o this_o life_n answer_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n ans._n christ_n approve_v not_o their_o or_o our_o work_n simple_o but_o in_o part_n as_o they_o be_v his_o work_n proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o be_v fruit_n of_o our_o flesh_n he_o do_v not_o again_o christ_n approve_v they_o with_o pardon_n as_o they_o be_v pardon_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o approve_v he_o can_v not_o approve_v they_o at_o all_o christ_n say_v i_o know_v your_o work_n that_o be_v as_o proceed_v from_o my_o spirit_n and_o as_o pardon_v have_v the_o guilt_n take_v from_o they_o now_o i_o come_v to_o her_o commendation_n particular_o which_o be_v especial_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n in_o who_o the_o first_o thing_n commend_v be_v this_o namely_o labour_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n especial_o in_o the_o minister_n painfulness_n diligence_n and_o labour_n in_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o this_o virtue_n be_v worthy_a of_o commendation_n as_o 1._o tim._n 5._o 17._o he_o which_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o paul_n match_v and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o all_o other_o apostle_n in_o this_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o they_o all_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n commend_v this_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1_o we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o pain_n and_o diligence_n if_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o not_o of_o ease_n and_o idleness_n as_o man_n common_o esteem_v of_o it_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o commend_v it_o above_o all_o other_o work_v in_o the_o ministry_n see_v christ_n commend_v the_o minister_n 2._o in_o be_v painful_a and_o diligent_a in_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n must_v be_v diligent_a in_o learning_n and_o obey_v they_o but_o man_n think_v all_o be_v well_o if_o they_o come_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n though_o they_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o people_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n be_v hear_v without_o profit_n man_n bestow_v all_o pain_n care_n and_o diligence_n in_o worldly_a thing_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o pain_n in_o the_o principal_a namely_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v commend_v of_o christ_n than_o they_o must_v use_v diligence_n take_v pain_n in_o hear_v learning_n and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n must_v labour_v to_o teach_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o people_n ergo_fw-la they_o must_v labour_v to_o obey_v and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o practice_v religion_n and_o as_o paul_n labour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o must_v all_o man_n learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o then_o to_o obey_v and_o practice_v the_o same_o second_o christ_n he_o commend_v their_o patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v worthy_a commendation_n see_v it_o be_v more_o than_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n perform_v jerem._n 20._o be_v exceed_v impatient_a jonah_n be_v school_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n yet_o after_o that_o all_o thing_n fall_v not_o out_o to_o his_o mind_n he_o be_v most_o impatient_a but_o this_o angel_n labour_v and_o withal_o joy_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v so_o must_v minister_n labour_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o because_o the_o cross_n accompany_v the_o gospel_n they_o must_v be_v arm_v against_o persecution_n with_o patience_n they_o must_v endure_v all_o cross_n as_o luke_n 8._o 15._o the_o good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o frutie_a with_o patience_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o patience_n must_v go_v together_o now_o christ_n join_v these_o two_o labour_v in_o his_o call_n and_o patience_n together_o &_o sever_v they_o not_o first_o because_o before_o the_o fall_n man_n can_v do_v all_o his_o duty_n without_o trouble_n with_o ease_n and_o joy_n but_o since_o the_o fall_n we_o be_v corrupt_v can_v do_v nothing_o but_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o we_o and_o god_n set_v this_o mark_n on_o our_o sin_n that_o all_o our_o duty_n shall_v be_v troublesome_a and_o our_o calling_n shall_v have_v cross_n and_o calamity_n join_v with_o they_o second_o because_o as_o the_o minister_n labour_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n so_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o hinder_v they_o and_o to_o stay_v they_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o only_a labour_n but_o be_v diligent_a to_o strive_v with_o patience_n so_o paul_n 1_o thess._n 2._o he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n hinder_v he_o now_o as_o christ_n join_v these_o two_o in_o the_o ministry_n so_o in_o all_o calling_n these_o must_v go_v together_o both_o in_o particular_a calling_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n first_o we_o
must_v know_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n second_o we_o must_v labour_v in_o patience_n to_o practice_v they_o with_o diligence_n and_o withal_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v also_o join_a affliction_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v arm_v with_o patience_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n in_o our_o calling_n we_o must_v though_o affliction_n come_v obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n injoin_v we_o travel_n and_o labour_n in_o our_o calling_n and_o rely_v on_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v we_o in_o our_o calling_n if_o we_o labour_v diligent_o and_o be_v patient_a in_o affliction_n we_o must_v not_o think_v we_o may_v leave_v our_o particular_a calling_n because_o of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n but_o we_o must_v faithful_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o with_o patience_n endure_v affliction_n and_o then_o christ_n shall_v conmmend_v we_o which_o be_v better_o than_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n his_o commendation_n be_v better_a than_o any_o man_n can_v give_v if_o he_o commend_v we_o than_o we_o be_v happy_a though_o all_o man_n speak_v ill_a of_o us._n but_o if_o we_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v our_o calling_n and_o will_v not_o go_v on_o because_o of_o affliction_n but_o leave_v they_o for_o want_n of_o patience_n than_o instead_o of_o commend_v he_o will_v discommend_v and_o disgrace_v we_o and_o then_o what_o will_v it_o help_v we_o though_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o we_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v etc._n etc._n now_o follow_v the_o three_o particular_a work_n or_o virtue_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v wicked_a here_o he_o commend_v her_o severity_n against_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v such_o as_o live_v offensive_o in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n maintain_v any_o manifest_a heresy_n or_o error_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n can_v not_o bear_v such_o but_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o a_o burden_n which_o she_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o seek_v to_o be_v disburden_v of_o hence_o we_o see_v use_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n and_o she_o must_v be_v purge_v of_o they_o so_o in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v practise_v the_o church_n seek_v to_o be_v disburden_v of_o wicked_a man_n as_o when_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n genes_n 4._o the_o lord_n cast_v he_o out_o from_o his_o face_n that_o be_v that_o place_n where_o adam_n &_o his_o family_n assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n so_o say_v jeremy_n the_o wicked_a must_v be_v take_v away_o jer._n 15._o if_o thou_o will_v turn_v and_o separate_v the_o wicked_a &_o the_o vile_a than_o thou_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o lord_n mouth_n 1._o cor._n 5._o where_o the_o incestuous_a person_n must_v be_v give_v unto_o satan_n all_o these_o place_n prove_v that_o wicked_a man_n which_o be_v offensive_a in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n must_v be_v separate_a from_o the_o church_n she_o must_v be_v purge_v of_o they_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o church_n shall_v be_v purge_v of_o these_o wicked_a man_n first_o because_o they_o defile_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o infect_v it_o by_o their_o wickedness_n whereas_o they_o which_o worship_v he_o must_v be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a second_o lest_o the_o church_n be_v defile_v &_o infect_v by_o their_o wicked_a doctrine_n and_o life_n for_o they_o be_v as_o sour_a leaven_n which_o will_v soon_o infect_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o dough_n by_o this_o we_o see_v a_o manifest_a and_o common_a fault_n in_o our_o church_n use_v wherein_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o only_o suffer_v to_o live_v but_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v as_o though_o they_o be_v good_a yea_o though_o many_o of_o they_o want_v knowledge_n be_v contemner_n of_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n many_o be_v taint_v with_o drunkenness_n and_o vice_n which_o accompany_v that_o 〈◊〉_d but_o such_o as_o want_v knowledge_n or_o be_v wicked_a man_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n therefore_o we_o must_v seek_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o disburden_v the_o church_n of_o they_o second_o see_v they_o seek_v to_o be_v disburden_v of_o they_o we_o see_v christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n judicial_a power_n to_o disburden_v herself_o of_o wicked_a man_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n she_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o but_o seek_v to_o be_v disburden_v which_o she_o will_v not_o unless_o christ_n have_v give_v her_o power_n to_o do_v it_o object_n but_o some_o hold_n that_o wicked_a man_n must_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o must_v be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o mark_n 13._o 30._o the_o tare_n must_v be_v alone_o till_o the_o end_n answer_n but_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v purge_v by_o magistrate_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a purge_n in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o that_o not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o angel_n 2._o object_n luke_n 14._o 13._o christ_n bid_v they_o compel_v all_o in_o the_o high_a way_n now_o if_o all_o must_v be_v compel_v than_o none_o must_v be_v exempt_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n answ._n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o compel_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o must_v come_v and_o hear_v that_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o man_n wicked_a and_o offensive_a may_v not_o be_v suspend_v bar_v and_o excommunicate_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o salvation_n which_o must_v be_v give_v to_o they_o only_o which_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n quest._n see_v wicked_a man_n must_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n hence_o a_o question_n arise_v how_o far_o forth_o a_o man_n may_v converse_v with_o they_o and_o keep_v company_n with_o they_o which_o be_v offensive_a in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n answ._n evil_a man_n must_v be_v consider_v first_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n town_n or_o city_n second_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o toleration_n now_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n city_n or_o town_n we_o may_v converse_v with_o they_o in_o outward_a thing_n and_o civil_a affair_n as_o buy_v sell_v etc._n etc._n we_o may_v make_v outward_a civil_a peace_n with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v wicked_a as_o paul_n bid_v we_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o society_n wherein_o we_o live_v in_o this_o civil_a society_n we_o may_v perform_v outward_a civil_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o civil_a courtesy_n tit._n 3._o 2._o 2_o as_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o may_v live_v in_o it_o with_o he_o for_o we_o may_v not_o because_o of_o he_o leave_v that_o church_n but_o still_o live_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o so_o christ_n though_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o doctor_n be_v wicked_a man_n in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n hypocrite_n yet_o he_o live_v still_o among_o they_o but_o so_o as_o we_o see_v their_o wicked_a life_n allow_v not_o of_o it_o but_o be_v grieve_v with_o it_o as_o the_o sodomite_n grieve_v the_o righteous_a heart_n of_o lot_n nay_o although_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o minister_n yet_o we_o must_v and_o may_v continue_v among_o they_o in_o the_o church_n so_o do_v christ_n he_o live_v among_o the_o jew_n communicate_v among_o they_o in_o eat_v of_o the_o passeover_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n among_o they_o though_o they_o be_v corrupt_a in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o thy_o conscience_n be_v good_a it_o can_v be_v defile_v by_o another_o man_n ill_a conscience_n yet_o though_o we_o may_v do_v these_o thing_n with_o they_o yet_o two_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a first_o we_o must_v have_v no_o private_a or_o familiar_a company_n with_o they_o 1._o cor._n 5._o the_o ten_o and_o eleven_o verse_n second_o no_o special_a familiarity_n we_o must_v not_o bar_v they_o of_o general_a duty_n but_o of_o special_a familiarity_n only_o for_o by_o that_o mean_v a_o man_n do_v not_o only_o countenance_v their_o person_n but_o allow_v of_o their_o sin_n this_o then_o condemn_v they_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n use_v that_o they_o can_v fit_v and_o frame_v themselves_o to_o all_o company_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o disposition_n of_o any_o company_n but_o if_o there_o be_v
any_o open_o wicked_a in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v any_o private_a company_n with_o he_o show_v he_o no_o special_a familiarity_n but_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o as_o burden_n to_o us._n and_o have_v examine_v they_o this_o sharp_a deal_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v 2_o part_n the_o first_o be_v examination_n the_o second_o condemnation_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n the_o first_o part_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n the_o second_o the_o oppose_a of_o herself_o against_o they_o be_v discover_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n teach_v two_o point_n first_o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o it_o special_a grace_n and_o wisdom_n a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o discern_v 1._o cor._n 2._o 15._o 1._o cor._n 11._o spiritual_a man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v of_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o blood_n between_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a bread_n and_o wine_n 2._o cor._n 13._o prove_v yourselves_o show_v that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v power_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v faith_n or_o not_o 1._o joh._n 5._o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o she_o have_v power_n to_o discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n and_o by_o this_o gift_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n no_o society_n save_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v this_o gift_n to_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o error_n true_a apostle_n and_o false_a apostle_n second_o we_o gather_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v whether_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o some_o man_n it_o please_v to_o call_v this_o to_o question_n nay_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church_n in_o england_n but_o call_v it_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o ministry_n in_o it_o no_o word_n no_o sacrament_n now_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o we_o in_o england_n and_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n in_o scotland_n &_o other_o evangelicall_a and_o reform_a church_n judge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v so_o though_o they_o deny_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rather_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o or_o many_o particular_a true_a church_n then_o of_o any_o one_o private_a or_o of_o many_o man_n yea_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o false_a apostle_n it_o have_v also_o power_n to_o judge_v of_o scripture_n to_o judge_v which_o book_n be_v canonical_a which_o be_v not_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v be_v false_a that_o the_o church_n indeed_o can_v judge_v but_o as_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o their_o church_n this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v this_o power_n long_o before_o rome_n be_v in_o such_o name_n nay_o it_o be_v in_o this_o time_n of_o john_n of_o far_o great_a name_n than_o rome_n and_o more_o famous_a and_o excellent_a the_o second_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discovery_n of_o false_a apostle_n consist_v in_o what_o this_o judicial_a action_n stand_v which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n it_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o condemnation_n of_o they_o after_o examination_n for_o the_o first_o he_o say_v and_o have_v examine_v for_o the_o second_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n to_o come_v to_o this_o examination_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v a_o gift_n of_o examination_n question_n and_o do_v examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o their_o doctrine_n but_o how_o may_v a_o particular_a church_n examine_v a_o false_a apostle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n answer_n to_o do_v this_o the_o man_n or_o church_n which_o will_v do_v it_o must_v first_o prepare_v themselves_o and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o examine_v and_o in_o this_o preparation_n must_v have_v a_o humble_a heart_n and_o lowly_a spirit_n for_o god_n reveal_v not_o his_o will_n to_o proud_a man_n such_o as_o have_v high_a mind_n in_o their_o conceit_n and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o he_o must_v clean_o renounce_v his_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o his_o own_o reason_n if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n after_o this_o preparation_n he_o must_v make_v prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o spirit_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v the_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v open_v his_o eye_n by_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o judge_v of_o truth_n &_o falsehood_n luk._n 11._o jam._n 1._o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o must_v labour_v thorough_o to_o know_v and_o well_o to_o conceive_v of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n he_o must_v seek_v to_o understand_v they_o their_o ground_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n to_o propound_v a_o man_n error_n and_o not_o in_o that_o meaning_n he_o propound_v it_o or_o give_v it_o they_o must_v further_o prove_v and_o try_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o do_v this_o he_o must_v come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o the_o matter_n not_o a_o dumb_a letter_n as_o the_o papist_n hold_v but_o the_o true_a judge_n in_o all_o matter_n and_o most_o sufficient_a esa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o joh._n 5._o search_v the_o scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n must_v be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o matter_n he_o must_v give_v sentence_n and_o no_o angel_n saint_n or_o man_n now_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o write_a word_n therefore_o they_o must_v search_v whether_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o can_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v collect_v out_o of_o they_o they_o must_v after_o all_o this_o look_n to_o their_o life_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o false_a apostle_n shall_v lead_v a_o good_a life_n we_o must_v look_v on_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o for_o though_o he_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o his_o life_n be_v well_o sift_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o mat._n 7._o christ_n bid_v we_o try_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n a_o bad_a tree_n can_v bring_v good_a fruit_n but_o if_o a_o man_n try_v and_o taste_v they_o though_o they_o appear_v beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v but_o hypocritical_a and_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v descry_v by_o this_o one_o mark_n by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o they_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n they_o have_v live_v answerable_a they_o can_v but_o live_v according_o there_o be_v never_o any_o which_o be_v a_o famous_a heretic_n in_o the_o church_n but_o his_o life_n be_v stain_v with_o monstrous_a sin_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o discovery_n be_v condemnation_n or_o sentence_n against_o they_o for_o after_o she_o have_v examine_v they_o &_o find_v they_o not_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v she_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n note_v she_o call_v they_o liar_n use_v sharp_a speech_n and_o yet_o sin_v not_o see_v christ_n commend_v she_o so_o minister_n to_o show_v their_o hatred_n against_o vice_n may_v use_v sharp_a speech_n not_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_v but_o only_o to_o show_v our_o hatred_n and_o mislike_v of_o sin_n so_o john_n baptist_n call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n paul_n the_o galatian_n fool_n in_o that_o she_o call_v they_o liar_n doctrine_n it_o show_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o speak_v false_o and_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v untrue_a second_o that_o they_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n to_o hurt_v and_o deceive_v the_o church_n for_o these_o three_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o liar_n again_o here_o we_o see_v that_o which_o paul_n act._n 20._o foretell_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o be_v fulfil_v that_o among_o the_o ephesian_n shall_v arise_v liar_n on_o they_o which_o profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o again_o if_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v yet_o alive_a dare_v so_o take_v on_o they_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n and_o be_v none_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n dare_v six_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o take_v this_o upon_o he_o and_o say_v he_o be_v peter_n successor_n to_o take_v on_o he_o apostolical_a power_n
to_o allow_v of_o those_o book_n for_o canonical_a which_o be_v not_o and_o to_o make_v they_o as_o pure_a scripture_n which_o be_v only_o apocrypha_fw-la and_o thou_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o former_a word_n be_v the_o first_o part_n namely_o of_o her_o severity_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n which_o be_v after_o their_o discovery_n to_o oppose_v herself_o against_o false_a apostle_n how_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_n first_o of_o the_o word_n thou_o have_v suffer_v or_o as_o well_o thou_o have_v bear_v as_o 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 these_o burden_n be_v trouble_n which_o these_o false_a apostle_n cause_v after_o they_o be_v discover_v first_o open_a injury_n and_o persecution_n second_o the_o spread_a of_o damnable_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n report_v that_o these_o false_a apostle_n be_v such_o as_o cerinthus_n ebeon_n martion_n and_o such_o like_a now_o in_o these_o word_n we_o note_v use_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o even_o the_o best_a church_n shall_v be_v trouble_v by_o false_a apostle_n teach_v heretical_a doctrine_n and_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o become_v great_a burden_n to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n suffer_v for_o weighty_a cause_n first_o these_o false_a apostle_n must_v be_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o true_a imbracer_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o more_o to_o embrace_v and_o love_v the_o same_o as_o jude_n exhort_v the_o true_a believer_n to_o fight_v for_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o the_o more_o religion_n be_v oppress_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o maintain_v it_o second_o that_o professor_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a or_o not_o 1._o cor._n 11._o 19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n etc._n etc._n three_o that_o god_n may_v exercise_v his_o judgement_n on_o the_o wicked_a and_o hypocrite_n for_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n &_o to_o receive_v their_o false_a doctrine_n 2._o thess._n 2._o 11._o see_v the_o lord_n suffer_v his_o best_a church_n to_o be_v trouble_v with_o false_a apostle_n 2._o and_o that_o for_o most_o weighty_a cause_n we_o must_v not_o be_v offend_v because_o we_o see_v dissension_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n which_o proceed_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o wicked_a erroneous_a and_o heretical_a man_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v such_o to_o live_v in_o his_o church_n to_o make_v his_o own_o servant_n to_o love_v he_o more_o to_o try_v who_o be_v sound_a professor_n and_o to_o bring_v judgement_n on_o the_o wicked_a these_o shall_v not_o make_v we_o discourage_v but_o more_o to_o love_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n now_o after_o the_o deal_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n be_v set_v down_o the_o deal_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n against_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n oppose_v herself_o against_o they_o thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n that_o be_v thou_o have_v bear_v a_o burden_n by_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o persecution_n and_o have_v patience_n to_o bear_v they_o object_n but_o how_o can_v trouble_n persecution_n and_o patience_n stand_v together_o for_o trouble_n be_v against_o man_n nature_n and_o make_v they_o fret_v and_o be_v impatient_a against_o god_n &_o man_n ans._n these_o stand_v together_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n rom._n 5._o 4._o tribulation_n bring_v patience_n and_o they_o stand_v thus_o together_o to_o he_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n god_n give_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n shed_v his_o love_n in_o his_o heart_n &_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n give_v he_o a_o special_a taste_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o thus_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n they_o which_o be_v most_o trouble_v be_v withal_o most_o patient_a so_o trouble_n and_o patience_n may_v be_v together_o and_o have_v patience_n here_o be_v the_o first_o way_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v herself_o against_o false_a apostle_n and_o their_o deal_n which_o be_v double_a first_o injury_n and_o persecution_n second_o false_a doctrine_n heretical_a and_o damnable_a teach_n now_o by_o patience_n she_o oppose_v herself_o to_o both_o these_o so_o the_o only_a way_n to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o persecutor_n such_o as_o injury_n or_o wrong_v we_o be_v patience_n whereby_o we_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a overcome_v and_o win_v they_o to_o christ._n this_o shall_v be_v our_o mean_n to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o in_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o in_o judgement_n and_o doctrine_n not_o to_o return_v injury_n for_o injury_n and_o wrong_v for_o wrong_n but_o to_o have_v patience_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v bear_v their_o sin_n but_o their_o wrong_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v here_o be_v the_o second_o mean_n how_o she_o oppose_v herself_o against_o their_o spread_n of_o damnable_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o second_o way_n how_o they_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o she_o have_v labour_v that_o be_v take_v much_o pain_n for_o my_o name_n that_o be_v my_o glory_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o maintain_v my_o glory_n and_o true_a religion_n thou_o have_v take_v as_o great_a pain_n as_o they_o do_v to_o broach_v heresy_n and_o so_o thou_o have_v oppose_v thyself_o against_o they_o here_o then_o be_v our_o second_o way_n to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o damnable_a heresy_n of_o wicked_a man_n use_v we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v this_o so_o then_o every_o man_n shall_v labour_v for_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o this_o labour_n be_v double_a partly_o of_o the_o minister_n partly_o of_o the_o people_n concern_v minister_n the_o minister_n first_o labour_n must_v be_v by_o study_v and_o read_v the_o word_n to_o furnish_v himself_o with_o sufficient_a knowledge_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o cause_n s._n john_n revelation_n 11._o must_v eat_v the_o book_n that_o be_v by_o study_n &_o meditation_n have_v it_o in_o his_o hart_n and_o mind_n to_o digest_v it_o well_o psal._n 2._o 7._o the_o priest_n lip_n must_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n must_v seek_v it_o at_o his_o mouth_n second_o he_o must_v deliver_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o people_n and_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n so_o do_v paul_n act._n 20._o he_o keep_v nothing_o back_o but_o deliver_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n three_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v and_o labour_n to_o discern_v false_a teacher_n to_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o know_v they_o but_o make_v the_o church_n to_o know_v they_o tit._n 1._o he_o must_v convince_v false_a teacher_n and_o then_o discern_v and_o discover_v they_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v by_o two_o thing_n first_o by_o convince_a and_o descry_v their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n second_o by_o reprove_v their_o wicked_a life_n so_o christ_n note_v the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o their_o misinterpret_v the_o law_n second_o their_o hypocritical_a life_n so_o paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n note_v wicked_a man_n error_n and_o then_o their_o bad_a life_n four_o he_o must_v labour_v that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n may_v edify_v and_o take_v fruit_n in_o man_n heart_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o preach_n and_o teach_v 1._o cor._n 14._o five_o he_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n in_o his_o own_o person_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v his_o example_n to_o follow_v which_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o obey_v the_o word_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o contemn_v the_o word_n six_o he_o must_v make_v petition_n to_o god_n that_o his_o particular_a church_n may_v hold_v receive_v &_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v so_o paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v his_o doctrine_n now_o as_o the_o minister_n use_v so_o the_o people_n also_o must_v labour_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n every_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n must_v labour_v to_o know_v &_o understand_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o word_n christ_n bid_v we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o repent_v therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v
man_n from_o evil_a action_n and_o affection_n to_o renew_a affection_n and_o renew_a action_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o the_o common_a description_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o good_a in_o that_o they_o say_v it_o stand_v in_o contrition_n which_o be_v sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o may_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o repentance_n godly_a sorrow_n indeed_o cause_v repentance_n but_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o cor._n 7._o 9_o 10._o or_o else_o that_o be_v if_o you_o will_v not_o practice_v that_o remedy_n to_o wit_n renew_v your_o former_a love_n and_o repentance_n i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o a_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n he_o come_v when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n to_o they_o by_o show_v mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n come_v to_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o peter_n say_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n 19_o second_o he_o come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n so_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n i_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o father_n sin_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o their_o child_n and_o will_v punish_v they_o so_o here_o if_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o he_o will_v come_v to_o she_o to_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n not_o mercy_n out_o of_o this_o first_o general_n threaten_v 1._o we_o may_v learn_v this_o one_o thing_n when_o any_o people_n or_o church_n live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n or_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n he_o than_o prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o they_o in_o judgement_n amos_n 4._o 12._o he_o will_v punish_v they_o because_o they_o return_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o lay_v in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o meet_v he_o this_o we_o must_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o our_o church_n and_o people_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v our_o sin_n we_o have_v decay_v in_o our_o first_o love_n since_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n first_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n and_o beside_o these_o sin_n we_o lie_v in_o many_o fearful_a sin_n atheism_n now_o abound_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o practice_n contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o what_o man_n be_v it_o that_o prepare_v to_o meet_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o he_o may_v just_o say_v we_o do_v decay_n in_o love_n that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o for_o these_o sin_n in_o judgement_n in_o plague_n and_o punishment_n and_o so_o be_v he_o come_v at_o this_o day_n it_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o sin_n he_o will_v sure_o come_v thus_o then_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o repent_v if_o we_o will_v not_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v come_v and_o that_o short_o and_o remove_v his_o gospel_n he_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n to_o destroy_v us._n the_o second_o threaten_v be_v more_o particular_a i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n here_o he_o show_v in_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o namely_o to_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o candlestick_n then_o when_o he_o say_v he_o will_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n he_o mean_v his_o word_n and_o gospel_n take_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n from_o she_o and_o so_o make_v she_o become_v of_o a_o church_n no_o church_n and_o have_v remove_v the_o gospel_n will_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o send_v ignorance_n and_o blindness_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o continue_v still_o in_o thy_o sin_n in_o this_o second_o threaten_v note_n three_o thing_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n second_o the_o church_n and_o people_n three_o every_o private_a man_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n if_o he_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n if_o he_o continue_v and_o lie_v in_o his_o sin_n or_o any_o one_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o office_n and_o calling_n and_o of_o his_o gift_n for_o this_o be_v especial_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n jer._n 15._o end_n the_o prophet_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n partly_o by_o fear_n partly_o by_o want_n of_o patience_n then_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v a_o prophet_n to_o jeremy_n tell_v he_o that_o unless_o he_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o repent_v the_o lord_n will_v make_v he_o no_o prophet_n so_o that_o in_o he_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o minister_n that_o if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n to_o remain_v they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n decay_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o religion_n for_o then_o their_o calling_n and_o gift_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n so_o especial_o for_o minister_n they_o must_v especial_o renew_v it_o see_v that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o continue_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v concern_v a_o church_n or_o people_n if_o any_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o his_o word_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n they_o then_o procure_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n to_o take_v from_o they_o his_o word_n the_o gospel_n and_o true_a religion_n ose._n 9_o 7._o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o man_n of_o spirit_n be_v mad_a a_o heavy_a judgement_n whereof_o come_v this_o he_o say_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a and_o become_v mad_a if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o fear_n that_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o for_o in_o most_o man_n there_o be_v great_a decay_n in_o love_n see_v religion_n be_v hate_v and_o contemn_v of_o most_o man_n therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o fear_v and_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o must_v needs_o remove_v his_o word_n take_v his_o gospel_n away_o if_o we_o meet_v he_o not_o with_o repentance_n for_o he_o in_o justice_n give_v man_n to_o believe_v lie_n when_o as_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o truth_n and_o gospel_n be_v so_o long_o among_o they_o our_o duty_n then_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n by_o hearty_a and_o true_a repentance_n the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n every_o private_a christian_a now_o a_o day_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n lie_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o etc._n etc._n now_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o particular_a gift_n for_o as_o a_o man_n love_n decay_v his_o knowledge_n decay_v and_o so_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o love_n to_o it_o wax_v cold_a in_o a_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v all_o the_o wheel_n stand_v if_o it_o go_v soft_o or_o swift_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o wheel_n go_v according_o so_o if_o our_o love_n be_v increase_v our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o if_o our_o love_n decay_v our_o knowledge_n our_o understanding_n in_o religion_n decay_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o ancient_a folk_n because_o they_o lose_v their_o love_n heb._n 4._o 12._o first_o we_o be_v deceive_v by_o sin_n second_o our_o heart_n be_v harden_v three_o we_o call_v into_o question_n religion_n 4._o we_o set_v ourselves_o against_o religion_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o it_o so_o that_o decay_n in_o grace_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o apostasy_n then_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n we_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n not_o live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n neither_o decay_n in_o love_n knowledge_n or_o affection_n to_o religion_n some_o gather_v hence_o that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v final_o and_o whole_o for_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v much_o more_o one_o man_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o a_o whole_a church_n for_o a_o church_n stand_v of_o a_o mix_a company_n good_a and_o bad_a sheep_n and_o goat_n corn_n and_o chaff_n wheat_n and_o tare_n now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o wicked_a may_v
member_n we_o must_v hate_v that_o he_o hate_v love_v that_o he_o love_v &_o so_o show_v that_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o member_n of_o christ._n ob._n christ_n he_o hate_v wicked_a man_n why_o then_o suffer_v he_o they_o to_o live_v &_o destroy_v they_o not_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o church_n answ._n he_o suffer_v they_o for_o just_a cause_n for_o he_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a light_a out_o of_o darkness_n he_o can_v turn_v that_o which_o be_v most_o wicked_a in_o itself_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o child_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n then_o no_o marvel_v though_o he_o suffer_v they_o which_o he_o hate_v let_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o verse_n christ_n infer_v this_o conclusion_n upon_o the_o former_a word_n it_o contain_v in_o it_o two_o part_n the_o first_o a_o commandment_n the_o second_o a_o promise_n a_o commandment_n let_v he_o that_o have_v ear_n etc._n etc._n a_o promise_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n for_o to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v of_o the_o tree_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o conclusion_n serve_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o former_a thing_n christ_n teach_v she_o in_o the_o commandment_n be_v three_o thing_n the_o first_o who_o be_v command_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n second_o what_o be_v command_v namely_o to_o hear_v three_o the_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v the_o party_n command_v to_o hear_v be_v describe_v they_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n that_o be_v which_o can_v hear_v mat._n 13._o christ_n expound_v it_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v that_o be_v a_o hear_v ear_n he_o must_v hear_v and_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o word_n by_o this_o we_o see_v there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o hearer_n one_o be_v a_o deaf_a hearer_n not_o have_v a_o hear_n ear_n as_o those_o which_o bring_v outward_a and_o bodily_a ear_n to_o the_o word_n but_o not_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o hart_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n they_o can_v obey_v that_o they_o hear_v second_o there_o be_v a_o hear_v hearer_n who_o not_o only_o hear_v with_o the_o outward_a ear_n of_o the_o body_n but_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n pierce_v and_o touch_v have_v new_a ear_n make_v by_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v he_o which_o bring_v both_o the_o ear_n his_o head_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n who_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o believe_v the_o word_n hear_v such_o a_o ear_n have_v david_n the_o lord_n god_n bore_v his_o ear_n and_o make_v he_o new_a ear_n even_o ear_n of_o heart_n my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o have_v new_a ear_n he_o answer_v the_o lord_n lo_o i_o come_v 6._o his_o heart_n hear_v the_o lord_n such_o ear_n have_v isaiah_n send_v i_o such_o have_v lydia_n 17._o her_o ear_n be_v open_v and_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o paul_n word_n the_o lord_n give_v her_o new_a ear_n see_v christ_n make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n on_o earth_n than_o grace_n be_v not_o universal_a save_v grace_n be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o he_o if_o he_o will_v may_v hear_v and_o have_v salvation_n for_o there_o must_v be_v some_o deaf_a hearer_n as_o well_o as_o hear_v hearer_n then_o all_o can_v hear_v nor_o have_v eternal_a life_n see_v all_o can_v come_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o hear_v nay_o though_o god_n admit_v all_o into_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o give_v not_o grace_n to_o every_o one_o to_o hear_v so_o that_o he_o become_v a_o profitable_a hearer_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v by_o hear_v mat._n 13._o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o to_o know_v not_o to_o other_o note_v that_o some_o only_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v to_o know_v his_o will_n and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o same_o see_v the_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o hear_v hearer_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o become_v such_o to_o become_v good_a hearer_n not_o to_o bring_v only_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o only_o ear_n of_o our_o body_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o ear_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n and_o never_o think_v ourselves_o well_o till_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o hear_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o we_o hear_v &_o can_v affect_v the_o same_o and_o be_v change_v and_o turn_v by_o it_o josiah_n hear_v the_o law_n and_o that_o not_o with_o bodily_a ear_n but_o with_o his_o heart_n so_o that_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n according_o david_n psalm_n 26._o god_n bid_v he_o seek_v he_o he_o have_v his_o ear_n bore_v anew_o make_v answer_v lord_n i_o will_v seek_v thy_o face_n take_v heed_n then_o of_o deaf_a ear_n when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o not_o profit_v by_o it_o be_v not_o change_v in_o life_n for_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o man_n hear_v shall_v not_o hear_v nor_o obey_v and_o be_v better_v by_o that_o they_o hear_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v our_o common_a hear_n for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o come_v bring_v our_o bodily_a ear_n to_o the_o word_n but_o our_o heart_n harken_v not_o they_o obey_v not_o that_o we_o hear_v but_o we_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a and_o as_o full_a of_o sin_n as_o ever_o and_o that_o after_o long_o hear_v which_o show_v we_o be_v indeed_o deaf_a hearer_n the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n and_o with_o attention_n to_o add_v faith_n repentance_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v good_a hearer_n than_o we_o must_v hear_v so_o as_o we_o be_v change_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o learn_v to_o believe_v in_o christ._n eph._n 4._o 21._o and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o practise_v and_o obey_v so_o much_o we_o learn_v for_o we_o hear_v no_o further_o than_o we_o obey_v then_o see_v we_o must_v so_o hear_v the_o word_n we_o must_v suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o alter_v labour_v to_o obey_v the_o word_n and_o to_o be_v change_v by_o it_o and_o except_o we_o thus_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o to_o we_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n but_o of_o death_n and_o as_o the_o good_a hear_n be_v the_o ready_a mean_n to_o salvation_n so_o the_o deaf_a hear_n be_v to_o destruction_n the_o three_o point_n which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v hear_v with_o attention_n faith_n &_o obedience_n be_v repentance_n for_o our_o want_n and_o sin_n for_o of_o that_o christ_n speak_v afore_o then_o this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o they_o for_o else_o christ_n will_v not_o have_v add_v these_o word_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n who_o have_v show_v they_o their_o want_n and_o the_o remedy_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o 〈◊〉_d sin_n he_o add_v this_o caveat_n which_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o personal_a want_n use_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o for_o the_o omit_v of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o prevent_n and_o turn_v away_o of_o god_n judgement_n and_o as_o private_a man_n of_o their_o personal_a sin_n so_o must_v country_n &_o city_n in_o general_a remember_v their_o want_n &_o sin_n and_o do_v their_o first_o work_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v two_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o hear_v the_o first_o because_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o trinity_n the_o second_o because_o he_o speak_v not_o to_o one_o or_o two_o but_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o one_o ob._n but_o how_o can_v the_o spirit_n speak_v these_o word_n see_v christ_n speak_v they_o ans._n both_o may_v stand_v for_o all_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o and_o see_v this_o to_o teach_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n it_o belong_v to_o
all_o three_o and_o that_o the_o father_n do_v the_o son_n do_v and_o what_o the_o son_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o father_n do_v in_o outward_a action_n second_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n teach_v not_o bodily_a but_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o christ_n be_v at_o his_o father_n right_a hand_n send_v his_o comforter_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o he_o teach_v we_o we_o see_v how_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n sin_v in_o that_o they_o will_v have_v a_o judge_n which_o must_v speak_v for_o christ_n he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v but_o be_v as_o a_o dumb_a judge_n therefore_o the_o church_n that_o be_v man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v be_v judge_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o christ_n he_o be_v judge_v alone_o of_o they_o the_o church_n be_v a_o instrument_n only_o and_o can_v give_v sentence_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o any_o doubt_n whatsoever_o 2_o faith_n be_v no_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o a_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v 2_o distinct_a part_n of_o christianity_n the_o first_o a_o sermon_n believe_v and_o repent_v where_o repentance_n follow_v faith_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o it_o three_o obedience_n be_v no_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o a_o cause_n thereof_o ergo_fw-la repentance_n stand_v not_o in_o these_o three_o property_n neither_o be_v all_o one_o with_o regeneration_n for_o this_o go_v before_o they_o for_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o repentance_n but_o regeneration_n be_v before_o godly_a sorrow_n ergo_fw-la before_o repentance_n too_o the_o second_o point_n be_v how_o we_o must_v practice_v repentance_n this_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o true_a humiliation_n second_o true_a reformation_n of_o life_n humiliation_n stand_v in_o confess_v our_o sin_n misery_n and_o want_n and_o in_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o they_o and_o in_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o pardon_n reformation_n be_v the_o change_n of_o our_o bad_a action_n to_o good_a and_o if_o need_v require_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o man_n david_n psal._n 32._o first_o humble_v himself_o second_o he_o pray_v for_o pardon_n and_o withal_o promise_v reformation_n of_o life_n manasses_n fall_v from_o god_n but_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n &_o humble_v himself_o 2._o cron._n 33._o 12._o so_o the_o prodigal_a son_n and_o david_n in_o all_o these_o psalm_n of_o repentance_n humble_v himself_o psal._n 32._o 38._o 51._o 130._o 143._o 77._o and_o so_o must_v we_o do_v if_o we_o true_o repent_v then_o we_o see_v the_o damnable_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o make_v repentance_n stand_v in_o contrition_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n satisfaction_n for_o a_o man_n may_v do_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o reprobate_n so_o do_v judas_n he_o have_v contrition_n confess_v his_o sin_n make_v satisfaction_n and_o yet_o his_o repentance_n be_v not_o true_a repentance_n another_o abuse_n be_v that_o they_o make_v contrition_n a_o part_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o grace_n but_o may_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o grace_n beside_o to_o confess_v all_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n be_v a_o gibbet_n to_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o more_o than_o god_n himself_o require_v last_o of_o all_o to_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n must_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n the_o three_o point_n be_v who_o command_v this_o it_o be_v christ._n now_o some_o out_o of_o these_o word_n gather_v that_o god_n give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o man_n to_o repent_v if_o they_o will_v for_o say_v they_o if_o he_o command_v repentance_n and_o yet_o some_o can_v than_o he_o but_o mock_n they_o and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v bid_v one_o bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n to_o rise_v and_o walk_v ans._n the_o lord_n give_v not_o that_o commandment_n to_o every_o particular_a man_n but_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o some_o people_n which_o shall_v become_v a_o church_n and_o then_o he_o do_v it_o to_o gather_v the_o elect_a now_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v elect_a and_o reprobate_a now_o this_o commandment_n to_o repent_v be_v give_v to_o the_o elect_a direct_o but_o to_o the_o reprobate_n by_o consequence_n as_o they_o be_v among_o the_o elect_a in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o both_o for_o diverse_a end_n first_o to_o the_o elect_a to_o show_v they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v not_o their_o ability_n what_o they_o can_v do_v second_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o outward_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o when_o he_o give_v they_o this_o commandment_n he_o be_v present_a by_o his_o spirit_n phil._n 2._o 12._o he_o bid_v they_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n but_o add_v god_n give_v the_o will_n &_o the_o deed_n show_v that_o god_n give_v that_o commandment_n be_v present_a by_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v in_o they_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o now_o the_o wicked_a be_v in_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o commandment_n not_o direct_o neither_o to_o those_o end_n but_o first_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o outward_a civil_a order_n second_o to_o make_v they_o without_o excuse_n but_o whereas_o they_o reason_v thus_o if_o christ_n command_v all_o to_o repent_v than_o all_o have_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o repent_v but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la ans._n the_o first_o part_n be_v false_a unless_o it_o be_v restrain_v thus_o if_o he_o command_v to_o this_o very_a end_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o practice_v it_o for_o he_o give_v commandment_n to_o some_o not_o that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o but_o as_o to_o pharaoh_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n for_o the_o second_o part_n that_o he_o give_v commandment_n to_o all_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o give_v it_o only_o to_o the_o elect_a direct_o because_o he_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a by_o consequence_n as_o they_o be_v mingle_v in_o the_o church_n with_o his_o own_o child_n the_o four_o point_n be_v who_o must_v repent_v namely_o the_o angel_n and_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n ob._n but_o they_o have_v repent_v before_o how_o then_o do_v he_o bid_v they_o repent_v again_o ans._n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o repentance_n one_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o other_o be_v the_o renew_n of_o it_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o two_o stand_v the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a first_o to_o begin_v to_o repent_v when_o he_o be_v true_o call_v and_o second_o in_o continue_v and_o renew_v it_o daily_o as_o he_o often_o fall_v if_o we_o have_v begin_v by_o god_n grace_n we_o must_v not_o stay_v there_o but_o go_v on_o and_o be_v renew_a every_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o he_o shall_v see_v in_o himself_o daily_o new_a sin_n slip_n and_o want_n for_o which_o he_o must_v have_v renew_v repentance_n then_o see_v we_o daily_o increase_v our_o sin_n use_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o lie_v not_o or_o continue_v in_o sin_n without_o this_o repentance_n for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o conden_v for_o sin_n as_o for_o lie_v in_o sin_n this_o if_o a_o man_n repent_v bring_v not_o condemation_n but_o lie_v in_o sin_n do_v then_o above_o all_o thing_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o &_o let_v we_o daily_a labour_n to_o know_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o want_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o &_o pray_v for_o pardon_v 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o i_o beseech_v you_o say_v paul_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n they_o be_v reconcile_v before_o for_o they_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v but_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o labour_n to_o be_v more_o assure_v of_o their_o justification_n and_o to_o have_v a_o more_o full_a and_o sensible_a feel_n of_o it_o and_o that_o because_o their_o apprehension_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n be_v but_o sin_n all_o the_o like_a must_v be_v have_v of_o us._n the_o five_o point_n be_v why_o or_o for_o what_o cause_n namely_o for_o their_o decay_n in_o love_n especial_o and_o other_o want_n christ_n prescribe_v to_o they_o repentance_n not_o that_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o so_o christ_n preach_v to_o we_o by_o his_o minister_n to_o repent_v of_o this_o decay_n in_o love_n if_o we_o have_v have_v love_n and_o feel_v it_o now_o decay_a we_o must_v repent_v if_o we_o have_v not_o than_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v it_o and_o christ_n we_o see_v give_v a_o large_a commandment_n not_o for_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n theft_n or_o such_o gross_a sin_n but_o even_o for_o their_o decay_n in_o love_n want_v of_o knowledge_n faith_n fear_n etc._n
etc._n the_o common_a people_n be_v of_o the_o pharisy_n and_o justiciaries_n mind_n that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n see_v they_o live_v civil_o not_o taint_v with_o horrible_a and_o gross_a sin_n but_o we_o must_v repent_v for_o other_o sin_n as_o want_v of_o knowledge_n love_n obedience_n &c_n &c_n otherwise_o we_o can_v true_o repent_v now_o if_o we_o must_v repent_v of_o all_o sin_n much_o more_o of_o notorious_a sin_n as_o of_o atheism_n which_o now_o abound_v and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o pride_n in_o apparel_n contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o increase_v in_o all_o place_n for_o want_n of_o mercy_n for_o cruelty_n and_o for_o those_o sin_n which_o can_v soon_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o us._n now_o the_o remedy_n be_v to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n to_o return_v to_o their_o first_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o to_o man_n this_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n see_v this_o repentance_n never_o perish_v or_o decay_v but_o must_v be_v ever_o renew_v so_o then_o he_o will_v have_v we_o also_o to_o remember_v what_o good_a thought_n affection_n &_o action_n we_o have_v have_v to_o get_v they_o again_o and_o never_o lose_v they_o after_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o do_v our_o first_o work_n which_o the_o lord_n grant_v to_o we_o at_o our_o first_o calling_n they_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v again_o or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o 5._o whenas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v rebuke_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o decay_n in_o love_n and_o set_v down_o the_o remedy_n first_o to_o remember_v whence_o she_o be_v fall_v second_o to_o repent_v three_o to_o do_v she_o first_o work_n in_o these_o word_n he_o lay_v down_o a_o reason_n to_o move_v she_o to_o use_v the_o remedy_n especial_o to_o repent_v if_o she_o will_v not_o than_o he_o will_v come_v against_o she_o short_o this_o contain_v three_o part_n first_o a_o general_a threaten_a or_o commination_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o second_o a_o particular_a threaten_n and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n three_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o two_o threaten_n except_o you_o repent_v because_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o church_n this_o show_v our_o duty_n in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o we_o apply_v all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o one_o man_n or_o to_o one_o church_n to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o see_v any_o virtue_n commend_v we_o must_v imitate_v they_o or_o vice_n discommend_v we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v clean_o of_o they_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o which_o overcom_v etc._n etc._n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v namely_o to_o he_o which_o overcom_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v i_o will_v give_v he_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n namely_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o party_n to_o who_o be_v he_o which_o prevail_v against_o all_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n hell_n death_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n that_o we_o may_v overcome_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o a_o man_n must_v be_v bear_v anew_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o christ._n 1._o john_n 5._o for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v anew_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o overcom_v all_o his_o enemy_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o whole_o rely_v on_o christ_n 1._o john_n 5._o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o our_o faith_n for_o he_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o victory_n over_o death_n hell_n sin_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v his_o natural_a corruption_n abolish_v and_o weaken_v three_o that_o we_o stand_v against_o all_o our_o enemy_n with_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n and_o he_o which_o have_v these_o three_o he_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o these_o his_o enemy_n to_o they_o which_o overcome_v ergo_fw-la it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v to_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n that_o god_n offer_v life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o unless_o they_o will_v reject_v it_o for_o salvation_n be_v promise_v only_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v bear_v anew_o which_o have_v faith_n in_o christ_n deny_v themselves_o and_o they_o which_o stand_v out_o against_o all_o their_o enemy_n by_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n be_v this_o so_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v only_o to_o conqueror_n we_o must_v then_o labour_v to_o be_v conqueror_n to_o overcome_v all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v slavery_n and_o hell_n itself_o and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v in_o truth_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v overcome_v all_o these_o his_o enemy_n this_o be_v freedom_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o great_a among_o man_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v the_o vassal_n of_o sin_n a_o satan_n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o most_o miserable_a second_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v life_n eternal_a which_o be_v set_v out_o by_o two_o circumstance_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o will_v give_v second_o what_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o which_o word_n be_v a_o opposition_n between_o adam_n and_o christ_n for_o adam_n by_o his_o sin_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n but_o christ_n have_v set_v open_a the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v free_a access_n to_o it_o adam_n he_o lose_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n christ_n have_v prepare_v a_o heavenly_a paradise_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o garden_n whereof_o adam_n do_v eat_v it_o be_v call_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o pledge_n to_o he_o of_o eternal_a life_n if_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o his_o estate_n second_o because_o this_o tree_n have_v a_o virtue_n in_o it_o from_o god_n to_o preserve_v adam_n for_o ever_o from_o death_n and_o old_a age_n and_o to_o make_v he_o continual_o to_o live_v if_o he_o stand_v this_o tree_n of_o life_n be_v a_o true_a figure_n of_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n for_o as_o that_o tree_n have_v virtue_n in_o it_o from_o god_n to_o preserve_v adam_n life_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v keep_v from_o old_a age_n so_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n he_o live_v not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v man_n and_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o to_o convey_v quicken_a virtue_n to_o all_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o merit_n by_o a_o true_a faith_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n to_o eat_v signify_v sometime_o to_o believe_v as_o joh._n 6._o 50._o but_o it_o can_v be_v so_o here_o see_v we_o can_v in_o heaven_n believe_v in_o christ_n but_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n be_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o heaven_n with_o christ_n for_o ever_o for_o christ_n shall_v be_v to_o we_o a_o tree_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o ever_o yea_o all_o in_o all_o to_o every_o one_o of_o us._n in_o this_o first_o point_n of_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o first_o wherein_o consist_v eternal_a life_n namely_o in_o immediate_a fellowship_n &_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v our_o true_a felicity_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v be_v to_o his_o all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v all_o happiness_n that_o heart_n can_v wish_v therefore_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o outward_a mean_n as_o meat_n drink_v apparel_n sleep_n respiration_n recreation_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n jesus_n for_o ever_o second_o the_o place_n of_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o midst_n of_o paradise_n where_o christ_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o this_o in_o the_o heavenly_a paradise_n he_o say_v in_o paradise_n that_o be_v in_o the_o three_o or_o high_a heaven_n a_o place_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n where_o the_o lord_n especial_o show_v his_o glory_n and_o where_o he_o provide_v happiness_n for_o his_o child_n there_o be_v indeed_o three_o heaven_n one_o where_o we_o live_v and_o breath_n and_o where_o the_o cloud_n be_v the_o second_o where_o the_o star_n be_v the_o three_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o presence_n and_o where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o child_n be_v of_o this_o paul_n speak_v when_o he_o be_v rapt_v
up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n 2._o cor._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v paradise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o pleasure_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o most_o infinite_a for_o so_o gen._n 30._o 8._o rahell_n wrestle_v with_o leah_n with_o wrestle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o great_a wrestle_n so_o in_o the_o psalm_n to_o show_v how_o huge_a and_o high_a the_o hill_n be_v david_n call_v they_o the_o hill_n of_o god_n the_o mountain_n of_o god_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o huge_a mountain_n so_o here_o he_o call_v it_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n to_o show_v it_o be_v a_o place_n most_o excellent_a full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n this_o place_n be_v set_v out_o at_o large_a reu._n 22._o then_o see_v this_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o place_n we_o shall_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v thither_o to_o wean_v our_o mind_n from_o earthly_a paradise_n which_o be_v but_o a_o prison_n and_o lift_v our_o head_n up_o to_o heaven_n set_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n on_o thing_n above_o phil._n 3._o vers._n 8._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v from_o this_o eight_o verse_n to_o the_o twelve_o be_v the_o second_o epistle_n or_o letter_n to_o another_o church_n of_o asia_n namely_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o before_o this_o second_o epistle_n be_v a_o second_o particular_a commandment_n to_o john_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o in_o these_o word_n and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v which_o particular_a commandment_n be_v prefix_v before_o the_o epistle_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o every_o church_n that_o s._n john_n have_v sufficient_a call_n to_o write_v the_o same_o and_o that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o of_o himself_o and_o so_o shall_v all_o they_o which_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o sufficient_a call_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o without_o doubt_n believe_v the_o same_o as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v their_o call_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v of_o more_o excellent_a gift_n have_v it_o then_o such_o which_o be_v but_o ordinary_a man_n this_o commandment_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o the_o particular_a commandment_n be_v the_o epistle_n itself_o stand_v of_o three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n be_v in_o the_o eight_o verse_n and_o contain_v a_o preparation_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o preface_n he_o show_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v namely_o in_o christ_n he_o which_o be_v and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o last_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o stir_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o a_o religious_a care_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n second_o because_o no_o commandment_n concern_v religion_n and_o god_n service_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n but_o only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ._n now_o this_o epistle_n be_v concern_v religion_n and_o god_n worship_n he_o propound_v it_o in_o christ_n his_o name_n alone_o and_o christ_n in_o this_o preface_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o notable_a argument_n first_o that_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o second_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a but_o these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o that_o be_v he_o be_v everlasting_a god_n which_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n afore_o all_o creature_n &_o after_o all_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o live_v that_o be_v be_v god_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n become_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o rise_v to_o give_v everlasting_a life_n to_o us._n in_o which_o word_n note_v two_o point_n of_o doctrine_n first_o 1._o that_o christ_n be_v a_o person_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n namely_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n for_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o and_o last_o he_o must_v be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o be_v alive_a he_o be_v man_n and_o as_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n make_v one_o man_n so_o the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n concur_v to_o make_v one_o christ._n the_o second_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v a_o comfort_n or_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n first_o that_o he_o be_v god_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v able_a second_o he_o be_v man_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v willing_a to_o help_v to_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o all_o misery_n or_o else_o ease_v they_o for_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o ergo_fw-la true_a god_n ergo_fw-la able_a to_o help_v second_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o live_v therefore_o willing_a see_v he_o come_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o to_o rise_v again_o to_o give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o these_o word_n to_o comfort_v the_o church_n in_o misery_n and_o hence_o be_v the_o very_a fountain_n of_o all_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n if_o the_o lord_n lie_v any_o cross_n on_o thou_o as_o persecution_n tribulation_n misery_n or_o calamity_n then_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n christ_n be_v god_n able_a to_o help_v he_o be_v man_n willing_a to_o deliver_v thou_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o prop_n to_o stay_v and_o hold_v we_o up_o that_o we_o sink_v not_o in_o persecution_n or_o cross_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n after_o the_o preface_n follow_v the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v the_o matter_n and_o content_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o epistle_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n second_o counsel_n for_o she_o concern_v time_n to_o come_v the_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o nine_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n in_o these_o word_n as_o there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o she_o there_o be_v also_o a_o comfort_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o commend_v she_o but_o comfort_v she_o be_v in_o misery_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n we_o hear_v these_o word_n before_o expound_v i_o know_v that_o be_v i_o see_v thy_o work_n way_n deal_v the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o thy_o life_n i_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o same_o it_o like_v and_o please_v i_o well_o in_o that_o christ_n say_v he_o know_v her_o work_n here_o be_v a_o notable_a property_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o see_v all_o church_n he_o behold_v all_o man_n action_n he_o see_v their_o word_n work_n affection_n and_o action_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n before_o so_o now_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v always_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n he_o see_v and_o behold_v all_o her_o deal_n and_o this_o consideration_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o religion_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n see_v his_o heart_n hear_v every_o word_n behold_v all_o his_o action_n and_o mark_v all_o his_o word_n david_n 139._o psalm_n the_o lord_n behold_v all_o my_o secret_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o he_o know_v it_o so_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o our_o word_n our_o thought_n our_o action_n of_o all_o we_o do_v or_o say_v nay_o where_o this_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n no_o faith_n no_o conscience_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n see_v his_o work_n behold_v and_o mark_n they_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o life_n sin_n as_o he_o do_v and_o thy_o tribulation_n here_o he_o join_v work_n and_o tribulation_n together_o where_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o tribulation_n must_v needs_o go_v with_o work_n and_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n where_o grace_n be_v there_o must_v be_v tribulation_n where_o god_n give_v grace_n he_o add_v tribulation_n first_o to_o humble_v they_o second_o to_o try_v they_o three_o to_o prevent_v other_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v else_o commit_v i_o know_v thy_o tribulation_n this_o then_o be_v add_v to_o comfort_v the_o church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v true_a thou_o be_v in_o tribulation_n but_o it_o come_v not_o by_o chance_n but_o from_o god_n my_o father_n i_o know_v it_o i_o see_v and_o behold_v it_o and_o have_v care_n of_o
it_o to_o do_v thou_o good_a psal._n 113._o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o his_o providence_n over_o he_o this_o i_o say_v be_v speak_v to_o comfort_v we_o if_o we_o be_v in_o tribulation_n we_o must_v then_o consider_v whence_o it_o come_v namely_o from_o god_n he_o know_v and_o see_v and_o care_v for_o it_o this_o will_v ease_v we_o of_o much_o grief_n and_o make_v we_o patient_a so_o we_o have_v have_v long_o peace_n must_v look_v for_o tribulation_n which_o when_o it_o come_v the_o only_a way_n to_o arm_v we_o with_o patience_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n both_o see_v it_o and_o know_v it_o and_o be_v &_o will_v be_v a_o stay_n and_o prop_n to_o uphold_v we_o that_o we_o faint_v not_o in_o misery_n after_o he_o set_v out_o two_o sort_n or_o part_n of_o tribulation_n first_o poverty_n second_o reproach_n the_o first_o be_v poverty_n namely_o want_v of_o temporal_a blessing_n necessary_a to_o maintain_v this_o present_a life_n now_o see_v that_o famous_a church_n be_v so_o afflict_v with_o poverty_n use_v we_o learn_v that_o true_a religion_n will_v not_o free_v a_o man_n from_o affliction_n and_o from_o poverty_n then_o let_v no_o man_n think_v because_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o shall_v be_v rich_a object_n but_o god_n promise_v the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o this_o and_o the_o other_o life_n to_o his_o servant_n ans._n he_o promise_v indeed_o but_o the_o blessing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n without_o exception_n &_o temporal_a blessing_n with_o condition_n if_o they_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o his_o glory_n else_o he_o will_v send_v want_n and_o poverty_n even_o to_o his_o dear_a servant_n i_o know_v thy_o poverty_n this_o be_v add_v to_o comfort_v she_o for_o that_o her_o estate_n in_o earthly_a thing_n be_v weak_a yet_o christ_n know_v it_o he_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o she_o and_o will_v if_o it_o be_v for_o her_o good_a free_v she_o or_o else_o give_v her_o patience_n object_n but_o how_o can_v her_o work_n and_o poverty_n stand_v together_o see_v she_o can_v not_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a that_o want_v answ._n all_o good_a work_n stand_v not_o in_o give_v large_a alm_n to_o the_o poor_a but_o the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n do_v in_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n they_o be_v good_a work_n though_o the_o other_o have_v their_o place_n if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o shall_v for_o though_o work_v in_o our_o call_n be_v most_o mean_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o work_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o make_v a_o good_a work_n namely_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o be_v do_v to_o god_n glory_n yet_o thou_o be_v rich_a here_o christ_n intend_v to_o comfort_v she_o that_o though_o she_o want_v &_o be_v in_o poverty_n yet_o she_o be_v rich_a in_o christ_n she_o have_v riches_n in_o god_n luke_n 12._o 21._o and_o this_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o when_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n &_o have_v assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o he_o 2._o cor._n 8._o 9_o second_o when_o we_o have_v grace_n from_o god_n to_o do_v good_a work_n 1._o tim._n 6._o 18._o that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n we_o must_v lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n in_o heaven_n for_o god_n grace_n they_o be_v true_a riches_n the_o poor_a man_n use_v to_o who_o god_n deny_v riches_n in_o this_o world_n he_o see_v his_o estate_n must_v labour_v to_o have_v riches_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v true_a riches_n indeed_o this_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o have_v god_n grace_n whereby_o he_o can_v do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o call_n in_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n again_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n if_o they_o will_v be_v true_o rich_a they_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n but_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o riches_n and_o never_o seek_v for_o true_a riches_n indeed_o but_o be_v choke_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o temporal_a riches_n but_o all_o man_n labour_v to_o get_v earthly_a riches_n honour_n and_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o esteem_v not_o to_o be_v rich_a in_o god_n which_o be_v mere_a madness_n the_o second_o part_n of_o her_o tribulation_n be_v her_o reproach_n and_o thy_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v the_o slander_n revile_n and_o repoche_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n this_o be_v not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n but_o of_o their_o profession_n and_o religion_n for_o they_o do_v revile_v and_o slander_v they_o for_o their_o profession_n where_o we_o see_v 24._o that_o they_o which_o serve_v god_n they_o must_v look_v for_o slander_n 4._o revile_v reproching_n he_o which_o desire_v to_o live_v well_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n he_o must_v look_v for_o these_o nay_o if_o he_o have_v they_o not_o he_o must_v suspect_v himself_o for_o christ_n call_v they_o curse_v who_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a grief_n yet_o christ_n comfort_v they_o he_o know_v it_o see_v it_o and_o will_v in_o due_a time_n remedy_v it_o he_o see_v every_o slander_n defamation_n and_o reproach_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o patient_a to_o endure_v these_o blasphemy_n the_o person_n which_o blaspheme_v she_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n but_o be_v not_o but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v as_o in_o other_o city_n of_o asia_n &_o europe_n there_o be_v assembly_n of_o jew_n that_o have_v their_o abode_n and_o synagogue_n so_o in_o smyrna_n have_v they_o assembly_n &_o a_o synagogue_n persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v a_o true_a church_n but_o that_o the_o other_o have_v not_o and_o therefore_o slander_v they_o for_o their_o religion_n and_o their_o christ_n who_o these_o profess_a they_o deny_v they_o be_v jew_n by_o birth_n come_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n yet_o not_o true_a jew_n in_o profession_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o they_o which_o reproach_n religion_n which_o revile_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n they_o be_v jew_n by_o birth_n but_o they_o be_v not_o jew_n indeed_o but_o enemy_n to_o god_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o they_o which_o profess_v it_o now_o concern_v these_o let_v we_o examine_v first_o what_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n second_o in_o christ_n opinion_n which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n they_o coming_z of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n they_o think_v they_o be_v true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o abraham_n isac_n and_o jacob_n be_v but_o christ_n he_o say_v they_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n enemy_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a professor_n so_o all_o the_o wicked_a bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n think_v all_o be_v well_o they_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v psal._n 10._o they_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o damnable_a heresy_n yet_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o will_v die_v yea_o witch_n man_n and_o woman_n will_v say_v they_o abhor_v the_o devil_n they_o will_v not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o he_o but_o that_o by_o good_a angel_n and_o some_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n they_o excel_v other_o man_n &_o be_v able_a to_o work_v wonder_n and_o so_o the_o carnal_a protestant_n he_o sin_v and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o so_o make_v christ_n his_o packhorse_n but_o we_o must_v learn_v by_o their_o example_n to_o suspect_v our_o self_n to_o cast_v down_o our_o pride_n and_o conceit_n of_o ourselves_o and_o not_o think_v too_o high_o of_o our_o own_o goodness_n but_o to_o suspect_v ourselves_o for_o many_o sin_n we_o may_v not_o say_v we_o be_v jew_n when_o we_o be_v not_o the_o second_o point_n be_v christ_n judgement_n of_o they_o he_o say_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v jew_n but_o be_v not_o but_o indeed_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v a_o company_n and_o assembly_n of_o man_n which_o seem_v to_o serve_v god_n but_o worship_v the_o devil_n object_n but_o they_o be_v god_n choose_v people_n who_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n to_o serve_v he_o how_o then_o can_v they_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n there_o be_v a_o double_a election_n first_o special_a and_o particular_a whereby_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n choose_v one_o to_o salvation_n the_o second_o be_v more_o general_a whereby_o he_o admit_v man_n into_o the_o outward_a church_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o outward_a sign_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n the_o jew_n they_o have_v the_o general_a call_n but_o not_o the_o particular_a
sure_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o if_o one_o look_v and_o view_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o osea_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n every_o man_n seek_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o way_n none_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v he_o beside_o they_o be_v altogether_o carnal_a fleshly_a dead_a and_o drown_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n none_o affect_v thing_n belong_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o all_o man_n in_o general_a lie_n in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n in_o they_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n have_v wrap_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o security_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v never_o dream_v of_o the_o evil_a day_n though_o god_n preach_v daily_o by_o his_o judgement_n to_o they_o again_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n want_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n the_o cruelty_n which_o abound_v in_o all_o man_n oppression_n whoredom_n fornication_n these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n now_o in_o our_o day_n rife_o in_o every_o place_n these_o be_v common_a sin_n call_v for_o vengeance_n which_o will_v come_v undoubted_o unless_o we_o repent_v so_o that_o christ_n can_v speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o this_o church_n but_o in_o a_o contrary_a voice_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o common_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n yet_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o remnant_n who_o lament_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o they_o must_v take_v to_o they_o christian_a fortitude_n &_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n &_o of_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v and_o bold_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n to_o 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unprovided_a the_o next_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o this_o church_n must_v suffer_v but_o before_o he_o propound_v the_o affliction_n he_o set_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n often_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n before_o hand_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n judgement_n and_o correction_n before_o they_o come_v lest_o we_o perish_v in_o they_o for_o christ_n luk._n 19_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o she_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n because_o she_o will_v not_o think_v of_o her_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n forotel_v and_o show_v her_o final_a destruction_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o they_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o he_o which_o can_v foretell_v all_o future_a thing_n in_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v contingent_a he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n but_o christ_n foretell_v their_o particular_a affliction_n to_o come_v ergo_fw-la he_o be_v god_n ob._n but_o the_o physician_n can_v foretell_v the_o death_n of_o his_o patient_n the_o astronomer_n the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o come_v answ._n they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o mean_n the_o physician_n foretell_v by_o the_o cause_n and_o sign_n he_o see_v in_o the_o party_n by_o which_o death_n be_v in_o â—ort_n present_a so_o the_o astronomer_n by_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n can_v foretell_v a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o course_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o eclipse_n be_v present_a but_o without_o these_o sign_n and_o cause_n they_o can_v simple_o but_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n or_o cause_n simple_o foretell_v this_o affliction_n in_o particular_a to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n christ_n describe_v the_o affliction_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o devil_n second_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o three_o the_o kind_n imprisonment_n four_a the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o five_o the_o time_n ten_o day_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n ob._n but_o how_o can_v he_o afflict_v they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o deal_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o man_n ans._n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o rule_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o they_o direct_v their_o thought_n will_n affection_n so_o as_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o move_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v they_o in_o prison_n now_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o persecution_n we_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n those_o be_v which_o persecute_v the_o church_n namely_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n move_v and_o rule_v by_o he_o notorious_a wicked_a wretch_n which_o have_v satan_n for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n 2._o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n see_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o he_o to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o for_o he_o which_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o religion_n in_o word_n or_o action_n he_o in_o that_o action_n be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n lead_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o action_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n satan_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a agent_n he_o be_v his_o slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o be_v as_o a_o soldier_n under_o his_o band_n again_o learn_v we_o to_o take_v pity_n on_o all_o such_o person_n see_v they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n lead_v and_o move_v by_o he_o yea_o even_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecutor_n furthermore_o the_o weapon_n we_o must_v have_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o persecution_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a see_v our_o enemy_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v use_v invocation_n and_o prayer_n fast_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o which_o we_o show_v our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o this_o weapon_n of_o prayer_n elias_n be_v call_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a enemy_n among_o we_o then_o be_v indeed_o the_o soldier_n to_o be_v use_v but_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n that_o must_v be_v our_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n the_o
it_o come_v &_o withal_o must_v arm_v themselves_o with_o christian_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n not_o to_o fear_v too_o much_o three_o they_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o promise_n and_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n in_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o true_a religion_n even_o to_o death_n so_o that_o they_o must_v hear_v these_o three_o the_o first_o concern_v god_n providence_n see_v and_o regard_v his_o church_n the_o second_o concern_v christian_n fortitude_n &_o courage_n in_o affliction_n the_o three_o our_o faithfulness_n &_o constancy_n in_o defence_n of_o faith_n &_o a_o good_a conscience_n maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o end_n these_o three_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o shall_v hear_v and_o consider_v and_o so_o we_o must_v consider_v and_o learn_v the_o same_o to_o excite_v they_o and_o we_o to_o these_o three_o thing_n to_o hear_v and_o know_v the_o three_o duty_n he_o give_v two_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o spirit_n speak_v the_o second_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v not_o to_o one_o but_o all_o church_n direct_o to_o they_o of_o smyrna_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o church_n to_o all_o of_o we_o no_o man_n be_v except_v but_o must_v hear_v he_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v a_o promise_n he_o which_o evercome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v that_o we_o may_v overcome_v two_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o to_o renounce_v and_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o second_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o hope_n trust_v and_o affiance_n in_o christ_n which_o when_o we_o do_v than_o we_o have_v save_v faith_n and_o this_o overcome_v all_o our_o enemy_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o defend_v true_a religion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n that_o be_v eternal_a death_n for_o the_o first_o death_n be_v when_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v separate_v in_o this_o life_n the_o second_o when_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o god_n for_o ever_o in_o which_o separation_n reu._n 21._o consist_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o man_n even_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o eternal_a lake_n it_o be_v then_o as_o if_o he_o say_v though_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o first_o death_n yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o he_o shall_v escape_v that_o fire_n and_o lake_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a and_o happy_a promise_n to_o escape_v the_o lake_n of_o hell_n here_o note_n first_o to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o which_o overcome_v to_o they_o which_o renounce_v themselves_o put_v their_o trust_n and_o affiance_n only_o in_o christ_n and_o labour_n to_o keep_v faith_n &_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n then_o if_o we_o will_v overcome_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v to_o teach_v or_o hear_v of_o religion_n but_o true_a profession_n be_v join_v with_o fight_v against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o with_o christian_n courage_n let_v none_o of_o they_o reign_v over_o we_o but_o fight_v till_o we_o overcome_v and_o get_v victory_n over_o they_o all_o than_o we_o overcome_v indeed_o and_o then_o to_o we_o be_v make_v this_o promise_n alas_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o know_v or_o approve_v religion_n and_o yet_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o to_o let_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o ourflesh_n reign_v over_o us._n than_o we_o must_v never_o content_v ourselves_o with_o bare_a profession_n but_o labour_v to_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v conqueror_n of_o hell_n death_n etc._n etc._n by_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o have_v a_o bless_a promise_n of_o freedom_n from_o the_o second_o death_n and_o of_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o shall_v not_o fear_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o burn_a lake_n furthermore_o in_o these_o word_n be_v answer_v a_o question_n which_o many_o a_o man_n heart_n make_v but_o few_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o heart_n can_v answer_v how_o may_v i_o escape_v the_o burn_a lake_n how_o can_v i_o fly_v and_o avoid_v the_o second_o death_n ans._n thou_o must_v in_o this_o life_n turn_v true_o to_o god_n from_o all_o thy_o evil_a way_n renounce_v thyself_o believe_v and_o put_v thy_o assurance_n in_o christ_n and_o withal_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fiery_a lake_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o hurt_v thou_o though_o thou_o shall_v taste_v of_o the_o first_o yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o second_o death_n will_v any_o have_v his_o soul_n escape_v this_o burn_a lake_n have_v his_o silly_a soul_n free_a from_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n let_v he_o turn_v to_o god_n renounce_v himself_o put_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n never_o turn_v to_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o withal_o take_v heed_n to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v faith_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o maintain_v pure_a and_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o burn_a lake_n further_o we_o see_v by_o these_o word_n that_o of_o the_o two_o death_n the_o second_o be_v the_o worse_o and_o most_o proper_o death_n for_o the_o first_o be_v but_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o second_o the_o second_o be_v the_o cruel_a death_n and_o destruction_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n this_o be_v yet_o the_o madness_n of_o man_n that_o they_o fear_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o first_o and_o not_o of_o the_o second_o never_o think_v of_o the_o burn_a lake_n like_a child_n which_o fear_v shadow_n and_o never_o fear_v fire_n or_o water_n but_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v drown_v or_o burn_v and_o to_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n 12._o in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o three_o particular_a commandment_n of_o christ_n to_o john_n for_o the_o pen_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o three_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n by_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n be_v mean_v either_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n or_o company_n of_o the_o minister_n &_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o so_o often_o in_o the_o word_n one_o be_v put_v for_o a_o multitude_n this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v give_v to_o john_n by_o christ_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o calling_n to_o pen_v this_o book_n and_o epistle_n second_o to_o assure_v the_o church_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n see_v it_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n thus_o say_v he_o with_o have_v that_o sharp_a etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n in_o the_o thirteen_o verse_n the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n thus_o say_v he_o here_o he_o show_v in_o who_o name_n he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n christ_n who_o be_v describe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o prophet_n and_o priest_n but_o a_o king_n in_o govern_v and_o guide_v his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v a_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v describe_v first_o that_o it_o have_v to_o edge_n second_o it_o be_v sharp_a mean_v by_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o the_o like_a power_n hebr._n 4._o 12._o christ_n be_v thus_o set_v out_o to_o comfort_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o by_o this_o christ_n signify_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o by_o power_n of_o the_o word_n kill_v sin_n wound_v it_o at_o the_o heart_n he_o kill_v and_o slay_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o deadly_a that_o it_o can_v recover_v again_o second_o that_o he_o will_v strengthen_v and_o maintain_v the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o by_o this_o sword_n against_o all_o their_o enemy_n for_o he_o will_v not_o only_o hurt_v the_o enemy_n but_o defend_v his_o by_o his_o sword_n object_n how_o do_v he_o wound_v they_o by_o the_o word_n answ._n the_o word_n must_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v of_o us._n now_o when_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o law_n and_o the_o threat_n thereof_o and_o the_o point_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o if_o affliction_n come_v faith_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v they_o make_v we_o that_o we_o be_v comfort_v and_o arm_v we_o against_o all_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v hurt_v we_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o not_o than_o the_o word_n be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o sword_n in_o a_o sheath_n not_o draw_v out_o nor_o use_v to_o defend_v or_o drive_v back_o our_o enemy_n but_o
he_o which_o receive_v it_o for_o no_o man_n can_v know_v or_o discern_v it_o then_o man_n must_v not_o think_v strange_a though_o be_v be_v not_o call_v by_o this_o new_a name_n the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o 1._o john_n 3._o 1._o now_o in_o that_o he_o which_o have_v this_o new_a name_n use_v know_v it_o and_o see_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o fellow-heire_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v call_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o that_o none_o know_v it_o but_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v it_o this_o confute_v the_o papist_n who_o say_v they_o know_v it_o but_o not_o certain_o but_o in_o hope_n and_o by_o conjecture_n and_o probability_n but_o we_o see_v he_o know_v it_o certain_o infallible_o without_o doubt_n for_o he_o know_v it_o better_o than_o any_o other_o other_o man_n know_v it_o by_o conjecture_n but_o he_o know_v it_o certain_o no_o man_n know_v this_o new_a name_n so_o certain_o &_o infallible_o and_o from_o within_o as_o he_o which_o receive_v the_o same_o for_o no_o man_n can_v determine_v of_o the_o faith_n adoption_n or_o call_n of_o any_o but_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n to_o search_v the_o heart_n this_o must_v stay_v our_o censure_n and_o judgement_n to_o judge_v man_n to_o be_v hypocrite_n to_o condemn_v either_o the_o better_o or_o bad_a sort_n of_o man_n for_o we_o know_v not_o a_o man_n heart_n his_o faith_n be_v but_o know_v to_o god_n and_o himself_o object_n how_o far_o may_v we_o judge_v of_o another_o state_n of_o salvation_n answ._n we_o judge_v of_o another_o man_n estate_n either_o certain_o or_o not_o certain_o as_o when_o one_o judge_v and_o set_v down_o certain_o and_o resolute_o that_o such_o man_n be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n without_o all_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n no_o man_n can_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n but_o god_n and_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o reveal_v the_o same_o to_o some_o of_o his_o child_n as_o to_o david_n he_o reveal_v the_o damnation_n and_o rejection_n of_o some_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o pray_v for_o their_o destruction_n now_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n when_o we_o judge_v of_o another_o as_o charity_n move_v we_o now_o charity_n make_v a_o man_n judge_v the_o best_a this_o charity_n have_v two_o part_n first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v second_o it_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n salvation_n undoubted_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o certain_o we_o must_v not_o despair_v though_o we_o see_v man_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o we_o must_v judge_v certain_o of_o man_n salvation_n and_o without_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v call_v effectual_o in_o that_o they_o testify_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o obedience_n not_o that_o we_o can_v set_v down_o certain_o but_o we_o must_v in_o charity_n judge_v so_o of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v charity_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n when_o we_o judge_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n here_o again_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v deceive_v make_v the_o church_n to_o have_v this_o note_n and_o property_n to_o be_v visible_a but_o not_o visibilitie_n but_o election_n adoption_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o principal_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n now_o these_o can_v be_v see_v only_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o may_v and_o to_o the_o angel_n here_o begin_v the_o four_o particular_a epistle_n the_o end_n &_o scope_n of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o thyatyra_n that_o john_n have_v a_o special_a commandment_n and_o call_n from_o god_n first_o to_o write_v this_o epistle_n second_o to_o certify_v all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v a_o commandment_n and_o call_n from_o god_n to_o write_v not_o only_o this_o epistle_n but_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n this_o be_v seven_o time_n repeat_v to_o the_o angel_n etc._n etc._n the_o epistle_n begin_v here_o these_o thing_n write_v etc._n etc._n and_o continue_v almost_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o it_o note_v three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n in_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n all_o which_o be_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n verse_n 5._o 14._o 15._o these_o thing_n say_v in_o the_o preface_n note_n first_o in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v write_v namely_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n the_o cause_n why_o his_o name_n be_v in_o the_o preface_n be_v set_v down_o before_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o three_o argument_n first_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o his_o eye_n be_v like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n three_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o god_n he_o mean_v not_o the_o godhead_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o or_o common_a to_o all_o the_o three_o person_n but_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o father_n who_o when_o he_o be_v confer_v with_o any_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v call_v god_n not_o that_o he_o be_v more_o god_n than_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o equal_a but_o for_o order_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o person_n &_o from_o he_o the_o godhead_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n how_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o may_v know_v by_o these_o two_o rule_n first_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o godhead_n or_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n before_o all_o world_n for_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n be_v not_o beget_v or_o beget_v not_o nor_o proceed_v but_o he_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o godhead_n with_o the_o father_n therefore_o it_o no_o more_o beget_v or_o be_v beget_v or_o proceed_v than_o he_o the_o second_o rule_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o by_o creation_n as_o the_o angel_n and_o adam_n nor_o by_o grace_n as_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o nature_n in_o that_o he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n before_o all_o world_n because_o the_o father_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o himself_o his_o whole_a godhead_n and_o nature_n and_o by_o this_o communication_n of_o the_o godhead_n to_o his_o son_n whole_o he_o be_v say_v to_o beget_v the_o son_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v namely_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n care_n and_o diligence_n reverence_n and_o attention_n in_o mark_v and_o obey_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o epistle_n see_v that_o he_o which_o teach_v they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o in_o their_o example_n when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v or_o preach_v we_o must_v have_v attention_n diligent_a care_n and_o fear_n see_v it_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o speak_v to_o us._n when_o pilate_n be_v condemn_v christ_n and_o hear_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v afraid_a shall_v a_o heathen_a man_n which_o know_v not_o god_n fear_v to_o hear_v of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o tremble_v to_o hear_v he_o speak_v to_o we_o himself_o at_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n the_o mountain_n melt_v and_o the_o rock_n cleave_v asunder_o and_o shall_v not_o our_o stony_a and_o rocky_a heart_n tremble_v to_o hear_v he_o speak_v to_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n his_o eye_n be_v like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n we_o must_v not_o take_v these_o word_n literal_o but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n for_o christ_n be_v set_v out_o as_o he_o appear_v in_o vision_n to_o john_n by_o his_o fiery_a eye_n be_v mean_v first_o that_o in_o he_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n he_o see_v all_o thing_n he_o know_v by_o his_o fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n all_o thing_n present_a past_a and_o to_o come_v second_o it_o signify_v his_o vigilancy_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o same_o for_o these_o two_o end_n first_o to_o preserve_v and_o protect_v his_o own_o child_n second_o to_o take_v revenge_n and_o punishment_n on_o his_o enemy_n three_o by_o his_o fiery_a eye_n be_v signify_v his_o anger_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fiery_a eye_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v secret_a and_o hide_a
it_o be_v a_o virtue_n and_o work_n of_o love_n whereby_o a_o christian_a man_n become_v a_o servant_n to_o every_o man_n for_o his_o good_a this_o be_v commend_v and_o describe_v heb._n 6._o 10._o paul_n gal._n 6._o command_v we_o to_o do_v service_n one_o to_o another_o by_o love_n 1._o cor._n 13._o love_n seek_v not_o her_o own_o but_o the_o good_a of_o other_o so_o christ_n john_n 13._o command_v he_o to_o be_v servant_n one_o to_o another_o in_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n give_v us._n as_o we_o must_v do_v they_o good_a in_o all_o we_o can_v so_o one_o special_a duty_n here_o mention_v be_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o relieve_v according_a our_o ability_n the_o want_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v have_v first_o love_n and_o charity_n than_o service_n as_o a_o branch_n spring_v from_o love_n heb._n 6._o 10._o which_o be_v when_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o bestow_v our_o good_n or_o gift_n which_o god_n give_v we_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n especial_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v in_o england_n but_o it_o be_v not_o see_v the_o rich_a sort_n bestow_v their_o good_n in_o hawk_n hound_n bear_n bull_n dog_n and_o other_o their_o pleasure_n and_o pastime_n but_o when_o any_o come_v to_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a than_o they_o be_v straight_o hand_v all_o come_v as_o hardly_o from_o they_o as_o a_o rib_n out_o of_o their_o side_n we_o see_v man_n can_v be_v content_a yearly_a to_o bestow_v much_o money_n in_o play_n pastime_n and_o other_o delight_n and_o that_o with_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n but_o come_v to_o the_o poor_a our_o own_o flesh_n to_o our_o brother_n who_o bear_v the_o same_o image_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v here_o we_o stick_v and_o from_o winter_n to_o winter_n suffer_v they_o to_o starve_v for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o our_o dog_n have_v to_o move_v man_n to_o help_v the_o poor_a first_o see_v how_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v charge_v with_o offering_n first_o fruit_n sacrifice_n and_o many_o other_o ceremony_n now_o these_o be_v end_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o altar_n the_o poor_a they_o be_v the_o altar_n whereon_o we_o must_v offer_v our_o burn_a offering_n &_o our_o sacrifice_n second_o isaiah_n 58._o 10._o he_o which_o impart_v his_o heart_n to_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v see_v he_o in_o want_n have_v his_o heart_n touch_v with_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o testify_v his_o love_n in_o relieve_v his_o want_n this_o man_n have_v a_o happy_a promise_n his_o name_n shall_v not_o be_v put_v out_o but_o shine_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v true_a religion_n to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n to_o comfort_v and_o relieve_v they_o jam._n 1._o prou._n 25._o he_o which_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a dare_v to_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o lord_n he_o come_v in_o his_o person_n to_o borrow_v he_o make_v the_o poor_a his_o steward_n to_o gather_v it_o in_o will_v thou_o say_v he_o nay_o to_o lend_v he_o of_o his_o own_o thou_o will_v not_o will_v thou_o have_v he_o stay_v or_o send_v his_o steward_n away_o empty_a again_o christ_n come_v in_o their_o person_n he_o ask_v a_o alm_n he_o say_v in_o their_o person_n i_o be_o hungry_a naked_a fatherless_a and_o motherles_a and_o in_o they_o he_o stand_v crave_v at_o our_o door_n now_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v that_o horrible_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n away_o from_o i_o etc._n etc._n let_v we_o not_o say_v he_o nay_o or_o deny_v he_o but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v liberal_a in_o any_o thing_n and_o bestow_v large_o on_o any_o thing_n bestow_v it_o on_o the_o poor_a our_o own_o flesh_n and_o so_o we_o lend_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o best_a paymaster_n and_o we_o give_v to_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o let_v it_o be_v unrewarded_a now_o follow_v the_o three_o particular_a virtue_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n which_o be_v faith_n that_o be_v fidelity_n whereby_o we_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o keep_v our_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o promise_v to_o renounce_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n three_o person_n one_o true_a god_n to_o obey_v he_o all_o our_o life_n time_n this_o be_v command_v 1._o tim._n 5._o 12._o now_o it_o will_v be_v wish_v that_o our_o church_n may_v be_v commend_v for_o this_o fidelity_n but_o it_o can_v for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n among_o we_o to_o swear_v by_o our_o faith_n yet_o there_o be_v little_a faith_n in_o our_o heart_n yea_o little_a care_n to_o keep_v this_o fidelity_n promise_v in_o baptism_n for_o some_o of_o we_o lie_v in_o ignorance_n never_o know_v what_o promise_v we_o have_v make_v to_o god_n and_o such_o be_v many_o among_o we_o young_a old_a high_a low_a rich_a &_o poor_a other_o they_o have_v no_o care_n of_o goodness_n of_o heaven_n or_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o of_o eat_v drink_v sport_v in_o which_o they_o spend_v their_o day_n never_o think_v of_o christ_n or_o of_o their_o promise_n to_o he_o a_o three_o sort_n be_v those_o which_o we_o account_v honest_a and_o wise_a man_n but_o they_o come_v short_a indeed_o for_o these_o set_v their_o heart_n on_o riches_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n spend_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n in_o the_o get_n of_o they_o and_o have_v their_o heart_n glue_v to_o they_o they_o like_v mould_v be_v ever_o in_o the_o earth_n we_o call_v they_o i_o say_v honest_a man_n but_o indeed_o they_o deny_v god_n forsake_v their_o first_o faith_n and_o fidelity_n to_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a god_n erect_v a_o idol_n even_o their_o riches_n and_o of_o these_o we_o have_v great_a heap_n then_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n often_o to_o remember_v our_o promise_n in_o baptism_n to_o renounce_v ourselves_o &_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o all_o our_o life_n for_o if_o we_o go_v on_o and_o still_o deny_v our_o first_o faith_n nothing_o belong_v to_o we_o but_o condemnation_n the_o four_o virtue_n be_v patience_n whereof_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n here_o mark_v how_o patienc_n be_v join_v with_o love_n to_o man_n faith_n to_o god_n and_o service_n to_o man_n and_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o good_a action_n can_v be_v do_v of_o any_o man_n without_o patience_n love_n and_o faith_n without_o it_o be_v nothing_o for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v hate_v now_o without_o patience_n he_o cease_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n so_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o god_n and_o profess_v the_o same_o the_o world_n contemn_v he_o now_o without_o patience_n he_o can_v persevere_v constant_o patience_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n rom._n 15._o faith_n bring_v forth_o hope_n and_o mat._n 13._o the_o good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o in_o patience_n all_o that_o a_o man_n do_v if_o it_o be_v do_v acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v join_v with_o patience_n then_o we_o must_v in_o all_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n join_v patience_n with_o our_o hope_n faith_n love_n knowledge_n etc._n etc._n 2._o pet._n 1._o 6._o no_o grace_n can_v show_v itself_o without_o this_o a_o man_n can_v endure_v the_o cross_n without_o it_o and_o thy_o work_n christ_n before_o have_v say_v the_o same_o here_o he_o repeat_v it_o again_o which_o be_v not_o idle_a for_o no_o word_n in_o scripture_n be_v idle_a but_o by_o this_o christ_n show_v his_o exceed_a approbation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o like_v of_o not_o in_o a_o mean_a but_o in_o exceed_v great_a measure_n the_o cause_n why_o he_o like_v they_o so_o follow_v afterward_o now_o see_v christ_n repeat_v these_o word_n after_o four_o worthy_a virtue_n he_o do_v it_o to_o show_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v require_v to_o a_o good_a work_n namely_o faith_n love_n service_n patience_n and_o fidelity_n for_o to_o do_v a_o work_n to_o god_n we_o must_v join_v these_o four_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o christ_n add_v these_o word_n both_o before_o and_o after_o these_o virtue_n first_o faith_n be_v require_v because_o in_o do_v any_o action_n every_o man_n must_v show_v his_o fidelity_n to_o god_n which_o we_o do_v when_o before_o we_o do_v any_o work_n we_o search_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v there_o for_o no_o work_n we_o do_v can_v please_v god_n unless_o we_o be_v persuade_v out_o of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a nay_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n it_o be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o second_o our_o work_n
must_v not_o proceed_v from_o faith_n alone_o but_o from_o faith_n and_o love_n joint_o together_o for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o though_o a_o man_n do_v never_o so_o good_a thing_n if_o not_o in_o love_n it_o be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 13._o three_o a_o special_a service_n be_v require_v to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o all_o our_o work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o service_n to_o man_n for_o the_o end_n of_o our_o calling_n be_v to_o do_v service_n to_o man_n and_o withal_o in_o do_v service_n to_o man_n to_o please_v and_o serve_v god_n paul_n command_v servant_n to_o please_v their_o master_n in_o the_o lord_n as_o serve_v he_o so_o of_o all_o man_n it_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o call_n must_v do_v they_o in_o service_n to_o man_n and_o withal_o to_o serve_v god_n col._n 3._o 21._o this_o overthrow_v the_o papist_n fast_v pray_v pilgrimage_n hard_a attire_n and_o whip_v themselves_o to_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o offer_v to_o they_o for_o these_o come_v not_o from_o faith_n and_o love_n neither_o be_v they_o do_v in_o service_n to_o man_n to_o do_v they_o good_a in_o soul_n or_o body_n for_o these_o neither_o benefit_n themselves_o nor_o other_o last_o of_o all_o patience_n be_v requisite_a that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v constancy_n and_o perseverance_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v a_o good_a work_n as_o he_o ought_v but_o many_o will_v mock_v and_o jest_v at_o he_o he_o shall_v have_v many_o cross_n by_o wicked_a man_n even_o by_o god_n providence_n now_o that_o he_o may_v be_v constant_a patience_n be_v necessary_a that_o so_o as_o the_o good_a ground_n he_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o in_o patience_n to_o apply_v this_o every_o man_n in_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o particular_a call_n must_v labour_v to_o show_v these_o four_o virtue_n his_o faith_n to_o god_n love_n to_o man_n his_o service_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v patience_n to_o undergo_v all_o trouble_n which_o come_v by_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n be_v it_o never_o so_o base_a yet_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o work_n to_o god_n in_o it_o kind_a as_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o give_v alm_n the_o five_o virtue_n be_v that_o her_o work_n be_v mo_z at_o last_o then_o at_o first_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v discommend_v for_o her_o decay_n in_o love_n but_o here_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n for_o increase_v in_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o church_n may_v be_v commend_v for_o this_o virtue_n but_o alas_o it_o can_v for_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n be_v in_o number_n increase_v but_o little_a in_o practice_n and_o obedience_n heb._n 5._o they_o indeed_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o time_n may_v be_v teacher_n have_v so_o long_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o yet_o they_o need_v to_o be_v teach_v even_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o though_o they_o hear_v daily_o yet_o be_v there_o no_o knowledge_n no_o increase_n of_o zeal_n or_o of_o repentance_n no_o go_v on_o in_o grace_n 2._o tim._n 3._o they_o be_v ever_o learning_n yet_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n this_o be_v a_o common_a fault_n in_o all_o estate_n man_n hear_v much_o learn_v little_a and_o practice_v less_o nay_o we_o have_v a_o worse_a fault_n for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v hear_v good_a thing_n go_v backward_o lose_v they_o become_v worse_o or_o else_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o this_o be_v our_o shame_n that_o many_o place_n which_o hear_v the_o wordless_a go_v before_o we_o in_o knowledge_n faith_n obedience_n and_o repentance_n then_o if_o we_o will_v avoid_v god_n wrath_n and_o discommendation_n let_v we_o now_o increase_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o old_a man_n to_o say_v they_o can_v though_o their_o memory_n fail_v yet_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v good_a and_o zealous_a affection_n young_a man_n must_v employ_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n and_o memory_n in_o this_o to_o increase_v in_o grace_n &_o not_o to_o quench_v any_o grace_n but_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o for_o to_o he_o which_o have_v be_v give_v but_o from_o he_o which_o have_v not_o be_v take_v away_o that_o he_o have_v then_o all_o must_v labour_v to_o go_v on_o in_o grace_n that_o the_o teacher_n may_v have_v comfort_n and_o the_o hearer_n be_v free_v from_o shame_n and_o discommendation_n notwithstanding_o i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o 20._o here_o christ_n after_o his_o high_a commendation_n rebuke_v the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n first_o the_o whole_a church_n second_o a_o certain_a woman_n in_o the_o church_n the_o rebuke_n concern_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o the_o twenty_o verse_n in_o which_o be_v first_o the_o reproof_n itself_o second_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o that_o be_v though_o i_o have_v hitherto_o commend_v thou_o yet_o thou_o have_v something_o which_o i_o like_v not_o but_o great_o dislike_v of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o second_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o reproof_n because_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jesabell_n to_o teach_v that_o be_v because_o they_o suffer_v a_o certain_a woman_n namely_o jesabel_n in_o the_o assembly_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v the_o people_n first_o observe_v in_o these_o word_n the_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o this_o church_n have_v give_v she_o of_o god_n for_o beside_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n she_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v who_o shall_v preach_v who_o shall_v not_o and_o further_a authority_n to_o restrain_v wicked_a man_n and_o woman_n by_o her_o severe_a government_n the_o like_a power_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n &_o so_o of_o all_o church_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n &_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o appoint_v who_o shall_v preach_v and_o who_o not_o and_o also_o to_o restrain_v wicked_a man_n that_o they_o commit_v not_o what_o wickedness_n they_o will_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o authority_n have_v the_o lord_n give_v to_o all_o church_n nay_o without_o this_o no_o church_n can_v continue_v or_o stand_v and_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o congregation_n but_o severe_a government_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o order_n and_o because_o this_o church_n use_v not_o this_o power_n therefore_o she_o be_v discommend_v now_o in_o every_o church_n where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v there_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o sin_n abound_v fornication_n adultery_n blasphemy_n usury_n drunkenness_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o this_o government_n which_o shall_v repress_v such_o sin_n this_o church_n sin_v first_o in_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o teach_v second_o to_o seduce_v the_o people_n of_o god_n this_o word_n teach_v signify_v to_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o assembly_n then_o they_o sin_v in_o suffer_v a_o woman_n jesabel_n to_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o open_a assembly_n of_o man_n for_o 1._o tim._n 3._o 8._o i_o permit_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v 1._o cor._n 14._o 34._o they_o must_v keep_v silence_n but_o it_o may_v object_v first_o that_o deborah_n and_o huldah_n be_v prophetess_n ans._n they_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n upon_o extraordinary_a action_n second_o 1._o cor._n 11._o if_o a_o woman_n pray_v or_o prophesy_v ans._n first_o there_o be_v such_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v extraordinary_a second_o they_o do_v sin_n and_o as_o a_o fault_n it_o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n where_o he_o command_v woman_n to_o be_v silent_a three_o woman_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v because_o they_o give_v assent_v to_o the_o minister_n pray_v say_n amen_o and_o to_o prophesy_v by_o sing_v psalm_n and_o read_v scripture_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n prophecy_n signify_v be_v take_v large_o so_o 1._o chron._n 25._o asaph_n be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v when_o he_o sing_v with_o instrument_n of_o music_n in_o the_o congregation_n see_v christ_n rebuke_v they_o for_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o teach_v in_o the_o congregation_n 1_o we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o warrantable_a that_o she_o shall_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n no_o not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o necessity_n for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n go_v together_o now_o christ_n will_v not_o have_v a_o woman_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n therefore_o not_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o though_o woman_n be_v forbid_v to_o teach_v in_o the_o congregation_n yet_o they_o must_v teach_v at_o home_n solomon_n he_o learn_v many_o lesson_n of_o his_o mother_n who_o teach_v he_o at_o home_n prou._n 31._o so_o 2._o tim._n 1._o 5._o timothy_n be_v
must_v hear_v and_o then_o be_v call_v in_o this_o last_o age_n only_o the_o word_n be_v send_v to_o all_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o former_a age_n 2._o again_o false_a it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v grace_n general_o to_o all_o man_n so_o that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v grace_n offer_v to_o salvation_n if_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o but_o god_n give_v not_o the_o word_n to_o all_o for_o all_o have_v not_o hear_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o have_v grace_n the_o second_o duty_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o this_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v of_o they_o second_o to_o practice_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n but_o of_o these_o before_o the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o repent_v that_o be_v though_o she_o repent_v before_o yet_o she_o must_v restore_v and_o renew_v her_o repentancce_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o begin_v but_o often_o renew_v our_o repentance_n and_o not_o only_o for_o great_a sin_n but_o for_o little_a slip_n and_o defect_n in_o grace_n as_o dulness_n of_o heart_n want_v of_o zeal_n coldness_n in_o practice_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n now_o because_o this_o church_n be_v ready_a to_o die_v christ_n add_v a_o reason_n to_o put_v life_n into_o she_o if_o she_o have_v any_o grace_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o renew_v thy_o repentance_n restore_v that_o grace_n decay_v in_o thou_o i_o will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n sudden_o and_o with_o speedy_a destruction_n that_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n or_o way_n to_o escape_v it_o note_v here_o that_o this_o threaten_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o with_o condition_n and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a commination_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n where_o christ_n threaten_v to_o pour_v out_o his_o whole_a wrath_n on_o a_o church_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n or_o mean_n to_o escape_v it_o then_o we_o have_v the_o same_o sin_n that_o she_o have_v use_v be_v dead_a in_o security_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o long_a prosperity_n we_o have_v need_n of_o this_o admonition_n to_o move_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n to_o restore_v god_n grace_n decay_v in_o we_o yet_o it_o seem_v we_o make_v light_a account_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n if_o a_o man_n have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n this_o will_v stir_v he_o up_o but_o if_o this_o most_o fearful_a commination_n will_v not_o move_v we_o than_o the_o end_n of_o all_o must_v needs_o follow_v even_o the_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n must_v lay_v hold_v on_o we_o and_o cast_v we_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n where_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o help_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o comfort_n if_o after_o a_o long_a time_n she_o shall_v get_v out_o but_o he_o must_v live_v there_o for_o ever_o without_o all_o end_n of_o pain_n when_o he_o have_v be_v there_o a_o thousand_o year_n his_o pain_n be_v still_o as_o great_a and_o as_o much_o nay_o no_o end_n he_o can_v have_v then_o we_o must_v awake_v from_o our_o sin_n repent_v for_o our_o sin_n our_o security_n dulness_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o shake_v off_o our_o ignorance_n and_o that_o because_o against_o these_o sin_n christ_n give_v out_o this_o most_o terrible_a and_o fearful_a commination_n vers._n 4._o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n before_o christ_n have_v reprove_v this_o church_n of_o hypocrisy_n now_o he_o commend_v she_o for_o a_o few_o which_o profess_v his_o name_n among_o they_o but_o christ_n have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a how_o then_o can_v this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n ans._n though_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n yet_o a_o few_o some_o of_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o testify_v their_o faith_n in_o obedience_n out_o of_o this_o coherence_n we_o have_v two_o instruction_n to_o learn_v first_o that_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v call_v a_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n and_o part_n and_o those_o which_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o better_a part_n which_o believe_v for_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v a_o number_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n believe_v in_o christ._n now_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o believe_v in_o christ._n those_o which_o believe_v not_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o as_o bad_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o body_n so_o these_o be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o church_n second_o we_o see_v a_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o church_n though_o all_o be_v call_v yet_o some_o call_v be_v dead_a some_o alive_a in_o christ_n and_o continue_v so_o now_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o from_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n rom._n 11._o 4._o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n fall_v to_o idolatry_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v seven_o thousand_o which_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o then_o his_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o some_o stand_n and_o some_o fall_n so_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n live_v some_o be_v dead_a be_v because_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o good_a pleasure_n leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o othersome_a he_o give_v his_o spirit_n this_o as_o before_o confute_v universal_a grace_n which_o derogate_v much_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o this_o why_o some_o stand_n some_o fall_n come_v from_o and_o high_a cause_n even_o from_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o and_o enable_v some_o to_o stand_v by_o his_o spirit_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n here_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o better_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o few_o person_n know_v to_o i_o by_o their_o name_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o thing_n clean_a and_o unclean_a not_o in_o themselves_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n now_o among_o the_o jew_n if_o a_o man_n with_o his_o hand_n or_o garment_n touch_v a_o thing_n unclean_a he_o be_v defile_v which_o ceremony_n signify_v to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v not_o only_o from_o sin_n but_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o that_o they_o may_v not_o touch_v any_o unclean_a thing_n no_o not_o with_o their_o garment_n then_o here_o christ_n will_v show_v there_o be_v sundry_a in_o sardis_n which_o do_v abstain_v both_o from_o sin_n and_o all_o occasion_n show_n and_o appearance_n of_o sin_n though_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a yet_o many_o in_o sardis_n make_v such_o conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o avoid_v the_o very_a occasion_n of_o sin_n hence_o we_o see_v use_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v few_o in_o number_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n but_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_n that_o they_o defile_v not_o their_o garment_n that_o be_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n christ_n prepare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o a_o little_a flock_n isaiah_n say_v only_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o jew_n must_v be_v save_v the_o rest_n harden_v and_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n be_v broad_a and_o easy_a and_o many_o run_v that_o way_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v contrary_a mark_n 7._o 7._o then_o see_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v few_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v the_o multitude_n but_o this_o sin_n carry_v many_o a_o man_n to_o hell_n and_o to_o sin_n when_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v as_o the_o most_o do_v to_o live_v as_o the_o most_o live_a we_o must_v rather_o follow_v the_o little_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o run_v after_o the_o multitude_n a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v person_n know_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o particular_a name_n they_o be_v call_v name_n because_o christ_n write_v their_o name_n in_o a_o bill_n then_o we_o see_v christ_n know_v his_o servant_n particular_o by_o their_o name_n luke_n 10._o he_o know_v all_o our_o hair_n much_o more_o our_o name_n john_n 10._o christ_n call_v his_o sheep_n by_o their_o name_n this_o be_v a_o special_a comfort_n for_o
yea_o though_o they_o preach_v it_o oftentimes_o but_o they_o must_v look_v that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o ease_v but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o hearer_n hear_v the_o minister_n repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o curious_o to_o reprehend_v he_o for_o than_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reprehend_v christ_n himself_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v here_o then_o be_v a_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v this_o hear_n be_v the_o good_a learning_n that_o bring_v true_a faith_n salvation_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o it_o but_o to_o who_o be_v this_o commandment_n give_v to_o hear_v hearer_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n but_o with_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n hence_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v to_o all_o man_n grace_v to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o their_o salvation_n second_o that_o we_o must_v so_o hear_v that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o change_v but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n teach_v to_o the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v attentive_o he_o use_v a_o double_a reason_n one_o draw_v from_o the_o speaker_n another_o from_o the_o auditor_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o before_o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v 14._o etc._n etc._n as_o before_o all_o the_o other_o epistle_n so_o before_o this_o last_o epistle_n there_o be_v a_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n to_o write_v it_o and_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o the_o former_a have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o the_o matter_n three_o a_o conclusion_n first_o of_o the_o preface_n wherein_o christ_n be_v describe_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v pen_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o his_o name_n and_o title_n amen_o a_o faithful_a witness_n second_o by_o his_o privilege_n and_o property_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o crature_n amen_n be_v a_o adverb_n of_o affirmation_n or_o asseveration_n signify_v true_o very_o &_o certain_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v be_v render_v in_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v which_o be_v a_o commentary_n and_o full_a exposition_n of_o this_o the_o faithful_a witness_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v call_v amen_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o there_o i_o expound_v it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v repeat_v the_o head_n only_o of_o that_o exposition_n he_o be_v call_v a_o witness_n between_o god_n the_o father_n and_o we_o because_o he_o do_v not_o only_o reveal_v the_o father_n will_n to_o we_o but_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n inward_a and_o outward_a but_o of_o all_o testimony_n that_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o for_o these_o three_o respect_n he_o be_v thus_o term_v first_o because_o he_o do_v reveal_v it_o and_o seal_v it_o and_o ratify_v it_o by_o inward_a and_o outward_a testimony_n second_o because_o he_o will_v accomplish_v his_o father_n wil._n 2._o cor._n 1._o 20._o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a witness_n three_o he_o be_v call_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o which_o he_o reveal_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o he_o say_v as_o the_o thing_n be_v without_o error_n or_o falsehood_n nay_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n now_o the_o use_n and_o the_o end_n why_o here_o christ_n be_v so_o call_v if_o we_o do_v but_o read_v the_o epistle_n and_o mark_v the_o content_n we_o may_v guess_v probable_o at_o the_o end_n which_o be_v that_o he_o may_v show_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o ministry_n therefore_o christ_n instruct_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n teach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o to_o all_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o all_o christian_n he_o propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n he_o will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n even_o as_o he_o be_v this_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n word_n become_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v whereby_o we_o make_v good_a all_o our_o word_n oath_n and_o promise_n truth_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n without_o lie_v deceit_n or_o fraud_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o i_o say_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o and_o other_o good_a and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n set_a we_o this_o example_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n so_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o show_v ourselves_o true_a in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o speech_n and_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o our_o promise_n these_o be_v excellent_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christian_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v know_v by_o these_o to_o be_v like_o christ._n the_o second_o end_n of_o this_o title_n be_v to_o induce_v this_o church_n to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n effectual_o for_o it_o be_v faulty_a in_o this_o point_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o this_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n how_o shall_v they_o do_v this_o thus_o consider_v in_o the_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o commandment_n promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o apply_v they_o particular_o every_o man_n to_o himself_o the_o commandment_n to_o know_v sin_n the_o threaten_n to_o humble_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v god_n grace_n see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o luke_n 15._o in_o the_o prodigal_a son_n i_o have_v sin_v and_o be_o not_o worthy_a etc._n etc._n so_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n humble_v themselves_o no_o man_n can_v true_o be_v humble_v till_o he_o make_v this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n which_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v now_o the_o gospel_n also_o must_v be_v thus_o apply_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a but_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o further_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o proof_n see_v phil._n 3._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o sum_n be_v this_o he_o esteem_v all_o thing_n loss_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n now_o mark_v the_o fifteen_o verse_n let_v so_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o apply_v christ_n to_o our_o own_o person_n thus_o be_v we_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o apply_v the_o gospel_n to_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o so_o he_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v 1._o john_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n and_o reason_n why_o christ_n call_v himself_o so_o that_o man_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o word_n in_o general_a but_o apply_v it_o in_o particular_a to_o themselves_o the_o not_o do_v of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o negligence_n in_o religion_n of_o so_o many_o lukewarm_a christian_n and_o professor_n therefore_o let_v we_o all_o learn_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v the_o word_n no_o nor_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n to_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v true_o humble_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n therefore_o justify_v faith_n be_v that_o which_o apply_v in_o particular_a now_o the_o second_o title_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n col._n 1._o 16._o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o creation_n he_o be_v so_o call_v yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a cause_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v here_o namely_o because_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o ephes._n 1._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v
the_o papist_n though_o he_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n yet_o he_o perform_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o he_o part_v stake_n with_o christ_n and_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o own_o saviour_n so_o that_o howsoever_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o most_o zealous_a catholic_a yet_o he_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n 2_o the_o temporizer_n he_o which_o alter_v his_o religion_n as_o time_n alter_v and_o such_o be_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v it_o that_o they_o will_v follow_v the_o prince_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n with_o the_o time_n and_o this_o show_v what_o man_n will_v do_v if_o popery_n come_v again_o they_o may_v say_v they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o they_o show_v themselves_o plain_a laodicean_n 3_o all_o such_o as_o follow_v nicodemus_n that_o be_v which_o love_n christ_n but_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o he_o by_o day_n light_n such_o as_o think_v they_o may_v hear_v mass_n and_o yet_o keep_v their_o conscience_n to_o themselves_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n 4_o such_o as_o be_v mediator_n and_o pacificator_n and_o will_v make_v a_o union_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n be_v persuade_v that_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n for_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o circumstance_n so_o they_o write_v and_o defend_v their_o opinion_n but_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v it_o never_o so_o much_o they_o be_v but_o laodicean_n a_o five_o fort_n there_o be_v and_o who_o be_v they_o luk._n 16._o such_o as_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n and_o where_o be_v they_o nay_o where_o be_v they_o not_o lamentable_a be_v out_o time_n wherein_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v professor_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v all_o their_o time_n spend_v upon_o care_n for_o this_o world_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o time_n be_v bestow_v on_o that_o there_o be_v all_o their_o joy_n care_n desire_v labour_n and_o study_v let_v they_o say_v what_o they_o will_v so_o long_o as_o their_o care_n and_o study_n be_v spend_v upon_o mammon_n they_o be_v very_a laodicean_n and_o such_o be_v the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o hearer_n they_o draw_v near_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v upon_o their_o good_n the_o whole_a heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o this_o who_o they_o be_v your_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v you_o they_o be_v indeed_o christian_n &_o professor_n but_o lukewarm_a and_o worse_o than_o christ_n enemy_n 6_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o like_o it_o but_o in_o their_o life_n give_v themselves_o to_o sin_n blasphemy_n drunkenness_n fornication_n oppression_n usury_n some_o to_o this_o vice_n some_o to_o that_o and_o even_o in_o this_o very_a rank_n i_o place_v those_o which_o profess_v religion_n but_o yet_o delight_n in_o the_o fond_a and_o irreligious_a fashion_n of_o the_o world_n use_v the_o new_a strange_a and_o monstrous_a fashion_n of_o apparel_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n upon_o their_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n go_v naked_a the_o world_n abound_v with_o such_o now_o young_a and_o old_a it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o absurd_a man_n be_v beyond_o all_o common_a reason_n in_o apparel_v themselves_o so_o fond_o whereas_o their_o garment_n shall_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n &_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o glory_v in_o they_o and_o the_o modest_a garment_n shall_v show_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o what_o do_v they_o else_o but_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o vice_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o use_v shall_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o though_o we_o be_v none_o of_o these_o not_o entangle_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n no_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v find_v want_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o reverend_a regard_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v so_o as_o no_o man_n can_v say_v he_o be_v free_a from_o this_o nay_o every_o man_n even_o he_o that_o have_v best_a grace_n shall_v feel_v in_o himself_o want_v of_o care_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n therefore_o we_o must_v with_o job_n lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n and_o say_v we_o be_v vile_a well_o this_o be_v so_o now_o consider_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v lie_v it_o before_o your_o eye_n mark_v the_o end_n and_o recompense_v christ_n will_v spew_v such_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v cast_v they_o from_o god_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n this_o threaten_a pertain_v to_o this_o age_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v tremble_v and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o repent_v of_o this_o sin_n leave_v ere_o long_o we_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o sin_n now_o of_o the_o amendment_n of_o it_o where_o note_n first_o the_o fault_n second_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o three_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n now_o i_o will_v proceed_v further_a to_o show_v that_o even_o among_o we_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n this_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v find_v that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v the_o better_o acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o state_n and_o this_o appear_v by_o diverse_a sign_n first_o by_o common_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v manifest_v diverse_a way_n first_o though_o we_o come_v often_o and_o greedy_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o very_a few_o profit_n in_o knowledge_n and_o few_o in_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o many_o that_o profit_n in_o knowledge_n something_o do_v thrive_v in_o obedience_n little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o how_o true_a this_o be_v i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n conscience_n this_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o great_a negligence_n in_o all_o sort_n take_v the_o body_n of_o our_o congregation_n &_o they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o any_o i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o which_o profit_n both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a part_n experience_n in_o diverse_a occasion_n make_v this_o manifest_a the_o second_o token_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o few_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o read_v of_o the_o word_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n &_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v teach_v or_o not_o nay_o few_o will_v be_v at_o the_o cost_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n or_o if_o they_o have_v one_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v in_o it_o or_o to_o keep_v a_o constant_a course_n in_o read_v of_o it_o daily_o a_o three_o sign_n be_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n though_o many_o come_v to_o church_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o private_a sanctification_n of_o it_o at_o home_n but_o when_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n profit_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n no_o such_o person_n can_v possible_o have_v any_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n and_o grace_n because_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v time_n for_o this_o purpose_n by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a yea_o palpable_a that_o there_o be_v great_a negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o negligence_n though_o coldness_n be_v want_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o heat_n and_o we_o be_v but_o lukewarm_a gospeler_n another_o sign_n of_o lukewarmnesse_n be_v this_o our_o religion_n stand_v on_o general_n and_o reach_v not_o to_o our_o particular_a calling_n in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o when_o we_o come_v home_o to_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o our_o private_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n then_o where_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o we_o hear_v there_o be_v no_o conscience_n make_v of_o lie_v deceive_a &_o oppress_v &_o no_o care_n of_o that_o good_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o man_n al_n our_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o none_o at_o home_n whereas_o if_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o hart_n it_o will_v show_v some_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n as_o fire_n and_o heat_n can_v be_v hide_v although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o who_o these_o sin_n take_v no_o hold_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o which_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a but_o in_o a_o mean_a between_o both_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o when_o they_o see_v any_o have_v care_n to_o obey_v they_o have_v present_o the_o name_n of_o
city_n be_v church_n though_o not_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o member_n of_o it_o note_n first_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n see_v it_o be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o john_n to_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v meet_v it_o shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o church_n second_o it_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o church_n see_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o that_o their_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o because_o they_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o treasury_n from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o they_o be_v pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n because_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n 3._o because_o they_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n in_o and_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v fit_a this_o book_n shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o it_o second_o he_o write_v it_o not_o to_o all_o church_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v show_v second_o he_o say_v not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o asia_n to_o show_v they_o that_o which_o be_v long_o before_o foretell_v be_v now_o fulfil_v namely_o that_o the_o gentile_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v shall_v be_v call_v which_o now_o be_v verify_v see_v the_o gentile_n dwell_v in_o asia_n see_v john_n write_v and_o dedicate_v this_o book_n to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n many_o year_n after_o christ_n use_v &_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o papist_n be_v deceive_v who_o will_v have_v their_o church_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o all_o other_o church_n must_v rely_v on_o they_o but_o if_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v the_o mother_n and_o most_o famous_a no_o doubt_n john_n will_v have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o she_o but_o he_o do_v dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n show_v they_o be_v then_o more_o famous_a than_o rome_n 2_o now_o follow_v the_o salutation_n salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n salutation_n be_v of_o two_o fort_n civil_a or_o religious_a civil_a as_o that_o which_o man_n use_v ordinary_o with_o one_o another_o 2._o religious_a which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o a_o religious_a salutation_n and_o see_v the_o apostle_n use_v it_o common_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n may_v be_v call_v a_o apostolical_a salutation_n they_o use_v this_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o do_v because_o their_o ministry_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o they_o make_v their_o salutation_n answerable_a to_o their_o ministry_n for_o their_o apostleship_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n &_o peace_n and_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o phrase_n in_o manner_n of_o blessing_n for_o when_o their_o ministry_n stand_v in_o two_o action_n in_o preach_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n under_o the_o second_o action_n of_o pray_v be_v contain_v this_o to_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o so_o do_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o levite_n 24._o as_o also_o christ_n he_o use_v this_o so_o minister_n to_o show_v their_o duty_n more_o full_o 21._o after_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n they_o bless_v the_o people_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o most_o excellent_a word_n and_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n grace_n signify_v two_o thing_n first_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a will_n second_o his_o grace_n here_o it_o signify_v his_o favour_n because_o in_o this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v oppose_v to_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n then_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v his_o good_a will_n and_o favour_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o we_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n s._n john_n begin_v with_o grace_n first_o and_o not_o with_o peace_n because_o grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o peace_n and_o all_o blessing_n &_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o have_v prosperity_n and_o grace_n from_o god_n grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o blessing_n as_o of_o our_o election_n vocation_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n nay_o it_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o begin_v with_o it_o and_o peace_n peace_n be_v take_v first_o for_o welfare_n and_o good_a success_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o god_n blessing_n exod._n 18._o 7._o moses_n ask_v jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n of_o his_o peace_n that_o be_v of_o his_o welfare_n and_o so_o it_o be_v partly_o take_v in_o this_o place_n second_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o unity_n and_o bless_a concord_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v especial_o take_v here_o and_o be_v thus_o take_v it_o have_v six_o part_n first_o when_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n which_o be_v when_o we_o stand_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n jesus_n second_o when_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n angel_n in_o that_o they_o guard_v we_o and_o carry_v we_o as_o a_o nurse_n do_v her_o child_n in_o her_o arm_n that_o we_o hurt_v not_o our_o foot_n at_o any_o stone_n and_o when_o they_o rejoice_v at_o our_o good_a estate_n psal._n 91._o 11._o the_o three_o be_v peace_n with_o a_o man_n self_n when_o his_o conscience_n will_v not_o accuse_v he_o but_o excuse_n and_o clear_v he_o as_o when_o our_o conscience_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n phil._n 4._o 7._o this_o peace_n pass_v all_o understanding_n the_o four_o be_v peace_n with_o the_o church_n so_o act._n 4._o 32._o those_o which_o believe_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o heart_n have_v peace_n with_o each_o other_o so_o esa._n 11._o 6._o the_o wild_a beast_n and_o the_o lion_n the_o lamb_n and_o the_o cockatrice_n and_o the_o young_a child_n shall_v lie_v together_o five_o this_o peace_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v with_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o joseph_n have_v peace_n in_o pharaoh_n house_n so_o daniel_n have_v peace_n with_o the_o king_n eunuch_n for_o though_o he_o be_v free_a when_o the_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o revolt_v but_o be_v favour_v they_o save_v he_o the_o six_o be_v peace_n with_o all_o god_n creature_n beast_n bird_n all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n ose._n 2._o 18._o the_o lord_n will_v make_v a_o covenant_n between_o we_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n psal._n 91._o 13._o the_o child_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o serpent_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v he_o for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o god_n favour_n what_o creature_n dare_v to_o hurt_v he_o nay_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o serve_v he_o grace_n and_o peace_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v first_o you_o must_v be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n you_o must_v have_v unity_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o and_o in_o christ_n and_o then_o this_o peace_n welfare_n prosperity_n in_o all_o good_a thing_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a yea_o then_o concord_n and_o unity_n with_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n will_v follow_v whereas_o the_o apostle_n wish_v they_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o place_n use_v he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o this_o god_n favour_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o above_o all_o thing_n yea_o in_o the_o first_o place_n psal._n 4._o 6._o many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a but_o david_n he_o seek_v this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n lord_n lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o i_o let_v i_o be_v in_o thy_o favour_n 57_o and_o often_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v his_o portion_n inheritance_n and_o his_o lot_n show_v to_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o must_v we_o seek_v first_o to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n make_v that_o our_o chief_a care_n seek_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n but_o we_o little_o
election_n rom._n 9_o and_o so_o may_v fall_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o have_v only_o the_o general_a election_n they_o may_v renounce_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o the_o particular_a election_n be_v immutable_a now_o let_v we_o see_v when_o they_o become_v thus_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n for_o though_o many_o of_o they_o do_v it_o of_o knowledge_n yet_o very_a many_o of_o ignorance_n and_o after_o that_o christ_n be_v ascend_v peter_n preach_v to_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n it_o be_v not_o then_o at_o this_o time_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v labour_v by_o many_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v still_o remain_v in_o their_o wickedness_n than_o they_o become_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o synagove_n of_o satan_n for_o when_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v paul_n but_o threaten_v and_o reject_v he_o than_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o then_o the_o jew_n become_v of_o a_o church_n no_o church_n for_o the_o hold_n of_o a_o heresy_n make_v a_o church_n to_o become_v no_o church_n but_o when_o a_o church_n hold_v error_n in_o principal_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v open_o convict_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o judgement_n and_o still_o remain_v so_o than_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o before_o though_o it_o be_v reprove_v by_o a_o private_a man_n for_o that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n hold_v justification_n by_o work_n yet_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n till_o it_o be_v convict_v public_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o by_o this_o we_o see_v what_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o papist_n libertine_n family_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v convict_v by_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o they_o hold_v such_o heresy_n as_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o word_n and_o have_v be_v convict_v long_o ago_o of_o they_o i_o come_v to_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o fall_v namely_o their_o unbelief_n rom._n 11._o ob._n but_o they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n and_o defend_v moses_n and_o the_o law_n answ._n though_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n yet_o they_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n and_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o christ_n they_o seek_v to_o overthrow_v it_o and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o subject_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v christ_n they_o overthrow_v all_o for_o he_o which_o worship_v god_n not_o in_o but_o out_o of_o christ_n he_o worship_v not_o god_n but_o a_o idol_n so_o the_o papist_n hold_v the_o scripture_n in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n deny_v they_o see_v they_o take_v away_o christ_n in_o spoil_v he_o of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n for_o take_v away_o his_o office_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o half_a christ._n this_o their_o example_n shall_v be_v ever_o in_o our_o eye_n see_v these_o jew_n god_n own_o choose_a people_n who_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o serve_v he_o they_o fall_v for_o want_v of_o faith_n and_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n to_o worship_v the_o devil_n then_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o be_v not_o proud_a because_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o suspect_v ourselves_o take_v heed_n we_o maintain_v faith_n in_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o show_v it_o in_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n lest_o we_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o they_o be_v fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o must_v suffer_v 10._o in_o this_o ten_o verse_n be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n but_o see_v christ_n comfort_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o give_v her_o counsel_n and_o rebuke_v she_o not_o as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n hence_o some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o live_v without_o sin_n but_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o christ_n abstain_v here_o to_o rebuke_v the_o church_n not_o because_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o reprehension_n in_o she_o but_o because_o he_o see_v that_o the_o church_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o decay_v not_o in_o love_n as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v do_v second_o he_o do_v it_o because_o god_n accept_v of_o the_o will_n and_o endeavour_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o repent_v as_o of_o the_o deed_n he_o take_v their_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v he_o as_o perfect_a obedience_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o for_o these_o two_o cause_n christ_n he_o commend_v and_o comfort_v she_o give_v her_o counsel_n and_o rebuke_v she_o not_o not_o that_o she_o want_v just_a cause_n of_o rebuke_n see_v that_o this_o church_n be_v so_o accept_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v not_o rebuke_v she_o but_o commend_v and_o counsel_v she_o we_o see_v it_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o god_n church_n to_o be_v in_o affliction_n sometime_o for_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n be_v in_o affliction_n and_o so_o be_v keep_v from_o many_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o she_o will_v have_v fall_v into_o so_o for_o all_o other_o church_n and_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v in_o affliction_n sometime_o but_o fear_v not_o here_o be_v christ_n counsel_n which_o have_v three_o part_n first_o a_o precept_n fear_v not_o etc._n etc._n second_o a_o prophecy_n behold_v three_o a_o precept_n again_o be_v thou_o faithful_a the_o first_o precept_n be_v fear_v not_o this_o commandment_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o when_o he_o bid_v we_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n &_o tremble_a &_o where_o paul_n bid_v we_o not_o be_v high_a mind_a but_o fear_v answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o fear_n the_o first_o 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namely_o a_o distrustful_a fear_n when_o for_o fear_v of_o persecution_n or_o affliction_n we_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n that_o fear_n which_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n to_o death_n and_o damnation_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o fear_v not_o here_o christ_n show_v the_o sin_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n namely_o to_o fear_v man_n more_o than_o god_n to_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o the_o face_n and_o countenance_n of_o man_n then_o of_o the_o power_n and_o might_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o in_o sinner_n but_o in_o the_o regenerate_a in_o some_o part_n who_o do_v not_o consider_v of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o mighty_a judge_n take_v vengeance_n on_o sinner_n in_o this_o christ_n show_v the_o mean_n to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o all_o such_o fear_n of_o peril_n persecution_n or_o danger_n namely_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o true_a faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a 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