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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n duty_n good_a note_n 1,053 5 9.6415 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09443 A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and judicious diuine, maister William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of Diuinitie; Lectures upon the three first chapters of the Revelation Perkins, William, 1558-1602. 1606 (1606) STC 19732; ESTC S114701 362,972 238

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show_v mercy_n exercise_n judgement_n keep_v court_n assize_n begin_v end_n and_o continue_v war_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n and_o so_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o direction_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v their_o guide_n as_o it_o be_v to_o david_n thy_o law_n o_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o counselor_n psal._n 119.24_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v sovereign_a king_n than_o all_o earthly_a prince_n be_v bind_v to_o plant_v and_o establish_v in_o their_o kingdom_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n else_o how_o can_v they_o show_v themselves_o his_o loyal_a subject_n many_o imagine_v that_o earthly_a prince_n may_v admit_v unto_o their_o subject_n any_o religion_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o this_o be_v against_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n in_o this_o place_n for_o wherein_o can_v earthly_a prince_n do_v homage_n unto_o christ_n if_o they_o maintain_v not_o his_o religion_n and_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v signify_v plain_o in_o the_o parable_n 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yet_o so_o long_o as_o christ_n be_v present_a their_o commission_n must_v cease_v and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a pride_n and_o great_a for_o any_o to_o presume_v to_o be_v head_n of_o all_o church_n in_o christ_n presence_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o sit_v vicegerent_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o prince_n second_o see_v christ_n be_v always_o present_a with_o his_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o before_o god_n as_o enoch_n do_v genes_n 5.22_o which_o duty_n stand_v in_o these_o point_n first_o whatsoever_o we_o say_v or_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v do_v it_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ._n second_o we_o must_v continual_o depend_v upon_o christ_n providence_n who_o be_v ever_o present_a with_o his_o church_n provide_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n thereof_o three_o we_o must_v do_v all_o our_o action_n as_o look_v for_o approbation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o end_n we_o 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for_o they_o for_o the_o long_a garment_n be_v one_o of_o those_o wherewith_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v clothe_v in_o his_o ministration_n under_o the_o law_n second_o to_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o long_a garment_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o among_o the_o heathen_a have_v be_v always_o a_o note_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v call_v isa._n 9.6_o three_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o breast_n the_o 2.3_o treasure_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o 11.2_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n for_o this_o long_a robe_n always_o pertain_v to_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v describe_v isaiah_n 11.2_o now_o in_o this_o example_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o duty_n touch_v our_o attire_n namely_o that_o the_o outward_a garment_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o to_o our_o wisdom_n knowledge_n fear_v of_o god_n name_n to_o our_o sobriety_n modesty_n temperance_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n whatsoever_o we_o must_v not_o only_o in_o speech_n and_o action_n as_o in_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v burn_a light_n but_o even_o by_o the_o gesture_n and_o attire_n of_o our_o body_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n show_v forth_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o heart_n but_o miserable_a be_v these_o time_n wherein_o man_n attire_n be_v suitable_a not_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o the_o common_a corruption_n of_o the_o time_n for_o such_o it_o be_v
he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n do_v hinder_v he_o he_o seek_v the_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o minister_n not_o only_o by_o stir_v up_o persecution_n but_o by_o keepinh_v his_o people_n from_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o every_o minister_n have_v need_v to_o take_v pain_n with_o patience_n in_o his_o call_n and_o as_o christ_n join_v together_o labour_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o shall_v every_o christian_n after_o this_o direction_n join_v patience_n with_o his_o pain_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n for_o look_v what_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o place_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o every_o child_n of_o god_n in_o he_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a call_n and_o therein_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n then_o consider_v the_o cross_n do_v accompany_v godly_a diligence_n they_o must_v labour_v to_o join_v patience_n with_o their_o diligence_n for_o their_o continuance_n in_o welldoing_a even_o under_o the_o cross_n and_o for_o attain_v of_o this_o patience_n they_o must_v set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o protection_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v dismay_v by_o any_o affliction_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v thus_o walk_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a place_n painful_o and_o with_o patience_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o commendation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a reward_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o their_o reward_n but_o on_o contrary_a if_o we_o walk_v in_o our_o calling_n negligent_o or_o else_o forsake_v they_o because_o of_o affliction_n or_o be_v impatient_a in_o our_o labour_n we_o shall_v loose_v our_o reward_n and_o undergo_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o outward_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v us._n the_o three_o special_a work_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n be_v severity_n show_v against_o wicked_a man_n in_o these_o word_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o evil_a man_n he_o mean_v such_o as_o live_v offensive_o and_o maintain_v manifest_a error_n and_o heresy_n these_o she_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o judge_v they_o as_o burden_n and_o therefore_o seek_v to_o disburden_v herself_o of_o they_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v purge_v of_o evil_a man_n use_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v put_v in_o practice_v this_o work_n so_o soon_o as_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n 4.14_o god_n cast_v he_o out_o from_o his_o face_n as_o appear_z by_o his_o own_o complaint_n to_o wit_n from_o that_o particular_a place_n where_o adam_n and_o his_o family_n worship_v god_n when_o false_a prophet_n and_o idolater_n do_v arise_v among_o the_o israelit_n the_o lord_n command_v 8._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v kill_v and_o take_v from_o among_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o jeremie_n 15.19_o if_o thou_o turn_v and_o repent_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a thou_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o my_o word_n 1._o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o paul_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n the_o church_n purge_v of_o that_o old_a leaven_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n put_v from_o among_o they_o verse_n 13._o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o testimony_n some_o reason_n may_v be_v add_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o separation_n first_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v be_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v but_o evil_a man_n defile_v god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n second_o lest_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o the_o infection_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o leaven_n sour_v the_o whole_a lump_n so_o will_v evil_a man_n defile_v the_o whole_a church_n three_o they_o be_v burden_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o every_o burden_n this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v a_o common_a fault_n in_o the_o most_o congregation_n among_o we_o wherein_o all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o unto_o the_o lord_n table_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o restraint_n as_o though_o every_o man_n be_v a_o good_a &_o sound_a christian_n whereas_o experience_n show_v that_o many_o be_v ignorant_a many_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o sabbath_n breaker_n drunkard_n and_o blasphemer_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v bar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n sever_v from_o the_o church_n as_o burden_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n a_o power_n judicial_a to_o suspend_v evil_a man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v commend_v this_o minister_n with_o his_o church_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n the_o reason_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o no_o force_n i._o say_v they_o the_o parable_n matth._n 13.30_o allow_v the_o grow_v together_o of_o tare_n and_o wheat_n till_o harvest_n and_o therefore_o evil_a man_n must_v be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o separation_n answ._n in_o that_o parable_n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a purge_n of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a purge_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o the_o field_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o m●n_z but_o angel_n that_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n again_o they_o allege_v luk_n 14.23_o compel_v they_o in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o come_v into_o the_o supper_n here_o say_v they_o all_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o but_o none_o must_v be_v exclude_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o compel_a man_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n but_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereto_o man_n must_v be_v cause_v to_o subject_v themselves_o which_o hinder_v nothing_o why_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n ordain_v only_o for_o such_o as_o repent_v and_o believe_v qu._n see_v this_o separation_n must_v be_v make_v how_o far_o forth_o may_v we_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o be_v open_o evil_a &_o offensive_a either_o for_o life_n or_o doctrine_n ans._n evil_a man_n must_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o commonwealth_n of_o some_o city_n or_o incorporation_n second_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n by_o toleration_n in_o the_o first_o regard_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o they_o i._o for_o outward_a deal_n and_o civil_a affair_n as_o bargain_v buy_v and_o sell_v etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o may_v maintain_v outward_a civil_a peace_n with_o they_o so_o paul_n command_v the_o roman_n 12.18_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n iii_o in_o this_o civil_a converse_v with_o the_o wicked_a we_o must_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o outward_a courtesy_n and_o love_n unto_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o do_v not_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n command_v we_o to_o be_v 3.2_o soft_a and_o courteous_a show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o man_n even_o to_o evil_a man_n as_o the_o reason_n follow_v show_v 3._o for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o time_n past_o unwise_a disobedient_a deceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o be_v we_o evil_a second_o consider_v they_o as_o dweller_n in_o the_o church_n and_o member_n by_o permission_n and_o so_o we_o may_v live_v with_o they_o in_o it_o for_o we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v permit_v therein_o christ_n live_v among_o the_o
natural_a life_n where_o observe_v sundry_a thing_n i._o that_o true_a religion_n and_o piety_n will_v not_o free_v any_o from_o outward_a poverty_n the_o religion_n of_o this_o church_n be_v excellent_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o want_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n think_v because_o he_o be_v godly_a he_o shall_v be_v rich_a or_o not_o fall_v into_o poverty_n if_o it_o be_v say_v ●_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n not_o only_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o also_o of_o this_o life_n that_o be_v of_o earthly_a blessing_n and_o riches_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o with_o difference_n eternal_a blessing_n only_o be_v promise_v absolute_o and_o temporal_a blessing_n with_o restraint_n namely_o if_o they_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o child_n otherwise_o they_o must_v want_v as_o this_o church_n do_v ii_o the_o lord_n will_v comfort_v this_o church_n in_o her_o poverty_n by_o say_v that_o he_o know_v it_o and_o regard_v it_o where_o we_o see_v a_o mean_n to_o comfort_v all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n of_o outward_a blessing_n they_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n see_v &_o observe_v their_o want_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n he_o will_v free_v they_o from_o it_o so_o it_o be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n or_o else_o arm_v they_o with_o patience_n to_o bear_v it_o if_o they_o pray_v unto_o he_o iii_o christ_n here_o approve_v of_o work_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v poverty_n so_o that_o good_a work_n and_o poverty_n may_v stand_v together_o and_o therefore_o good_a work_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o large_a a●mes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v it_o though_o these_o have_v due_a reward_n and_o praise_n in_o their_o place_n but_o every_o work_n of_o a_o man_n lawful_a call_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n with_o a_o honest_a heart_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o for_o god_n glory_n be_v a_o good_a work_n be_v the_o calling_n never_o so_o base_a thus_o may_v the_o shepherd_n please_v god_n in_o his_o call_n as_o well_o as_o the_o magistrate_n or_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o work_n that_o commend_v it_o unto_o god_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v but_o thou_o be_v rich_a here_o christ_n intend_v both_o to_o praise_v and_o to_o comfort_v this_o church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v notwithstanding_o thy_o outward_a poverty_n yet_o thou_o be_v rich_a in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d luke_n 12.21_o man_n be_v rich_a in_o god_n in_o two_o respect_n i._o when_o they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8_o 9_o christ_n become_v poor_a for_o our_o sake_n that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n hereupon_o david_n call_v the_o lord_n his_o portion_n and_o his_o cup._n and_o durable_a riches_n and_o righteousness_n be_v with_o wisdom_n proverb_n 8.18_o ii_o when_o they_o receive_v his_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n both_o in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n of_o this_o paul_n speak_v when_o he_o exhort_v rich_a man_n to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 1._o tim._n 6.16_o in_o this_o commendation_n sundry_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v i._o poor_a man_n be_v here_o teach_v see_v god_n deny_v unto_o they_o earthly_a riches_n and_o wealth_n to_o labour_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o god_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o in_o christ_n and_o to_o get_v such_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v do_v good_a duty_n both_o unto_o god_n and_o man_n in_o faith_n and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n ii_o rich_a man_n on_o who_o god_n bestow_v outward_a wealth_n must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o embrace_v paul_n charge_n 1._o tim._n 6.17_o 18_o above_o all_o thing_n seek_v for_o true_a riches_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o not_o suffer_v these_o outward_a blessing_n to_o puff_n up_o their_o mind_n but_o use_v they_o as_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o rich_a in_o god_n by_o get_v god_n grace_n do_v good_a work_n and_o distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a this_o admonition_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o deny_v unto_o the_o rich_a yet_o sure_o it_o be_v riches_n do_v choke_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o hinder_v the_o care_n man_n ought_v to_o have_v for_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o more_o of_o the_o poor_a sort_n receive_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o rich_a iii_o herein_o behold_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o man_n great_a labour_n and_o care_n be_v after_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o honour_n never_o regard_v the_o true_a treasure_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o will_v commend_v they_o unto_o god_n when_o the_o other_o must_v perish_v and_o the_o wicked_a owner_n thereof_o let_v we_o therefore_o judge_v as_o christ_n do_v of_o true_a riches_n and_o according_o labour_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o his_o ●igh●_n the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o tribulation_n be_v the_o reproach_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o these_o word_n i_o kn●w_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v i_o know_v the_o grievous_a slander_n and_o revile_n which_o thy_o enemy_n fasten_v upon_o thou_o for_o blasphemy_n signify_v not_o only_a speech_n of_o disgrace_n against_o god_n but_o also_o against_o man_n as_o na●●●b_n be_v accuse_v 1._o king_n 21.10_o to_o 〈◊〉_d blaspheme_v god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o of_o this_o paul_n say_v when_o we_o be_v re●●led_v we_o blesse●_n when_o we_o be_v blaspheme_v we_o pray_v 1._o cor._n 4.12_o 13._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o all_o church_n and_o man_n that_o desire_v true_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n must_v look_v for_o slander_n and_o revile_n neither_o must_v this_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o christ_n have_v say_v it_o must_v be_v so_o nay_o rather_o they_o may_v marvel_v if_o they_o shall_v suffer_v no_o reproach_n for_o christ_n sake_n see_v he_o have_v say_v curse_v be_v you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o luke_n 6.26_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o be_v so_o evil_o reward_v for_o well_o do_v but_o this_o must_v be_v their_o comfort_n and_o ground_n of_o patience_n that_o christ_n hear_v and_o know_v every_o reproach_n and_o will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n remedy_v the_o same_o the_o person_n which_o blaspheme_v this_o church_n be_v thus_o describe_v which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o in_o other_o famous_a city_n so_o in_o smyrna_n dwell_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v their_o synagogue_n that_o be_v such_o place_n of_o assembly_n where_o they_o serve_v god_n after_o their_o manner_n and_o though_o they_o deny_v christ_n yet_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o do_v blaspheme_v and_o rail_v upon_o the_o christian_n that_o believe_v in_o christ._n and_o of_o these_o christ_n say_v though_o by_o birth_n they_o be_v jew_n yet_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o true_a worshipper_n as_o they_o account_v themselves_o whereby_o in_o general_a we_o may_v see_v from_o who_o come_v rail_n and_o reproach_n on_o god_n servant_n namely_o from_o those_o which_o say_v they_o be_v true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d outwardpunc_fw-la rom._n 2.28_o he_o therefore_o that_o slander_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o servant_n for_o no_o friend_n of_o christ_n can_v possible_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o gospel_n and_o religion_n this_o shall_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a because_o they_o that_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o sincerity_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o subject_a to_o reproach_n he_o that_o refrain_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n isaiah_n 59_o 1●_n touch_v these_o jew_n two_o point_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v i._n what_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n ii_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o first_o because_o they_o be_v jew_n by_o birth_n descend_v from_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n god_n ancient_a servant_n therefore_o they_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o their_o forefather_n be_v and_o
sign_n or_o rule_v whereto_o he_o will_v conform_v and_o square_v the_o last_o judgement_n second_o whereas_o every_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v that_o be_v save_v or_o condemn_v according_a to_o his_o work_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o not_o as_o cause_n thereof_o either_o efficient_a or_o help_v any_o way_n but_o only_o as_o a_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o come_v unto_o salvation_n for_o faith_n be_v necessary_a and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o token_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v necessary_a three_o here_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o be_v careful_a to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n not_o to_o win_v heaven_n by_o they_o but_o to_o get_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o ourselves_o and_o these_o good_a work_n be_v the_o do_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n unto_o our_o brethren_n even_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o the_o do_v of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o a_o man_n calling_n for_o if_o these_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o love_n unto_o our_o brethren_n though_o the_o call_n be_v never_o so_o base_a they_o be_v good_a work_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o condemnation_n and_o so_o many_o wicked_a work_n as_o we_o commit_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o brand_n do_v we_o set_v upon_o ourselves_o of_o our_o just_a and_o deserve_a condemnation_n unless_o we_o repent_v last_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o torment_n in_o hell_n for_o judgement_n and_o reward_n go_v according_a to_o man_n work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o testify_v their_o faith_n by_o great_a and_o many_o good_a work_n shall_v have_v great_a reward_n they_o that_o testify_v their_o faith_n by_o lesser_a and_o few_o work_n shall_v have_v lesser_a reward_n and_o so_o for_o sin_n the_o more_o heinous_a they_o be_v the_o deep_a condemnation_n they_o do_v procure_v vers._n 24._o and_o to_o you_o i_o say_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatira_n as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o learning_n neither_o have_v know_v the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o none_o other_o burden_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v here_o christ_n come_v to_o a_o second_o part_n of_o his_o counsel_n which_o concern_v the_o angel_n and_o the_o better_a part_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o first_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o preface_n of_o this_o counsel_n wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v two_o point_n first_o who_o speak_v second_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v for_o the_o first_o he_o that_o speak_v be_v christ._n i_o say_v hereby_o christ_n challenge_v unto_o himself_o the_o absolute_a and_o all_o sufficient_a authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o that_o he_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o name_n whereby_o he_o put_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o himself_o and_o all_o other_o his_o minister_n either_o prophet_n apostle_n or_o ordinary_a teacher_n for_o they_o must_v not_o propound_v any_o thing_n unto_o god_n people_n in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n but_o christ_n teach_v in_o his_o own_o name_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n that_o i●_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o christ_n himself_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o name_n to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o better_a part_n thereof_o with_o reverence_n and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o counsel_n follow_v consider_v it_o come_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o point_n the_o party_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o you_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n and_o the_o better_a part_n of_o this_o church_n for_o so_o christ_n expound_v it_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v though_o first_o he_o say_v in_o general_a to_o you_o that_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatira_n when_o as_o christ_n will_v behave_v himself_o as_o the_o doctor_n and_o chief_a angel_n of_o this_o church_n note_n that_o he_o make_v a_o distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o church_n and_o also_o devide_v his_o counsel_n give_v one_o doctrine_n and_o one_o judgement_n to_o one_o part_n and_o a_o diverse_a doctrine_n and_o judgement_n to_o another_o use_n this_o give_v we_o good_a direction_n for_o sundry_a action_n for_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o must_v doctrine_n be_v deliver_v in_o a_o mix_a congregation_n where_o some_o be_v papist_n some_o protestant_n some_o be_v harden_v other_o despair_v answ._n the_o person_n must_v be_v distinguish_v after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o suitable_a doctrine_n divide_v for_o they_o that_o every_o one_o may_v have_v his_o due_n impenitent_a sinner_n must_v be_v terrify_v and_o threaten_n deliver_v against_o they_o with_o exception_n of_o they_o that_o repent_v comfort_n must_v be_v propound_v and_o apply_v to_o they_o that_o despair_n with_o restraint_n from_o all_o impenitent_a person_n that_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n if_o any_o demand_n more_o particular_o who_o these_o be_v who_o christ_n call_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatyra_n christ_n answer_v direct_o as_o the_o word_n import_v to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o learning_n neither_o have_v know_v the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n where_o christ_n give_v two_o note_n whereby_o to_o discern_v who_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatira_n the_o first_o be_v the_o not_o receive_v or_o maintain_v of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n whereof_o entreaty_n have_v be_v former_o make_v the_o second_o note_n be_v ignorance_n in_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n neither_o have_v know_v the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v neither_o have_v acknowledge_v nor_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n which_o be_v the_o deep_a and_o profound_a learning_n as_o themselves_o do_v judge_v in_o this_o observe_v a_o most_o wicked_a practice_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n they_o esteem_v high_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n call_v they_o profound_a and_o deep_a learning_n but_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n this_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o wicked_a person_n high_o to_o esteem_v their_o own_o conceit_n and_o base_o to_o neglect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o teacher_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v hold_v to_o this_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o moses_n a_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a law_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o his_o people_n but_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o profound_a doctrine_n be_v unwritten_a show_v to_o moses_n by_o revelation_n and_o by_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o they_o keep_v still_o in_o their_o cabbala_n and_o of_o the_o like_a judgement_n touch_v scripture_n be_v the_o popish_a church_n the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a word_n a_o dead_a letter_n or_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a scripture_n be_v unwritten_a which_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o catholic_n and_o by_o such_o great_a term_n the_o anabaptist_n libertine_n and_o arrian_n maintain_v their_o doctrine_n and_o abuse_v scripture_n call_v the_o write_a word_n milk_n for_o every_o novice_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o heart_n among_o themselves_o with_o revelation_n that_o be_v the_o strong_a meat_n yea_o this_o opinion_n have_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o in_o part_n man_n think_v base_o of_o scripture_n and_o prefer_v other_o man_n write_n before_o it_o for_o let_v a_o man_n preach_v plain_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n out_o of_o the_o same_o this_o be_v but_o plain_o preach_v but_o let_v another_o come_v and_o utter_v his_o mind_n partly_o in_o latin_a and_o partly_o in_o greek_a and_o other_o language_n allege_v withal_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n counsel_n and_o other_o writer_n that_o be_v the_o learned_a preach_n and_o thus_o do_v most_o man_n abase_v scripture_n and_o exalt_v the_o write_n of_o man_n above_o it_o but_o see_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o jezabell_n and_o wicked_a man_n let_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_n learn_v to_o reverence_v the_o write_a word_n and_o give_v place_n thereto_o above_o all_o the_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v they_o count_v it_o deep_a learning_n but_o
be_v say_v this_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n be_v so_o far_o off_o that_o we_o can_v ascend_v or_o attain_v unto_o it_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o come_v thither_o christ_n answer_v that_o this_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n quest._n how_o will_n some_o say_v can_v heaven_n come_v out_o of_o heaven_n answ._n as_o paul_n say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v crucify_v among_o the_o galatian_n before_o their_o eye_n because_o his_o crucify_a be_v so_o lively_o represent_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o here_o heaven_n may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v most_o visible_o represent_v and_o set_v open_a heaven_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n people_n may_v enter_v therein_o by_o the_o faithful_a embrace_v whereof_o we_o become_v citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n ephe._n 2.19_o the_o three_o name_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v on_o he_o be_v christ_n new_a name_n whereby_o be_v not_o mean_v any_o title_n of_o christ_n as_o jesus_n mediator_n &c_n &c_n but_o the_o dignity_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christ._n quest._n how_o can_v that_o be_v call_v new_a see_v he_o have_v power_n and_o glory_n from_o all_o eternity_n answ._n it_o be_v call_v new_a because_o it_o be_v receive_v of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n incarnate_a be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o after_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n stand_v in_o his_o rise_n again_o in_o his_o ascension_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n hereof_o paul_n say_v phil._n 2.9_o god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n that_o be_v dignity_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v expound_v heb._n 2.7_o and_o this_o glory_n power_n and_o dignity_n will_v christ_n give_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o author_n of_o life_n himself_o the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o he_o which_o overcom_v shall_v be_v make_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o triumphant_a church_n and_o there_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o shall_v have_v three_o name_n write_v on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v this_o make_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o name_n of_o god_n city_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n communicate_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n and_o christ_n do_v thus_o describe_v life_n eternal_a unto_o we_o for_o special_a cause_n which_o may_v be_v these_o i._o to_o comfort_v they_o which_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o against_o all_o hindrance_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n for_o what_o can_v more_o hearten_v a_o man_n in_o good_a duty_n than_o to_o set_v before_o he_o his_o recompense_n and_o reward_v whereby_o we_o learn_v that_o in_o all_o misery_n and_o trouble_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n we_o must_v comfort_v ourselves_o and_o not_o faint_a and_o to_o encourage_v we_o herein_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o propound_v and_o set_v before_o we_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o life_n eternal_a for_o this_o it_o be_v that_o cause_v 11.24.25.26_o moses_n to_o despise_v worldly_a honour_n and_o to_o choose_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n we_o must_v also_o look_v unto_o christ_n 12.2_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_a shame_n soldier_n that_o be_v uncerten_a of_o any_o reward_n be_v yet_o content_a under_o their_o general_n to_o adventure_v their_o life_n at_o his_o command_n how_o much_o more_o than_o aught_o christian_a soldier_n to_o fight_v manful_o and_o stand_v fast_o in_o all_o trouble_n for_o christ_n sake_n who_o have_v set_v before_o they_o such_o a_o great_a reward_n second_o it_o be_v thus_o describe_v to_o bring_v god_n people_n to_o a_o view_n and_o taste_v of_o life_n eternal_a that_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o more_o affect_v it_o many_o cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n for_o the_o present_a delight_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o can_v see_v no_o goodness_n nor_o pleasure_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o sweetness_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n put_v man_n mouth_n out_o of_o taste_n in_o regard_n of_o any_o relish_n of_o life_n eternal_a but_o this_o must_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o must_v be_v of_o moses_n mind_n who_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n when_o he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o thereupon_o god_n take_v he_o up_o into_o mount_n nebo_n and_o show_v it_o unto_o he_o so_o consider_v christ_n have_v thus_o large_o describe_v this_o kingdom_n unto_o we_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o comprehend_v in_o our_o understand_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o possess_v by_o faith_n something_o of_o life_n eternal_a though_o we_o can_v as_o yet_o full_o inherit_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n thereof_o three_o it_o be_v thus_o describe_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o practice_v paul_n rule_n 1._o tim._n 6.12_o namely_o to_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n but_o yet_o little_o practise_v man_n with_o both_o hand_n lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n upon_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n but_o who_o considere●h_v what_o be_v prepare_v by_o christ_n in_o heaven_n for_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o who_o labour_v to_o lay_v hold_v thereof_o and_o to_o keep_v that_o sure_a though_o he_o lose_v all_o thing_n else_o last_o this_o description_n of_o eternal_a life_n here_o serve_v to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o fear_v no_o death_n though_o it_o be_v most_o cruel_a and_o terrible_a for_o death_n be_v but_o a_o straight_a door_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v pass_v to_o all_o glory_n and_o happiness_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o pillar_n in_o god_n temple_n thus_o much_o general_o of_o the_o thing_n promise_v now_o follow_v in_o particular_a the_o part_n thereof_o first_o whereas_o christ_n promise_v to_o make_v they_o that_o overcomme_v pillar_n and_o chief_a member_n in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o labour_n to_o become_v true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o life_n for_o life_n eternal_a must_v begin_v here_o and_o they_o that_o will_v be_v pillar_n in_o his_o church_n triumphant_a must_v now_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a for_o not_o only_a minister_n &_o teacher_n be_v pillar_n in_o god_n church_n though_o they_o be_v chief_a pillar_n therein_o but_o every_o one_o young_a and_o old_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o thus_o shall_v thou_o become_v a_o pillar_n in_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n by_o maintain_v &_o uphold_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o thou_o must_v do_v partly_o by_o teach_v it_o to_o those_o who_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o they_o call_v and_o partly_o by_o good_a example_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o chief_o by_o a_o true_a and_o bold_a profession_n thereof_o not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o even_o in_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o affliction_n second_o he_o add_v he_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o other_o temple_n but_o god_n church_n triumphant_a and_o militant_a hereby_o than_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o renounce_v that_o ignorant_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n who_o judge_v every_o material_a church_n to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o the_o distinction_n of_o place_n and_o place_n in_o regard_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v under_o the_o law_n be_v take_v away_o by_o christ._n the_o house_n be_v now_o as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n church_n indeed_o must_v be_v regard_v and_o maintain_v not_o for_o holiness_n but_o for_o order_n sake_n now_o man_n may_v every_o where_o offer_v the_o calf_n of_o their_o lip_n and_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n from_o a_o pure_a heart_n unto_o god_n three_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n that_o be_v whereas_o god_n the_o father_n be_v my_o god_n first_o i_o will_v also_o communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o same_o name_n of_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v god_n even_o my_o god_n to_o be_v his_o god_n also_o by_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a
yet_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o read_v the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o constant_a course_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v three_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n be_v break_v for_o though_o most_o man_n at_o set_a time_n will_v come_v into_o the_o congregation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o that_o private_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v which_o god_n word_n require_v but_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o to_o outward_a delight_n to_o omit_v those_o that_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n in_o any_o sort_n now_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o want_v both_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o all_o sound_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v employ_v themselves_o in_o god_n word_n and_o by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o infect_v our_o congregation_n now_o where_o this_o negligence_n be_v though_o coldness_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v zeal_n and_o so_o luke-warmnesse_n must_v needs_o abound_v ii_o sign_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n be_v this_o in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_n they_o show_v religion_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o in_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n who_o show_v his_o religion_n for_o when_o as_o man_n shall_v practice_v their_o calling_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o true_a godliness_n they_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n little_a conscience_n be_v make_v of_o lie_v and_o oppression_n that_o love_n and_o plain_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v want_v which_o prove_v they_o plain_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n iii_o sign_n there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a for_o though_o all_o general_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o many_o when_o they_o see_v some_o make_v conscience_n to_o become_v answerable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o receive_v do_v take_v up_o in_o their_o mouth_n this_o slander_n of_o precizenesse_n against_o they_o mock_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n themselves_o profess_v shall_v be_v do_v these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o profess_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v zealous_a by_o reproach_v zeal_n in_o other_o therefore_o they_o do_v more_o than_o these_o laodicean_n do_v even_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a for_o he_o that_o reproach_v another_o for_o zeal_n in_o religion_n brand_v himself_o with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o who_o know_v not_o how_o many_o of_o this_o ●ort_n be_v every_o where_o i_o dare_v with_o good_a conscience_n say_v our_o congregation_n general_o consist_v of_o such_o now_o mark_v what_o follow_v hereupon_o first_o that_o our_o common_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n than_o heathen_a man_n jew_n and_o turk_n that_o know_v not_o christ._n this_o christ_n teach_v in_o prefer_v cold_a person_n before_o the_o lukewarm_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v rather_o thou_o were_v a_o pagan_a than_o a_o professor_n without_o zeal_n and_o 2.21_o saint_n peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v of_o such_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v further_a matter_n in_o we_o than_o knowledge_n and_o bare_a profession_n our_o case_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o turk_n religion_n know_v will_v not_o make_v thou_o better_o than_o they_o but_o it_o be_v zeal_n and_o obedience_n that_o must_v prefer_v thou_o before_o they_o second_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o estate_n i_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n out_o of_o the_o stomach_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n here_o threaten_v which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o may_v know_v where_o lukewarmenesse_a take_v place_n there_o this_o punishment_n will_v follow_v we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o old_a world_n do_v &_o think_v all_o be_v well_o never_o regard_v till_o the_o judgement_n come_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o true_a society_n with_o christ_n god_n can_v do_v this_o sundry_a way_n either_o by_o bereave_v we_o of_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v we_o as_o the_o heathen_a or_o by_o send_v the_o enemy_n among_o we_o to_o destroy_v and_o root_v we_o out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o even_o in_o our_o neighbor-countreys_n and_o town_n he_o set_v spectacle_n before_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v see_v how_o he_o can_v spew_v we_o ou●_n &_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a vers._n 17._o for_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o make_v rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a &_o blind_a and_o naked_a here_o be_v the_o second_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o former_a as_o a_o reason_n thereof_o before_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o deadness_n in_o religion_n and_o here_o he_o paint_v out_o the_o cause_n thereof_o namely_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o hart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o think_v thus_o within_o thyself_o i_o be_o rich_a for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n by_o their_o speech_n because_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v as_o evident_a to_o christ_n as_o any_o man_n speech_n can_v be_v to_o another_o use_n in_o that_o christ_n do_v express_v man_n secret_a thought_n and_o propound_v the_o same_o in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o set_v down_o the_o thought_n of_o country_n of_o church_n &_o of_o particular_a man_n even_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o this_o can_v no_o man_n do_v in_o any_o book_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v a_o argument_n against_o atheist_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o they_o reveal_v man_n secret_a thought_n now_o follow_v the_o thought_n itself_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o people_n of_o this_o church_n i_o be_o rich_a that_o be_v i_o have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o this_o effect_n he_o express_v their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o overween_a their_o estate_n before_o god_n this_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o have_v be_v christ_n say_v 5.32_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o righteous_a mean_v such_o as_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o the_o 10._o proud_a pharisie_n in_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o heart_n think_v himself_o far_o better_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n or_o other_o man_n and_o paul_n ●_o bring_v in_o the_o corinthian_n think_v proud_o of_o themselves_o say_v we_o be_v full_a and_o make_v rich_a etc._n etc._n this_o sin_n take_v place_n in_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o temporal_a work_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o other_o to_o come_v to_o ourselves_o this_o same_o proud_a thought_n have_v place_n among_o us._n first_o we_o think_v we_o be_v rich_a in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n both_o young_a and_o old_a scorn_n to_o be_v catechize_v because_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a some_o stick_v not_o to_o profess_v this_o pride_n by_o brag_v thus_o that_o they_o know_v as_o much_o for_o substance_n as_o any_o man_n can_v teach_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o nature_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n second_o man_n plead_v that_o they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a say_v so_o as_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_v
first_o christ_n send_v and_o show_v this_o revelation_n this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o two_o special_a cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o pen_n and_o publish_v this_o book_n rash_o but_o by_o call_v and_o warrant_n from_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o must_v be_v our_o behaviour_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whatsoever_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v look_v we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o call_n and_o with_o out_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v there_o will_v be_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o care_n of_o just_a deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n second_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v to_o get_v more_o reverend_a acceptance_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o holy_a angel_n if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v write_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o withal_o send_v it_o by_o one_o of_o his_o guard_n we_o doubt_v the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o behold_v this_o book_n be_v the_o epistle_n and_o letter_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n what_o reverence_n therefore_o and_o acceptation_n ought_v this_o to_o find_v sure_o a_o thousand_o fold_n more_o with_o every_o one_o than_o the_o writing_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n whatsoever_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o christ_n employ_v about_o this_o revelation_n and_o they_o be_v two_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o saint_n john_n for_o the_o first_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n act._n 7.38_o gal._n 3.19_o and_o daniel_n receive_v the_o exposition_n of_o sundry_a dream_n and_o vision_n by_o a_o angel_n dan._n 8.19_o and_o 9.21_o and_o 10.14_o and_o the_o seven_o vision_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o book_n be_v show_v to_o john_n by_o a_o holy_a angel_n but_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n ground_n hereupon_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n because_o they_o be_v about_o we_o and_o bring_v unto_o we_o particular_a message_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o before_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o they_o we_o must_v have_v from_o god_n a_o particular_a commandment_n so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o else_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n afford_v no_o word_n of_o command_n or_o promise_v for_o any_o such_o action_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o second_o instrument_n here_o employ_v by_o christ_n be_v john_n this_o john_n be_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n and_o so_o kinsman_n unto_o christ_n a_o bless_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o three_o epistle_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o be_v that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v and_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o reverence_n to_o this_o book_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o a_o property_n call_v himself_o christ_n his_o servant_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n or_o action_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o god_n word_n vers_fw-la 2._o for_o the_o first_o note_z that_o john_n do_v not_o call_v himself_o that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v nor_o the_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v be_v ally_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n mother_n be_v sister_n to_o joseph_n christ_n suppose_v father_n and_o cousin_n german_a to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n john_n have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o ●earers_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v esteem_v more_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o he_o than_o any_o bond_n of_o outward_a alliance_n can_v possible_o make_v they_o math._n 12.50_o luk._n 11.28_o but_o he_o call_v himself_o christ_n servant_n have_v yield_v up_o himself_o to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o herein_o stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v service_n unto_o christ._n the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v never_o find_v such_o favour_n with_o god_n to_o have_v be_v christ_n mother_n if_o she_o have_v not_o withal_o become_v christ_n servant_n she_o bear_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o her_o womb_n by_o conception_n or_o else_o she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o he_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o outward_a dignity_n as_o blood_n royal_a noble_a parentage_n and_o such_o like_a will_v nothing_o further_a a_o man_n salvation_n he_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ_n must_v become_v his_o servant_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o do_v his_o will_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o paul_n say_v circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n ●_o 16_o 17._o again_o consider_v in_o what_o regard_n john_n be_v here_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n do_v but_o more_o special_o because_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v his_o particular_a call_n so_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n cap._n 1.1_o and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 9_o because_o he_o do_v service_n unto_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o show_v ourselves_o christ_n servant_n in_o our_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o office_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o profess_v service_n unto_o christ_n by_o hear_v his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n and_o keep_v his_o saboathe_n but_o unless_o therewithal_o we_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n our_o outward_a profession_n be_v flat_a hypocrisy_n this_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n buyer_n seller_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o unless_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o special_a calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n their_o public_a service_n in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n shall_v never_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a micha_n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o vers._n 2._o which_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o th●ngs_n that_o he_o see_v here_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v himself_o namely_o by_o this_o action_n or_o effect_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o partly_o by_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o by_o preach_v he_o bare_a witness_n and_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v diverse_a part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n add_v and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n say_v and_o do_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o he_o bare_a record_n say_v and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o here_o he_o allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o testimony_n we_o
write_v that_o he_o put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o come_v from_o christ._n nay_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n this_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o give_v the_o disciple_n understanding_n 24._o as_o they_o go_v unto_o emaus_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n be_v to_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o father_n will_n this_o certificate_n be_v two_o fold_n general_a or_o particular_a general_a when_o he_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n that_o the_o word_n write_v or_o speak_v by_o man_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o nature_n nor_o learning_n can_v do_v this_o but_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n and_o for_o this_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 16.13_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v god_n will_v unto_o they_o and_o assure_v their_o heart_n that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a unto_o this_o assurance_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v the_o outward_a mean_n which_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o a_o inward_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a to_o wit_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o this_o doctrine_n three_o point_n be_v resolve_v first_o use_n this_o demand_n of_o the_o papist_n how_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n read_v and_o teach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n we_o must_v here_o have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v enlighten_v and_o make_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v it_o of_o himself_o second_o we_o must_v have_v christ_n his_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o in_o they_o he_o set_v down_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o christ_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n why_o do_v not_o al●_n man_n know_v this_o testimony_n and_o receive_v it_o i_o answer_v the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n before_o a_o man_n face_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o cause_v he_o to_o see_v unless_o he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o gift_n and_o sense_n of_o see_v even_o so_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v in_o god_n word_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n that_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v have_v in_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o testimony_n to_o his_o conscience_n and_o then_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o mark_v the_o manner_n and_o style_n the_o majesty_n and_o power_n thereof_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v in_o every_o sentence_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n assure_v his_o conscience_n that_o the_o same_o be_v undoubted_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o second_o doubt_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n know_v the_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o turk_n papist_n jew_n and_o protestant_n have_v their_o several_a religion_n and_o die_v in_o they_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o look_v whereto_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n that_o we_o must_v hold_v for_o true_a religion_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o testimony_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o in_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o not_o the_o religion_n of_o jew_n turk_n or_o papist_n a_o three_o doubt_n to_o be_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v how_o to_o know_v the_o particular_a truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o sundry_a man_n profess_v the_o same_o religion_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n answ._n still_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o mark_v they_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o judgement_n quest._n but_o if_o there_o be_v diverse_a opinion_n about_o scripture_n itself_o and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o several_a sense_n unto_o it_o who_o must_v then_o be_v judge_n answ._n in_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n yea_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v still_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n alone_o for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o diverse_a exposition_n of_o one_o place_n yet_o by_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o confer_v it_o with_o other_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n expound_v himself_o the_o particular_a certificate_n of_o christ_n belong_v also_o to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o assure_v man_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n therein_o contain_v as_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a which_o in_o the_o word_n be_v general_o expound_v do_v belong_v unto_o they_o particular_o as_o to_o peter_n to_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o assurance_n as_o the_o former_a be_v principal_o wrought_v by_o the_o word_n not_o bare_o read_v but_o preach_v for_o therein_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o general_a promise_n be_v particular_o apply_v this_o paul_n import_v say_v you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o testify_v with_o our_o spirit_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n use_n and_o of_o all_o other_o which_o hold_v that_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o faith_n be_v wicked_a and_o damnable_a for_o hereby_o they_o cut_v off_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n wherein_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o do_v consist_v that_o be_v to_o assure_v a_o man_n particular_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o he_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v witness_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v only_o outward_o to_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o can_v speak_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o conscience_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o they_o certify_v any_o man_n particular_o though_o their_o ministry_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n second_o observe_v christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o so_o he_o be_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o testify_v not_o his_o own_o will_n but_o he_o which_o send_v he_o namely_o his_o father_n john_n 8.26_o second_o he_o testify_v all_o his_o father_n will_n neither_o add_v thereto_o nor_o detract_n from_o it_o john_n 17.4_o three_o because_o he_o teach_v his_o father_n will_v sincere_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o alter_v change_a or_o deprave_v any_o part_n thereof_o as_o my_o father_n teach_v i_o so_o i_o speak_v these_o thing_n john_n 8.28_o three_o christ_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o witness_n the_o lord_n have_v sundry_a faithful_a witness_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n the_o church_n nay_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n psalm_n 89.37_o but_o christ_n alone_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o because_o his_o witness_n be_v 8.14_o authentical_a sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o authentical_a and_o certain_a but_o as_o it_o consent_v with_o christ_n witness_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n second_o he_o be_v that_o witness_n because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o that_o house_n whereto_o he_o give_v witness_n namely_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v but_o servant_n there_o hebr._fw-la 5.5_o 6._o three_o christ_n his_o witness_n be_v inward_a it_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o there_o give_v undoubted_a assurance_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v outward_a only_a it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n it_o never_o bind_v and_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o itself_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o he_o be_v call_v here_o that_o faithful_a witness_n use_n first_o whereas_o christ_n the_o doctor_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n we_o learn_v that_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v faithful_a witness_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o
but_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o wisdom_n betimes_o to_o sue_v for_o grace_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o defeat_v satan_n and_o prevent_v eternal_a wail_n second_o here_o see_v what_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v it_o lie_v asleep_o here_o while_o a_o man_n live_v and_o never_o trouble_v he_o and_o so_o it_o may_v do_v in_o death_n also_o but_o in_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o judge_n with_o his_o eye_n than_o it_o will_v stir_v it_o will_v torment_v he_o it_o will_v attach_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v he_o it_o will_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n all_o his_o sin_n his_o contempt_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n his_o unbelief_n in_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n and_o than_o it_o will_v break_v his_o heart_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o thousand_o witness_n to_o condemn_v he_o this_o shall_v cause_v all_o man_n to_o labour_n to_o get_v a_o good_a conscience_n wash_v and_o purge_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n and_o upon_o our_o repentance_n will_v assure_v we_o we_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o do_v in_o this_o life_n then_o will_v it_o never_o make_v we_o to_o wail_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o it_o will_v excuse_v we_o and_o make_v we_o look_v up_o to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o he_o but_o take_v heed_n when_o thy_o conscience_n lie_v asleep_a and_o accuse_v not_o for_o thy_o sin_n no_o not_o at_o death_n that_o be_v a_o evil_a conscience_n which_o will_v awake_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o torment_n and_o condemn_v thou_o v._o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n that_o be_v by_o a_o double_a note_n of_o asseveration_n even_o so_o amen_n one_o of_o these_o be_v take_v from_o the_o greek_n even_o so_o the_o second_o from_o the_o hebrew_n amen_n be_v both_o as_o much_o as_o amen_o amen_n or_o very_o very_o in_o which_o phrase_n saint_n john_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o confirm_v the_o thing_n we_o avouch_v there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v avouch_v first_o by_o a_o simple_a and_o bare_a affirmation_n or_o negation_n second_o by_o a_o earnest_a asseveration_n three_o by_o a_o oath_n now_o s._n john_n use_v these_o two_o note_n of_o assure_v in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v say_v he_o come_v even_o so_o amen_o that_o be_v certain_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v so_o hereby_o teach_v we_o first_o that_o a_o asseveration_n must_v not_o be_v use_v but_o only_o when_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n here_o than_o we_o see_v that_o wretched_a be_v their_o practice_n who_o use_v to_o bind_v every_o word_n with_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v a_o degree_n above_o this_o asseveration_n yea_o they_o also_o be_v here_o just_o reprove_v who_o in_o their_o ordinary_a communication_n have_v ever_o in_o their_o mouth_n some_o weighty_a asseveration_n our_o saviour_n often_o use_v these_o word_n of_o asseveration_n yet_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n and_o when_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o be_v move_v to_o great_a attention_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v more_o full_o settle_v in_o some_o truth_n of_o great_a importance_n second_o by_o these_o asseveration_n john_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o hold_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o atheist_n that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a which_o thing_n we_o shall_v more_o serious_o observe_v because_o in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n there_o be_v breed_v this_o false_a persuasion_n that_o either_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v summon_v to_o judgement_n or_o else_o that_o christ_n come_n be_v far_o off_o like_v to_o the_o evil_a servant_n who_o say_v my_o master_n defer_v his_o come_n which_o evil_a servant_n by_o nature_n be_v every_o one_o of_o us._n three_o hereby_o john_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v one_o special_a note_n and_o mark_v of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n namely_o to_o desire_v and_o long_o after_o unfeigned_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n for_o as_o these_o word_n be_v a_o asseveration_n so_o withal_o they_o contain_v a_o most_o earnest_a desire_n even_o so_o amen_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o proclaim_n of_o his_o come_n lord_n grant_v it_o be_v so_o yea_o lord_n let_v it_o be_v so_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n paul_n describe_v all_o those_o who_o must_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n by_o this_o property_n that_o they_o love_v his_o appear_v 2._o tim._n 4.8_o as_o for_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v and_o so_o not_o reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n can_v love_v this_o appear_v nay_o they_o can_v wish_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o hell_n nor_o last_o judgement_n and_o by_o this_o one_o note_n we_o may_v well_o judge_v of_o our_o estate_n for_o if_o from_o 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