by_o interpose_v a_o intervening_a necessity_n and_o clear_a obstacle_n thereunto_o and_o therein_o god_n love_v obedience_n better_o than_o sacrifice_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o first_o ministerial_a reformer_n never_o maintain_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o ministry_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n lineal_o through_o the_o loin_n of_o antichrist_n but_o only_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o all_o age_n be_v by_o the_o invisible_a church_n maintain_v and_o assert_v sometime_o with_o more_o perspicuity_n and_o visibility_n than_o other_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o officer_n and_o ministry_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o must_v needs_o also_o grant_v a_o perpetual_a and_o necessary_a visibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o consequential_o a_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o how_o a_o true_a christian_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o antichristian_a state_n in_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n as_o i_o former_o say_v i_o know_v not_o or_o how_o the_o same_o state_n can_v be_v both_o mere_o antichristian_a and_o christian_n a_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o a_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n a_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o oâ—_n idol_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a and_o justifiable_a call_n respect_v the_o essence_n thereof_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o foundation_n aright_o of_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o otherwise_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o many_o circumstantial_a point_n yet_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o may_v more_o comfortable_o be_v receive_v from_o one_o church_n then_o another_o as_o former_o be_v evince_v the_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o sound_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o sound_a spiritual_a and_o edify_v their_o ministerial_a function_n be_v the_o more_o loose_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o loose_v their_o ministerial_a call_n will_v be_v therefore_o the_o godly_a church_n and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o mission_n ministerial_a call_v and_o office_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o repair_v unto_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v then_o of_o the_o present_a ministry_n of_o england_n as_o now_o constitute_v who_o as_o presbyter_n ordain_v one_o another_o to_o their_o ministerial_a office_n who_o be_v first_o ordain_v themselves_o by_o the_o late_a bishop_n and_o so_o hold_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o as_o from_o true_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v but_o contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cloud_v my_o judgement_n in_o any_o thing_n if_o the_o english_a presbytery_n as_o the_o helvetian_a and_o genevan_n have_v do_v to_o their_o perpetual_a glory_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o antichristian_a whore_n and_o so_o public_o renounce_v all_o ministerial_a call_v as_o derive_v from_o she_o than_o i_o grant_v such_o ministry_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o though_o collate_v of_o office_n mere_o as_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n without_o the_o just_a assent_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o church_n be_v not_o so_o justifiable_a as_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o evince_v but_o if_o they_o maintain_v their_o call_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v good_a as_o by_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n they_o have_v utter_o nullify_v and_o undo_v their_o case_n and_o their_o call_n too_o in_o my_o judgement_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v for_o what_o be_v not_o good_a and_o justifiable_a in_o the_o fountain_n and_o first_o origin_n can_v be_v make_v justifiable_a by_o succession_n in_o the_o stream_n and_o branch_n a_o pollute_a fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a wholesome_a stream_n causa_fw-la causae_fw-la causa_fw-la causati_fw-la if_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a as_o most_o of_o they_o grant_v though_o both_o name_n and_o office_n be_v warrantable_a in_o a_o gospel_n regulate_v sense_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o first_o mission_n and_o call_v how_o then_o come_v their_o call_n more_o warrantable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o author_n and_o founder_n if_o bishop_n in_o their_o ministry_n be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_n how_o come_v they_o to_o supplant_v they_o and_o pull_v they_o down_o christ_n ministry_n be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o desolate_v and_o dethrone_v brethren_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a function_n but_o rather_o for_o consolidate_v and_o confirm_v therefore_o sure_o there_o be_v somewhat_o amiss_o all_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v stand_v to_o this_o day_n witness_v the_o national_a covenant_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o constitute_v in_o england_n be_v of_o the_o off_o spring_n and_o brood_n of_o babylon_n they_o always_o hold_v their_o call_n good_a as_o ministerial_a bishop_n have_v their_o personal_a call_v from_o such_o successive_o as_o first_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a or_o justifiable_a in_o the_o succession_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v as_o some_o say_v to_o salve_v it_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o church_n of_o invisible_a saint_n under_o antichrist_n because_o they_o must_v prove_v themselves_o then_o to_o succeed_v that_o very_a church_n or_o those_o very_a invisible_a saint_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o that_o those_o very_a saint_n be_v ministerial_a officer_n or_o presbyter_n or_o else_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o man_n may_v be_v saint_n but_o not_o ministerial_o saint_n send_v or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o they_o have_v the_o alone_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o in_o want_n of_o such_o true_a ministerial_a presbyter_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v either_o unavoidable_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n their_o ministerial_a office_n void_a and_o null_a or_o otherwise_o plain_o concede_fw-la that_o they_o have_v it_o derivative_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o what_o a_o sorry_a call_n that_o be_v if_o at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v call_v i_o have_v former_o evince_v and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o law_n that_o quod_fw-la initio_fw-la vitiosum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr poor_a tractu_fw-la temporis_fw-la convalescere_fw-la see_v more_o hereon_o du_n plessis_n treat_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 3624._o and_o bishop_n jewel_n defen_n apolog._n part_n 2._o page_n 131._o who_o be_v witness_n without_o exception_n manifest_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v observe_v from_o this_o observe_v that_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n be_v great_a persecuter_n of_o the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v suffer_v much_o from_o such_o false_a teacher_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a be_v always_o against_o the_o true_a one_o and_o cause_v they_o often_o to_o be_v smite_v and_o afflict_v as_o micaiah_n be_v jeer_v by_o zedekiah_n which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n from_o i_o to_o thou_o 1_o king_n 22._o 2_o 4._o and_o that_o not_o all_o but_o be_v smite_v disgraceful_o on_o the_o check_n also_o shemaiah_n stir_v up_o the_o authority_n against_o jeremiah_n the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o will_v have_v cast_v he_o in_o the_o prison_n jer._n 29.24_o yea_o say_v ezekiel_n 22.25_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o her_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o not_o only_o like_o fox_n but_o even_o like_a lion_n raven_v the_o prey_n these_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v always_o very_o pernicious_a to_o god_n true_a church_n what_o great_a persecuter_n arrius_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o athanasius_n and_o the_o orthodox_n they_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a that_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o not_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o by_o incense_a the_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o how_o willing_o will_v pilate_n release_v christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o follower_n false_a prophet_n still_o exclaim_v and_o fastigate_v the_o magistrate_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o
add_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1651._o who_o do_v number_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n very_o radiant_a and_o pregnant_a within_o the_o say_a book_n to_o prove_v it_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n first_o in_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o so_o high_o illuminate_v a_o person_n as_o john_n the_o apostle_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v evince_v and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o last_o public_a legacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o special_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v god_n will_v never_o suffer_v such_o a_o palpable_a deceit_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o long_o without_o control_n and_o under_o his_o own_o name_n so_o often_o reiterated_a in_o those_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n direction_n approbation_n and_o providential_a preservation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o this_o book_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o do_v full_o harmonise_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o indubitable_a receive_v book_n of_o god_n that_o treat_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n three_o and_o last_o see_v those_o thing_n be_v evident_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v predict_v and_o foretell_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o dethron_n of_o the_o dragon_n the_o rise_n continuance_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o whore_n ride_v upon_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n with_o divers_a other_o event_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o former_a some_o whereof_z be_v long_o since_o evident_o accomplish_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o determine_a time_n and_o period_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o prophecy_n come_v from_o god_n when_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v consult_v deut._n 18.21_o 22_o verse_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n about_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n have_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o whether_o this_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n first_o they_o that_o oppose_v the_o first_o do_v offer_n as_o their_o reason_n the_o unlikelyness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n that_o there_o be_v between_o this_o book_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n and_o his_o epistle_n which_o two_o latter_a agree_v in_o style_n and_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n be_v very_a dissonant_n from_o they_o both_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n in_o the_o first_o two_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n though_o he_o write_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o substantial_a truth_n contain_v therein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a tie_v up_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o the_o epistle_n but_o be_v leave_v at_o large_a by_o the_o spirit_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o expression_n which_o he_o write_v according_a to_o his_o own_o genius_n and_o temper_n be_v high_a and_o sublimate_n but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o must_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v and_o be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o beside_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o prophecy_n keep_v somewhat_o the_o like_a and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o expression_n character_n and_o method_n as_o it_o do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n daniel_n isaiah_n and_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v joint_o run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n in_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v and_o other_o of_o john_n writing_n second_o they_o that_o oppose_v give_v as_o another_o reason_n but_o unadvised_o that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n the_o revelation_n be_v entitle_v not_o unto_o john_n evangelist_n or_o john_n the_o apostle_n but_o unto_o john_n the_o divine_a this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n for_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o john_n be_v by_o excellency_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n call_v by_o this_o name_n of_o the_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o write_v and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o heretic_n that_o oppose_v it_o in_o his_o time_n as_o the_o ebonite_n simon_n magus_n carpocrates_n cerinthus_n and_o their_o follower_n yet_o withal_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o this_o word_n the_o divine_a in_o our_o language_n be_v too_o narrow_a a_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o this_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v of_o more_o copious_a and_o extensive_a signification_n which_o make_v much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o evangelist_n that_o write_v this_o book_n for_o the_o foresay_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n and_o maintainer_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v this_o denomination_n either_o from_o his_o work_n and_o so_o be_v entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a or_o last_o he_o acquire_v that_o peculiar_a title_n to_o himself_o from_o the_o high_a divine_a inspiration_n and_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n he_o have_v from_o god_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o those_o his_o vision_n and_o so_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o eminent_o conversant_a with_o god_n he_o may_v just_o acquire_v unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o john_n the_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o former_a be_v the_o more_o genuine_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o title_n in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v that_o this_o john_n who_o be_v the_o subordinate_a author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o be_v write_v cap._n 1._o 9_o when_o john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n under_o banishment_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n which_o do_v agree_v with_o all_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a father_n who_o all_o testify_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v there_o banish_v and_o second_o as_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n as_o aretas_n witness_v basil_n gregory_n cyril_n epiphanius_n ireneus_fw-la hippolyta_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n counsel_n plain_o avouch_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n this_o john_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n major_n or_o the_o great_a and_o the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o three_o great_a witness_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o most_o retire_a and_o eminent_a action_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n who_o after_o christ_n have_v accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v ascend_v he_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o as_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n testify_v have_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n receive_v power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o province_n fall_v in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n where_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o preach_v convert_v and_o found_v those_o several_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n philadelphia_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n but_o also_o it_o seem_v
but_o especial_o for_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n quest_n what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n answ_n not_o only_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o grace_n itself_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o all_o good_a even_o the_o good_a will_n and_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o elect_n even_o whilst_o sinner_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v not_o only_o happy_a success_n from_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o felicity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o reconciliation_n unto_o and_o with_o god_n from_o whence_o flow_v all_o true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n quest_n how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n whilst_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o grace_n and_o peace_n aforehand_o answ_n he_o wish_v unto_o they_o a_o full_a sense_n and_o more_o plenteous_a fruit_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o perseverance_n in_o it_o it_o seem_v by_o their_o backslide_n they_o have_v lose_v some_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o therefore_o need_v a_o supply_n from_o god_n second_o i_o answer_v all_o grace_n be_v not_o give_v at_o once_o to_o god_n best_a child_n but_o by_o degree_n and_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o right_o may_v john_n wish_v these_o church_n a_o increase_n and_o so_o may_v all_o christ_n minister_n unto_o all_o that_o will_v ever_o want_v increase_n of_o grace_n while_o here_o beneath_o for_o none_o here_o in_o this_o world_n will_v ever_o see_v perfection_n in_o a_o absolute_a and_o abstract_a sense_n and_o therefore_o will_v still_o have_v need_n of_o a_o additament_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n you_o have_v here_o the_o author_n or_o fountain_n to_o wit_n the_o trinity_n from_o which_o all_o happiness_n all_o true_a grace_n and_o peace_n do_v proceed_v even_o from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v from_o that_o almighty_a glorious_a god_n who_o only_o have_v a_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a be_v in_o and_o of_o himself_o who_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o be_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_n be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o interpretation_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o spirit_n some_o interpret_v that_o here_o be_v mean_v seven_o principal_a minister_a spirit_n or_o angel_n that_o always_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o command_n but_o this_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o first_o because_o grace_v and_o peace_n be_v here_o desire_a from_o they_o joint_o as_o from_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o angel_n or_o creature_n work_v but_o only_o the_o creator_n second_o for_o that_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a salutation_n you_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o in_o any_o create_a spirit_n or_o angel_n name_n but_o only_o in_o this_o sort_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o consolation_n or_o peace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v with_o you_o three_o for_o that_o in_o chap._n 5._o v._n 6._o these_o seven_o spirit_n be_v there_o call_v the_o seven_o eye_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v which_o the_o spirit_n send_v forth_o into_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o reason_n do_v clear_o convince_v i_o that_o we_o must_v here_o in_o this_o place_n and_o there_o also_o understand_v this_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o here_o go_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o seven_o spirit_n to_o signify_v its_o sevenfold_a power_n virtue_n efficacy_n and_o gift_n rom._n 12._o for_o this_o mystical_a number_n of_o seven_o do_v always_o in_o this_o book_n and_o all_o other_o prophecy_n signify_v compleatness_n and_o perfection_n seven_o church_n seven_o candlestick_n seven_o seal_n seven_o trumpet_n seven_o vial_n seven_o angel_n all_o signify_v a_o perfection_n in_o their_o kind_n hence_o take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n the_o whole_a trinity_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o support_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o of_o all_o our_o joy_n comfort_n and_o happiness_n here_o hereafter_o and_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o father_n more_o peculiar_o flow_v the_o grace_n of_o election_n from_o the_o son_n the_o grace_n of_o redemption_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o spirit_n the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n peace_n and_o consolation_n and_o from_o the_o three_o in_o one_o our_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a glory_n verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o the_o first-begotten_a of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n verse_n 6._o and_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n etc._n etc._n christ_n here_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n in_o sundry_a respect_n first_o in_o that_o he_o have_v faithful_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n second_o in_o that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o work_n about_o our_o redemption_n commit_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n three_o in_o that_o he_o have_v here_o faithful_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n in_o these_o prophecy_n from_o whence_o observe_v as_o before_o on_z vers_n 1._o observe_v that_o this_o prophecy_n have_v so_o faithful_a a_o author_n and_o relater_n as_o christ_n it_o must_v sure_o be_v true_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a much_o more_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o son_n heb._n 2.1_o 2._o see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 3._o 14._o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o first-gotten_a of_o the_o dead_a first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o rise_v by_o his_o own_o proper_a power_n from_o the_o dead_a second_o because_o all_o that_o have_v rise_v or_o shall_v so_o rise_v do_v it_o by_o a_o derivative_a virtue_n and_o power_n from_o he_o three_o he_o may_v be_v call_v the_o first-born_a or_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o dead_a because_o he_o be_v the_o true_a and_o substantial_a first-fruit_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o levitical_a primicy_n or_o first_o fruit_n or_o first-born_a that_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15.20_o observe_v this_o prove_v the_o resurrection_n if_o christ_n be_v the_o first-born_a of_o the_o dead_a than_o other_o of_o his_o member_n must_v necessary_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o resurrection_n also_o 2_o cor._n 4.14_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n first_o as_o head_n of_o his_o church_n or_o of_o saint_n who_o be_v call_v king_n of_o the_o earth_n rev._n 5.10_o second_o as_o king_n of_o king_n so_o by_o he_o king_n reign_v this_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o bless_v we_o here_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o at_o last_o to_o raise_v we_o and_o to_o save_v we_o and_o unto_o this_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a saviour_n who_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n that_o be_v king_n and_o conqueror_n not_o only_o over_o our_o own_o lust_n but_o over_o the_o world_n and_o over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o priest_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n unto_o the_o father_n to_o this_o gracious_a saviour_n who_o have_v do_v all_o these_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o be_v give_v all_o glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o evermore_o amen_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n under_o these_o particular_n first_o he_o love_v we_o that_o be_v accept_v our_o person_n in_o himself_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o in_o time_n justify_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n second_o he_o sanctify_v we_o by_o make_v we_o conqueror_n over_o our_o lust_n and_o to_o become_v active_o zealous_a towards_o god_n in_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o last_o he_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n after_o the_o resurrection_n ruler_n with_o christ_n and_o sharer_n with_o he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n see_v more_o cap._n 5._o 1._o verse_n 7._o behold_v he_o come_v with_o cloud_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o also_o which_o pierce_v he_o and_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o
lay_v home_o close_o on_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o her_o prophetic_a delusion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v alone_o in_o the_o angel_n power_n of_o thyatira_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o balaamitish_a prophet_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v especial_o lay_v the_o burden_n and_o reproof_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o superintendent_o of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v clear_o notify_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v whole_o lay_v home_o upon_o the_o church_n v._o 17._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o i_o grant_v the_o eldership_n or_o officer_n may_v be_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o again_o the_o church_n mouth_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n agitate_v in_o his_o name_n and_o be_v to_o precede_v in_o many_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o charge_n for_o admission_n and_o entertainment_n of_o heterodoxy_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sole_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o hence_o this_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o those_o that_o be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o evil_n have_v a_o indubitable_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o either_o not_o to_o admit_v it_o or_o be_v admit_v to_o try_v it_o and_o cut_v it_o off_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o end_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o corruption_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a but_o this_o shall_v suffice_v herein_o see_v more_o hereon_o v._o 20._o follow_v object_n but_o be_v not_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o raise_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n so_o high_a as_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v negative_o for_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n receive_v no_o diminution_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o subordinate_a minister_n of_o state_n to_o receive_v that_o honour_n due_a unto_o their_o place_n neither_o so_o do_v the_o word_n lose_v at_o all_o of_o its_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o church_n have_v its_o due_a honour_n put_v upon_o it_o also_o indeed_o the_o word_n be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la the_o standard_n the_o rule_n and_o light_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o its_o self_n infallible_a must_v needs_o be_v above_o the_o authority_n and_o of_o a_o sure_a testimony_n then_o that_o which_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o fallibility_n and_o imperfection_n as_o the_o choice_a and_o pure_a church_n ever_o be_v as_o those_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o law_n of_o mere_a humane_a institution_n be_v repute_v of_o so_o high_a authority_n that_o it_o bind_v the_o legislator_n themselves_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v above_o those_o that_o make_v it_o but_o much_o more_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o law_n and_o his_o reveal_v mind_n come_v from_o so_o infinite_a and_o unerrable_a a_o legislator_n as_o god_n be_v so_o far_o transcend_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o judicature_n on_o earth_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o infinite_a do_v a_o finite_a creature_n therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v know_v have_v such_o a_o perfection_n in_o it_o that_o whosoever_o be_v conversant_a therein_o it_o be_v able_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o work_n the_o word_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o dial_n if_o the_o dial_n be_v set_v right_o to_o the_o sun_n it_o will_v give_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o day_n so_o if_o the_o church_n give_v a_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o square_a and_o scantling_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n but_o otherwise_o to_o make_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr and_o to_o conclude_v unto_o the_o church_n dictate_v be_v a_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o dial_n which_o will_v prove_v aethiopiam_fw-la lware_v and_o most_o irrational_a so_o that_o church_n that_o keep_v herself_o within_o her_o own_o sphere_n and_o try_v and_o examine_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v heterodox_n and_o unsound_a by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a light_n and_o infallible_a cynosure_n doubtless_o that_o church_n will_v be_v lead_v and_o preserve_v in_o all_o truth_n but_o if_o any_o one_o so_o far_o exalt_v its_o self_n as_o to_o conclude_v for_o truth_n its_o own_o dictate_v dissentaneous_a unto_o the_o word_n but_o suit_v with_o self-interest_n and_o design_n the_o first_o may_v be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n both_o precious_a and_o famous_a for_o its_o faith_n integrity_n and_o justice_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o latter_a will_n soon_o degenerate_a into_o a_o harlot-church_n if_o not_o soon_o become_v apostate_n to_o the_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n wherein_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o walk_v in_o as_o his_o garden_n enclose_v to_o view_v their_o pleasant_a fruit_n but_o the_o other_o christ_n will_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o rot_a tree_n that_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n observe_v 4._o another_o observation_n be_v that_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n and_o church_n there_o be_v find_v great_a corruption_n both_o in_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v find_v both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d evil_a one_o and_o false_a one_o such_o as_o pretend_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v find_v liar_n and_o deceiver_n among_o the_o twelve_o there_o be_v a_o judas_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o the_o world_n and_o church_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o boundary_n in_o eight_o person_n only_o yet_o one_o be_v a_o cham_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o cain_n when_o it_o be_v of_o a_o lesser_a number_n and_o but_o four_o in_o the_o world_n but_o here_o obiter_fw-la and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n decretive_a will_n and_o his_o preceptive_a will._n his_o voluntas_fw-la bene_fw-la placiti_fw-la and_o voluntas_fw-la signi_fw-la as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o or_o his_o will_n of_o purpose_n and_o his_o will_n of_o good_a pleasure_n not_o that_o there_o be_v two_o will_n in_o god_n but_o several_a and_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n as_o by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o love_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o hate_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o purpose_v one_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o command_v another_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o two_o contradictory_n will_n but_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n diversa_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la contraria_fw-la now_o though_o god_n may_v in_o his_o providential_a wisdom_n ordain_v false_a teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n for_o divers_a end_n know_v unto_o god_n and_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o hence_o argue_v either_o for_o admission_n of_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o their_o toleration_n therein_o after_o a_o discovery_n for_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o admit_v not_o such_o be_v know_v into_o the_o consortship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v admit_v upon_o discovery_n we_o tolerate_v they_o not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o tolerate_v quiet_o within_o the_o church_n then_o doubtless_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v not_o receive_v that_o encomium_fw-la and_o well_o do_v for_o their_o zeal_n against_o they_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o worthy_a reproof_n for_o the_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o one_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n and_o obey_v christ_n preceptive_a will_n and_o have_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o the_o other_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o just_a check_n lay_v upon_o she_o so_o that_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v state_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la non_fw-la de_fw-la facto_fw-la i_o confess_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la there_o may_v be_v evil_a person_n false_a teacher_n in_o the_o best_a church_n and_o pure_a time_n but_o de_fw-la
satan_n law_n nor_o the_o second_o death_n can_v take_v hold_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v for_o he_o for_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v rise_v for_o their_o justification_n therefore_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o danger_n of_o miscarry_v and_o so_o may_v just_o triumph_v and_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n hell_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 15._o verse_n 12._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n write_v this_o say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n here_o follow_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n it_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n and_o in_o the_o 18._o vers_fw-la follow_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n the_o spirit_n herein_o clear_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o inscription_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o of_o the_o ephesian_a church_n and_o here_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n or_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o significant_a and_o latitude_n and_o therefore_o such_o place_n be_v very_o incongruous_o take_v up_o to_o prove_v a_o church_n of_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o though_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v the_o term_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v always_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n not_o that_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o pergamus_n be_v the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o in_o england_n of_o ephesus_z or_o in_o or_o at_o ephesus_n of_o pergamus_n or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o or_o at_o thyatira_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o safe_a to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o wholesome_a word_n in_o such_o expression_n write_v this_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n set_v himself_o forth_o unto_o each_o church_n in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n in_o a_o general_n and_o full_a appearance_n and_o discovery_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o full_a lustre_n and_o now_o he_o discover_v himself_o by_o part_n unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o several_a want_n and_o imperfection_n where_o by_o the_o way_n take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o christ_n discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o his_o church_n be_v always_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a condition_n to_o afflict_a and_o persecute_v faithful_a church_n as_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n be_v he_o appear_v as_o a_o god_n of_o protection_n and_o salvation_n unto_o they_o as_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n under_o the_o description_n of_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n for_o a_o comfortable_a discovery_n unto_o they_o write_z these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v first_o and_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a but_o now_o unto_o the_o more_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n his_o discovery_n be_v in_o another_o posture_n as_o one_o have_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n v._o 18._o a_o appearance_n of_o indignation_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n faithful_a afflict_a christian_n need_v discovery_n of_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n but_o unfound_a and_o corrupt_a one_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n preach_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o know_v not_o right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v no_o complete_a workman_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n he_o be_v a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a that_o know_v how_o to_o preach_v gospel_n and_o glad_a tiding_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n to_o poor_a humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n but_o hell_n and_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o threat_n be_v not_o contradictory_n be_v wise_o manage_v yet_o in_o this_o appearance_n of_o christ_n of_o have_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n there_o be_v much_o mercy_n in_o it_o for_o understand_v that_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v mean_v his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n confer_v with_o heb._n 4.12_o psal_n 148.6_o and_o 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o for_o that_o be_v two_o edge_a and_o cut_v two_o way_n first_o it_o cut_v off_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o its_o kindly_a operate_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o it_o cut_v confound_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a not_o through_o any_o innate_a quality_n in_o the_o word_n but_o by_o accident_n for_o by_o their_o refusal_n and_o contempt_n thereof_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o author_n and_o instituter_n thereof_o god_n go_v out_o with_o the_o other_o edge_n or_o side_n of_o his_o sword_n against_o they_o on_o his_o black_a and_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o god_n judgement_n towards_o his_o back-slidden_a church_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o mercy_n though_o christ_n appearance_n to_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v much_o in_o wrath_n for_o their_o defilement_n and_o backslide_n yet_o he_o add_v much_o grace_n and_o mercy_n thereunto_o both_o in_o approbation_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o defection_n christ_n give_v always_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n providence_n after_o providence_n and_o mercy_n after_o mercy_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n before_o he_o will_v take_v his_o last_o cause_n of_o judgement_n with_o we_o his_o heart_n be_v still_o towards_o our_o amendment_n though_o he_o be_v provoke_v high_o by_o our_o sin_n against_o we_o and_o who_o but_o a_o heart_n of_o adamant_n will_v not_o believe_v he_o when_o he_o swear_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o the_o very_a weapon_n that_o he_o use_v against_o sinner_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n with_o two_o edge_n it_o heal_v as_o well_o as_o wound_n the_o one_o edge_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o balm_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o other_o with_o the_o gall_n of_o judgement_n verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o helde_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n go_v on_o in_o the_o approbation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o know_v her_o work_n and_o that_o her_o habitation_n or_o domestical_a conversation_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v be_v in_o a_o place_n even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v or_o throne_n be_v as_o the_o orginal_a have_v it_o we_o know_v the_o seat_n or_o throne_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o place_n or_o ensign_n of_o dominion_n rule_n or_o sway_v as_o psal_n 1._o v._n 1._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a that_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o such_o scorner_n as_o go_v on_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o say_v their_o tongue_n be_v their_o own_o who_o shall_v we_o control_v as_o christ_n have_v his_o throne_n and_o seat_n so_o satan_n have_v he_o as_o christ_n go_v out_o as_o a_o absolute_a monarch_n in_o his_o kingdom_n have_v his_o royal_a law_n and_o command_n and_o the_o observer_n thereof_o therein_o so_o satan_n have_v also_o his_o kingdom_n and_o his_o throne_n set_v up_o therein_o where_o his_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o the_o childen_a of_o disobedience_n without_o control_n and_o therefore_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v be_v render_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o another_o variation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o satan_n dwell_v or_o do_v his_o household_n affair_n a_o man_n house_n
gracious_a principle_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n what_o a_o do_v tug_v and_o patch_v of_o counsel_n there_o be_v for_o the_o uphold_v of_o idolatry_n and_o image_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o many_o age_n all_o be_v anathematise_v by_o she_o that_o will_v not_o join_v in_o that_o false_a worship_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o day_n maintain_v by_o they_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o great_a scandal_n and_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n to_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o the_o faith_n unto_o this_o day_n o_o most_o sad_a that_o profess_a christian_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o obstinate_a idolater_n among_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o they_o have_v their_o adultery_n too_o and_o fornication_n profess_o own_v avow_a and_o allow_v else_o what_o mean_v the_o public_a revenue_n that_o come_v into_o the_o pope_n coffer_n from_o the_o stew_n at_o rome_n and_o elsewhere_o under_o his_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v authorize_v and_o erect_v by_o sixtus_n the_o four_o at_o rome_n and_o pope_n nicholas_n the_o first_o that_o prohibit_v the_o clergy_n marriage_n deprive_v a_o priest_n of_o his_o benefice_n at_o placentia_n for_o have_v a_o wife_n and_o child_n but_o the_o say_a priest_n afterward_o prove_v the_o say_a woman_n to_o be_v the_o wife_n of_o another_o man_n and_o only_o his_o concubine_n he_o be_v again_o restore_v o_o abominable_a and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n honourable_a marriage_n forbid_v and_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n allow_v and_o countenance_v and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o private_a opinion_n or_o of_o some_o person_n in_o that_o harlot_n church_n but_o it_o exceed_v that_o of_o pergamus_n for_o they_o have_v but_o some_o among_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n but_o it_o be_v here_o more_o general_a &_o as_o catholic_a as_o their_o church_n be_v so_o catholic_a be_v those_o their_o error_n &_o wicked_a practice_n for_o as_o far_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n jurisdiction_n reach_v esso_fw-la far_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n her_o idolatry_n &_o adultery_n reach_v also_o but_o let_v we_o turn_v our_o eye_n from_o this_o great_a scarlet_a whore_n and_o look_v a_o little_a and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o reform_a church_n at_o home_n and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n there_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n among_o we_o it_o be_v no_o evil_a to_o inquire_v a_o enemy_n discover_v be_v half_o vanquish_v i_o hope_v we_o have_v but_o few_o of_o the_o late_a generation_n of_o baal_n priest_n leave_v among_o we_o of_o that_o prelatical_a party_n that_o endeavour_v with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o bring_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o of_o their_o abovesaid_a mother_n jezabel_n among_o we_o it_o be_v true_a they_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o true_a israelite_n of_o god_n in_o their_o travel_n towards_o their_o celestial_a canaan_n they_o entice_v and_o invite_v the_o faithful_a one_o of_o this_o nation_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o baal_n peor_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n and_o many_o precious_a one_o do_v stumble_v and_o fall_v thereby_o but_o god_n give_v they_o a_o day_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o now_o their_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n consist_v in_o their_o altar_n worship_n pompous_a gorgeous_a service_n cringe_n and_o congee_n at_o the_o cross_n musical_a church-service_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n but_o also_o they_o commit_v fornication_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n that_o be_v they_o mix_v interest_n and_o relation_n with_o antichristian_o and_o join_v counsel_n with_o jesuit_n etc._n etc._n and_o take_v up_o profess_o romish_a principle_n and_o practice_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o freewill_n liberty_n of_o play_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o conformity_n to_o all_o outward_a ceremonial_a rite_n and_o service_n on_o purpose_n to_o ensnare_v the_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a and_o to_o make_v they_o fall_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o like_o true_a balaamite_n they_o teach_v balack_n to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v they_o incite_v and_o stir_v up_o their_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a to_o do_v the_o very_a same_o and_o to_o enact_v heavy_a and_o penal_a law_n against_o all_o nonconformist_n to_o their_o form_n and_o false_a worship_n and_o receive_v from_o balack_n their_o foe_n the_o wage_n or_o hire_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o life_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o receive_v the_o wage_n of_o balaam_n as_o some_o fanatiques_n of_o these_o day_n will_v have_v it_o but_o very_o suitable_o it_o maybe_o apply_v to_o such_o prophet_n that_o will_v teach_v their_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a to_o set_v up_o and_o command_v a_o worship_n which_o have_v none_o of_o christ_n stamp_n upon_o it_o and_o to_o enforce_v it_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o true_o godly_a on_o great_a penalty_n thereby_o to_o ensnare_v they_o and_o make_v they_o stumble_v if_o they_o may_v these_o be_v true_a balaamite_n indeed_o and_o for_o this_o their_o antichristian_a service_n they_o expect_v great_a revenue_n encouragement_n and_o honour_n as_o wage_n due_a unto_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n 2_o pet_n 2.15_o which_o balaam_n love_v there_o be_v another_o sort_n among_o we_o that_o hold_v profess_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o balaam_n that_o hold_v no_o difference_n betwoeen_v good_a and_o evil_n and_o that_o good_a and_o evil_n consist_v only_o in_o opinion_n not_o in_o reality_n and_o these_o be_v high_a fly_v antiscripturists_a and_o antinomestical_a atheist_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v converse_v with_o as_o christian_n but_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o god_n his_o law_n and_o the_o commonweal_n of_o israel_n the_o lord_n open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v their_o madness_n and_o folly_n if_o it_o be_v his_o bless_a will_n observe_v 2._o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o false_a can_v never_o stand_v together_o dagon_n and_o the_o ark_n can_v be_v competitor_n under_o one_o roof_n christ_n will_v not_o endure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n idolatry_n and_o adultery_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o his_o church_n if_o his_o church_n will_v entertain_v such_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n he_o will_v hate_v they_o for_o it_o and_o he_o will_v no_o long_o be_v their_o teacher_n but_o will_v become_v their_o enemy_n and_o come_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n we_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n christ_n and_o mammon_n at_o once_o either_o we_o must_v love_v the_o one_o and_o hate_v the_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fellowship_n between_o 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to_o they_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o hear_v they_o as_o they_o you_o but_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v those_o christian_n society_n and_o church_n among_o you_o that_o be_v as_o lily_n shine_v in_o grace_n among_o those_o thorn_n and_o unfruitful_a nation_n and_o to_o retard_v our_o reformation_n in_o church_n and_o ordinance_n till_o all_o be_v square_v and_o hew_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n or_o before_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v all_o unto_o this_o work_n be_v a_o vain_a expectation_n see_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o that_o old_a leven_a of_o our_o ancestor_n national_a church_n national_a officer_n birth_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n on_o that_o account_n etc._n etc._n still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o among_o we_o that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o render_v the_o work_n of_o a_o full_a reformation_n in_o this_o generation_n most_o difficult_a but_o the_o attempt_n thereof_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o land_n but_o general_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a nation_n round_o about_o we_o witness_v the_o intemperate_a zeal_n of_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n who_o become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n in_o their_o irregular_a attempt_n about_o this_o work_n though_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o desire_v and_o aim_v at_o good_a and_o just_a thing_n yet_o they_o prosecute_v it_o not_o just_o for_o to_o denominate_v a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n the_o thing_n itself_o desire_v and_o attempt_v must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n in_o itself_o as_o a_o full_a reformation_n to_o god_n word_n be_v but_o it_o must_v have_v other_o honest_a circumstance_n in_o it_o also_o 1_o the_o time_n when_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o god_n and_o a_o clear_a providence_n call_v unto_o it_o 2_o the_o manner_n how_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v and_o promote_v as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o peace_n not_o with_o war_n tumult_n and_o rebellion_n against_o magistrate_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n so_o that_o the_o best_a action_n may_v lose_v its_o reward_n and_o the_o atempter_n thereof_o suffer_v just_o for_o the_o unjust_a prosecution_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n to_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v no_o evil_n that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o we_o be_v not_o to_o sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n unless_o case_n of_o inevitable_a necessity_n where_o god_n will_v rather_o have_v mercy_n then_o sacrifice_n to_o promote_v any_o just_a end_n or_o good_a whatsoever_o for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n command_n and_o precept_n not_o of_o event_n and_o providence_n therefore_o all_o you_o faithful_a one_o of_o this_o land_n be_v wise_a and_o sober_a in_o this_o your_o way_n of_o temptation_n stop_v not_o the_o current_n of_o god_n reformation_n by_o your_o precipitate_a and_o irregular_a act_n be_v you_o still_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n you_o see_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o this_o full_a work_n among_o we_o even_o the_o old_a leven_a of_o false_a worship_n derive_v and_o leave_v unto_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n god_n will_v remove_v this_o more_o and_o more_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o that_o more_o general_o and_o will_v enlarge_v the_o tent_n of_o jacob_n among_o we_o if_o we_o provoke_v not_o god_n by_o our_o sin_n towards_o he_o but_o to_o expect_v a_o total_a reformation_n never_o look_v for_o it_o until_o the_o day_n star_n shall_v arise_v with_o a_o incomparable_a glory_n in_o the_o interim_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o and_o sober_o like_o child_n of_o the_o light_n serve_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o than_o god_n will_v make_v they_o unto_o we_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n and_o most_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o have_v their_o portion_n and_o lot_n in_o such_o a_o land_n object_n but_o after_o all_o this_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v rise_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v those_o among_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o practise_v spiritual_a and_o corporal_a adultery_n so_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n thyatira_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n galathia_fw-la the_o jewish_a doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n and_o many_o other_o great_a corruption_n be_v among_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o drunkenness_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n incest_n eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o the_o obscenity_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n yet_o these_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n his_o seven_o candlestick_n his_o faithful_a one_o call_v and_o elect_a and_o be_v not_o then_o our_o parochial_a church_n our_o national_a church_n as_o true_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o be_v and_o be_v they_o not_o as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o those_o first_o primitive_a christian_n and_o church_n be_v and_o so_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o church_n of_o christ_n faithful_a elect_a and_o call_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 1_o i_o answer_v we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o all_o church_n if_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o plant_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n elect_v and_o call_v though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o envious_a one_o sow_v plentiful_o among_o the_o good_a wheat_n his_o tare_n and_o darnel_n as_o among_o those_o of_o corinth_n pergamus_n and_o other_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yet_o i_o believe_v christ_n have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n against_o they_o in_o respect_n what_o he_o have_v against_o we_o they_o be_v but_o corrupt_a in_o part_n we_o all_o leprous_a they_o lose_v but_o some_o member_n we_o the_o very_a vital_n for_o i_o much_o question_n whether_o our_o national_a church_n be_v of_o this_o gospel_n structure_n as_o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o seeing_z we_o read_v in_o history_n of_o their_o civil_a institution_n and_o beginning_n be_v so_o divide_v or_o ordain_v by_o the_o politic_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n yet_o withal_o i_o say_v we_o have_v the_o sincere_a faith_n of_o christ_n here_o preach_v among_o we_o present_o after_o if_o not_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n as_o historian_n testify_v this_o good_a seed_n be_v almost_o lose_v among_o we_o but_o again_o revive_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n but_o hold_v captive_a and_o low_a under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n yet_o doubtless_o god_n have_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o his_o invisible_a church_n and_o elect_a one_o our_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o cleave_v to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o we_o own_o a_o succession_n from_o they_o but_o not_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o church_n for_o so_o we_o have_v sail_v under_o the_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o tyranny_n over_o we_o and_o to_o plead_v that_o our_o parochial_a society_n be_v church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o at_o best_a to_o plead_v that_o our_o hundred_o or_o counties_n be_v churchdivision_n presbytery_n or_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o civil_a institution_n with_o the_o former_a but_o some_o write_v that_o dionysius_n pope_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o first_o divider_n and_o institutor_n of_o parish_n about_o anno_fw-la 267._o and_o bring_v into_o england_n by_o honorius_n bishop_n of_o canterbury_n as_o learned_a master_n selden_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr decimis_fw-la testify_v 2_o i_o answer_v if_o our_o church_n be_v right_a in_o their_o first_o institution_n gather_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o have_v as_o real_o lose_v the_o very_a be_v of_o our_o church_n under_o antichrist_n reign_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n pergamus_n ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o saracenical_a tyranny_n and_o mahometanism_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n to_o call_v our_o church_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o from_o antichristianisme_n as_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o miserable_a captivate_v asian_a church_n from_o turcism_n and_o mahometanism_n unless_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n have_v the_o keep_n and_o be_v the_o preserver_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a spouse_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o she_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n that_o many_o church_n pretend_v unto_o by_o succession_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a last_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o corruption_n in_o
open_v and_o shut_v there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a image_n erect_v like_o the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o in_o dan._n 2.32_o who_o head_n be_v of_o fine_a gold_n his_o breast_n and_o arm_n of_o silver_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a and_o noble_a say_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o his_o time_n vos_fw-fr est_fw-fr be_v in_o ecclesia_fw-la sed_fw-la ego_fw-la extra_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la episcopus_fw-la though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o christian_n temporal_a saviour_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o open_v or_o shut_v in_o christ_n church_n nor_o extort_v the_o key_n of_o david_n or_o christ_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n to_o who_o christ_n leave_v it_o for_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n as_o by_o his_o delegated_a power_n what_o they_o bind_v in_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o wield_v his_o key_n but_o those_o to_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o method_n and_o way_n of_o direction_n who_o use_v they_o contrary_a to_o this_o they_o will_v find_v they_o scorpion_n in_o their_o hand_n ready_a to_o bite_v and_o destroy_v they_o instead_o of_o heal_v and_o cure_v remember_v the_o example_n of_o uzziah_n and_o tremble_v 2_o chron._n 26.16_o be_v it_o not_o the_o downfall_n to_o popery_n when_o spiritual_a man_n turn_v layick_n and_o bishop_n become_v prince_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n secular_a prince_n handle_v the_o spiritual_a key_n open_v and_o shut_v as_o they_o please_v make_v law_n edict_n and_o rule_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n prerogative_n only_o what_o undo_v our_o late_a episcopal_a hierarchy_n in_o england_n but_o mix_v sacred_a thing_n with_o profane_a make_v christ_n and_o caesar_n law_n all_o one_o the_o bishop_n he_o be_v make_v a_o temporal_a lord_n to_o act_v in_o the_o parliamentary_a and_o civil_a affair_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o requital_n hereof_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n he_o be_v make_v supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enact_v what_o law_n he_o please_v as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o who_o he_o will_v by_o his_o high_a court_n of_o delegate_n and_o high_a commission_n etc._n etc._n such_o a_o church_n such_o a_o head_n a_o civil_a church_n a_o civil_a head_n such_o a_o church_n such_o law_n such_o officer_n such_o key_n such_o pow-ar_a all_o prudential_o and_o all_o of_o the_o present_a world_n wisdom_n and_o fabricate_a and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a that_o the_o fabric_n last_v no_o long_o but_o fall_v witâ—in_o few_o age_n after_o the_o first_o structure_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o not_o now_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o church_n among_o we_o may_v be_v lull_v asleep_o as_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o constantine_n by_o overmuch_o indulgence_n and_o temporal_a honour_n cast_v upon_o she_o and_o her_o minister_n though_o i_o be_o not_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o just_a maintenance_n and_o temporal_a comfort_n yet_o i_o be_o jealous_a of_o they_o that_o all_o be_v not_o lambskin_n that_o appear_v so_o about_o they_o but_o that_o somewhat_o if_o not_o too_o much_o of_o the_o fox_n tail_n lie_v undiscovered_a within_o what_o mean_v else_o the_o bleat_n of_o the_o cattle_n i_o mean_v their_o press_v after_o preferment_n extraneous_a as_o to_o their_o church_n as_o head_n of_o university_n state-chaplain_n great_a parsonage_n commissioner_n and_o tryer_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o christ_n own_o key_n do_v often_o open_v to_o person_n against_o who_o christ_n have_v shut_v and_o shut_v against_o some_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v open_v so_o fallible_a be_v man_n that_o open_v with_o the_o wooden_a key_n of_o their_o own_o politic_n the_o lord_n deliver_v our_o sovereign_a magistrate_n from_o the_o snare_n of_o these_o spiritual_a machiavilian_o or_o machiavilian_a doctor_n that_o do_v teach_v the_o magistrate_n to_o lay_v his_o politic_n as_o rule_n to_o christ_n church_n that_o will_v have_v he_o open_a where_o christ_n shut_v and_o shut_v where_o christ_n open_v it_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a unto_o both_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o move_v or_o act_v out_o of_o their_o own_o proper_a sphere_n but_o act_v in_o their_o own_o orb_n the_o one_o in_o his_o civil_a government_n and_o state_n the_o other_o in_o his_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o church_n so_o both_o become_v gracious_a and_o honourable_a in_o their_o respective_a government_n and_o dominion_n quest._n but_o what_o shall_v not_o christian_n magistrate_n do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n or_o execute_v no_o part_n of_o their_o authority_n therein_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v first_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o several_a respect_n first_o in_o protect_v encourage_v and_o countenance_v the_o church_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o defend_v their_o liberty_n therein_o and_o so_o become_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n second_o as_o christ_n do_v approve_v and_o command_v obedience_n from_o all_o to_o magistrate_n and_o their_o law_n as_o for_o god_n sake_n rom._n 13._o so_o magistrate_n shall_v approve_v and_o command_v christ_n law_n and_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o within_o their_o respective_a boundary_n and_o jurisdiction_n three_o if_o any_o prove_v turbulent_a seditious_a or_o factious_a in_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o become_v a_o peace-breaker_n in_o the_o commonweal_n the_o magistrate_n may_v restrain_v he_o by_o his_o civil_a power_n four_o if_o any_o church_n member_n become_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o idolater_n a_o open_a delinquent_n against_o the_o first_o table_n or_o transgressor_n of_o the_o second_o the_o magistrate_n may_v chastise_v he_o for_o it_o over_z and_o above_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o require_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o civil_a law_n that_o equal_o reach_v all_o person_n that_o transgress_v they_o whether_o ecclesiastiques_n or_o other_o 2._o but_o second_o in_o the_o negative_a i_o answer_v that_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v nor_o be_v competent_a judge_n as_o magistrate_n of_o controversal_a point_n opinion_n doctrine_n or_o of_o thing_n mere_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n christ_n never_o endue_v the_o magistrate_n with_o such_o a_o power_n therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o prevalent_a a_o negative_a that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n the_o church_n alone_o under_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o that_o power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n suppress_v error_n in_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n now_o to_o who_o this_o rule_n be_v give_v the_o foresay_a power_n be_v give_v but_o the_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n only_o and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n mat._n 18._o therefore_o the_o say_a power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n and_o suppress_v error_n be_v commit_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n object_n but_o may_v not_o magistrate_n suppress_v error_n and_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o that_o end_n when_o they_o be_v thereunto_o well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n or_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v such_o adviser_n herein_o do_v first_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o call_n in_o their_o master_n service_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n plain_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v not_o provide_v a_o armoury_n sufficient_a in_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n to_o overthrow_v error_n as_o well_o as_o mean_n for_o their_o discovery_n be_v not_o this_o to_o run_v for_o carnal_a weapon_n whilst_o they_o lie_v by_o those_o make_v by_o god_n spiritual_a one_o and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o power_n principality_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n second_o if_o magistrate_n act_n thus_o upon_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o they_o must_v not_o only_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o act_n upon_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o do_v also_o hereby_o become_v but_o the_o executioner_n of_o their_o assembly_n decree_n what_o more_o do_v the_o popish_a prince_n when_o they_o execute_v the_o edict_n of_o the_o romish_a conclave_n and_o what_o otherwise_o do_v pilate_n when_o he_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o the_o priest_n sentence_n upon_o christ_n in_o crucify_a he_o a_o seamark_n to_o all_o to_o take_v notice_n on_o this_o account_n three_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o suppress_v error_n because_o christ_n have_v other_o law_n ordinance_n and_o way_n to_o suppress_v they_o
will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n now_o this_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v attribute_v to_o that_o kingdom_n which_o christ_n have_v as_o god_n with_o the_o father_n by_o right_a of_o creation_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n by_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n long_o after_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n pprophecy_n and_o christ_n have_v long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o natural_a kingdom_n of_o he_o as_o one_o with_o the_o father_n neither_o second_o can_v it_o be_v apply_v with_o any_o more_o show_v of_o reason_n to_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n because_o how_o few_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o language_n do_v as_o much_o as_o own_v or_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o some_o learned_a observe_v and_o that_o aright_o that_o not_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o tongue_n in_o the_o world_n do_v as_o much_o as_o own_v or_o acknowledge_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o again_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v christ_n how_o great_a a_o part_n thereof_o be_v apostate_n antichristian_n and_o even_o violent_a persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o again_o consider_v how_o few_o of_o those_o in_o the_o reform_a nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o more_o clearness_n and_o light_n discover_v and_o preach_v be_v true_o sincere_a servant_n of_o christ_n submit_v with_o cheerfulness_n unto_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o righteousness_n own_v christ_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n thereof_o therefore_o sure_o this_o kingdom_n and_o happy_a period_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v as_o christ_n say_v john_n 18.36_o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o that_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n and_o be_v here_o promise_v as_o a_o reward_n to_o the_o overcome_a saint_n and_o for_o which_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v which_o will_v not_o be_v give_v by_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n until_o he_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n dan._n 7.13_o compare_v to_o rev._n 14.14_o last_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o humane_a testimony_n and_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v the_o least_o with_o some_o and_o that_o be_v of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o annotation_n only_o on_o two_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o matter_n and_o substance_n i_o contend_v for_o to_o wit_n a_o more_o glorious_a triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o ultimate_a day_n of_o judgement_n first_o they_o in_o their_o new_a annotation_n on_o rev._n 5.10_o and_o we_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n confess_v that_o this_o may_v signify_v the_o prosperous_a time_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christian_n king_n and_o emperor_n dan._n 7.27_o psal_n 37.11_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n and_o on_o rev._n 2.25_o 26._o they_o say_v hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v signify_v till_o christ_n second_o come_v general_a or_o special_a power_n over_o the_o nation_n signify_v to_o join_v with_o christ_n in_o judge_v the_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o give_v the_o morning_n star_n signify_v christ_n give_v the_o full_a fruition_n of_o himself_o thus_o far_o they_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v in_o the_o full_a extent_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o yet_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o futurity_n but_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o show_v their_o great_a mistake_n that_o expect_v a_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o christ_n reign_n or_o monarchy_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n before_o christ_n second_o appearance_n in_o the_o cloud_n to_o accomplish_v this_o work_n this_o opinion_n be_v not_o a_o little_a dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a both_o unto_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o unto_o all_o magistracy_n that_o such_o opinionist_n live_v under_o for_o once_o entertain_v the_o judgement_n that_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v now_o to_o be_v set_v up_o all_o other_o opposite_n and_o kingdom_n must_v down_o before_o it_o for_o who_o will_v count_v it_o a_o hard_a say_n or_o sinful_a to_o remove_v humane_a power_n and_o magistrate_n be_v they_o ever_o so_o just_a that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o all-righteous_a sceptre_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o on_o this_o very_a ground_n and_o principle_n that_o every_o party_n and_o faction_n that_o pretend_v high_a to_o christ_n have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v itself_o in_o the_o throne_n how_o be_v episcopacy_n dethrone_v but_o that_o presbytery_n think_v itself_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n must_v go_v with_o they_o whether_o prelacy_n or_o presbytery_n be_v of_o the_o divine_a or_o better_a size_n that_o be_v not_o the_o dispute_n but_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o conceit_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o their_o geneva_n model_n and_o presbytery_n what_o nation_n be_v at_o peace_n among_o the_o reform_a before_o it_o be_v exalt_v and_o have_v the_o throne_n again_o this_o principle_n be_v again_o entertain_v by_o some_o other_o pretend_v to_o more_o holiness_n and_o truth_n than_o they_o o_o how_o they_o labour_v for_o a_o eruption_n like_o a_o inbred_a wind_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n never_o at_o rest_n till_o it_o set_v up_o its_o interest_n or_o its_o pretend_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n up_o at_o top_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a principle_n and_o fancy_n that_o carry_v on_o those_o irregular_a head_n of_o munster_n and_o john_n of_o leyden_n etc._n etc._n that_o make_v they_o dream_v of_o a_o new_a state_n come_v down_o among_o they_o from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v as_o weak_a frail_a and_o sinful_a as_o any_o other_o do_v not_o this_o excite_v they_o to_o contemn_v all_o power_n and_o magistracy_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o tread_v all_o under_o foot_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o new_a camaera_n and_o be_v not_o this_o again_o attempt_v and_o act_v by_o some_o in_o our_o day_n that_o have_v take_v up_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o who_o know_v where_o it_o will_v rest_v be_v once_o set_v on_o foot_n or_o work_v by_o a_o fiery_a irregular_a zeal_n judicious_a m._n hooker_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n though_o a_o episcopal_a man_n yet_o wise_o foresee_v the_o evil_a of_o this_o judgement_n and_o principle_n and_o give_v forewarn_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o it_o do_v destroy_v episcopacy_n and_o it_o will_v destroy_v presbytery_n and_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o if_o it_o be_v not_o moderate_v and_o wise_o regulate_v by_o a_o overmastering_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o herein_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v but_o my_o duty_n and_o discharge_v my_o conscience_n in_o show_v the_o false_a ground_n of_o many_o man_n miscarriage_n about_o the_o prosecution_n and_o attainment_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o indeed_o will_v never_o be_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o infirm_a and_o corrupt_a generation_n which_o be_v partly_o spiritual_a and_o partly_o carnal_a and_o they_o that_o endeavour_v to_o set_v it_o up_o may_v just_o perish_v in_o the_o attempt_n be_v not_o call_v to_o it_o neither_o by_o god_n nor_o christ_n neither_o let_v any_o say_v hence_o that_o i_o contemn_v full_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o reform_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n unto_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n when_o god_n open_v a_o door_n unto_o we_o unto_o this_o work_n it_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o the_o church_n triumphant_a before_o christ_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v her_o captain_n and_o leader_n on_o which_o then_o will_v be_v with_o great_a power_n and_o might_n and_o none_o shall_v hinder_v we_o be_v now_o command_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o overcome_v our_o temptation_n patient_o not_o to_o reign_v and_o triumph_n which_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o patience_n unto_o another_o life_n he_o that_o thus_o overcome_v shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o reign_v with_o he_o while_o other_o may_v be_v shut_v out_o for_o their_o sin_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o power_n they_o live_v under_o have_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o false_a principle_n to_o wit_n a_o expectance_n to_o reign_v with_o christ_n at_o present_a let_v all_o wise_a christian_n shun_v it_o as_o a_o ruinous_a house_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o overwhelm_v all_o that_o