accurse_v that_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v save_v 3._o again_o they_o urge_v if_o the_o righteous_a turn_n from_o his_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v die_v ergo_fw-la a_o righteous_a man_n may_v perish_v to_o these_o word_n i_o answer_v 9_o there_o be_v a_o double_a righteousness_n one_o of_o the_o outward_a action_n another_o of_o the_o person_n the_o first_o be_v when_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o whole_a law_n outward_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n the_o second_o in_o that_o a_o man_n person_n be_v righteous_a by_o christ_n righteousness_n before_o god_n a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o first_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mean_v here_o of_o the_o first_o not_o of_o the_o second_o by_o which_o man_n be_v in_o deed_n righteous_a before_o god_n ans._n 2._o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o which_o esteem_v themselves_o righteous_a they_o plead_v that_o their_o father_n sin_v &_o they_o be_v punish_v so_o that_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v just_a but_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o another_o place_n be_v luke_n 8._o 13._o there_o be_v some_o which_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n ans._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o faith_n as_o also_o of_o believer_n historical_a temporal_a and_o true_a save_v faith_n in_o the_o first_o be_v knowledge_n &_o assent_n to_o the_o word_n yet_o no_o great_a joy_n or_o rejoice_v in_o the_o second_o be_v also_o join_a joy_n and_o rejoice_v to_o the_o assent_n with_o approbation_n but_o in_o save_v faith_n there_o be_v also_o apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o now_o as_o of_o faith_n so_o of_o believer_n there_o be_v three_o kind_n one_o which_o know_v the_o word_n and_o give_v assent_v to_o it_o yet_o have_v no_o great_a love_n or_o like_n of_o it_o the_o second_o he_o love_v it_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o apprehend_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o three_o he_o believe_v love_v and_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n now_o the_o two_o first_o may_v fall_v away_o but_o the_o last_o can_v fall_v away_o and_o luke_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o two_o first_o not_o of_o the_o last_o but_o they_o object_n and_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o faith_n therefore_o all_o faith_n be_v one_o phil._n 4._o answ._n that_o be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n one_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o one_o religion_n so_o faith_n be_v use_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v here_o understand_v second_o they_o prove_v it_o by_o example_n as_o first_o of_o adam_n second_o of_o david_n adam_n he_o have_v grace_n sufficient_a yet_o he_o in_o his_o innocence_n fall_v from_o god_n therefore_o much_o more_o we_o which_o have_v not_o so_o much_o grace_n as_o he_o have_v ans._n though_o he_o have_v great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o have_v more_o certain_a and_o sure_a privilege_n of_o grace_n than_o he_o have_v first_o he_o have_v his_o grace_n by_o creation_n we_o by_o redemption_n which_o be_v great_a than_o creation_n second_o he_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n not_o the_o second_o but_o we_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o the_o second_o too_o by_o promise_n which_o preserve_v we_o in_o the_o first_o grace_n phil._n 1._o 6._o 2._o thes._n 1._o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a to_o establish_v we_o &_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o evil_a god_n give_v the_o first_o grace_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o the_o second_o to_o make_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o they_o object_n david_n fall_v from_o grace_n by_o two_o great_a sin_n one_o of_o adultery_n the_o other_o of_o pride_n answ._n he_o fall_v grievous_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sore_o decay_v weaken_a and_o wound_v in_o he_o not_o clean_o extinguish_v for_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v contemn_v god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n &_o despair_v of_o mercy_n which_o he_o do_v not_o this_o show_v he_o have_v the_o remnant_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n still_o though_o weaken_a and_o wound_v ob._n 1._o but_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o create_v in_o he_o a_o new_a heart_n psal._n 51._o therefore_o he_o have_v clean_o lose_v grace_n answ._n david_n speak_v there_o as_o he_o feel_v himself_o not_o as_o he_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n much_o trouble_n and_o god_n wrath_n against_o he_o 2._o ob._n but_o he_o repent_v not_o of_o a_o whole_a year_n now_o no_o repentance_n no_o pardon_n and_o no_o pardon_n no_o grace_n answ._n the_o gift_n of_o repentance_n be_v in_o he_o when_o he_o fall_v and_o after_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o show_v itself_o not_o till_o that_o time_n that_o the_o prophet_n come_v to_o he_o he_o want_v not_o repentance_n simple_o but_o new_a repentance_n in_o practice_n for_o that_o fact_n their_o three_o argument_n be_v from_o equity_n of_o nature_n &_o common_a reason_n a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v become_v the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n now_o one_o can_v be_v the_o member_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v final_o ans._n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o member_n a_o dead_a a_o decay_a and_o a_o lively_a member_n the_o first_o be_v as_o a_o leg_n of_o wood_n or_o brass_n the_o second_o as_o a_o arm_n or_o leg_n take_v with_o a_o palsy_n the_o three_o a_o move_a and_o lively_a member_n as_o a_o hand_n sound_n and_o ready_a to_o move_v so_o in_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o dead_a member_n which_o be_v only_o in_o show_n not_o in_o deed_n second_o a_o member_n decay_a die_v but_o not_o dead_a as_o a_o man_n by_o sin_n take_v with_o a_o spiritual_a palsy_n which_o can_v not_o feel_v grace_n flow_v from_o christ_n three_o a_o lively_a member_n which_o feel_v and_o live_v in_o christ._n now_o a_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n can_v not_o be_v the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n but_o a_o decay_a member_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n between_o dead_a and_o alive_a that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n but_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o die_v shall_v be_v quicken_v again_o so_o a_o man_n be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n spiritual_o but_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n by_o carnal_a manner_n they_o say_v further_o if_o that_o man_n be_v so_o certain_a of_o their_o salvation_n that_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o than_o this_o show_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o word_n no_o need_n of_o preach_v and_o exhortation_n ans._n though_o a_o man_n be_v certain_a he_o can_v fall_v away_o yet_o preach_v and_o exhort_v have_v their_o use_n not_o only_o to_o work_v grace_n but_o also_o to_o make_v man_n constant_a in_o grace_n and_o to_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n and_o though_o a_o man_n be_v certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n yet_o he_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n paul_n act._n 28._o he_o know_v that_o not_o one_o in_o the_o ship_n shall_v perish_v yet_o there_o must_v not_o one_o go_v out_o of_o the_o ship_n isaiah_n 38_o tell_v hezechiah_n he_o shall_v recover_v but_o he_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n and_o so_o he_o do_v but_o say_v they_o this_o doctrine_n maintain_v gross_a security_n to_o teach_v that_o man_n be_v sure_a they_o can_v fall_v ans._n there_o be_v a_o double_a security_n one_o of_o the_o flesh_n when_o a_o man_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n have_v no_o care_n or_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n second_o there_o be_v a_o security_n of_o faith_n when_o one_o rely_v whole_o on_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n now_o see_v that_o doctrine_n maintain_v security_n not_o of_o the_o flesh_n but_o a_o spiritual_a security_n of_o faith_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dislike_v for_o it_o be_v a_o man_n chief_a felicity_n when_o a_o man_n in_o life_n and_o death_n rely_v whole_o on_o christ._n thus_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n be_v that_o a_o true_a believer_n can_v loose_v faith_n nor_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n whole_o or_o final_o but_o in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n see_v this_o decay_n of_o love_n be_v in_o this_o famous_a church_n found_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o then_o much_o more_o be_v it_o rife_o in_o our_o church_n see_v we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o have_v then_o we_o must_v look_v to_o ourselves_o see_v how_o we_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n if_o we_o do_v than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o after_o long_a profession_n we_o have_v decay_v much_o in_o love_n and_o if_o we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o yet_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o for_o see_v this_o famous_a church_n be_v subject_a to_o it_o it_o can_v be_v but_o we_o
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
thing_n and_o to_o true_a obedience_n psal._n 119._o david_n say_v i_o have_v incline_v my_o heart_n even_o my_o dead_a heart_n and_o put_v life_n into_o it_o and_o so_o we_o must_v put_v life_n into_o our_o benumb_a soul_n and_o often_o call_v on_o they_o which_o be_v half_o dead_a but_o we_o common_o stand_v still_o seek_v not_o to_o grow_v but_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n christ_n by_o these_o word_n will_v signify_v that_o some_o be_v dead_a other_o grace_n be_v ready_a to_o die_v whence_o we_o have_v answer_v to_o that_o question_n whether_o grace_n may_v be_v utter_o lose_v we_o say_v some_o grace_n may_v othersome_a can_v be_v lose_v but_o sore_o decay_a and_o diminish_v for_o god_n grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n some_o be_v less_o necessary_a which_o go_v not_o with_o save_v faith_n as_o sensible_a and_o full_a feel_n of_o god_n favour_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n earnest_a invocation_n on_o god_n name_n now_o these_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o faith_n and_o be_v whole_o lose_v in_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n the_o other_o can_v though_o they_o may_v be_v sore_o diminish_v nay_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n consider_v in_o themselves_o may_v be_v lose_v whole_o for_o nothing_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o it_o own_o nature_n but_o god_n the_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o elect_a angel_n stand_v be_v in_o itself_o changeable_a and_o these_o will_v perish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o unless_o they_o be_v continual_o preserve_v keep_v and_o confirm_v in_o we_o and_o they_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o then_o do_v not_o the_o elect_a fall_n away_o ans._n not_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n or_o that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o unchangeable_a but_o because_o of_o god_n promise_n as_o mat._n 16._o christ_n say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n though_o they_o show_v their_o violence_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o peter_n faith_n so_o that_o these_o grace_n be_v eternal_a not_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o god_n promise_n which_o will_v preserve_v they_o to_o the_o end_n use_v now_o see_v grace_n may_v be_v lose_v we_o must_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a if_o we_o have_v any_o grace_n in_o we_o but_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o they_o may_v come_v to_o that_o ebb_n that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n now_o follow_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o remedy_n for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o watch_n and_o seek_v to_o restore_v thy_o decay_a grace_n i_o have_v not_o find_v here_o christ_n signify_v that_o he_o make_v a_o search_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o to_o reward_v they_o either_o with_o life_n or_o death_n and_o so_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v to_o sodom_n he_o go_v down_o to_o search_v it_o so_o gen._n 11._o the_o lord_n come_v down_o to_o see_v babel_n the_o like_a be_v jerem._n 9_o and_o the_o lord_n he_o visit_v that_o be_v he_o enquire_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o child_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o he_o punish_v they_o in_o the_o child_n and_o always_o christ_n first_o make_v inquiry_n and_o after_o search_v make_v he_o reward_v according_o the_o like_a will_n christ_n do_v with_o we_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o may_v approve_v of_o if_o a_o magistrate_n be_v to_o search_v our_o house_n we_o will_v see_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v amiss_o how_o much_o more_o when_o christ_n the_o heavenly_a prince_n which_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o can_v be_v deceive_v come_v to_o search_v we_o that_o he_o may_v approve_v of_o we_o and_o reward_v we_o but_o find_v thou_o not_o perfect_a there_o be_v a_o twofold_a perfection_n one_o of_o the_o law_n another_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o law_n when_o we_o satisfy_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o our_o work_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o believe_a heart_n which_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n now_o though_o no_o work_n of_o man_n be_v perfect_a yet_o those_o work_n come_v from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o faith_n be_v perfect_a in_o christ_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o deed_n through_o christ._n christ_n he_o search_v and_o find_v in_o this_o church_n many_o goodly_a work_n in_o show_n only_o for_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hypocrisy_n make_v show_v of_o godliness_n but_o want_v the_o power_n thereof_o neither_o do_v they_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o faith_n or_o that_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n not_o to_o sin_n in_o any_o thing_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a and_o please_a to_o god_n in_o that_o this_o church_n be_v reprove_v not_o for_o want_v of_o work_n and_o those_o fair_a in_o show_n but_o because_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o believe_v and_o honest_a heart_n learn_v to_o pray_v as_o david_n psal._n 119._o 80._o lord_n let_v my_o heart_n be_v upright_o let_v i_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o please_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n when_o one_o can_v say_v in_o his_o conscience_n my_o heart_n be_v upright_o but_o hypocrisy_n be_v the_o kill_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o god_n christ_n seem_v to_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o god_n but_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o god_n simple_o but_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n and_o so_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n though_o he_o be_v now_o in_o glory_n now_o see_v he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o glory_n there_o yet_o carry_v himself_o as_o mediator_n we_o may_v pray_v to_o he_o without_o help_n of_o angel_n or_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n see_v he_o be_v still_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n mediator_n and_o so_o carry_v himself_o towards_o us._n remember_v here_o after_o the_o remedy_n christ_n as_o a_o good_a pastor_n of_o the_o soul_n show_v how_o to_o use_v the_o same_o namely_o first_o remember_v second_o hold_v fast_o three_o repent_v in_o practise_v of_o which_o three_o stand_v the_o remedy_n of_o hypocrisy_n remember_v that_o be_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n teach_v by_o my_o apostle_n this_o remembrance_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a duty_n and_o bring_v with_o it_o many_o grace_n as_o subjection_n to_o god_n will_v repentance_n etc._n etc._n psal._n 73._o david_n see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v almost_o slip_v and_o be_v sore_o tempt_v he_o can_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o his_o temptation_n till_o he_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n that_o be_v till_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n psal._n 119._o 55._o he_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n because_o he_o remember_v his_o name_n in_o the_o night_n season_n peter_n remember_v christ_n word_n and_o so_o repent_v at_o the_o crow_n of_o a_o cock_n luk._n 23._o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sin_n be_v forgetfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o heb._n 6._o every_o sin_n be_v call_v ignorance_n because_o we_o commit_v sin_n not_o remember_v and_o know_v god_n word_n and_o if_o we_o can_v keep_v in_o lively_a memory_n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v sin_v as_o we_o do_v then_o it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o cut_v off_o sin_n to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n run_v in_o our_o mind_n forbid_v sin_n in_o us._n and_o the_o devil_n he_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o make_v we_o forget_v the_o word_n for_o than_o he_o can_v draw_v we_o easy_o to_o sin_n now_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o word_n continual_o in_o memory_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v our_o heart_n affect_v with_o the_o same_o for_o we_o can_v remember_v more_o than_o we_o like_v and_o affect_v then_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o else_o we_o can_v remember_v for_o that_o we_o believe_v not_o slip_v soon_o out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o remember_v the_o word_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o affect_v and_o delight_v with_o it_o nor_o believe_v it_o that_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v that_o be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o by_o hear_v and_o receive_v thou_o have_v learn_v see_v he_o put_v hear_v and_o receive_v together_o we_o gather_v that_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o word_n preach_v then_o god_n call_v not_o all_o man_n in_o all_o time_n 1._o see_v man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n neither_o receive_v it_o and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n they_o can_v not_o be_v call_v for_o first_o they_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
quake_v for_o fear_n the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n and_o make_v his_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o and_o his_o knee_n smite_v together_o for_o fear_n so_o then_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n kill_v the_o wicked_a by_o reveal_v their_o sin_n show_v the_o wrath_n and_o anger_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n which_o repent_v not_o and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o also_o by_o sharpen_v the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n to_o wound_v they_o and_o strike_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n and_o so_o they_o by_o this_o have_v the_o first_o wound_n of_o eternal_a death_n though_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o wound_n yet_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o death_n and_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o step_n to_o eternal_a death_n for_o those_o horror_n and_o fear_n which_o come_v into_o a_o man_n heart_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n sever_v from_o grace_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o first_o wound_n to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o the_o lord_n give_v grace_n see_v christ_n carry_v the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o mouth_n 2._o whereby_o he_o wound_v his_o enemy_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n at_o the_o heart_n then_o when_o we_o see_v any_o which_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o after_o rebell_v storm_v and_o rage_v against_o the_o same_o be_v wound_v in_o conscience_n therewith_o we_o must_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o it_o but_o pity_v his_o case_n see_v he_o be_v wound_v at_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o he_o in_o this_o case_n be_v in_o the_o first_o step_n to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o the_o lord_n recover_v he_o of_o this_o wound_n in_o those_o church_n and_o place_n where_o the_o word_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n remain_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o unreform_v we_o must_v in_o these_o take_v pity_n on_o they_o see_v this_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o they_o for_o these_o be_v wound_v with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o the_o word_n have_v be_v long_o and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o without_o profit_n and_o the_o word_n it_o never_o return_v empty_a but_o either_o save_v or_o destroy_v wound_v or_o heal_v they_o so_o that_o though_o man_n may_v live_v civil_o before_o man_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v unreform_v and_o live_v in_o ignorance_n these_o be_v but_o dead_a man_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o word_n have_v give_v they_o the_o first_o deadly_a wound_n therefore_o we_o must_v pity_v their_o estate_n if_o we_o come_v into_o the_o field_n see_v a_o hundred_o man_n lie_v wound_v and_o gush_v out_o blood_n some_o in_o the_o head_n some_o in_o the_o side_n and_o some_o in_o the_o foot_n we_o can_v but_o be_v exceed_o move_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n many_o be_v unreform_v in_o obedience_n and_o repentance_n and_o though_o we_o can_v see_v their_o bloody_a wound_n with_o bodily_a eye_n yet_o we_o may_v see_v they_o lie_v wallow_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o ignorance_n and_o security_n of_o impenitency_n and_o wickedness_n therefore_o we_o must_v pity_v their_o estate_n for_o they_o be_v dead_a man_n indeed_o see_v they_o be_v not_o reviue_v by_o the_o word_n in_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o word_n either_o quicken_v or_o kill_v see_v the_o word_n without_o grace_n kill_v we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o it_o but_o seek_v to_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n by_o the_o word_n let_v we_o then_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n labour_n to_o apply_v christ_n by_o the_o word_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v say_v we_o live_v not_o but_o christ_n in_o us._n but_o this_o word_n have_v another_o action_n in_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n which_o though_o it_o be_v manifold_a yet_o all_o tend_v to_o further_o and_o procure_v their_o salvation_n the_o first_o work_n of_o it_o in_o these_o be_v to_o wound_v deep_o and_o to_o kill_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n that_o it_o never_o recover_v again_o yet_o though_o it_o wound_v a_o man_n it_o kill_v not_o the_o person_n as_o in_o the_o wicked_a but_o only_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o quicken_v the_o person_n to_o christ_n kill_v he_o in_o regard_n of_o rebellion_n and_o unbelief_n we_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v kill_v not_o in_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o in_o our_o corruption_n affection_n and_o rebellion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v kill_v the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v require_v which_o give_v our_o corruption_n the_o deadly_a wound_n and_o cut_v up_o the_o root_n since_o the_o second_o action_n after_o our_o conversion_n &_o change_n be_v this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v cut_v and_o pare_v the_o remnant_n of_o our_o corruption_n by_o lessen_v and_o weaken_v of_o it_o daily_o joh._n 15._o as_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v lop_v and_o pare_v off_o all_o branch_n that_o bear_v no_o fruit_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cut_v and_o pare_v away_o the_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n three_o the_o word_n of_o god_n serve_v to_o keep_v his_o people_n and_o child_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o christ_n hold_v the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o though_o the_o wicked_a will_v not_o be_v keep_v in_o awe_n yet_o his_o elect_a may_v tremble_v and_o fear_v at_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o same_o among_o man_n if_o many_o be_v fight_v let_v the_o magistrate_n but_o hold_v up_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n every_o man_n yield_v and_o put_v his_o sword_n into_o his_o sheath_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o cease_v from_o sin_n and_o fear_v when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n hold_v out_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o if_o any_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a and_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v count_v a_o rebel_n if_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n shall_v they_o not_o be_v so_o account_v so_o then_o by_o these_o action_n we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n it_o kill_v corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n pare_v it_o and_o the_o remnant_n of_o it_o and_o it_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n yet_o it_o differ_v in_o the_o wicked_a and_o in_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o wicked_a it_o make_v they_o fear_n and_o wound_v they_o to_o death_n destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o godly_a it_o wound_v they_o indeed_o not_o in_o their_o person_n but_o in_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n it_o make_v we_o fit_a to_o encounter_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o vanquish_v he_o in_o all_o his_o temptation_n if_o it_o be_v use_v with_o knowledge_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n serve_v to_o kill_v our_o corruption_n 1._o we_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n must_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o same_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o general_a but_o apply_v in_o particular_a though_o it_o touch_v we_o and_o wound_v our_o heart_n we_o must_v suffer_v it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o health_n to_o have_v our_o corruption_n rip_v up_o and_o touch_v when_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n enter_v to_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v ransack_v every_o nook_n and_o secret_a corner_n then_o we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o this_o blessing_n of_o god_n suffer_v it_o glad_o see_v it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o life_n if_o one_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o fistula_n he_o will_v suffer_v the_o chirurgeon_n to_o rip_v and_o lance_n he_o to_o search_v every_o part_n of_o the_o wound_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o suffer_v the_o physician_n of_o the_o word_n to_o display_v to_o lay_v open_a to_o ransack_v and_o search_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n see_v that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o recover_v health_n for_o we_o can_v live_v to_o god_n till_o we_o die_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o sin_n we_o can_v possible_o die_v to_o our_o sin_n till_o our_o corruption_n be_v destroy_v and_o all_o our_o sin_n kill_v and_o wound_v to_o death_n in_o his_o mouth_n other_o king_n carry_v their_o sceptre_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o he_o in_o his_o mouth_n to_o show_v that_o no_o doctrine_n must_v be_v receive_v of_o we_o unless_o it_o proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o receive_v his_o
be_v believe_v it_o be_v powerful_a no_o might_n of_o man_n or_o any_o prince_n be_v comparable_a three_o christ_n destroy_v and_o kill_v all_o our_o enemy_n all_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n &_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o this_o sword_n for_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n to_o comfort_v his_o church_n in_o persecution_n and_o for_o this_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n for_o he_o kill_v and_o slay_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n partly_o in_o this_o life_n but_o deadly_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o this_o life_n the_o word_n serve_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n unbelief_n heresy_n &_o superstition_n for_o christ_n he_o abolish_v they_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v this_o sword_n 2._o thess._n 2._o second_o when_o they_o be_v touch_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o this_o word_n with_o desperation_n for_o when_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o it_o wound_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o reveal_v all_o their_o curse_a deal_n their_o unbelief_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o set_v the_o conscience_n on_o the_o rack_n and_o stir_v it_o up_o which_o be_v fit_a of_o itself_o to_o accuse_v they_o when_o it_o have_v reveal_v their_o sin_n than_o it_o smite_v they_o with_o fear_n and_o horror_n and_o make_v their_o conscience_n more_o fit_a to_o accuse_v &_o terrify_v they_o and_o than_o though_o they_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o deadly_a wound_n of_o desperation_n and_o this_o increase_v in_o this_o life_n and_o slay_v in_o the_o next_o for_o it_o clean_o cut_v they_o off_o when_o christ_n shall_v say_v go_v you_o curse_v this_o smite_v they_o stark_o dead_a cast_v they_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n for_o ever_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n work_v powerful_o in_o us._n 1._o to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n not_o only_o to_o show_v our_o sin_n &_o god_n wrath_n against_o the_o same_o but_o withal_o to_o wound_v they_o slay_v and_o kill_v they_o and_o at_o the_o first_o to_o wound_v deadly_a for_o only_o to_o have_v our_o sin_n detect_v and_o our_o conscience_n terrify_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o desperation_n and_o the_o first_o wound_n to_o death_n but_o we_o must_v go_v further_o have_v our_o corrupt_a heart_n rip_v up_o wound_v crucify_a have_v they_o reform_v and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o wound_v our_o soul_n and_o the_o end_n why_o christ_n have_v the_o two_o edge_a sword_n the_o second_o part_n be_v the_o proposition_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n second_o a_o rebuke_n the_o commendation_n in_o the_o thirteen_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n in_o these_o word_n he_o commend_v this_o church_n first_o in_o general_n second_o in_o particular_a general_o in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v thy_o way_n and_o do_n thy_o counsel_n affair_n and_o withal_o i_o approve_v they_o as_o psal._n 1._o 6._o the_o lord_n know_v the_o righteous_a that_o be_v he_o approve_v they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n christ_n he_o begin_v with_o these_o word_n in_o this_o and_o every_o of_o these_o epistle_n to_o teach_v we_o one_o especial_a thing_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v learn_v the_o beginning_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o begin_v thus_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n three_o or_o four_o time_n i_o know_v show_v by_o this_o that_o wheresoever_o we_o be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n he_o see_v all_o our_o work_n he_o hear_v and_o know_v all_o we_o do_v we_o can_v go_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o to_o settle_v this_o deep_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v present_a always_o see_v and_o behold_v we_o he_o repeat_v this_o seven_o time_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o every_o epistle_n then_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o labour_v to_o have_v this_o persuasion_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o christ_n be_v present_a see_v and_o behold_v all_o we_o do_v when_o we_o take_v any_o thing_n in_o hand_n he_o stand_v at_o our_o elbow_n look_v on_o we_o whether_o we_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o then_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v this_o persuasion_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o can_v say_v now_o i_o do_v this_o or_o that_o my_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n my_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n he_o behold_v i_o look_v on_o i_o see_v all_o my_o deal_n therefore_o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o well_o and_o the_o preacher_n may_v spend_v himself_o in_o speak_v and_o to_o no_o purpose_n till_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n this_o one_o point_n which_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o man_n may_v have_v knowledge_n and_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o word_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v true_a christian_n till_o they_o have_v learn_v this_o one_o point_n to_o be_v so_o persuade_v as_o they_o can_v say_v in_o their_o heart_n christ_n see_v and_o behold_v i_o and_o till_o we_o can_v do_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v conscience_n of_o no_o sin_n 2_o the_o particular_a first_o commendation_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v though_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v set_v his_o throne_n a_o place_n most_o incommodious_a and_o unfit_a yet_o thou_o observe_v and_o keep_v my_o name_n and_o religion_n thus_o he_o commend_v she_o for_o her_o constancy_n in_o religion_n throne_n that_o be_v any_o place_n where_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n be_v practise_v without_o controlment_n and_o from_o whence_o wickedness_n be_v convey_v to_o other_o place_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n 2._o cor._n 4._o 4._o and_o he_o have_v his_o kingdom_n throne_n and_o seat_n place_v where_o he_o can_v practice_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n where_o iniquity_n be_v maintain_v the_o gospel_n despise_v and_o from_o whence_o he_o convey_v his_o devilish_a wickedness_n to_o other_o place_n such_o a_o place_n be_v pergamus_n a_o city_n wherein_o sin_n do_v abound_v without_o controlment_n religion_n despise_v and_o from_o whence_o wickedness_n be_v convey_v to_o many_o other_o city_n town_n and_o place_n here_o we_o may_v note_v the_o devil_n policy_n who_o have_v his_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n like_a to_o god_n here_o he_o place_v his_o throne_n as_o a_o prince_n and_o make_v choice_n to_o have_v the_o fit_a place_n where_o he_o may_v rule_v and_o reign_v and_o practice_v wickedness_n without_o controlment_n &_o from_o whence_o he_o may_v convey_v it_o to_o other_o place_n he_o have_v ever_o have_v have_v now_o &_o will_v have_v his_o throne_n he_o have_v in_o old_a time_n the_o high_a place_n the_o grove_n and_o such_o place_n where_o the_o people_n commit_v idolatry_n among_o the_o gentile_n there_o be_v oracle_n to_o erect_v his_o throne_n for_o in_o they_o he_o give_v answer_n and_o so_o convey_v his_o wickedness_n to_o many_o in_o late_a day_n he_o have_v every_o church_n and_o chapel_n his_o throne_n when_o image_n saint_n rood_n and_o such_o like_a be_v erect_v to_o which_o all_o man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n come_v to_o worship_n in_o school_n of_o learning_n he_o have_v his_o throne_n when_o nothing_o be_v teach_v but_o superstition_n and_o error_n and_o now_o in_o our_o time_n he_o have_v his_o throne_n and_o officer_n to_o attend_v on_o the_o same_o as_o wiseman_n and_o these_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o erect_v his_o throne_n for_o unto_o these_o come_v man_n from_o far_a and_o near_o so_o that_o he_o convey_v his_o iniquity_n to_o many_o see_v many_o seek_v to_o they_o and_o so_o do_v he_o homage_n so_o dice_v and_o brothel_n house_n see_v in_o they_o iniquity_n be_v practise_v in_o they_o be_v his_o throne_n in_o family_n where_o they_o live_v in_o ignorance_n in_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o blaspheme_v and_o drunkenness_n or_o any_o one_o sin_n there_o be_v his_o throne_n and_o so_o many_o throne_n as_o family_n where_o they_o live_v by_o any_o unjust_a deal_n then_o it_o be_v necessary_a use_v see_v the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n the_o lord_n shall_v have_v his_o opposite_a to_o this_o as_o when_o man_n have_v throne_n of_o justice_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a civil_a to_o repress_v all_o injustice_n and_o wickedness_n to_o punish_v vice_n to_o reward_v virtue_n and_o ecclesiastical_a to_o punish_v and_o reprehend_v those_o sin_n which_o civil_a justice_n can_v the_o devil_n cunning_o and_o politic_o choose_v pergamus_n not_o a_o base_a town_n or_o village_n but_o a_o huge_a city_n whence_o many_o king_n proceed_v where_o there_o be_v a_o famous_a and_o great_a king_n and_o where_o be_v much_o people_n so_o he_o
seek_v to_o get_v one_o foot_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o he_o have_v 16._o here_o s._n john_n describe_v he_o by_o his_o part_n and_o the_o property_n of_o every_o part_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n that_o be_v seven_o angel_n seven_o minister_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o minister_n be_v compare_v to_o star_n first_o because_o as_o star_n send_v out_o light_a to_o man_n on_o earth_n so_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o give_v light_n to_o man_n even_o spiritual_a light_n by_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o and_o by_o conversation_n of_o life_n among_o they_o second_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o star_n because_o as_o the_o star_n have_v their_o continual_a abode_n in_o heaven_n never_o descend_v down_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n especial_o shall_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o more_o special_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o calling_n first_o by_o seek_v their_o own_o salvation_n second_o by_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o by_o which_o two_n they_o must_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n though_o they_o have_v their_o body_n in_o earth_n three_o because_o they_o shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o star_n for_o dan._n 12._o they_o which_o do_v their_o duty_n they_o shall_v shine_v like_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n that_o be_v all_o regiment_n and_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o christ_n he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a disposition_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ministry_n see_v he_o alone_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o his_o church_n he_o care_v for_o it_o and_o look_v to_o it_o see_v these_o star_n be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n 1._o this_o show_v that_o the_o choose_n &_o furnish_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n belong_v to_o christ_n eph._n 4._o he_o give_v they_o their_o gift_n and_o place_n then_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o last_o age_n to_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v out_o laborer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o so_o his_o child_n may_v be_v gather_v and_o a_o end_n make_v of_o these_o miserable_a day_n he_o hold_v these_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n whereby_o we_o see_v he_o give_v they_o defence_n and_o protection_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o calling_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n &_o though_o they_o have_v sundry_a discouragement_n yet_o see_v christ_n he_o order_v their_o ministry_n and_o dispose_v of_o it_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a nothing_o shall_v hinder_v their_o course_n nothing_o shall_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o duty_n neither_o the_o want_n of_o obedience_n in_o they_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o labour_v not_o see_v that_o fruit_n they_o shall_v nor_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o profession_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o see_v they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n this_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n idle_n man_n esteem_v it_o most_o base_a &_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o mean_a call_n and_o so_o discourage_v many_o but_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n defend_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o now_o what_o great_a glory_n can_v there_o be_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o honour_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o carry_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n though_o wicked_a man_n dishonour_v they_o esteem_v so_o base_o of_o they_o this_o shall_v stir_v those_o who_o have_v good_a gift_n to_o get_v this_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n thus_o to_o be_v honour_v of_o christ._n they_o must_v be_v unblameable_a 4._o for_o see_v christ_n carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o will_v hold_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o pure_a as_o he_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v defile_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a he_o will_v take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n put_v it_o under_o his_o brazen_a foot_n and_o grind_v it_o to_o piece_n and_o the_o more_o he_o have_v honour_v they_o the_o more_o will_v he_o dishonour_v they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o hearer_n be_v bind_v to_o profit_n else_o they_o must_v drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n for_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v punish_v for_o not_o preach_v than_o they_o for_o not_o hear_v and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n he_o describe_v he_o by_o the_o two_o last_o part_n of_o his_o body_n his_o mouth_n and_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o mouth_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v describe_v heb._n 4._o 12._o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v not_o only_o into_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o the_o bone_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o marrow_n so_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n deep_o to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o it_o enter_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o search_v every_o nook_n and_o corner_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a the_o word_n have_v a_o double_a operation_n one_o in_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o wicked_a this_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o word_n it_o wound_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o so_o by_o the_o same_o wound_n bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n esa._n 11._o 4._o he_o shall_v with_o his_o breath_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o word_n slay_v the_o wicked_a 8._o this_o be_v that_o sword_n that_o have_v and_o will_v kill_v antichrist_n ob._n but_o how_o come_v it_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v wound_v or_o kill_v any_o how_o shall_v it_o slay_v a_o wicked_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n the_o first_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n the_o soul_n convey_v to_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n the_o second_o be_v when_o a_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o word_n be_v wound_v and_o smite_v and_o so_o receive_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o deadly_a wound_n the_o three_o degree_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v go_v into_o hell_n fire_n for_o even_o a_o sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o hell_n and_o eternal_a death_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o the_o inflict_a and_o give_v of_o this_o wound_n there_o be_v three_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o he_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o their_o sin_n all_o their_o pride_n rebellion_n hypocrisy_n the_o damnable_a corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o all_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 24._o 25._o if_o in_o the_o church_n all_o prophecy_n there_o come_v in_o one_o which_o believe_v not_o he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o because_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o so_o the_o secret_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v the_o second_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o he_o after_o reveal_v to_o they_o the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n his_o indignation_n against_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o law_n be_v call_v the_o kill_a law_n because_o it_o show_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n three_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v sharpen_v the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n make_v it_o awake_a and_o terrify_v a_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v or_o remember_v the_o word_n and_o the_o curse_v denounce_v against_o sinner_n so_o felix_n when_o paul_n preach_v to_o he_o of_o justice_n and_o temperancy_n he_o faint_v and_o tremble_v the_o word_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wound_v his_o conscience_n with_o terror_n and_o fear_n so_o dan._n 5._o beltashar_n see_v but_o a_o hand_n writing_n he_o