be_v a_o inducement_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o gift_n fit_a for_o this_o call_n to_o affect_v the_o same_o last_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o call_n and_o holy_a in_o his_o conversation_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n he_o be_v place_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n now_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v long_o bear_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n any_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a or_o profane_v nay_o he_o will_v take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n and_o there_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n for_o as_o they_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o by_o their_o place_n so_o shall_v their_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a unless_o they_o be_v faithful_a this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n levit._n 10.1_o and_o hophâ—â—â—_n and_o phineas_n 1._o sam._n 3.13_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n ought_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o their_o way_n for_o by_o their_o call_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ._n now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a and_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n he_o will_v sure_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o unfaithful_a minister_n put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n &_o confound_v they_o for_o ever_o they_o must_v therefore_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o become_v not_o hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o his_o will_n so_o shall_v christ_n protect_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o save_v they_o eternal_o and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n this_o sword_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v in_o the_o write_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n heb._n 4.12_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lively_a mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o it_o be_v thereto_o compare_v because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v sharp_o into_o the_o flesh_n and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o bone_n even_o to_o the_o very_a marrow_n so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n enter_v sharp_o and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o very_a marrow_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o twofold_a operation_n one_o upon_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o elect_a it_o wound_v the_o wicked_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n isay._n 11.4_o christ_n shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o lip_n that_o be_v with_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n herewith_o shall_v he_o consume_v antichrist_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o visit_v leviathan_n and_o slay_v the_o dragon_n that_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n isay._n 27._o vers_fw-la 1._o here_o consider_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v kill_v a_o impenitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n first_o in_o this_o life_n where_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n the_o second_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o the_o soul_n go_v to_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a the_o three_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o go_v to_o hell_n eternal_o now_o a_o sinner_n receive_v in_o this_o life_n his_o deadly_a wound_n after_o this_o manner_n christ_n in_o the_o give_v thereof_o have_v a_o threefold_a work_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n first_o hereby_o he_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o sin_n as_o hypocrisy_n pride_n and_o rebellion_n of_o heart_n with_o all_o other_o his_o horrible_a and_o damnable_a transgression_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14.24.25_o when_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v reprove_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o word_n judge_v he_o and_o thereby_o lie_v open_a unto_o he_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n second_o christ_n hereby_o reveâ—leth_v unto_o he_o his_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n due_a unto_o he_o in_o which_o regard_n the_o law_n be_v call_v 3.6_o a_o kill_a letter_n show_v no_o mercy_n but_o only_o thunder_v out_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o transgressor_n three_o hereby_o christ_n awake_v his_o guilty_a conscience_n sharpen_v the_o sting_n thereof_o and_o terrify_v he_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n thus_o wicked_a felix_n tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n preach_v 24.25_o of_o temperance_n righteousness_n and_o the_o â—udgement_n to_o come_v so_o when_o king_n 4.6_o belshazzer_n see_v the_o palm_n of_o the_o hand_n writing_n thing_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o â—all_n his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o his_o joint_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n stand_v one_o against_o another_o and_o all_o these_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o wicked_a without_o apprehension_n of_o mercy_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o recover_v one_o that_o â—s_v 〈◊〉_d wound_v but_o while_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d this_o estate_n he_o have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o without_o unfamed_a repentance_n be_v already_o in_o thâ—_n first_o step_n towards_o eternal_a death_n for_o these_o horror_n oâ—_n conscience_n sever_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o flash_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a woe_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n by_o this_o sword_n wound_v his_o enemy_n hence_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v sundry_a duty_n first_o how_o to_o earn_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o will_v rage_v and_o storm_n against_o it_o and_o the_o preacher_n thereof_o because_o it_o touch_v they_o we_o must_v not_o despise_v or_o malign_v they_o but_o rather_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n towards_o they_o for_o this_o their_o behaviour_n be_v a_o token_n they_o be_v wound_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o these_o their_o raging_n be_v nothing_o but_o struggle_n before_o death_n eternal_a unless_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o deadly_a wound_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v let_v to_o see_v and_o know_v the_o lamentable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a number_n in_o those_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v for_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n that_o in_o those_o placeâ—_n few_o come_v to_o true_a knowledge_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o most_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a now_o this_o their_o condition_n be_v most_o fearful_a a_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o man_n have_v long_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o thereby_o better_v for_o knowledge_n in_o mind_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n they_o be_v thereby_o wound_v unto_o death_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n have_v always_o his_o work_n it_o either_o cure_v unto_o life_n by_o work_a repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o salvation_n or_o wound_v unto_o death_n they_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o we_o must_v therefore_o lament_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n as_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o dead_a man_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v how_o soever_o they_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n by_o their_o â—â—ill_a honesty_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o a_o field_n and_o there_o behold_v many_o thousand_o slaughter_a and_o 〈◊〉_d ouâ—_n bloâ—d_v some_o in_o the_o â—ead_a some_o in_o the_o side_n etc._n etc._n this_o sight_n will_v make_v his_o heart_n to_o bleed_v well_o this_o 〈…〉_z god_n be_v church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o see_v with_o bodily_a eye_n the_o most_o man_n be_v wound_v with_o this_o sword_n of_o god_n word_n and_o lie_v 〈◊〉_d wallow_v in_o the_o bloâ—d_n of_o their_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d they_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n in_o security_n and_o want_n of_o repentance_n iii_o this_o mâ—st_v admonish_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v earnest_o to_o have_v further_a thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o than_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n oâ—_n horror_n of_o conscience_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o sound_a reformation_n of_o life_n for_o without_o this_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o
the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n affirm_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o all_o and_o every_o man_n whatsoever_o unless_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o be_v a_o device_n of_o man_n brain_n for_o life_n eternal_a be_v not_o promise_v to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n come_v of_o adam_n but_o to_o a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v universal_a indeed_o to_o all_o that_o overcome_v but_o that_o be_v a_o property_n which_o restrain_v they_o whole_o to_o true_a believer_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v say_v true_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o have_v overcome_v all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o do_v continual_o stand_v conqueror_n over_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o endless_a joy_n &_o comfort_n which_o will_v cheer_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a distress_n but_o to_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o sin_n be_v or_o will_v be_v a_o hell_n to_o the_o conscience_n what_o avail_n the_o treasure_n &_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n to_o any_o man_n while_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o vassal_n to_o sin_n and_o sathan_n for_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o estate_n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o labour_v to_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o this_o victory_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o the_o sure_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n life_n everlasting_a note_v by_o this_o gift_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o two_o circumstance_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o second_o by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o cause_n be_v christ_n jesus_n i_o will_v give_v to_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n where_o he_o make_v a_o opposition_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o adam_n sin_v and_o thereby_o cast_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o posterity_n out_o of_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n but_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n come_v and_o suffer_v for_o sin_n and_o thereby_o open_v the_o way_n to_o a_o better_a paradise_n than_o the_o first_o adam_n lose_v and_o to_o all_o that_o overcome_v he_o give_v liberty_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n proper_o be_v a_o tree_n place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o earthy_a paradise_n and_o it_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n and_o sacrament_n unto_o adam_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n second_o because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v prove_v virtue_n and_o power_n whereby_o it_o will_v have_v preserve_v he_o from_o death_n and_o old_a age_n for_o ever_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o innocence_n this_o earthly_a tree_n of_o life_n be_v a_o figure_n and_o sign_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n who_o live_v a_o eternal_a spiritual_a life_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o that_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o for_o this_o end_n that_o hâ—e_v may_v convey_v quicken_a spiritual_a life_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o term_v himself_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n further_o he_o say_v he_o will_v give_v hereof_o to_o eat_v to_o eat_v sometime_o signify_v to_o believe_v john_n 6.50_o but_o it_o can_v hear_v be_v so_o take_v for_o faith_n end_v with_o this_o life_n and_o have_v no_o use_n afterward_o therefore_o to_o eat_v in_o this_o place_n signify_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n where_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o he_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o make_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o promise_n note_v two_o point_n i._o in_o what_o thing_n eternal_a life_n consist_v namely_o in_o immediate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n second_o that_o life_n eternal_a stand_v not_o in_o outward_a mean_n as_o meat_n drink_n clothing_n physic_n recreation_n sleep_n and_o such_o like_a but_o in_o a_o immediate_a partake_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o unto_o we_o immediate_o then_o do_v we_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o thereby_o shall_v live_v eternal_o ii_o circum_v the_o place_n where_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o heaven_n a_o place_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v manifest_v himself_o in_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o elect_a hereof_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o theâ—fe_n on_o the_o cross_n say_v this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luk._n 23.43_o and_o hither_o be_v paul_n wrap_v in_o vision_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v thing_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v 12._o and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o three_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o heaven_n under_o it_o for_o the_o place_n wherein_o we_o breath_n be_v the_o first_o heaven_n the_o starry_a firmament_n be_v the_o second_o heaven_n and_o this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o which_o be_v therefore_o call_v paradise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o endless_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o add_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o it_o and_o adam_n earthly_a paradise_n but_o also_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a place_n so_o rabel_n say_v i_o have_v wrestle_v with_o my_o sister_n 8._o the_o wrestle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v strong_a wrestle_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n the_o mountain_n of_o god_n do_v signify_v high_a and_o mighty_a mountain_n and_o that_o this_o paradise_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a place_n appear_v at_o large_a revel_v 22._o for_o therein_o must_v come_v none_o unclean_a thing_n but_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v there_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v there_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o become_v all_o thing_n unto_o theâ—_n immediate_o so_o that_o this_o must_v needs_o beâ—â—_n place_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o place_n in_o this_o heavenly_a paradise_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heartâ—_n upon_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o this_o world_n which_o pass_v away_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o in_o the_o end_n be_v but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n when_o we_o have_v all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v but_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v endless_a and_o unspeakable_a let_v we_o therefore_o deny_v ourselves_o depend_v upon_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o epistle_n verse_n 8._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o smirnian_o write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v to_o the_o twelve_o iâ—_n lay_v down_o the_o second_o letter_n or_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o another_o church_n of_o asia_n call_v smyrna_n before_o the_o epistle_n christ_n give_v a_o second_o particular_a commandment_n unto_o john_n touch_v the_o writing_n hereof_o unto_o this_o church_n in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o smirnian_o write_v which_o be_v prefix_v to_o this_o epistle_n that_o this_o church_n and_o all_o other_o church_n of_o god_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v sufficient_a warrant_n and_o call_n for_o the_o write_n hereof_o which_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o church_n need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o receive_v the_o same_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v warrant_n and_o call_n for_o every_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v in_o god_n church_n use_n for_o the_o
it_o mean_v for_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v never_o know_v till_o a_o man_n be_v hungry_a yea_o to_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n this_o manna_n be_v hide_v for_o though_o man_n hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n yet_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o feel_v in_o themselves_o any_o want_n of_o christ_n let_v the_o conscience_n speak_v and_o this_o will_v prove_v true_a ignorant_a people_n bless_v themselves_o and_o say_v all_o be_v well_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n when_o as_o indeed_o to_o they_o christ_n be_v hide_v nay_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o lamentable_a to_o many_o which_o teach_v and_o preach_v christ_n christ_n be_v hide_v manna_n for_o many_o of_o they_o never_o feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n that_o make_v christ_n know_v to_o man_n but_o knowledge_n in_o the_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n feel_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n for_o his_o redemption_n &_o salvation_n and_o see_v this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n we_o on_o the_o contrary_n must_v labour_v to_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o our_o own_o poverty_n &_o to_o see_v in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n to_o free_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n away_o with_o bare_a mental_a knowledge_n for_o till_o we_o have_v this_o true_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n we_o can_v never_o get_v into_o our_o heart_n any_o sound_a grace_n second_o be_v christ_n hide_a bread_n not_o reveal_v to_o all_o then_o call_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n so_o as_o if_o he_o will_v every_o man_n may_v be_v save_v be_v not_o universal_a for_o than_o shall_v christ_n not_o be_v hide_v but_o reveal_v to_o all_o which_o be_v not_o so_o election_n therefore_o and_o effectual_a vocation_n be_v definite_a &_o particular_a and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o gift_n the_o second_o gift_n be_v a_o white_a stone_n here_o christ_n borrow_v a_o comparison_n from_o the_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o these_o epistle_n be_v direct_v a_o white_a stone_n be_v of_o great_a use_n among_o they_o for_o first_o the_o judge_n in_o give_v sentence_n use_v white_a stone_n and_o black_a stone_n the_o give_v of_o a_o white_a stone_n be_v a_o token_n of_o absolution_n the_o give_v of_o a_o black_a stone_n a_o sign_n of_o condemnation_n here_o then_o the_o give_v of_o a_o white_a stone_n may_v signify_v absolution_n from_o christ_n of_o all_o a_o man_n sin_n and_o trespass_n again_o when_o the_o gentile_n will_v know_v which_o be_v lucky_a day_n as_o they_o speak_v and_o which_o be_v unlucky_a they_o use_v to_o cast_v lot_n with_o white_a and_o black_a stone_n and_o that_o day_n which_o light_n on_o a_o white_a stone_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v a_o lucky_a day_n that_o which_o light_n on_o a_o black_a stone_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v unlucky_a this_o practice_n they_o use_v as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o sufficient_a record_n and_o though_o this_o practice_n have_v no_o warrant_n yet_o may_v christ_n allude_v unto_o it_o to_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o good_a success_n in_o all_o their_o action_n yea_o happy_a day_n and_o a_o bless_a life_n full_a of_o all_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n other_o do_v expound_v it_o of_o give_v victory_n whereof_o the_o give_v of_o a_o white_a stone_n be_v a_o sign_n but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a neither_o can_v it_o be_v show_v by_o true_a record_n that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o practice_n i_o rather_o take_v it_o christ_n allude_v to_o the_o first_o and_o here_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v the_o true_a remission_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o full_a absolution_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o civil_a punishment_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n before_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a damnation_n here_o note_v one_o infallible_a token_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n namely_o to_o overcome_v that_o be_v to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o by_o faith_n rely_v whole_o on_o christ_n testify_v this_o faith_n by_o maintain_v good_a conscience_n and_o true_a religion_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o desire_n to_o know_v whether_o god_n have_v absolve_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n let_v he_o labour_v thus_o to_o overcome_v and_o then_o shall_v this_o assurance_n be_v seal_v up_o unto_o he_o the_o three_o gift_n be_v a_o new_a name_n write_v in_o the_o stone_n what_o this_o new_a name_n shall_v be_v s._n john_n express_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chapter_n 3._o vers_fw-la 1._o saying_n behold_v what_o love_v the_o father_n have_v show_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o new_a name_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o because_o it_o be_v give_v of_o god_n himself_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o be_v a_o idle_a name_n or_o a_o bare_a title_n only_o but_o withal_o god_n give_v he_o a_o new_a condition_n whereof_o this_o name_n be_v a_o token_n and_o title_n god_n change_v abraham_n name_n &_o call_v he_o abraham_n but_o it_o be_v when_o he_o have_v change_v his_o estate_n and_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o there_o be_v a_o change_n in_o jacob_n when_o god_n call_v he_o israel_n this_o new_a name_n then_o signify_v the_o give_v of_o a_o new_a estate_n to_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o namely_o their_o regeneration_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n for_o therewith_o go_v the_o blessing_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o they_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n with_o christ_n and_o so_o have_v heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o their_o possession_n and_o all_o misery_n and_o cross_n yea_o sin_n itself_o turn_v to_o their_o good_a they_o have_v also_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n holy_a angel_n in_o this_o life_n and_o at_o the_o last_o gasp_n death_n to_o be_v no_o death_n but_o a_o strait_a passage_n to_o eternal_a life_n further_o this_o new_a name_n be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o white_a stone_n that_o be_v in_o the_o pledge_n of_o absolution_n which_o show_v the_o union_n of_o these_o two_o absolution_n and_o regeneration_n so_o that_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o mercy_n absolve_v from_o their_o sin_n they_o in_o his_o bounty_n he_o bring_v to_o a_o new_a estate_n and_o condition_n he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n 5.17_o a_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o yield_v special_a advice_n to_o reform_v the_o gross_a and_o common_a abuse_n of_o christ._n man_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o christ_n be_v their_o saviour_n and_o will_v pardon_v their_o sin_n for_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o thereupon_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o live_v as_o they_o list_v but_o let_v no_o man_n herewith_o deceive_v himself_o for_o they_o that_o have_v absolution_n have_v regeneration_n also_o a_o new_a condition_n of_o life_n go_v with_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n they_o that_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n have_v not_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v abolish_v where_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v absolve_v and_o their_o life_n be_v reform_v that_o have_v their_o sin_n remit_v here_o some_o man_n may_v say_v why_o be_v not_o those_o call_v by_o this_o new_a name_n to_o who_o christ_n give_v it_o for_o usual_o man_n be_v call_v after_o their_o name_n the_o answer_n be_v make_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n because_o no_o man_n know_v that_o name_n save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o that_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o certainty_n as_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o be_v much_o offend_v when_o they_o be_v revile_v for_o their_o profession_n because_o the_o world_n know_v not_o their_o estate_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v diverse_a point_n first_o that_o he_o which_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v this_o new_a name_n give_v he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v god_n child_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v neither_o be_v this_o knowledge_n by_o probable_a conjecture_n only_o and_o good_a hope_n as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o but_o certain_a and_o infallible_a for_o else_o other_o shall_v know_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o which_o be_v here_o deny_v each_o one_o be_v bind_v in_o
and_o so_o according_o be_v misery_n to_o be_v consider_v now_o of_o the_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n some_o concern_v the_o whole_a man_n some_o the_o part_n of_o man_n some_o his_o estate_n punishment_n concern_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o be_v subjection_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o man_n since_o adam_n fall_n be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n a_o misery_n of_o all_o misery_n &_o yet_o the_o more_o grievous_a because_o without_o some_o grace_n a_o man_n can_v discern_v &_o see_v the_o same_o the_o second_o be_v a_o bondage_n under_o the_o devil_n whereby_o a_o man_n in_o his_o mind_n will_n &_o affection_n be_v subject_a every_o way_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o though_o we_o can_v describe_v yet_o we_o may_v thus_o conceive_v of_o it_o the_o regenerate_a man_n say_v i_o sin_n but_o i_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o natural_a man_n say_v i_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v sin_v it_o be_v my_o nature_n to_o sin_n and_o my_o delight_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n punishment_n concern_v the_o part_n of_o man_n be_v either_o misery_n of_o his_o soul_n or_o of_o his_o body_n the_o misery_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v these_o first_o in_o the_o understanding_n ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n and_o in_o sundry_a madness_n and_o foolishness_n and_o in_o all_o man_n pain_n and_o difficulty_n both_o to_o learn_v &_o remember_v whatsoever_o be_v good_a which_o be_v not_o in_o man_n by_o creation_n in_o the_o conscience_n also_o be_v accusation_n secret_a fear_n and_o terror_n in_o the_o will_n be_v rebellion_n to_o god_n will_v in_o all_o affection_n perverseness_n all_o which_o be_v misery_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n also_o have_v these_o misery_n first_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o infirmity_n sickness_n disease_n and_o ache_n which_o be_v so_o many_o as_o all_o the_o book_n of_o physician_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v record_v the_o same_o second_o man_v body_n be_v mortal_a &_o subject_n to_o temporal_a death_n which_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o avoid_v or_o prevent_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o world_n punishment_n of_o man_n estate_n concern_v either_o his_o good_n or_o call_v in_o good_n there_o be_v these_o misery_n want_v of_o thing_n necessary_a for_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o punishment_n &_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n a_o curse_n and_o all_o the_o hurt_n that_o come_v by_o the_o creature_n for_o their_o enmity_n towards_o man_n &_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o also_o their_o subjection_n to_o vanity_n all_o these_o be_v misery_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o man_n sin_n in_o man_n call_v there_o be_v misery_n for_o therein_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o trouble_v to_o loss_n and_o sorrow_n which_o come_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o man_n first_o sin_n and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n come_v bodily_a death_n the_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n asunder_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a curse_n for_o so_o it_o be_v the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n but_o after_o this_o life_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o misery_n &_o that_o be_v eternal_a destruction_n and_o condemnation_n in_o hell_n fire_n which_o to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o misery_n appear_v by_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n of_o man_n person_n from_o the_o society_n &_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o endure_a of_o god_n wrath_n in_o the_o whole_a person_n even_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a soul_n &_o that_o not_o for_o a_o time_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o eternal_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o punishment_n be_v and_o answerable_o what_o misery_n be_v whereby_o we_o may_v see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wretched_a namely_o in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o misery_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o in_o the_o râ—ot_n thereof_o original_a sin_n or_o under_o the_o form_n of_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o whole_a person_n and_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n several_o in_o good_n and_o call_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o proper_a end_n that_o move_v christ_n to_o say_v to_o this_o church_n she_o know_v not_o that_o she_o be_v wretched_a be_v this_o to_o teach_v this_o church_n and_o in_o they_o we_o and_o all_o church_n to_o learn_v to_o know_v their_o own_o misery_n to_o feel_v the_o same_o and_o to_o be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o they_o we_o therefore_o must_v learn_v not_o to_o â—â—atter_v our_o self_n with_o hope_n of_o our_o good_a state_n but_o labour_n to_o see_v our_o misery_n both_o in_o sin_n &_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o and_o see_v it_o strive_v to_o be_v touch_v with_o it_o that_o we_o may_v cry_v with_o the_o jew_n 2.37_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v for_o till_o such_o time_n as_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o lukewarm_a professor_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o want_v the_o power_n thereof_o the_o true_a sight_n of_o our_o misery_n be_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v use_v all_o good_a mean_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o see_v the_o same_o &_o to_o be_v touch_v with_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v heart_n hereby_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o remedy_n of_o this_o our_o misery_n and_o miserable_a that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v pity_v this_o be_v add_v not_o to_o set_v down_o another_o thing_n but_o to_o express_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o misery_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thy_o misery_n be_v not_o small_a but_o so_o great_a and_o so_o grievous_a as_o indeed_o thou_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n to_o be_v pity_v of_o all_o man_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o must_v not_o despise_v party_n miserable_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n use_n or_o scorn_n and_o contemn_v they_o but_o contrariwise_o lament_v &_o pity_v they_o when_o david_n see_v man_n sin_n and_o so_o pull_v heap_n of_o misery_n upon_o they_o 13â—_n he_o shed_v river_n of_o tear_n the_o lord_n make_v it_o a_o good_a man_n property_n 9.4_o to_o mourn_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o people_n jeremie_n 9.1_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n wish_v his_o head_n be_v full_a of_o water_n and_o just_a lot_n 2.7.8_o grieve_v his_o righteous_a hart_n for_o the_o abomination_n of_o sodom_n it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o corinthian_n which_o paul_n reprove_v that_o when_o the_o incestuous_a man_n have_v sin_v that_o grievous_a sin_n 5._o they_o be_v not_o humble_v but_o puff_v with_o contempt_n against_o the_o party_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o sundry_a man_n at_o this_o day_n that_o they_o be_v not_o humble_v in_o themselves_o when_o they_o see_v other_o man_n sin_n we_o must_v not_o do_v so_o but_o show_v the_o grace_n we_o have_v above_o other_o in_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o misery_n which_o man_n without_o grace_n by_o their_o sin_n pull_v daily_o upon_o they_o thus_o much_o of_o their_o misery_n in_o general_n the_o part_n of_o their_o misery_n be_v three_o which_o christ_n note_v particular_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v cause_v this_o church_n to_o lay_v aside_o this_o damnable_a pride_n for_o these_o in_o all_o man_n be_v main_a misery_n the_o first_o be_v poverty_n and_o poor_a that_o be_v proper_o one_o that_o have_v not_o a_o rag_n to_o his_o back_n nor_o bread_n to_o his_o mouth_n unless_o he_o beg_v the_o same_o of_o other_o but_o here_o it_o be_v take_v for_o one_o that_o be_v spiritual_o poor_a which_o poverty_n we_o shall_v better_o conceive_v if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o be_v true_a spiritual_a riches_n true_a riches_n be_v god_n grace_n and_o savour_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a the_o poor_a man_n therefore_o be_v he_o that_o want_v god_n favour_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o eternal_a life_n &_o have_v in_o he_o no_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v as_o silly_a and_o poor_a as_o any_o beggar_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o body_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n call_v this_o church_n poor_a be_v to_o beat_v down_o the_o proud_a conceit_n of_o she_o own_o good_a estate_n and_o to_o cause_v she_o to_o feel_v her_o spiritual_a poverty_n and_o so_o become_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o we_o in_o they_o be_v likewise_o teach_v to_o labour_n to_o feel_v our_o own_o poverty_n how_o by_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o goodness_n in_o we_o but_o we_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o
of_o the_o church_n 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 benediction_n for_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n &_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 the_o same_o in_o memory_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 to_o read_v or_o remember_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 wherein_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v mark_v these_o word_n for_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o revelation_n be_v of_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o here_o they_o be_v repeat_v again_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o these_o prophecy_n contain_v weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v deep_o consider_v and_o earnest_o think_v on_o and_o s._n john_n repeat_v the_o same_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o awake_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n continual_o for_o though_o they_o can_v fall_v into_o the_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o slumber_n of_o security_n may_v overtake_v they_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a matth._n 25.5_o and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a church_n confess_v that_o she_o sleep_v though_o her_o heart_n wake_v cant._n 5.2_o second_o to_o confirm_v and_o hearten_v the_o church_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o affliction_n to_o come_v for_o herein_o be_v the_o common_a say_n true_a he_o that_o be_v forewarn_v be_v fore-armed_n now_o in_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n whether_o affliction_n temptation_n death_n or_o the_o last_o judgement_n itself_o all_o will_v come_v short_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o life_n as_o to_o stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n so_o to_o move_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n the_o bad_a servant_n beat_v his_o fellow_n because_o he_o think_v his_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.48.49_o the_o old_a world_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n never_o regard_v noah_n prophecy_n and_o so_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o matth._n 24.39_o we_o shall_v lay_v these_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o always_o think_v with_o paul_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o â—and_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n these_o eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v interchangeable_a one_o while_o peace_n and_o then_o trouble_v so_o as_o it_o be_v like_a this_o peaceable_a state_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v but_o we_o must_v be_v try_v and_o the_o time_n of_o ouâ—_n trial_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v befall_v the_o church_n will_v come_v short_o we_o must_v therefore_o prepare_v for_o trouble_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o less_o grievous_a vers._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o wit_n the_o inscription_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o a_o dedication_n in_o these_o word_n john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n second_o a_o salutation_n in_o the_o next_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n observe_v first_o the_o penman_n that_o dedicate_v this_o book_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v for_o the_o first_o the_o penman_n be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o repeat_v his_o name_n 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 or_o commendation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n wherein_o he_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 15._o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o 15_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 one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o as_o we_o may_v find_v in_o both_o of_o his_o 11.5_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n second_o 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 write_v to_o church_n second_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o the_o first_o 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 only_a catholic_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a &_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o the_o same_o be_v part_v into_o several_a branch_n and_o company_n one_o part_n be_v in_o one_o country_n and_o another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o wherein_o also_o every_o several_a congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n all_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v only_o one_o yet_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o take_v their_o name_n of_o the_o country_n whereto_o they_o adjoine_v be_v call_v so_o many_o particular_a sea_n as_o the_o english_a sea_n the_o spanish_a sea_n french_a italian_a scottish_a sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o particular_a church_n must_v john_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n now_o john_n choose_v rather_o to_o write_v to_o church_n than_o to_o particular_a man_n first_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n second_o because_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o call_v not_o that_o her_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n house_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o god_n enemy_n second_o because_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o three_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v therein_o second_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n among_o all_o particular_a church_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o seven_o in_o asia_n no_o doubt_n for_o special_a cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a church_n as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v plain_o show_v second_o that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o long_o before_o have_v be_v foretell_v may_v be_v more_o evident_a for_o here_o the_o jew_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o gentile_n send_v unto_o last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o other_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n whereon_o alâ—_n other_o church_n shall_v depend_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v know_v of_o they_o why_o john_n pass_v by_o it_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n which_o contain_v matter_n needful_a for_o all_o church_n to_o know_v grace_n be_v with_o
of_o god_n so_o christ_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n than_o all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o matth._n 6.33_o this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n every_o where_o use_n who_o in_o seek_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o will_v toil_v themselves_o in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v wealth_n honour_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o regard_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a foundation_n of_o all_o outward_a welfare_n here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o god_n give_v i_o wealth_n honour_n and_o reputation_n than_o he_o love_v i_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n thereof_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v no_o sure_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o be_v his_o enemy_n may_v enjoy_v they_o all_o as_o job._n 21.7_o to_o the_o 14._o this_o david_n perceive_v how_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v in_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psalm_n 73.3.7_o and_o yet_o they_o stand_v but_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n herewith_o deceive_v himself_o he_o that_o want_v god_n favour_n in_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o curse_a wretch_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o world_n for_o outward_a thing_n at_o his_o command_n for_o all_o earthly_a thing_n sever_v from_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n the_o wicked_a man_n peace_n be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 48.22_o and_o the_o man_n that_o have_v god_n grace_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o want_v all_o worldly_a benefit_n yet_o he_o have_v more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n without_o it_o for_o hereby_o alone_o he_o be_v true_o bless_a and_o happy_a from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wit_n god_n himself_o distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n etc._n etc._n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o a_o distribution_n which_o express_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o which_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o exod._n 3.14_o 15._o where_o moses_n demand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v ask_v who_o send_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v answer_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o say_v ehich_n jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o which_o two_o name_n serve_v to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o be_v translate_v i_o be_o and_o the_o lord_n but_o these_o english_a word_n do_v not_o full_o express_v their_o signification_n yet_o s._n john_n expound_v they_o here_o make_v ehich_n to_o signify_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v which_o word_n of_o john_n also_o in_o the_o original_n be_v more_o full_a in_o sense_n than_o our_o english_a tongue_n can_v well_o express_v and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o explain_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a substance_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a simple_a substance_n and_o essence_n in_o these_o word_n be_v touch_v sundry_a weighty_a point_n first_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n which_o have_v his_o be_v in_o himself_o of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o paul_n say_v a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o that_o be_v nothing_o subsist_v in_o nature_n but_o a_o mere_a fond_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o essence_n subsist_v and_o that_o of_o himself_o alone_o perfect_o and_o herein_o differ_v from_o all_o idol_n and_o false_a god_n second_o hereby_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n every_o creature_n be_v a_o substance_n as_o angel_n and_o man_n likewise_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n be_v substance_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n and_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v part_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v their_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o he_o for_o then_o each_o creature_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n can_v be_v without_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n substance_n be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n my_o meaning_n then_o be_v that_o god_n make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o he_o create_v by_o his_o word_n and_o preserve_v they_o be_v make_v which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o return_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o thankfulness_n endeavour_v his_o glory_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n three_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o every_o way_n though_o they_o be_v eternal_a in_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v yet_o have_v they_o a_o beginning_n second_o they_o be_v eternal_a not_o absolute_o but_o by_o participation_n for_o god_n make_v they_o eternal_a but_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_o of_o himself_o eternal_a four_o note_n he_o say_v not_o from_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v but_o from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o eternal_a god_n be_v also_o a_o judge_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n a_o point_n of_o special_a use_n to_o move_v we_o to_o well_o before_o god_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n if_o any_o shall_v flatter_v himself_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v dead_a before_o that_o day_n come_v i_o answer_v iâ—_n may_v be_v so_o what_o then_o think_v thâ—u_n thereby_o to_o escape_v his_o judgement_n no_o very_o for_o this_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v thou_o particular_o by_o death_n and_o thereby_o to_o reserve_v thou_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n oâ—_n that_o we_o can_v serious_o think_v on_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v â—o_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n act_n 24.16_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v he_o at_o his_o come_n whether_o by_o death_n or_o judgement_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o 〈◊〉_d before_o his_o throne_n these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o seven_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v before_o the_o thronâ—_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o they_o for_o two_o cause_n a_o first_o because_o 〈◊〉_d and_o peace_n be_v here_o say_v to_o proceed_v from_o these_o seven_o spirit_n but_o it_o can_v come_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o attend_v to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n second_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o be_v a_o benediction_n or_o a_o salutation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o spirit_n be_v set_v before_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o respect_n for_o which_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v place_v before_o christ._n the_o word_n be_v rather_o thus_o to_o be_v expound_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o exposition_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v only_o one_o in_o substance_n
gospel_n when_o he_o preach_v god_n word_n be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a witness_n sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n first_o they_o must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o before_o all_o testimony_n of_o man_n in_o the_o office_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o christ_n to_o 4.34_o teach_v his_o father_n will_n eleazar_n abraham_n elder_a servant_n show_v his_o fidelity_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o have_v do_v his_o master_n message_n gen._n 24.33_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v special_a care_n of_o that_o weighty_a message_n commit_v unto_o they_o second_o they_o must_v testify_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v matter_n of_o salvation_n as_o faith_n obedience_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n among_o man_n we_o count_v he_o a_o faithful_a witness_n which_o testify_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o his_o church_n herein_o paul_n clear_v himself_o 27._o that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n blood_n see_v he_o deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o keep_v nothing_o back_o three_o he_o must_v neither_o add_v unto_o or_o take_v away_o much_o less_o in_o any_o case_n deprave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o false_a prophet_n teach_v some_o truth_n but_o withal_o they_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o or_o detract_v from_o god_n truth_n something_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v thing_n concern_v moral_a virtue_n handle_v sound_o but_o come_v to_o justification_n and_o thereto_o they_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o man_n work_n &_o so_o they_o deal_v with_o faith_n and_o repentance_n matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o take_v away_o one_o part_n and_o add_v another_o to_o the_o scripture_n they_o hold_v the_o creed_n in_o word_n yet_o in_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o same_o as_o by_o their_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v &_o so_o show_v themselves_o false_a witness_n four_o a_o faithful_a witness_n must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o best_o beseem_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o best_a approve_v that_o be_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a and_o familiar_a kind_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v touch_v &_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v edify_v when_o the_o word_n be_v otherwise_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n or_o for_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n or_o much_o read_n though_o nothing_o be_v say_v but_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o that_o so_o dispense_v it_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a witness_n because_o he_o corrupt_v the_o word_n by_o his_o vain_a delivery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n in_o many_o minister_n who_o teach_v the_o truth_n indeed_o but_o yet_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o seek_v themselves_o and_o not_o god_n glory_n respect_v little_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o simple_a so_o themselves_o may_v be_v famous_a for_o wit_n eloquence_n and_o learning_n but_o these_o man_n make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n like_v to_o huxter_n that_o by_o starch_v blow_v and_o spice_v set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o their_o ware_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o will_v banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o our_o land_n unless_o it_o be_v reform_v second_o this_o title_n of_o christ_n that_o faithful_a witness_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o the_o damnable_a practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n for_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o his_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o 5.10_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o not_o do_v make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o a_o liar_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o horrible_a &_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n for_o when_o the_o law_n be_v apply_v who_o be_v afraid_a and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v yet_o who_o believe_v our_o report_n god_n minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o little_a child_n we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v this_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o man_n be_v not_o move_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o this_o fearful_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n this_o therefore_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o ourselves_o the_o heinousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v strive_v against_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o word_n into_o our_o heart_n tremble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o each_o part_n thereof_o may_v have_v his_o perfect_a work_n in_o we_o for_o which_o end_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o among_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o burn_a lake_n unbeliever_n be_v set_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n revel_v 21._o vers_fw-la 8._o three_o see_v christ_n jesus_n be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o man_n conscience_n in_o particular_a of_o their_o salvation_n we_o learn_v that_o every_o one_o which_o profess_v himself_o to_o repent_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o election_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o he_o particular_o and_o though_o this_o be_v against_o all_o humane_a sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v a_o faithful_a witness_n avouch_v the_o same_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o testimony_n for_o by_o unbelief_n we_o great_o dishonour_v our_o witness_n bearer_n by_o deny_v truth_n unto_o his_o record_n here_o than_o we_o see_v it_o it_o no_o presumption_n as_o the_o papist_n say_v to_o believe_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o particular_a nay_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n in_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v christ_n a_o most_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hereto_o also_o serve_v the_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o seal_v up_o unto_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n the_o minister_n give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o they_o that_o true_o repent_v be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v believe_v thou_o and_o life_n eternal_a belong_v to_o thou_o and_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o second_o office_n of_o christ_n namely_o his_o priesthood_n the_o principal_a action_n whereof_o stand_v in_o die_v in_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n and_o here_o s._n john_n allude_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o family_n among_o the_o jew_n compare_v christ_n to_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o as_o among_o they_o he_o which_o be_v first_o bear_v and_o elder_a of_o the_o family_n have_v many_o privilege_n and_o preeminence_n above_o his_o brethren_n as_o lordship_n right_a of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o double_a portion_n etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n he_o have_v his_o privilege_n yea_o even_a christ_n crucify_v he_o have_v his_o prerogative_n among_o the_o dead_a above_o all_o that_o be_v dead_a so_o paul_n expound_v this_o title_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o beginning_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n coloss._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n dead_a and_o bury_v among_o all_o the_o dead_a be_v two_o first_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o so_o to_o glory_v some_o indeed_o have_v rise_v before_o christ_n from_o natural_a death_n to_o natural_a life_n as_o lazarus_n but_o it_o be_v to_o die_v again_o and_o moses_n and_o elias_n assume_v their_o body_n in_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n but_o yet_o they_o lay_v they_o down_o again_o to_o the_o former_a misery_n of_o corruption_n for_o a_o time_n but_o christ_n jesus_n rosâ—_n from_o death_n to_o life_n eternal_a never_o to_o die_v again_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o step_n into_o his_o glory_n second_o that_o by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o raise_v up_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 our_o heart_n we_o desire_v and_o long_o for_o this_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n and_o wish_v he_o will_v come_v â—0_n quick_o than_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n and_o sign_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o if_o as_o yet_o we_o feel_v not_o this_o longing_n and_o hunger_a desire_n in_o we_o than_o we_o must_v suspect_v ourselves_o and_o labour_v every_o day_n to_o feel_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o say_v 6.10_o how_o long_a lord_n and_o with_o john_n even_o so_o amen_n verse_n 8._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o iâ—_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v even_o the_o almighty_a after_o saint_n john_n have_v describe_v christ_n at_o large_a in_o the_o former_a verse_n he_o bring_v he_o in_o speak_v of_o himself_o by_o a_o figure_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o this_o clause_n say_v the_o lord_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o these_o word_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v to_o confirm_v that_o which_o be_v before_o speak_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o proof_n and_o reason_n thereof_o after_o this_o manner_n to_o be_v conceive_v he_o which_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v a_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o blessing_n which_o serve_v for_o their_o good_a the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v omit_v the_o second_o part_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o eight_o verse_n but_o i_o be_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o sufficient_a etc._n etc._n in_o this_o eight_o verse_n be_v three_o point_n concern_v christ._n first_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n second_o he_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v three_o he_o be_v almighty_a for_o the_o first_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n saint_n john_n express_v by_o a_o comparison_n take_v from_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n and_o it_o stand_v thus_o as_o in_o the_o a_o b_o c_o of_o the_o grecian_n alpha_n be_v the_o first_o letter_n and_o therefore_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o the_o letter_n and_o omega_n be_v the_o last_o and_o therefore_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o letter_n so_o say_v christ_n be_o i_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o similitude_n be_v in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n that_o be_v i_o be_o as_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o second_o part_n in_o these_o word_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n from_o this_o and_o such_o like_a manner_n of_o speak_v the_o papist_n gather_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o strange_a language_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o their_o collection_n be_v frivolous_a for_o though_o the_o unlearned_a english_a man_n know_v not_o what_o alpha_n and_o omega_n be_v yet_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o book_n be_v write_v be_v grecian_n know_v general_o what_o be_v mean_v hereby_o again_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v here_o and_o there_o a_o strange_a word_n or_o phrase_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o follow_v that_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o prayer_n shall_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v i_o be_o the_o beginning_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o beginning_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o
from_o christ._n in_o winter_n time_n man_n use_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o sun_n to_o comfort_v and_o warm_v themselves_o with_o the_o heat_n thereof_o behold_v christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o his_o church_n which_o give_v heat_n and_o life_n to_o all_o the_o true_a member_n thereof_o we_o therefore_o must_v seek_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v his_o bless_a beam_n of_o grace_n to_o shine_v upon_o our_o cold_a and_o freeze_a heart_n that_o by_o his_o spiritual_a heat_n we_o may_v be_v reviue_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n in_o this_o world_n nothing_o be_v so_o much_o regard_v as_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a be_v the_o worldling_n song_n but_o with_o godly_a david_n we_o must_v say_v psal._n 4.4_o lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o quicken_v thou_o we_o with_o thy_o spiritual_a life_n and_o comfort_v we_o with_o the_o beam_n of_o mercy_n quest._n how_o may_v i_o get_v the_o gracious_a beam_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n to_o come_v from_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n into_o my_o heart_n answ._n before_o a_o man_n can_v live_v by_o christ_n he_o must_v be_v kill_v in_o himself_o man_n do_v not_o kill_v those_o who_o they_o will_v restore_v to_o temporal_a life_n but_o the_o lord_n take_v that_o course_n thou_o therefore_o must_v suffer_v his_o two_o edge_a sword_n to_o enter_v into_o thou_o yea_o to_o be_v thrust_v up_o to_o the_o hilt_n into_o thy_o heart_n that_o so_o thy_o vile_a sin_n and_o corruption_n may_v be_v rip_v up_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n deserve_v thereby_o make_v know_v unto_o thou_o that_o in_o thyself_o thou_o may_v be_v out_o of_o hope_n and_o then_o and_o not_o before_o art_n thou_o fit_a to_o receive_v comfort_n and_o life_n by_o christ_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v cold_a in_o body_n be_v most_o fit_a to_o receive_v heat_n by_o clothes_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o warmness_n now_o be_v thus_o humble_v in_o thyself_o thou_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o wit_n the_o hear_n read_v and_o meditate_v in_o his_o word_n with_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o thâ—â—_n shall_v thou_o perceive_v the_o joyful_a beam_n of_o life_n shine_v into_o thy_o soul_n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o world_n and_o want_v this_o grace_n of_o life_n and_o comfort_n by_o christ_n it_o be_v but_o a_o curse_n unto_o he_o but_o though_o a_o man_n want_v all_o thing_n else_o yet_o by_o this_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n he_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n man_n shall_v labour_v for_o it_o three_o the_o sun_n serve_v to_o discover_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o night_n nothing_o be_v discern_v but_o all_o thing_n appear_v in_o one_o form_n but_o when_o the_o same_o come_v forth_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v manifest_a even_o the_o â—â—all_a mote_n in_o the_o air_n even_o so_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n he_o see_v all_o thing_n and_o can_v discover_v the_o most_o hide_a secret_n of_o man_n nothing_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n so_o infinite_a be_v his_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o must_v be_v move_v to_o look_v unto_o all_o our_o way_n both_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o christ_n approve_v for_o though_o we_o may_v deceive_v the_o world_n by_o a_o false_a gloss_n yet_o all_o that_o we_o do_v speak_v or_o think_v be_v naked_a and_o bare_a before_o he_o he_o know_v the_o same_o &_o can_v and_o will_v reveal_v it_o if_o this_o be_v believe_v and_o remember_v it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o suppress_v much_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n and_o many_o grievous_a sin_n which_o be_v rise_v in_o the_o world_n man_n think_v if_o they_o can_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n all_o be_v well_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v but_o we_o must_v think_v upon_o the_o shine_a face_n of_o christ_n which_o discern_v and_o discover_v all_o secret_n and_o labour_v thereupon_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o our_o way_n yea_o of_o our_o secret_a thought_n that_o god_n may_v approve_v the_o same_o vers._n 17._o and_o when_o i_o see_v he_o i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n on_o i_o say_v fear_v not_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o verse_n 18._o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o the_o earth_n here_o saint_n john_n describe_v christ_n further_o by_o other_o argument_n namely_o by_o sundry_a action_n of_o he_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o john_n be_v sore_o afraid_a set_v down_o in_o this_o &_o the_o next_o verse_n in_o which_o action_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o second_o the_o meanâ—_n of_o his_o confirmation_n the_o occasion_n be_v johns_n exceed_a fear_n set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o when_o i_o see_v he_o i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a the_o mean_n of_o confirmation_n as_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v then_o he_o lay_v his_o handâ—_n upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o occasion_n johns_n fear_n be_v exceed_v great_a and_o that_o of_o death_n as_o appear_v by_o christ_n his_o confirmation_n wherein_o he_o tell_v john_n that_o be_v live_v and_o have_v power_n over_o death_n in_o this_o his_o fear_n note_v sundry_a point_n the_o cause_n the_o effect_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o this_o fear_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n be_v christ_n his_o appearancen_v gloâ—ry_a and_o majesty_n unto_o john_n set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n when_o i_o see_v he_o where_o we_o learn_v that_o sinful_a man_n since_o adam_n fall_n can_v abide_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n 2._o adam_n before_o his_o fall_n talk_v face_n to_o face_n with_o god_n without_o fear_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v sin_v 3.8_o be_v flee_v away_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o voice_n and_o hide_v himself_o among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n this_o fear_n come_v by_o reason_n of_o man_n guiltiness_n before_o god_n hence_o manoah_n say_v unto_o his_o wife_n 2d_o we_o shall_v sure_o die_v because_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d see_v god_n first_o by_o this_o use_n that_o no_o sinful_a man_n can_v abide_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o labour_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n to_o have_v the_o image_n of_o sin_n deface_v in_o we_o and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n restore_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n true_a happiness_n consist_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o we_o can_v never_o have_v true_a fellowship_n with_o he_o while_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n 1._o john_n 1.6_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v purge_v from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o his_o presence_n shall_v be_v our_o joy_n second_o this_o fear_n of_o john_n at_o christ_n presence_n in_o glory_n teach_v us._n that_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n majesty_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o humble_a a_o man_n and_o to_o make_v he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o himself_o when_o abraham_n talk_v with_o god_n the_o more_o he_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n the_o more_o he_o humble_v himself_o confess_v at_o last_o that_o he_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n gen._n 18.27_o and_o peter_n by_o a_o great_a draught_n of_o fish_n see_v but_o a_o glimmer_n of_o divine_a majesty_n in_o christ_n can_v not_o abide_v it_o but_o cry_v out_o depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n luk._n 5.8_o and_o so_o the_o holy_a angel_n when_o they_o stand_v before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v say_v 6.3_o to_o cover_v their_o face_n and_o their_o fleet_n with_o theâ—â—_n wing_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o exceed_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o in_o themselves_o unable_a to_o behold_v his_o glory_n three_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n great_a goodness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v unto_o we_o not_o in_o his_o own_o person_n as_o he_o do_v in_o mount_n sâ—rra_fw-la which_o will_v be_v so_o terrible_a 〈◊〉_d none_o can_v abide_v it_o but_o favourable_o &_o familiar_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n that_o be_v like_a unto_o ourselves_o many_o abuse_v this_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o messenger_n but_o we_o must_v learn_v by_o this_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o
that_o thence_o we_o may_v offer_v up_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n second_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 1.6_o use_v a_o comparison_n from_o the_o fire_n which_o burn_v more_o bright_a and_o clear_a when_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o last_o we_o must_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o faith_n repentance_n love_n and_o such_o like_a &_o so_o shall_v they_o not_o decay_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n verse_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o faithful_a physician_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n do_v here_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o their_o sin_n of_o decay_n in_o love_n fron_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o sin_n be_v reprove_v be_v to_o be_v teach_v but_o yet_o with_o this_o qualification_n that_o withal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v join_v thereunto_o that_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v rip_v up_o by_o the_o law_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v christ_n manner_n of_o preach_v in_o this_o place_n who_o practice_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a platform_n for_o all_o his_o minister_n for_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n at_o this_o day_n to_o preach_v the_o law_n bare_o which_o only_o make_v the_o wound_n without_o the_o gospel_n which_o alone_o show_v the_o remedy_n this_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v be_v of_o special_a use_n and_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n general_o by_o it_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o answer_v to_o two_o necessary_a question_n of_o practice_n which_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n first_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o after_o his_o conversion_n either_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n fall_v into_o sin_n again_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v for_o his_o recovery_n ans._n he_o must_v remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v of_o those_o his_o sin_n and_o do_v his_o first_o work_n the_o second_o question_n be_v this_o a_o man_n that_o have_v all_o his_o life_n long_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n be_v now_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o his_o loose_a life_n how_o shall_v this_o man_n escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n &_o become_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o ans._n he_o must_v first_o remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o by_o his_o own_o transgression_n second_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o his_o sin_n three_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n whereto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n &_o so_o shall_v he_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o particular_a this_o remedy_n have_v three_o part_n the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o second_o and_o repent_v the_o three_o and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n the_o word_n follow_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o remedy_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v for_o the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n examine_v thyself_o thorough_o &_o see_v in_o thyself_o the_o decay_n of_o thy_o former_a love_n and_o then_o ponder_v the_o same_o in_o thy_o heart_n serious_o and_o thorough_o here_o christ_n injoin_v to_o this_o church_n two_o duty_n i._o examination_n whereby_o she_o must_v descend_v into_o she_o own_o heart_n and_o search_v out_o her_o own_o want_n especial_o the_o want_n of_o her_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o her_o brethren_n ii_o consideration_n whereby_o she_o must_v often_o think_v of_o these_o her_o want_n and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o her_o heart_n unfeigned_o this_o course_n which_o christ_n take_v with_o this_o church_n teach_v we_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o person_n in_o god_n church_n not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v thorough_o with_o his_o own_o estate_n that_o so_o he_o may_v search_v out_o his_o own_o want_n and_o deep_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n jeremie_n blame_v the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n that_o no_o man_n say_v with_o himself_o 8.6_o what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o christ_n lay_v this_o sin_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o estate_n 39_o they_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o â—â—oke_v they_o all_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n no_o man_n almost_o do_v examine_v himself_o &_o consider_v in_o his_o hart_n his_o own_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o want_n nay_o man_n be_v grow_v to_o this_o that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o mean_n to_o breed_v melancholy_n and_o therefore_o do_v â—lie_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o nuzzell_v themselves_o in_o their_o fearful_a security_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v out_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o often_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o their_o particular_a want_n zephanie_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o people_n 2.1_o begin_v thus_o search_v you_o search_v yourselves_o oh_o nation_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v where_o the_o word_n translate_v search_n signify_v such_o a_o search_n as_o a_o man_n will_v make_v for_o some_o small_a thing_n in_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o chaff_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n counsel_n hag._n 1.7_o consider_v your_o own_o way_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v our_o practice_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o ground_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o christ_n here_o give_v it_o the_o first_o place_n for_o no_o man_n can_v true_o repent_v before_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o with_o his_o own_o fearful_a and_o damnable_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v 119.59_o i_o first_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o then_o i_o turn_v my_o foot_n into_o thy_o testimony_n the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o repent_v be_v want_n of_o consideration_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o what_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v for_o till_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v she_o own_o misery_n the_o hart_n can_v never_o right_o hunger_n after_o mercy_n sin_n must_v be_v our_o great_a woe_n before_o christ_n become_v our_o chief_a joy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v repentance_n iâ—_n self_n for_o after_o a_o man_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o want_n and_o have_v thorough_o consider_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n than_o he_o come_v to_o repent_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o five_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v i._o what_o repentanceis_n ii_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v iii_o who_o command_v it_o iv._o to_o who_o it_o be_v command_v v._o for_o what_o they_o must_v repent_v for_o the_o first_o repentance_n proper_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n do_v import_v for_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o after_o some_o folly_n or_o overslip_v to_o be_v better_o advise_v repentance_n then_o in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o change_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a or_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.20_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n which_o latter_a word_n expound_v the_o former_a &_o plain_o show_v what_o repentance_n be_v and_o this_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n stand_v in_o this_o resolution_n whereby_o a_o man_n by_o god_n grace_n purpose_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n therewithal_o follow_v a_o turn_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o will_n in_o affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o description_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n which_o paul_n reduce_v to_o seven_o head_n viz._n care_n clear_v of_o themselves_o indignation_n fear_n great_a desire_n zeal_n and_o revenge_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o whereof_o some_o be_v renew_v affection_n
and_o some_o reform_a action_n use_n hereby_o appear_v that_o their_o description_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o fit_a &_o proper_a which_o say_v it_o stand_v in_o these_o three_o contrition_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n for_o contrition_n be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o a_o cause_n thereof_o and_o so_o be_v faith_n as_o christ_n teach_v in_o his_o well-known_a sermon_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n where_o they_o be_v plain_o distinct_a and_o indeed_o a_o man_n must_v first_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o follow_v repentance_n and_o for_o new_a obedience_n it_o be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o a_o fruit_n thereof_o other_o make_v regeneration_n and_o repentance_n all_o one_o but_o that_o can_v so_o well_o stand_v for_o regeneration_n go_v before_o and_o repentance_n follow_v after_o as_o a_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n cause_v repentance_n the_o mind_n therefore_o must_v first_o be_v renew_v &_o then_o it_o turn_v itself_o unto_o god_n and_o withal_o turn_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o true_a repentance_n be_v ii_o point_n how_o must_v repentance_n be_v practise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o true_a humiliation_n and_o true_a reformation_n in_o humiliation_n a_o man_n humble_v himself_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n make_v true_a confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n from_o a_o sorrowful_a heart_n condemn_v himself_o for_o the_o same_o and_o earnest_o crave_v pardon_n for_o they_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n reformation_n be_v a_o change_n of_o all_o bad_a action_n into_o good_a and_o if_o case_n require_v a_o make_n of_o satisfaction_n unto_o other_o for_o injury_n do_v unto_o they_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o david_n who_o have_v commit_v those_o two_o great_a sin_n of_o whoredom_n and_o murder_n when_o he_o be_v reprove_v by_o nathan_n repent_v confess_v his_o sin_n and_o make_v the_o one_o and_o fifty_o psalm_n and_o as_o it_o be_v think_v the_o 32_o psalm_n therein_o notable_o show_v both_o his_o humiliation_n in_o heart_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n so_o manasses_n when_o he_o be_v convert_v 33.12_o he_o repent_v humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n god_n hear_v he_o and_o thus_o come_v the_o prodigal_a child_n unto_o his_o father_n say_v 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n and_o so_o in_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o repentance_n we_o shall_v see_v these_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n joint_o practise_v as_o psal._n 6._o and_o 38._o and_o 77._o and_o 130.143_o here_o then_o consider_v the_o fearful_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n receive_v general_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n repentance_n with_o they_o stand_v in_o three_o thing_n in_o contrition_n in_o confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n to_o the_o priest_n and_o in_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n by_o good_a work_n but_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v a_o wicked_a man_n do_v for_o judas_n be_v grieve_v for_o betray_v his_o master_n he_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o also_o give_v again_o the_o money_n wherewith_o he_o be_v hire_v a_o second_o abuse_n be_v that_o they_o make_v contrition_n a_o part_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n by_o contrition_n we_o must_v understand_v remorse_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o grace_n of_o itself_o though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n thereto_o in_o god_n elect_v a_o three_o abuse_n be_v that_o they_o prescribe_v a_o confession_n of_o all_o a_o man_n sin_n unto_o man_n which_o iâ—_n a_o gibbet_n for_o any_o man_n conscience_n wherein_o they_o require_v more_o than_o god_n do_v a_o four_o abuse_n be_v that_o they_o require_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n by_o man_n good_a work_n whereby_o they_o overthrow_n satisfaction_n by_o christ_n and_o exact_a that_o of_o man_n which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v we_o therefore_o must_v reject_v their_o wicked_a doctrine_n bring_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o god_n church_n and_o embrace_v that_o save_a repentance_n which_o stand_v in_o true_a humiliation_n and_o reformation_n iii_o point_n who_o be_v it_o that_o command_v repentance_n unto_o this_o church_n namely_o jesus_n christ._n many_o not_o only_a papist_n but_o protestant_n gather_v upon_o this_o &_o such_o like_a commandment_n that_o god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n sufficient_a grace_n to_o repent_v if_o he_o will_v for_o else_o say_v they_o he_o shall_v but_o mock_v they_o in_o bid_v they_o repent_v consider_v that_o without_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o repent_v as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rise_v and_o walk_v that_o be_v fast_o bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n ans._n this_o collection_n be_v unsound_a for_o the_o manifestation_n whereof_o i_o will_v first_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o true_a answer_n and_o then_o apply_v the_o same_o first_o this_o commandment_n to_o repent_v be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o to_o that_o people_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o god_n give_v it_o to_o they_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v gather_v among_o they_o his_o elect_a in_o god_n church_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n elect_v and_o reprobat_fw-la both_o which_o be_v mingle_v in_o this_o life_n now_o when_o the_o commandment_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v give_v out_o in_o god_n church_n it_o be_v direct_v proper_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o to_o the_o other_o who_o god_n have_v refuse_v only_o by_o consequent_a because_o they_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o elect_a again_o these_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o the_o elect_a for_o two_o cause_n i._o to_o teach_v they_o not_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v of_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v ii_o to_o â—e_v a_o outward_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v for_o with_o the_o commandment_n christ_n be_v present_a by_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v in_o the_o elect_a grace_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v phil._n 2.12_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a render_v this_o reason_n in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o god_n work_v in_o you_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o reprobate_n who_o have_v the_o same_o commandment_n give_v unto_o they_o but_o for_o other_o use_n as_o i._o to_o keep_v they_o in_o outward_a order_n ii_o to_o teach_v they_o their_o own_o impotency_n iii_o and_o principal_o that_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n may_v make_v they_o void_a of_o all_o excuse_n at_o the_o last_o day_n from_o hence_o i_o answer_v thus_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o true_a to_o wit_n if_o god_n command_v man_n to_o repent_v than_o he_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o repent_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o qualify_v that_o god_n command_v they_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v practice_v repentance_n for_o god_n give_v out_o his_o commandment_n for_o diverse_a end_n some_o that_o they_o may_v be_v practise_v &_o other_o to_o take_v from_o man_n all_o excuse_n in_o their_o disobedience_n thus_o he_o command_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v that_o by_o his_o disobedience_n his_o heart_n may_v be_v more_o harden_v and_o god_n more_o just_o manifest_v his_o glory_n in_o his_o destruction_n so_o he_o command_v isaiah_n to_o go_v &_o preach_v unto_o the_o people_n not_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o to_o 6.9_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o so_o he_o command_v the_o reprobate_a to_o repent_v but_o neither_o direct_o as_o he_o do_v his_o child_n in_o who_o he_o intend_v the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n but_o by_o consequent_a because_o they_o live_v among_o his_o child_n nor_o yet_o with_o intent_n they_o shall_v obey_v but_o rather_o to_o harden_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a because_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o they_o his_o commandment_n can_v import_v any_o ability_n to_o obey_v iv._o point_n who_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v namely_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v command_v they_o to_o repent_v see_v they_o have_v already_o repent_v at_o their_o conversion_n here_o therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o there_o be_v two_o degreeâ—_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n first_o the_o beginning_n of_o repentance_n second_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o those_o two_o consist_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o a_o christian_n man_v life_n
by_o the_o name_n of_o counsel_n first_o â—ere_z note_z that_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n and_o give_v her_o counsel_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o rebuke_n she_o for_o her_o fault_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o god_n church_n and_o so_o the_o member_n thereof_o may_v live_v without_o sin_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n but_o they_o be_v deceive_v christ_n therefore_o abstain_v from_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n not_o for_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n against_o they_o but_o for_o these_o two_o cause_n especial_o first_o because_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n do_v true_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v not_o decay_v in_o grace_n as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v and_o therefore_o have_v the_o pardon_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o be_v in_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n second_o this_o church_n do_v endeavour_n to_o obey_v christ_n and_o to_o testify_v her_o faith_n and_o love_n thereby_o now_o god_n accept_v the_o desire_n and_o will_n of_o obedience_n in_o his_o child_n as_o obedience_n itself_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o reprove_v they_o for_o any_o fault_n that_o be_v among_o they_o see_v this_o church_n be_v in_o affliction_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o accept_v that_o christ_n reprove_v nothing_o in_o she_o we_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v profitable_a for_o god_n church_n and_o people_n sometime_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o thereby_o be_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n preserve_v as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o many_o grievous_a sin_n prevent_v which_o otherwise_o god_n child_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o counsel_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o precept_n a_o pprophecy_n and_o a_o precept_n again_o the_o first_o precept_n be_v in_o these_o word_n fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v this_o precept_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v against_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o phil._n 2.12_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o rom._n 11.20_o â—e_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o fear_n i._o natural_a fear_n ii_o fear_n proceed_v from_o grace_n iii_o a_o distrustful_a fearful_a proceed_n from_o unbelief_n i._o the_o natural_a fear_n be_v a_o decline_a and_o eschew_v of_o death_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v thereto_o this_o fear_n be_v in_o all_o man_n in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o thing_n desire_v to_o preserve_v itself_o this_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o in_o his_o agony_n fear_v death_n as_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n asunder_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o only_o a_o infirmity_n without_o sin_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o fear_n be_v that_o which_o come_v from_o grace_n mal._n 1.6_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o â—onor_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n this_o fear_n be_v a_o reverend_a awe_n towards_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtue_n and_o no_o sin_n the_o three_o be_v distrustful_a fear_n when_o man_n for_o affliction_n forsake_v religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n stand_v more_o in_o fear_n of_o man_n than_o of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o fear_n which_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n forbid_v be_v a_o sin_n that_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n unto_o perdition_n in_o this_o commandment_n christ_n do_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o give_v they_o and_o we_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sin_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v conceive_v and_o the_o seed_n whereof_o remain_v still_o in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n namely_o distrustful_a unbelief_n whereby_o man_n fear_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n which_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o man_n consider_v not_o of_o god_n as_o he_o extend_v his_o providence_n over_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mighty_a judge_n take_v revenge_n upon_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n second_o here_o christ_n describe_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n people_n may_v arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o peril_n and_o trouble_n whatsoever_o to_o wit_n christian_a fortitude_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o true_a faith_n enable_v a_o man_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o with_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o danger_n whatsoever_o that_o he_o may_v in_o life_n and_o death_n maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o virtue_n god_n prescribe_v to_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o call_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v speak_v unto_o their_o people_n as_o christ_n speak_v unto_o this_o church_n fear_v not_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o they_o deal_v faithful_o they_o must_v change_v their_o note_n and_o say_v with_o joell_n 1â—.15_n wail_v and_o howl_v you_o priest_n and_o people_n lie_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n because_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n vengeance_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v lamentable_a to_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o people_n of_o who_o we_o may_v general_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n â—_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n and_o where_o knowledge_n be_v there_o be_v little_a conscience_n to_o live_v thereafter_o consider_v also_o how_o the_o most_o be_v carnal_a mind_v dead_a in_o sin_n they_o savour_v not_o thâ—_n thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v whole_o possess_v with_o earthly_a desire_n &_o delight_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n affect_v they_o not_o yea_o in_o all_o place_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o as_o natural_a sleep_n wrap_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n so_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n benumb_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n for_o though_o god_n preach_v daily_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o judgement_n yet_o like_o the_o old_a world_n we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o evil_a day_n we_o never_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o if_o herunto_o we_o join_v the_o common_a cry_a sin_n of_o this_o land_n as_o swear_v curse_a oppression_n sabbath_n break_v drunkenness_n whoredom_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n yea_o atheism_n itself_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o how_o can_v we_o say_v with_o christ_n fear_v not_o yea_o rather_o we_o must_v call_v man_n to_o repentance_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n for_o god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n neither_o will_v he_o always_o be_v chide_v nor_o wink_v at_o our_o iniquity_n he_o have_v whet_v his_o sword_n and_o bend_v his_o bow_n and_o unless_o we_o repent_v the_o day_n of_o havoc_n will_v come_v short_o wherein_o he_o will_v take_v vengeance_n upon_o all_o our_o iniquity_n and_o although_o this_o be_v the_o common_a state_n of_o our_o land_n yet_o christ_n have_v his_o remnant_n among_o we_o who_o mourn_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n and_o do_v endeavour_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o these_o it_o may_v be_v say_v fear_v not_o but_o take_v to_o yourselves_o christian_n courage_n &_o arm_v yourselves_o therewith_o lay_v aside_o all_o distrustful_a fear_n and_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o heart_n strive_v to_o keep_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o so_o shall_v christ_n appear_v to_o your_o joy_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v ashamed_a 66.5_o and_o to_o move_v god_n child_n to_o this_o christian_n fortitude_n first_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v distrustful_o fearful_a when_o they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n revel_v 21.8_o they_o must_v have_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n among_o the_o damn_a second_o let_v they_o observe_v the_o lord_n presence_n and_o his_o gracious_a promise_n of_o protection_n in_o distress_n 14.7_o he_o will_v cause_v his_o angel_n to_o pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o that_o no_o peril_n shall_v hurt_v they_o 2._o king_n 6._o when_o a_o mighty_a army_n come_v against_o elisha_n his_o servant_n be_v fore_o afraid_a but_o mark_v how_o he_o comfort_v he_o 16._o fear_v not_o say_v he_o for_o they_o that_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n child_n three_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o honourable_a estate_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v exceed_o when_o they_o have_v be_v beat_v 5.41_o that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v any_o
sin_n in_o they_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o and_o bless_v god_n name_n for_o ever_o that_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o do_v master_n satan_n power_n &_o malice_n and_o so_o dispose_v of_o all_o action_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n this_o must_v also_o teach_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o to_o put_v all_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n his_o providence_n make_v that_o our_o comfort_n our_o stay_n and_o protection_n in_o all_o distress_n again_o whereas_o the_o end_n of_o affliction_n in_o god_n church_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v many_o thing_n first_o to_o labour_v to_o have_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o form_n and_o show_v thereof_o in_o a_o naked_a profession_n only_o for_o we_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o affliction_n to_o see_v what_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n show_v will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n nor_o stand_v we_o in_o steâ—d_n trial_n and_o affliction_n will_v consume_v they_o as_o the_o fire_n do_v dross_n and_o stubble_n second_o to_o be_v joyful_a and_o glad_a when_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o call_v we_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n because_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v know_v good_a grace_n in_o our_o heart_n james_n 1.2_o brethren_n count_v it_o exceed_v great_a joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o diverse_a affliction_n know_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n bring_v forth_o patience_n v._o argument_n the_o time_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o affliction_n be_v for_o ten_o day_n by_o which_o some_o understand_v a_o long_a time_n according_a unto_o that_o which_o jacob_n say_v to_o laban_n 41._o thou_o have_v change_v my_o wage_n ten_o time_n that_o be_v often_o and_o so_o the_o israelit_n be_v say_v to_o sin_n 14.22_o ten_o time_n against_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v many_o time_n but_o this_o exposition_n will_v not_o so_o fit_o stand_v in_o this_o place_n for_o christ_n intend_v to_o comfort_v this_o church_n but_o what_o comfort_n can_v this_o be_v to_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o in_o affliction_n other_o expound_v ten_o day_n to_o be_v ten_o year_n and_o so_o the_o word_n day_n be_v sometime_o use_v to_o betoken_v year_n for_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v year_n of_o day_n as_o well_o as_o year_n of_o week_n but_o though_o this_o exposition_n may_v well_o stand_v with_o the_o word_n yet_o none_o can_v show_v by_o true_a record_n that_o this_o church_n be_v afflict_v only_o fâ—â—tenne_v year_n and_o no_o long_o therefore_o a_o three_o exposition_n be_v this_o that_o by_o ten_o day_n be_v mean_v some_o short_a space_n of_o time_n and_o i_o so_o understand_v this_o place_n because_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o all_o circumstance_n for_o here_o christ_n intend_v to_o comfort_v this_o church_n which_o be_v most_o fit_o do_v by_o foretell_v a_o short_a time_n of_o their_o affliction_n use_n in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n be_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n decree_v of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v change_v lengthen_a or_o shorten_v particular_a proof_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n so_o god_n foretell_v abraham_n that_o the_o affliction_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v 430_o year_n which_o time_n they_o be_v afflict_v especial_o in_o egypt_n but_o at_o the_o same_o night_n when_o those_o year_n be_v expire_v they_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o their_o affliction_n cease_v exod._n 12.46_o and_o the_o 70_o year_n captivity_n be_v well_o know_v unto_o daniel_n to_o be_v determine_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o he_o arm_v himself_o with_o patience_n during_o that_o time_n and_o pray_v not_o for_o deliverance_n until_o it_o shall_v be_v expire_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o must_v move_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n when_o god_n shall_v send_v affliction_n because_o we_o can_v deliver_v ourselves_o before_o the_o time_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o affliction_n be_v set_v down_o by_o god_n and_o can_v be_v change_v by_o us._n second_o here_o christ_n show_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o his_o church_n be_v but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o therefore_o paul_n 4.17_o call_v they_o moment_n any_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n and_o never_o have_v end_n which_o be_v a_o singular_a ground_n of_o comfort_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o any_o distress_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o part_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n yet_o in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o further_a thing_n intend_v for_o every_o word_n contain_v a_o reason_n to_o comfort_v this_o church_n as_o first_o from_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o persecution_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o fear_v for_o if_o he_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n their_o case_n be_v good_a he_o be_v god_n enemy_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n be_v on_o their_o side_n who_o then_o can_v be_v against_o they_o to_o do_v they_o hurt_v second_o not_o all_o your_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o some_o say_v christ_n must_v be_v afflict_v three_o satan_n can_v kill_v you_o but_o only_o cast_v you_o into_o prison_n four_o his_o imprisonment_n shall_v not_o tend_v to_o your_o damnation_n but_o make_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o grace_n and_o last_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n in_o all_o which_o you_o may_v see_v the_o power_n of_o god_n providence_n overrule_a your_o enemy_n and_o turn_v his_o rage_n unto_o your_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o take_v comfort_n and_o courage_n unto_o your_o soul_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o all_o dread_a and_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o counsel_n be_v a_o most_o bless_a precept_n contain_v most_o heavenly_a advice_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n god_n servant_n be_v call_v faithful_a in_o regard_n of_o their_o fidelity_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v in_o two_o respect_n i._n every_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v wherein_o god_n for_o his_o part_n promise_v christ_n with_o life_n everlasting_a and_o the_o party_n baptize_v promise_v unto_o god_n again_o that_o he_o will_v deny_v himself_o and_o cast_v himself_o whole_o upon_o god_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o promise_n â—s_v call_v the_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o pet._n 3.21_o and_o when_o a_o man_n keep_v this_o promise_n make_v to_o god_n then_o be_v he_o faithful_a and_o when_o he_o break_v it_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a ii_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o child_n many_o good_a gift_n and_o grace_n as_o knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n and_o care_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v and_o therefore_o paul_n bid_v timothy_n â—0_n keep_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o of_o trust_n now_o a_o man_n be_v faithful_a unto_o god_n when_o he_o make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o still_o preserve_v the_o same_o use_v they_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o brethren_n like_a as_o we_o be_v count_v faithful_a with_o man_n when_o we_o keep_v that_o thing_n safe_a which_o be_v commit_v unto_o we_o of_o trust_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o christ_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o promise_n unto_o i_o in_o baptism_n to_o renounce_v sin_n and_o satan_n and_o to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o death_n therefore_o perform_v this_o thy_o promise_n and_o for_o those_o gift_n which_o i_o have_v commit_v of_o trust_n unto_o thou_o see_v thou_o keep_v they_o well_o and_o use_v they_o to_o my_o glory_n in_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o brethren_n against_o this_o precept_n three_o sort_n of_o man_n offend_v and_o be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n i._n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v do_v yet_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o security_n never_o seek_v to_o know_v god_n or_o to_o understand_v his_o will_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o for_o their_o own_o vow_n in_o baptism_n though_o none_o will_v brag_v more_o of_o fidelity_n unto_o god_n than_o these_o man_n do_v ii_o those_o that_o have_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o god_n will_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o live_v according_o
in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o renew_v of_o their_o repentance_n all_o which_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n fearful_a and_o careful_a than_o secure_a for_o with_o the_o mean_n be_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n both_o attein_v and_o preserve_v so_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o offence_n but_o a_o true_a doctrine_n that_o beat_v out_o the_o plain_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n second_o christ_n his_o detestation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n must_v admonish_v we_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o our_o behaviour_n every_o way_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o any_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v balaams_n scholar_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o special_a observation_n we_o must_v look_v to_o our_o communication_n that_o it_o be_v void_a of_o rail_v &_o bad_a speech_n and_o to_o our_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a in_o every_o thing_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o to_o hinder_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n woe_n 7._o be_v to_o they_o say_v christ_n that_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o huge_a millstone_n such_o as_o a_o ass_n can_v but_o turn_v about_o as_o the_o word_n import_v be_v tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o a_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n give_v his_o brother_n a_o offence_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o plunge_v his_o brother_n soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v fly_v offence_n as_o hell_n itself_o yea_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v help_v our_o brethren_n forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o remove_v from_o they_o all_o stumble_a block_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v our_o church_n will_v abound_v with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v want_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o we_o have_v so_o small_a increase_n after_o long_a labour_n in_o preach_v for_o example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n do_v quench_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n three_o hereby_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o have_v special_a care_n against_o offence_n give_v by_o evil_a counsel_n or_o bad_a example_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o other_o then_o be_v it_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o us._n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v many_o offence_n give_v but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o take_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o christ_n bid_v we_o â—_o if_o thy_o foot_n offend_v thou_o or_o thy_o haâ—d_a cut_v it_o off_o or_o thy_o eye_n pluck_v it_o out_o teach_v we_o to_o forgo_v the_o dear_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o if_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o mark_v the_o israelit_n example_n in_o the_o wilderness_n while_o they_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o observe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n all_o balaams_n curse_n be_v turn_v into_o blessing_n but_o when_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n &_o fornication_n with_o the_o moabitish_a woman_n then_o be_v god_n wrath_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o his_o plague_n seize_v upon_o they_o even_o so_o if_o our_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o enjoy_v and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o become_v a_o penitent_a and_o obedient_a people_n unto_o god_n then_o may_v balaam_n curse_v and_o all_o our_o enemy_n spit_v their_o venom_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a but_o if_o we_o let_v go_v true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o fall_v to_o sin_n than_o we_o must_v look_v for_o â—ods_n heavy_a judgement_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o his_o wrath_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n four_o when_o balaams_n curse_v will_v not_o prevail_v than_o do_v fair_a woman_n and_o banquet_v draw_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v take_v from_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o soon_o prevail_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_o a_o besiege_a city_n when_o a_o huge_a army_n can_v sack_v it_o than_o silver_n and_o gold_n will_v open_v the_o gate_n hereof_o even_o so_o when_o adversity_n can_v make_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v religion_n &_o good_a conscience_n then_o by_o prosperity_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v the_o devil_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v ease_n pleasure_n and_o outward_a blessing_n at_o will_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a case_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n than_o other_o unless_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o special_a grace_n to_o watch_v against_o these_o please_a temptation_n this_o make_v godly_a job_n 1.5_o to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n every_o day_n when_o they_o feast_v each_o other_o at_o their_o house_n lest_o any_o one_o than_o shall_v have_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n because_o he_o know_v the_o devil_n by_o pleasure_n will_v soon_o wind_v himself_o into_o their_o heart_n last_o note_v the_o order_n of_o these_o sin_n first_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o sit_v at_o idol_n feast_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v adultery_n where_o we_o see_v that_o these_o two_o sin_n go_v together_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o be_v idolatry_n and_o bodily_a adultery_n one_o be_v the_o plague_n &_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o that_o people_n which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n will_v god_n give_v up_o to_o bodily_a adultery_n as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o these_o israeliâ—s_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o turk_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o maintain_n fornication_n in_o tollerate_v stew_n and_o further_o it_o much_o by_o their_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n wherewith_o they_o bind_v the_o conscience_n though_o the_o party_n want_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n verse_n 15._o even_o so_o have_v thou_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o which_o thing_n i_o haâ—e_v here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o comparison_n where_o christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o the_o nicolaitan_o be_v second_o how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o what_o they_o be_v be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n even_o so_o which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o resemblance_n or_o comparison_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n go_v before_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v the_o nicolaitan_o be_v a_o seâ—t_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n that_o maintain_v two_o damnable_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n i._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n sit_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n iâ—_n that_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o commit_v it_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o hold_v such_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v hereby_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v a_o like_n of_o their_o wicked_a opinion_n let_v we_o examine_v their_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v ground_v for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o will_v plead_v thus_o i._o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n liberty_n thing_n indifferent_a may_v â—e_v lawful_o use_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v ans._n meat_n and_o drink_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n if_o they_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o market_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o paul_n teach_v at_o large_a 1._o cor._n 10.25.29_o but_o if_o these_o meat_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o the_o nicolaitan_o hold_v this_o to_o be_v lawful_a ii_o reason_n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o and_o therefore_o we_o sin_v not_o in_o eat_v meat_n offer_v unto_o they_o ans._n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o nature_n subsist_v nothing_o
day_n for_o some_o certain_a time_n carry_v a_o faggot_n for_o his_o own_o burn_n in_o the_o end_n second_o from_o this_o end_n of_o life_n all_o that_o have_v not_o repent_v must_v learn_v not_o to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n but_o now_o begin_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o endeavour_n while_o we_o live_v shall_v be_v this_o to_o get_v a_o room_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v without_o repentance_n next_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o give_v this_o time_n of_o repentance_n neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n have_v this_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n but_o the_o power_n of_o appoint_v it_o belong_v unto_o christ_n alone_o hereby_o than_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v without_o delay_n to_o repent_v the_o young_a man_n will_v take_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o repent_v when_o he_o be_v old_a but_o hereby_o he_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n who_o only_o have_v power_n to_o point_v out_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n use_v therefore_o the_o time_n present_a while_o thou_o have_v it_o and_o defer_v not_o repentance_n for_o how_o know_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v old_a and_o though_o thou_o do_v yet_o how_o can_v thou_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v give_v thou_o repentance_n consider_v thou_o do_v refuse_v while_o he_o call_v for_o it_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o die_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o all_o be_v well_o they_o go_v to_o heaven_n straight_o but_o herewith_o many_o be_v deceive_v for_o unless_o they_o have_v true_o repent_v they_o go_v straight_o to_o the_o devil_n let_v their_o manner_n of_o die_v be_v what_o it_o will_n a_o quiet_a death_n be_v a_o comfortable_a thing_n but_o no_o sure_a sign_n of_o grace_n because_o it_o may_v come_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o easy_a linger_a sickness_n consider_v therefore_o we_o have_v no_o title_n unto_o this_o grace_n of_o repentance_n to_o claim_v it_o at_o our_o pleasure_n it_o be_v the_o rare_a gift_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o leaâ—â—_n of_o our_o life_n but_o be_v mere_a tenant_n at_o will_n let_v we_o seek_v to_o turn_v to_o god_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n while_o 〈◊〉_d be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o if_o we_o have_v begin_v let_v we_o daily_o renew_v this_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n three_o consider_v to_o who_o god_n give_v space_n of_o repentance_n namely_o to_o a_o wicked_a woman_n as_o wicked_a as_o jezabell_n wherein_o behold_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o unto_o such_o a_o wicked_a person_n who_o blaspheme_v god_n in_o father_v her_o sin_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o dishonour_v god_n by_o seduce_v his_o servant_n do_v yet_o vouchsafe_v a_o time_n of_o repentance_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o most_o grievous_a sinner_n manasses_n be_v one_o that_o sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n give_v himself_o to_o sorcery_n and_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o upon_o his_o hearty_a repentance_n god_n receive_v he_o to_o mercy_n and_o solomon_n fall_v most_o fearful_o but_o yet_o before_o his_o death_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o he_o repent_v and_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o scripture_n all_o which_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n as_o peter_n say_v 2._o pet._n 1.20_o the_o israelite_n be_v 1.10_o a_o people_n of_o sodom_n and_o of_o gomorrha_n as_o bad_a as_o those_o who_o be_v condemn_v in_o hell_n and_o yet_o mercy_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n and_o conversion_n use_n hereby_o no_o man_n must_v take_v occasion_n to_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n but_o those_o that_o feel_v themselves_o lade_v with_o the_o huge_a burden_n of_o their_o transgression_n have_v here_o a_o comfort_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n for_o if_o they_o can_v humble_v themselves_o and_o turn_v unto_o christ_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n there_o be_v yet_o with_o the_o lord_n mercy_n in_o store_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v last_o christ_n say_v he_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n no_o doubt_v she_o have_v many_o other_o sin_n whereof_o she_o be_v to_o repent_v for_o no_o sin_n go_v alone_o but_o every_o capital_a sin_n draw_v many_o with_o it_o christ_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v not_o that_o she_o shall_v let_v pass_v other_o sin_n without_o repentance_n but_o he_o name_v this_o one_o sin_n of_o fornication_n because_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a sin_n in_o she_o for_o she_o both_o practise_v it_o in_o her_o own_o body_n and_o so_o make_v herself_o the_o stable_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o maintain_v this_o sin_n and_o so_o draw_v other_o thereto_o now_o special_a and_o principal_a repentance_n must_v be_v of_o principal_a sin_n use_n here_o then_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o sinner_n how_o to_o practice_v repentance_n they_o must_v begin_v with_o their_o capital_a sin_n which_o burden_n their_o conscience_n and_o whereto_o they_o be_v most_o addict_v and_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o the_o man_n that_o true_o repent_v of_o one_o sin_n repent_v of_o all_o for_o true_a repentance_n make_v the_o heart_n alike_o affect_v to_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o heart_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o hate_v his_o special_a sin_n will_v never_o approve_v of_o petty_a sin_n this_o lesson_n ought_v careful_o to_o be_v learned_a &_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o most_o man_n be_v only_o in_o general_n to_o say_v we_o be_v all_o sinner_n lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o or_o god_n forgive_v i_o but_o this_o confuse_a repentance_n be_v not_o good_a it_o stand_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o sin_n again_o in_o particular_a therefore_o we_o must_v search_v our_o conscience_n and_o see_v wherein_o we_o have_v most_o dishonour_v god_n and_o what_o sin_n have_v near_o plunge_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n and_o with_o that_o we_o must_v begin_v to_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o heaven_n by_o repent_v true_o for_o the_o same_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o man_n have_v free_a will_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a before_o god_n as_o namely_o to_o repent_v for_o say_v they_o god_n give_v jesabell_n space_n of_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o therefore_o she_o have_v power_n to_o repent_v or_o else_o the_o give_v of_o that_o time_n unto_o she_o have_v be_v in_o vain_a answ._n their_o reason_n be_v nought_o it_o follow_v not_o because_o god_n give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v therefore_o she_o have_v power_n of_o herself_o to_o repent_v as_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v man_n space_n &_o time_n of_o repentance_n and_o commandment_n so_o to_o do_v the_o end_n be_v two_o i._o that_o in_o that_o time_n of_o repentance_n which_o he_o allot_v to_o man_n he_o may_v give_v his_o child_n grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o repent_v for_o the_o lord_n use_v the_o commandment_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o outward_a mean_n of_o give_v grace_n unto_o man_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n ii_o he_o give_v commandment_n and_o time_n to_o repent_v that_o man_n may_v see_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v not_o what_o they_o can_v do_v and_o that_o the_o wicked_a may_v be_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o slavery_n &_o bondage_n unto_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o here_o the_o sin_n of_o jezabell_n be_v express_v namely_o her_o impenitency_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o without_o remorse_n she_o live_v in_o her_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o her_o sin_n two_o point_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v i._o where_o this_o sin_n of_o impenitency_n be_v forbid_v in_o god_n word_n ii_o what_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o god_n word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o distinguish_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v overturn_v many_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o law_n give_v commandment_n touch_v thing_n that_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o adam_n before_o his_o fall_n forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o his_o perfect_a nature_n but_o the_o gospel_n command_v &_o forbid_v thing_n that_o be_v above_o nature_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o god_n word_n be_v this_o
receive_v her_o doctrine_n &_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o great_a affliction_n first_o this_o must_v teach_v all_o person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o devilish_a speech_n to_o think_v and_o say_v use_n that_o fornication_n iâ—_n but_o a_o trick_n and_o ship_n of_o 〈◊〉_d for_o great_a affliction_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o notable_o argue_v the_o heinousness_n thereof_o second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o town_n and_o kingdom_n be_v afflict_v with_o grievous_a war_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n among_o the_o rest_n these_o be_v two_o fornication_n â—nd_v embracing_z of_o error_n and_o superstition_n sodom_n for_o fornication_n and_o other_o 〈◊〉_d be_v burn_v with_o fire_n &_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o israelit_n 9_o for_o this_o sin_n suffer_v most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o among_o the_o corinthian_n for_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o this_o sin_n among_o other_o â—_o many_o be_v sick_a many_o 〈◊〉_d and_o many_o sleâ—â—_n and_o this_o land_n of_o we_o have_v be_v afflict_v with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o for_o other_o sin_n so_o for_o fornication_n which_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n be_v multiply_v and_o so_o will_v continue_v till_o it_o draw_v upon_o we_o bloodshed_n also_o and_o great_a affliction_n for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o the_o follower_n of_o jesabel_n must_v be_v verify_v of_o all_o that_o live_v in_o the_o like_a sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o exception_n of_o these_o communication_n except_o they_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o work_n where_o we_o may_v see_v first_o that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o of_o eternal_a destruction_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o repentance_n whence_o also_o this_o follow_v that_o man_n of_o year_n live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o condemn_v for_o other_o particular_a sin_n as_o for_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repent_v â—ee_z every_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o damnation_n but_o it_o be_v this_o impenitency_n that_o bring_v upon_o they_o actual_a damnation_n want_v of_o repentance_n for_o sin_n be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o the_o sin_n itself_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o lie_v in_o sin_n though_o we_o have_v commit_v it_o but_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o speedy_a repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o continuance_n in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n that_o cast_v the_o soul_n to_o hell_n when_o thou_o shall_v turn_v from_o thy_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n thou_o be_v free_a from_o the_o threaten_a and_o the_o curse_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o admit_v the_o exception_n of_o true_a repentance_n 〈◊〉_d 18.8_o further_o observe_v how_o this_o exception_n of_o repentance_n be_v place_v between_o two_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n which_o show_v how_o god_n mingle_v his_o judgement_n with_o mercy_n he_o show_v not_o whole_o either_o justice_n or_o mercy_n but_o temper_v they_o together_o in_o all_o the_o work_n that_o concern_v man_n salvation_n three_o here_o note_v that_o repentance_n prevent_v not_o only_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o also_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o grievous_a sickness_n and_o other_o plague_n and_o affliction_n this_o point_n may_v have_v special_a use_n among_o we_o we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n enjoy_v his_o gospel_n with_o long_a peace_n but_o for_o our_o abuse_n thereof_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v that_o judgement_n we_o must_v repent_v both_o high_a and_o low_a of_o their_o â—_z that_o be_v of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n where_o he_o show_v of_o what_o thing_n true_a repentance_n must_v be_v namely_o of_o bad_a work_n in_o particular_a whereto_o man_n give_v themselves_o every_o man_n that_o will_v true_o repent_v must_v consider_v of_o his_o particular_a fault_n the_o drunkerd_n in_o particular_a of_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n of_o his_o covetousness_n and_o instead_o of_o injury_n and_o hard_a deal_n show_v mercy_n unto_o the_o poor_a the_o common_a repentance_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v do_v in_o general_a be_v nothing_o but_o a_o vizard_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v use_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n for_o they_o will_v come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o general_n confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o have_v do_v enough_o but_o true_a repentance_n be_v of_o particular_a sin_n as_o david_n psalm_n 51._o cry_v out_o of_o blood_n guiltiness_n vers._n 23._o and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o â—ee_n which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o his_o work_n here_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n threaten_v against_o jesabels_n child_n by_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v proper_o those_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o she_o and_o be_v of_o her_o husband_n and_o not_o her_o follower_n for_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o grievous_a affliction_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v say_v i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d her_o child_n but_o to_o note_v the_o certainty_n and_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o punishment_n he_o say_v i_o will_v kill_v they_o with_o death_n quest._n how_o can_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n ans._n god_n dear_v so_o for_o temporal_a punishment_n not_o for_o eternal_a and_o though_o we_o can_v not_o perceive_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o so_o do_v yet_o we_o must_v reverence_v the_o â—ame_n blame_v our_o own_o ignorance_n albeit_o even_o in_o reason_n we_o may_v conceive_v of_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o course_n for_o society_n as_o church_n commonwealth_n and_o family_n be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o party_n in_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o member_n of_o those_o society_n for_o god_n conceive_v of_o they_o when_o he_o afflict_v the_o punishment_n deserve_v by_o one_o upon_o another_o as_o of_o the_o prince_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o parent_n upon_o their_o child_n this_o he_o may_v just_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o near_a bond_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o society_n like_v as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n when_o the_o stomach_n be_v distemper_v the_o head_n ache_v and_o when_o the_o head_n be_v wound_v the_o stomach_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o body_n may_v be_v smite_v for_o the_o error_n of_o the_o tongue_n thus_o when_o david_n sin_v the_o child_n die_v and_o when_o he_o number_v the_o israelite_n the_o people_n be_v plague_v and_o thus_o be_v the_o child_n stain_v in_o blood_n for_o the_o father_n treason_n against_o earthly_a prince_n and_o so_o god_n punish_v this_o woman_n in_o her_o child_n that_o she_o may_v know_v the_o greatness_n of_o her_o sin_n he_o smite_v her_o child_n with_o death_n use_n hence_o parent_n be_v teach_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n for_o thereby_o they_o may_v bring_v judgement_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o family_n even_o to_o death_n now_o what_o bloody_a heart_a parent_n be_v those_o that_o will_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o do_v that_o whereby_o they_o bring_v vengeance_n upon_o their_o own_o child_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n must_v every_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o society_n be_v admonish_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n because_o thereby_o a_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o a_o society_n may_v bring_v destruction_n upon_o many_o as_o david_n do_v by_o number_v the_o people_n and_o achan_n by_o his_o covetous_a stealth_n josua_n 7_o and_o ahab_n upon_o his_o posterity_n so_o that_o impenitent_a person_n which_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v but_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v both_o from_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o hurtful_a member_n yea_o enemy_n to_o all_o good_a society_n that_o these_o threaten_n might_n take_v place_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o jesabell_n and_o her_o follower_n christ_n remove_v two_o carnal_a conceit_n whereby_o they_o may_v think_v to_o delude_v or_o escape_v these_o judgement_n threaten_v the_o first_o be_v this_o jesabell_n and_o her_o company_n may_v think_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v secret_a not_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n this_o be_v a_o wicked_a imagination_n that_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sinner_n but_o this_o christ_n cut_v off_o say_v and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o the_o
understanding_n of_o this_o place_n two_o question_n must_v be_v handle_v first_o how_o far_o forth_o do_v christ_n give_v this_o his_o power_n unto_o man_n answ._n christ_n sovereign_a and_o general_a power_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v not_o indeed_o give_v to_o any_o creature_n nay_o it_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o can_v be_v convey_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o person_n of_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n this_o truth_n we_o must_v hold_v of_o all_o christ_n office_n they_o be_v only_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v pass_v from_o he_o to_o any_o other_o ii_o quest._n how_o then_o do_v christ_n say_v true_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o that_o overcom_v power_n over_o nation_n answ._n not_o that_o his_o sovereign_a power_n be_v actual_o give_v to_o the_o creature_n but_o because_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o christ_n have_v the_o fruit_n &_o benefit_n of_o this_o power_n in_o his_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n be_v in_o they_o two_o way_n first_o hereby_o christ_n make_v all_o his_o servant_n be_v his_o member_n partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v condemn_v in_o hell_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v say_v to_o 2.6_o be_v raise_v up_o together_o and_o make_v to_o sit_v together_o in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o again_o he_o say_v the_o 6.2_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n not_o iâ—_n give_v sentence_n upon_o they_o but_o as_o witness_n and_o approver_n of_o christ_n his_o sentence_n for_o the_o elect_n shall_v first_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n and_o then_o be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n shall_v sit_v with_o christ_n and_o there_o approve_v of_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a second_o by_o this_o power_n he_o enable_v those_o that_o be_v he_o in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o overcome_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n his_o meaning_n then_o be_v this_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v howsoever_o my_o sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o creature_n in_o myself_o can_v be_v derive_v to_o any_o other_o yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o my_o power_n i_o will_v exalt_v they_o that_o overcome_v to_o partake_v of_o my_o glory_n and_o will_v give_v they_o power_n in_o themselves_o over_o their_o sin_n over_o death_n hell_n the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n here_o then_o behold_v unto_o what_o exceed_v dignity_n every_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v advance_v not_o in_o himself_o but_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v rule_v over_o nation_n and_o victory_n over_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n yea_o he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n glory_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n whatsoever_o use_n for_o the_o privilege_n of_o every_o christian_n be_v to_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v the_o wicked_a world_n now_o as_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o judge_n that_o sit_v and_o condemn_v a_o murderer_n or_o a_o thief_n to_o be_v a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n himself_o so_o it_o be_v for_o any_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n see_v he_o himself_o must_v condemn_v the_o world_n of_o those_o sin_n neither_o can_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v ever_o advance_v he_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n to_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o other_o unless_o he_o first_o reform_v it_o in_o himself_o second_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o privilege_n of_o a_o christian_n must_v be_v hide_v in_o our_o mind_n against_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n and_o of_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n for_o he_o that_o have_v keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n all_o his_o life_n be_v a_o prince_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v rule_v over_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o though_o now_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o wrong_v by_o they_o yet_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v their_o judge_n and_o shall_v one_o day_n condemn_v they_o that_o do_v he_o wrong_n and_o as_o for_o death_n it_o be_v subdue_v in_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o death_n unto_o he_o 1._o corin._n 15._o vers_fw-la 54._o again_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v thus_o he_o shall_v feed_v and_o rule_v the_o nation_n 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o shepherd_n rule_v and_o feed_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o book_n the_o papist_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o peter_n john_n 21.16_o feed_v my_o sheep_n that_o be_v feed_v and_o rule_v my_o sheep_n will_v gather_v peter_n supremacy_n over_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n but_o their_o gross_a abuse_n of_o that_o place_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o this_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o every_o one_o that_o overcom_v for_o if_o their_o collection_n be_v good_a then_o hence_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o christian_a man_n shall_v have_v the_o like_a supremacy_n and_o be_v a_o pope_n which_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v every_o man_n may_v judge_v therefore_o that_o place_n in_o john_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o supremacy_n for_o there_o christ_n teach_v peter_n the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n from_o this_o first_o gift_n of_o christ_n the_o papist_n gather_v two_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o several_a saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v patron_n of_o country_n &_o kingdom_n as_o saint_n george_n for_o england_n saint_n deâ—is_n for_o france_n saint_n patrick_n for_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n second_o that_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o saint_n for_o the_o saint_n rule_v the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o know_v all_o nation_n and_o if_o they_o know_v they_o than_o they_o must_v be_v pray_v unto_o but_o they_o swarâ—e_v from_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n for_o first_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v have_v power_n one_o over_o one_o country_n and_o another_o over_o another_o but_o every_o saint_n have_v power_n over_o all_o nation_n second_o they_o have_v power_n over_o all_o nation_n not_o because_o they_o rule_v they_o actual_o but_o because_o they_o have_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n power_n whereby_o they_o be_v rule_v and_o for_o their_o second_o collection_n we_o must_v by_o nation_n understand_v not_o all_o church_n but_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o wicked_a be_v they_o that_o must_v be_v break_v like_o poâ—ters_n vessel_n now_o the_o faithful_a have_v not_o power_n over_o the_o church_n but_o over_o infidel_n &_o therefore_o both_o their_o collection_n be_v absurd_a i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o morâ—â—ng_a star_n here_o be_v the_o second_o benefit_n promise_v by_o christ_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v 28._o the_o morning_n star_n proper_o signify_v that_o bright_a star_n which_o rise_v a_o little_a before_o the_o sun_n some_o time_n of_o the_o year_n which_o the_o heathen_a call_n venus_n and_o hereby_o be_v mean_v christ_n himself_o as_o reu._n 22.16_o i_o be_o the_o bright_a morning_n star_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o star_n first_o because_o he_o illuminate_v all_o man_n with_o the_o light_n of_o understanding_n and_o his_o church_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o sufficient_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o concern_v salvation_n second_o to_o show_v that_o the_o prophesy_v utter_v by_o balaam_n touch_v christ_n who_o he_o call_v 24.17_o the_o star_n of_o jaacob_n be_v now_o fulfil_v when_o as_o christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n have_v plentiful_o reveal_v himself_o to_o all_o nation_n further_o he_o be_v call_v a_o morning_n star_n for_o that_o special_a resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o it_o for_o the_o morning_n star_n rise_v not_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o middle_n of_o the_o night_n but_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o night_n towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o day_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v about_o to_o rise_v and_o then_o it_o shine_v bright_a than_o all_o other_o star_n even_o so_o christ_n he_o come_v not_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o middle_n of_o the_o dark_a time_n under_o the_o law_n but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o after_o his_o incarnation_n he_o do_v shine_v most_o full_o to_o all_o nation_n so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o light_n of_o knowledge_n before_o his_o come_n as_o have_v be_v since_o this_o peter_n verifi_v when_o he_o say_v 1.19_o we_o have_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o which_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dâ—wne_n and_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n where_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n be_v call_v a_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o their_o preach_v then_o as_o a_o candlelight_n but_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o the_o day_n star_n which_o shine_v most_o bright_o he_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n
or_o not_o to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o man_n lie_v dead_a in_o sin_n be_v because_o they_o set_v their_o will_n to_o refuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o man_n live_v in_o christ_n be_v because_o they_o incline_v their_o will_n to_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o god._n but_o this_o doctrine_n do_v great_o diminish_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o make_v the_o acceptance_n thereof_o to_o lie_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n when_o as_o the_o power_n of_o almighty_a god_n join_v with_o his_o will_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o who_o do_v fall_v and_o enable_v other_o to_o stand_v by_o his_o grace_n now_o follow_v the_o word_n of_o this_o commendation_n notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardie_a that_o be_v there_o be_v yet_o in_o this_o church_n a_o few_o person_n know_v to_o i_o by_o their_o name_n for_o by_o name_n we_o must_v understand_v person_n name_v which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o to_o omit_v many_o exposition_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherein_o god_n set_v down_o a_o distinction_n between_o thing_n clean_a and_o unclean_a not_o in_o themselves_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n if_o any_o man_n have_v but_o touch_v a_o unclean_a thing_n with_o his_o hand_n or_o with_o his_o garment_n thereby_o he_o be_v defile_v and_o his_o garment_n defile_v legal_o and_o so_o he_o or_o his_o garment_n be_v repute_v unclean_a whereupon_o they_o have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o touch_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v defile_v no_o not_o with_o their_o garment_n now_o this_o signify_v another_o thing_n unto_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o abstain_v not_o only_o from_o the_o outward_a sin_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o even_o from_o all_o occasion_n intention_n show_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o in_o this_o place_n this_o be_v mean_v hereby_o that_o some_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardie_n have_v so_o far_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o very_a occasion_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a hereby_o we_o see_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n for_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n be_v deâ—d_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o few_o only_o in_o this_o great_a place_n live_v in_o christ_n so_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n the_o flock_n to_o who_o the_o father_n 3â—_n will_v give_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v send_v 6.9_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o thâ—ir_a iniquity_n and_o 13._o the_o ten_o part_n only_o must_v be_v save_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n be_v broad_a 13.1â—_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o walk_n therein_o but_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v into_o it_o use_n hereby_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o multitude_n but_o of_o the_o few_o and_o better_a sort_n it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n that_o keep_v many_o from_o religion_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n when_o they_o will_v live_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o their_o forefather_n have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o false_a rule_n and_o a_o dangerous_a course_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v person_n who_o name_n i_o know_v &_o have_v record_v they_o be_v call_v name_n because_o christ_n observe_v and_o know_v they_o by_o their_o name_n where_o note_n that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v particular_o know_v unto_o christ_n 12.7_o the_o hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v number_v say_v christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n much_o more_o be_v their_o name_n know_v again_o he_o bid_v they_o rejoice_v that_o their_o name_n 10.2_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o christ_n the_o good_a shepherd_n know_v his_o sheep_n and_o call_v they_o by_o their_o name_n joh._n 10.3_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o endless_a comfort_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o what_o can_v cause_v a_o man_n more_o to_o rejoice_v than_o to_o know_v that_o his_o name_n particular_o be_v know_v to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o that_o according_o he_o have_v special_a regard_n unto_o he_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v comfort_v moses_n and_o put_v courage_n into_o he_o in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v know_v unto_o he_o by_o 1â—_n name_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o that_o they_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o very_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a when_o as_o thâ—_n rest_n of_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n in_o their_o example_n christ_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o a_o pattern_n of_o true_a piety_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o gross_a sin_n only_o but_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a show_n of_o evil_a yea_o more_fw-it particular_o here_o be_v three_o thing_n teach_v we_o touch_v sin_n first_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o our_o own_o person_n second_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o either_o by_o give_v consent_n unto_o they_o or_o further_a &_o allow_v they_o any_o way_n therein_o three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a occasion_n and_o show_v and_o appearance_n of_o sin_n so_o paul_n teach_v we_o 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a ephes._n 5.3_o he_o will_v not_o have_v sundry_a sin_n as_o fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n so_o much_o as_o once_o name_v thereby_o to_o give_v the_o least_o approbation_n unto_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o look_v on_o this_o example_n lay_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o conform_v our_o life_n unto_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v good_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o same_o commendation_n with_o these_o few_o for_o true_a religion_n stand_v not_o in_o knowledge_n but_o in_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v true_a obedience_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o our_o own_o person_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o infection_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a a_o happy_a church_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v practise_v but_o this_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o we_o have_v no_o care_n of_o true_a obedience_n in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o whereby_o we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n and_o grace_v our_o holy_a religion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n hence_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n after_o baptism_n may_v live_v without_o mortal_a sin_n for_o these_o few_o person_n in_o this_o church_n in_o their_o baptism_n put_v on_o christ_n and_o after_o keep_v themselves_o from_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o they_o have_v not_o commit_v any_o mortal_a sin_n but_o their_o collection_n be_v unsound_a for_o first_o though_o they_o have_v to_o this_o time_n abstain_v from_o all_o mortal_a sin_n yet_o how_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o they_o sin_v not_o afterward_o second_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v defile_v their_o garment_n not_o for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n but_o because_o they_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o must_v the_o obedience_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n child_n in_o scripture_n be_v understand_v namely_o of_o their_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v &_o so_o among_o we_o those_o that_o have_v a_o settle_a purpose_n &_o resolution_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v repute_v for_o keeper_n of_o the_o law_n for_o god_n in_o his_o child_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a after_o the_o commendation_n of_o these_o few_o christ_n add_v a_o promise_n of_o live_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n for_o so_o white_a garment_n have_v always_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v joy_n happiness_n life_n and_o glory_n ecclesiast_n 9.8_o at_o all_o time_n let_v thy_o garment_n be_v white_a that_o be_v take_v the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o use_v the_o creature_n
of_o god_n so_o that_o here_o these_o few_o have_v a_o promise_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o want_n and_o to_o live_v with_o christ_n in_o all_o glory_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n this_o benefit_n have_v be_v in_o effect_n further_o urge_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n here_o only_o i_o will_v note_v one_o doctrine_n namely_o that_o they_o which_o live_v in_o the_o world_n among_o the_o wicked_a and_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o their_o sin_n shall_v not_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o punishment_n for_o the_o body_n of_o this_o church_n must_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v amongst_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n but_o the_o godly_a must_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a in_o glory_n 19_o lot_z be_v free_v from_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o sodomite_n because_o he_o partake_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o among_o the_o israelite_n 9.6_o those_o that_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v mark_v in_o the_o forehead_n that_o when_o judgement_n come_v upon_o the_o wicked_a they_o may_v be_v spare_v this_o point_n must_v be_v remember_v for_o by_o reason_n of_o long_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n among_o we_o many_o sin_n abound_v as_o ignorance_n atheism_n contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n with_o innumerable_a sin_n of_o the_o second_o table_n all_o which_o call_v for_o judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v be_v punish_v partly_o in_o this_o life_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v unless_o our_o people_n do_v repent_v those_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o come_v must_v now_o beware_v that_o they_o communicate_v not_o with_o the_o common_a sin_n that_o dâ—e_v abound_v and_o see_v that_o they_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n have_v their_o righteous_a and_o zealous_a heart_n grieve_v for_o the_o abomination_n among_o which_o they_o live_v after_o the_o promise_n be_v adjoin_v the_o reason_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v worthy_a hence_o the_o church_n of_o room_n do_v conclude_v that_o a_o man_n by_o his_o work_n may_v merit_v heaven_n because_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n a_o most_o blasphemous_a conclusion_n and_o a_o manifest_a abuse_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n god_n child_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a life_n everlasting_a but_o not_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n worthiness_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o their_o person_n when_o as_o they_o stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o when_o god_n will_v save_v any_o man_n he_o give_v christ_n unto_o that_o man_n true_o and_o real_o so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v christ_n be_v i_o and_o with_o christ_n god_n give_v his_o spirit_n which_o work_v in_o his_o heart_n true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o he_o do_v receive_v christ_n and_o so_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n belong_v unto_o that_o man_n reallye_o and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o he_o be_v worthy_a life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o be_v the_o worthiness_n which_o christ_n mean_v in_o this_o place_n and_o not_o any_o worthiness_n of_o their_o work_n so_o that_o this_o do_v help_v they_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v and_o justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n merit_n vers._n 5._o he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n vers._n 6._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o promise_n and_o a_o commandment_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o the_o commandment_n in_o the_o six_o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v 2.7_o before_o second_o the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n glory_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v express_v three_o way_n first_o thus_o he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n so_o much_o be_v signify_v by_o white_a â—ayment_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v hence_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n conclude_v that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v good_a work_n respect_v a_o reward_n use_n answer_n in_o some_o sort_n it_o be_v true_a for_o so_o it_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n hebr._n 11.26_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n but_o yet_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n must_v not_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o our_o good_a work_n for_o chief_o we_o must_v thereby_o intend_v to_o testify_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o with_o that_o we_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o everlasting_a life_n the_o second_o thing_n promise_v and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o two_o question_n must_v be_v scan_v first_o what_o this_o book_n of_o life_n be_v second_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o first_o this_o book_n of_o life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n predestination_n or_o eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n whereby_o he_o have_v choose_v some_o man_n unto_o salvation_n upon_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o this_o be_v call_v a_o book_n because_o it_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o book_n for_o as_o the_o general_n in_o a_o camp_n have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o soldier_n that_o fight_v under_o he_o in_o a_o book_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n of_o a_o town_n have_v the_o name_n of_o every_o free_a man_n and_o denison_n inâ—owled_v so_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o the_o second_o question_n a_o man_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n two_o way_n either_o true_o before_o god_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n only_o those_o who_o name_n be_v true_o before_o god_n write_v in_o this_o book_n can_v be_v blot_v out_o for_o god_n counsel_n touch_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o every_o man_n be_v unchangeable_a this_o the_o golden_a chain_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o who_o he_o have_v predestinate_a 8.30_o they_o he_o have_v call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o he_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v other_o there_o be_v that_o have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o this_o book_n only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o be_v all_o man_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o so_o charity_n bind_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o these_o may_v have_v their_o name_n blot_v out_o in_o this_o sense_n do_v the_o scripture_n often_o speak_v as_o when_o the_o prophet_n wish_v 69.28_o that_o god_n will_v blot_v his_o enemy_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n meaning_n judas_n principal_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a his_o name_n be_v never_o write_v therein_o this_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o they_o who_o do_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o hence_o i_o gather_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a for_o the_o name_n of_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v be_v as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o be_v once_o write_v in_o they_o remain_v there_o for_o ever_o some_o do_v teach_v that_o all_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o will_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n of_o man_n for_o what_o shall_v thâ—â—e_v need_n any_o book_n of_o life_n if_o that_o be_v so_o second_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o this_o number_n can_v neither_o increase_v nor_o be_v diminish_v let_v man_n do_v whaâ—_n they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o us._n 1._o joh._n 2.19_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o have_v i_o keep_v and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v joh._n 17.12_o whereas_o a_o man_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n to_o wit_n use_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o be_v blot_v out_o hereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o look_v
remain_v impenitent_a use_n whereas_o this_o censure_n be_v such_o as_o do_v exclude_v a_o man_n both_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o repent_v we_o may_v here_o see_v that_o this_o censure_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v with_o great_a reverence_n fear_v and_o consideration_n even_o such_o or_o great_a as_o we_o will_v use_v in_o the_o cut_n of_o a_o member_n from_o the_o body_n the_o abuse_v therefore_o of_o this_o sentence_n in_o small_a matter_n can_v but_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o three_o commandment_n wherein_o one_o of_o god_n most_o weighty_a ordinance_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a further_o one_o special_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n be_v anathema_n which_o be_v when_o one_o be_v pronounce_v to_o be_v condemn_v whereof_o paul_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 16.22_o but_o this_o be_v not_o pronounce_v upon_o any_o but_o on_o those_o that_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v seldom_o use_v because_o that_o sin_n be_v hardly_o discern_v consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o speech_n as_o in_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o heart_n against_o christ._n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n be_v absolution_n which_o be_v when_o a_o malefactor_n upon_o his_o sufficient_a repentance_n be_v approve_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o here_o the_o church_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o declare_v upon_o his_o repentance_n what_o christ_n do_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v wherein_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n consist_v &_o what_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n for_o the_o better_a discern_v of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n we_o must_v remember_v four_o special_a abuse_n hereof_o that_o have_v take_v place_n in_o god_n church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o in_o former_a age_n the_o church_n have_v give_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o peter_n alone_o debar_v the_o same_o from_o all_o other_o even_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o though_o they_o have_v only_o the_o use_n not_o the_o right_a of_o this_o power_n but_o the_o ease_n be_v plain_a this_o power_n belong_v to_o every_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v not_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v to_o peter_n for_o in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o this_o power_n mat._n 16.19_o though_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n yet_o he_o speak_v unto_o all_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o christ_n question_n who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o be_v make_v to_o all_o now_o because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v great_a disorder_n in_o that_o holy_a company_n for_o all_o of_o they_o to_o have_v speak_v therefore_o peter_n be_v both_o ancient_a and_o bold_a of_o speech_n speak_v for_o all_o and_o the_o rest_n answer_v in_o his_o person_n and_o so_o according_o christ_n speak_v to_o peter_n do_v make_v a_o grant_n of_o this_o power_n unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n in_o his_o person_n and_o therefore_o joh._n 20.23_o he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o all_o say_v plain_o whosoever_n sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a in_o this_o point_n to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o addict_v to_o the_o popish_a religion_n quest._n whence_o have_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o power_n answ._n by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n for_o christ_n say_v mat._n 28.19.20_o go_v and_o preach_v i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n where_o he_o can_v mean_v the_o apostle_n only_o but_o with_o they_o all_o minister_n that_o do_v preach_v and_o baptise_v after_o they_o make_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o apostle_n not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n but_o as_o they_o be_v minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n the_o second_o abuse_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v turn_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n into_o a_o supremacy_n over_o the_o church_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n whereby_o peter_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o pope_n have_v liberty_n to_o make_v law_n canon_n &_o constitution_n which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n as_o also_o to_o make_v king_n and_o to_o depose_v the_o same_o a_o most_o notorious_a abuse_n of_o this_o power_n which_o be_v no_o superiority_n but_o a_o ministry_n the_o chief_a power_n whereof_o consist_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n &_o will_v of_o christ._n for_o christ_n say_v not_o to_o peter_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n but_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o three_o abuse_v hereof_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v thereby_o for_o a_o 1000_o year_n almost_o bar_a king_n queen_n and_o emperor_n from_o be_v governor_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o error_n flat_a against_o scripture_n for_o when_o as_o good_a king_n josias_n intend_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o abandon_v of_o idolatry_n he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o same_o &_o be_v say_v 34.32_o to_o have_v cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v now_o shall_v we_o say_v josias_n do_v evil_a in_o cause_v they_o so_o to_o do_v god_n forbid_v it_o be_v record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o his_o commendation_n object_n but_o god_n pastor_n &_o teacher_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o prince_n have_v not_o ans._n true_a but_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o civil_a power_n whereby_o they_o rule_v over_o god_n church_n for_o there_o be_v a_o civil_a power_n &_o a_o spiritual_a power_n prince_n rule_v not_o by_o any_o spiritual_a power_n but_o civil_o &_o thereby_o they_o have_v power_n to_o compel_v all_o their_o subject_n to_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o god_n worship_n &_o to_o forsake_v idolatry_n and_o may_v also_o punish_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o not_o object_n by_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n king_n and_o queen_n be_v bring_v under_o pastor_n answ._n in_o pastor_n and_o minister_n we_o must_v consider_v their_o person_n and_o good_n &_o their_o office_n and_o word_n which_o they_o bring_v prince_n be_v over_o their_o person_n and_o good_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v under_o their_o word_n &_o ministry_n because_o therein_o they_o stand_v in_o christ_n stead_n yet_o all_o this_o show_v nothing_o why_o prince_n in_o god_n church_n shall_v be_v so_o rob_v of_o their_o right_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v the_o four_o abuse_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o some_o 800._o year_n have_v turn_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n unto_o the_o priest_n in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n for_o whereas_o by_o god_n word_n the_o minister_n power_n be_v only_o to_o pronounce_v the_o absolution_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o every_o priest_n sit_v as_o a_o judge_n and_o all_o the_o people_n come_v unto_o he_o as_o to_o a_o judge_n make_v know_v unto_o he_o all_o their_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v wherein_o they_o have_v break_v any_o commandment_n which_o do_v the_o priest_n enjoin_v he_o to_o bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o after_o contrition_n do_v proper_o give_v sentence_n of_o pardon_n even_o as_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o then_o after_o appoint_v he_o work_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o do_v his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v in_o heaven_n where_o behold_v a_o most_o devilish_a practice_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o manifold_a error_n contain_v therein_o as_o first_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o a_o man_n sin_n which_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n second_o that_o the_o priest_n shall_v give_v sentence_n of_o pardon_n be_v a_o most_o notorious_a practice_n whereby_o christ_n be_v rob_v of_o his_o honour_n for_o the_o pharisee_n can_v say_v none_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n that_o be_v proper_o mark_n 2.7_o which_o christ_n approve_v and_o it_o be_v must_v true_a for_o he_o that_o can_v forgive_v sin_n proper_o must_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n three_o they_o absolve_v from_o the_o fault_n but_o they_o will_v not_o forgive_v the_o punishment_n and_o thereby_o they_o rob_v other_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o four_o they_o enjoin_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n by_o man_n for_o their_o sin_n whereby_o they_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o overturn_v the_o al-sufficient_a satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o enjoin_v that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v impossible_a all_o these_o be_v most_o
that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o god_n of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o any_o other_o but_o by_o christ_n god_n hear_v not_o god_n help_v not_o god_n save_v not_o but_o by_o christ_n nay_o god_n be_v no_o god_n unto_o we_o out_o of_o christ._n for_o first_o he_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o christ_n and_o then_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o unto_o us._n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n we_o must_v call_v on_o he_o through_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v give_v he_o thanks_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o only_o be_v we_o hear_v if_o we_o will_v know_v god_n it_o must_v be_v by_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v the_o very_a engraven_a image_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o be_v manife_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o idol_n in_o the_o brain_n last_o if_o we_o will_v receive_v any_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n as_o meat_n drink_n and_o clothing_n for_o if_o we_o receive_v they_o from_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n we_o be_v but_o usurper_n of_o they_o and_o the_o use_n thereof_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n four_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o do_v all_o desire_n and_o look_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n after_o this_o life_n therefore_o here_o we_o must_v live_v as_o citizen_n of_o god_n kingdom_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n commandment_n abandon_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o after_o this_o life_n we_o may_v assure_o persuade_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o kingdom_n five_o it_o be_v say_v this_o city_n of_o god_n be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v more_o careful_o to_o seek_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o behold_v god_n endless_a mercy_n herein_o our_o sin_n shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v open_v they_o and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o make_v heaven_n come_v down_o unto_o man_n god_n therefore_o will_v not_o see_v we_o damn_v he_o have_v make_v open_a away_o even_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o escape_n hell_n god_n have_v bring_v down_o heaven_n among_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o with_o the_o people_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n violent_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n and_o strive_v to_o take_v it_o by_o force_n matt._n 11.12_o last_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o new_a name_n on_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v he_o partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o digniâ—ie_v wherewith_o i_o myself_o be_o glorify_v since_o my_o death_n and_o resurrection_n mark_v this_o all_o that_o after_o this_o life_n must_v have_v christ_n new_a name_n must_v in_o this_o life_n become_v new_a creature_n so_o paul_n say_v 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o again_o 6.15_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n will_v we_o then_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v here_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n herein_o stand_v true_a religion_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o not_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n and_o profession_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v of_o 4.23.24_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a with_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mâ—â—ds_n 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 but_o if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o old_a man_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o christ_n glory_n for_o this_o new_a name_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o old_a man_n and_o it_o can_v agree_v together_o vers._n 13._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o conclusion_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n vers._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v amen_o that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n that_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n here_o follow_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n whereto_o be_v prefix_v a_o commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v authorise_v to_o pen_v the_o same_o in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v which_o have_v be_v handle_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v this_o 14._o verse_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n christ_n who_o be_v here_o describe_v by_o two_o argument_n i._o he_o be_v call_v amen_o which_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n ii_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o amen_o be_v a_o hebrew_n aduerbe_n of_o asseveration_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o very_o true_o or_o certain_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n &_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o full_a exposition_n of_o the_o same_o amen_n be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v amen_o to_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o a_o true_a witness_n which_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v expound_v and_o reason_n render_v why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v unto_o which_o title_n be_v here_o add_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n according_a as_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o without_o error_n deceit_n or_o falsehood_n for_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o must_v first_o search_v out_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v amen_o that_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n which_o by_o the_o content_n of_o the_o epistle_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v to_o be_v these_o first_o to_o set_v forth_o himself_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n a_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o fidelity_n in_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o duty_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a christ_n therefore_o by_o his_o own_o example_n will_v teach_v he_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o instruct_v the_o church_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o how_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v have_v be_v show_v before_o chap._n 1.5_o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o member_n do_v christ_n propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o first_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n make_v good_a all_o his_o lawful_a word_n promise_n oath_n league_n compact_n and_o bargain_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o his_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v truth_n be_v another_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n without_o fraud_n lie_v or_o deceit_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o good_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o we_o therefore_o must_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n this_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n without_o any_o fame_a or_o falsehood_n so_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o show_v ourselves_o faithful_a in_o all_o lawful_a promise_n and_o true_a in_o all_o our_o speech_n that_o so_o by_o these_o virtue_n we_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o christ_n through_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n second_o
nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o were_v cold_a or_o hot_a vers._n 16._o therefore_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o i_o shall_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n in_o these_o word_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o 21._o vers_fw-la be_v contain_v the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n a_o dispraise_n vers_fw-la 15.16_o 17._o and_o counsel_n vers_fw-la 18.19.20_o they_o be_v dispraise_v for_o two_o vice_n first_o lukewarmenesse_a vers_fw-la 15.16_o second_o for_o their_o pride_n vers_fw-la 17._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o be_v a_o general_a reproof_n signify_v thus_o much_o all_o thy_o work_n be_v know_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o utter_o dislike_v they_o then_o follow_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o dislike_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a which_o be_v a_o comparison_n borrow_v from_o water_n whereof_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n hot_a cold_a and_o lukewarm_a now_o hot_a and_o cold_a water_n do_v not_o so_o much_o annoy_v the_o stomach_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n do_v they_o be_v sometime_o comfortable_a to_o the_o stomach_n but_o lukewarm_a water_n do_v disquiet_v it_o till_o it_o be_v cast_v up_o and_o to_o these_o three_o kind_n of_o water_n he_o compare_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o cold_a water_n he_o understand_v such_o as_o be_v enemy_n to_o reliligion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n be_v the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o other_o barbarous_a people_n by_o hot_a water_n he_o understandeth_v man_n that_o be_v earnest_a and_o zealous_a of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o he_o say_v of_o this_o church_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a his_o meaning_n be_v thou_o be_v neither_o a_o open_a enemy_n nor_o true_o zealous_a of_o my_o gospel_n i_o will_v thou_o were_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n wish_v not_o simple_o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o he_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o estate_n of_o lukewarmness_a in_o which_o they_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v leâ—er_o thou_o were_v either_o cold_a or_o hot_a than_o thus_o lukewarm_a as_o thou_o be_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v understand_v it_o simple_o we_o shall_v make_v christ_n to_o desire_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o enemy_n by_o lukewarm_a man_n he_o understand_v a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o show_n god_n church_n but_o in_o truth_n want_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o thou_o be_v such_o say_v christ_n to_o this_o church_n therefore_o i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v look_v as_o he_o that_o have_v drink_v lukewarm_a water_n can_v abide_v it_o on_o his_o stomach_n but_o must_v needs_o spew_v it_o up_o again_o so_o be_o i_o weary_a of_o this_o thy_o securite_n i_o can_v abide_v it_o and_o therefore_o will_v i_o cast_v thou_o off_o from_o all_o fellowship_n with_o i_o and_o make_v of_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o church_n in_o show_n to_o be_v no_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v their_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o greatness_n whereof_o he_o aggravate_v first_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o extreme_n cold_a and_o hot_a both_o which_o he_o prefer_v before_o it_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o his_o wish_n and_o desire_v and_o second_o by_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o namely_o utter_a rejection_n hereby_o we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o whither_o this_o fault_n may_v not_o just_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o use_n after_o due_a trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n the_o which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v note_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o lukewarm_a christian_n the_o first_o lukewarm_a professor_n be_v the_o papist_n as_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o he_o do_v part_n stake_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n affirm_v that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o so_o assume_v part_n of_o christ_n glory_n to_o himself_o second_o all_o timeservers_a be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n that_o be_v all_o such_o as_o alter_v their_o religion_n with_o time_n and_o state_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n the_o prince_n be_v of_o which_o show_v evident_o what_o they_o will_v do_v in_o time_n to_o come_v namely_o turn_v with_o the_o time_n as_o their_o forefather_n have_v do_v the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o follower_n of_o nicodemus_n who_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o night_n only_o that_o be_v such_o as_o say_v and_o think_v that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o mass_n with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o keep_v their_o heart_n unto_o god_n these_o halt_n between_o two_o opinion_n and_o neither_o serve_v god_n nor_o baâ—ll_n four_o all_o mediator_n such_o as_o will_v make_v pacification_n between_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o papist_n so_o hold_v our_o religion_n as_o not_o care_v â—o_o embrace_v they_o also_o because_o they_o think_v they_o differ_v not_o in_o substance_n but_o in_o circumstance_n only_o let_v these_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v they_o be_v in_o heart_n laoditian_n five_o all_o worldling_n which_o as_o christ_n say_v luk._n 16.13_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n god_n and_o the_o world_n by_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o riches_n these_o man_n abound_v every_o where_o for_o though_o they_o hear_v god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v he_o in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o run_v after_o their_o covetousness_n ezech._n 33.31_o and_o who_o be_v such_o their_o conscience_n will_v witness_v yea_o their_o behaviour_n proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o though_o they_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n yet_o their_o wit_n and_o strength_n be_v spend_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o six_o those_o that_o profess_v christ_n reliligion_n in_o outward_a action_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o yet_o in_o their_o life_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o common_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n some_o to_o drunkenness_n to_o fornication_n to_o covetousness_n or_o cruelty_n some_o to_o this_o sin_n and_o some_o to_o that_o to_o this_o sort_n we_o must_v refer_v those_o that_o in_o word_n approve_v religion_n and_o yet_o their_o heart_n delight_n be_v in_o garnish_v themselves_o with_o the_o monstrous_a brutish_a and_o irreligious_a form_n of_o strange_a and_o foreign_a attire_n these_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o wit_n in_o the_o deck_v of_o their_o body_n and_o so_o suffer_v their_o soul_n to_o go_v to_o wrack_n when_o as_o apparel_n shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o shame_n through_o sin_n and_o by_o modest_a attire_n we_o shall_v express_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o these_o hereby_o profess_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n now_o though_o we_o be_v not_o entangle_v with_o these_o gross_a sin_n yet_o we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o from_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a for_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n of_o love_n to_o his_o truth_n of_o care_n to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n the_o want_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n what_o argue_v all_o these_o but_o lukewarmness_a herein_o we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n with_o job_n for_o we_o can_v plead_v with_o god_n no_o not_o for_o this_o common_a sin_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a have_v infect_v our_o congregation_n as_o it_o do_v this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o the_o sign_n thereof_o which_o be_v common_a among_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v our_o fearful_a estate_n the_o first_o sign_n be_v negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v this_o appear_v sundry_a way_n for_o first_o howsoever_o we_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v yet_o few_o do_v profit_n there_o by_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o life_n this_o may_v any_o man_n see_v to_o be_v true_a that_o have_v half_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v into_o the_o state_n of_o our_o assembly_n and_o man_n own_o conscience_n will_v herein_o witness_v against_o they_o again_o where_o god_n word_n be_v ordinary_o hear_v there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o search_v out_o and_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o nay_o man_n will_v not_o be_v at_o cost_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n and_o if_o they_o have_v one_o
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 â—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 ouâ—_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 â—_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
three_o man_n will_v profess_v that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o love_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n when_o as_o they_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o more_o than_o christ_n and_o so_o have_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n four_o to_o make_v more_o plain_a that_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n reign_v in_o man_n heart_n mark_v this_o let_v any_o bodily_a calamity_n be_v make_v know_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v new_o befall_v he_o oh_o how_o be_v he_o present_o perplex_v but_o let_v god_n minister_v out_o of_o his_o word_n make_v know_v unto_o he_o his_o inward_a fearful_a estate_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n he_o be_v not_o afraid_a worldly_a news_n do_v affright_v man_n much_o when_o as_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n move_v they_o nothing_o what_o argue_v this_o but_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v forestalled_n with_o this_o false_a conceit_n i_o be_o rich_a the_o drunkard_n in_o his_o drunkenness_n the_o filthy_a person_n in_o his_o uncleanness_n and_o every_o man_n in_o his_o sin_n soothe_v himself_o with_o this_o god_n be_v merciful_a i_o be_o rich_a and_o in_o his_o favour_n he_o will_v not_o condemn_v i_o well_o it_o be_v thus_o manifest_a that_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v our_o common_a sin_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o see_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n that_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v the_o mean_n follow_v afterward_o and_o increase_v with_o good_n or_o be_o make_v rich_a so_o the_o word_n be_v these_o word_n be_v add_v only_o for_o amplification_n to_o show_v that_o this_o church_n have_v not_o any_o small_a portion_n but_o a_o exceed_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o double_n of_o the_o word_n show_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o conceit_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o pride_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v knowledge_n wherewith_o no_o doubt_n the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n and_o many_o therein_o do_v abound_v now_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v 1_o that_o knowledge_n puss_v up_o this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o place_n great_a knowledge_n without_o special_a grace_n great_a pride_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n where_o knowledge_n abound_v there_o pride_n of_o heart_n abound_v and_o man_n be_v puff_v up_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n unless_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n god_n do_v humble_a they_o and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o this_o be_v a_o further_a sign_n of_o their_o great_a pride_n that_o they_o think_v they_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o any_o person_n beside_o themselves_o and_o all_o such_o as_o think_v they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o their_o sin_n do_v surfeit_n and_o abound_v with_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o heart_n this_o serve_v further_a to_o convince_v our_o congregation_n of_o this_o damnable_a spiritual_a pride_n if_o any_o one_o be_v sick_a in_o body_n he_o straight_o send_v to_o the_o physician_n but_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o seek_v to_o the_o minister_n till_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n draw_v near_o the_o soul_n disease_n by_o sin_n be_v not_o feel_v there_o be_v no_o complaint_n for_o want_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v empty_v of_o this_o pride_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o see_v that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o feel_v that_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o goodness_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v but_o the_o proud_a laodicean_n and_o our_o case_n be_v wretched_a and_o damnable_a and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a christ_n intend_v to_o strike_v this_o sin_n of_o pride_n to_o the_o very_a heart_n do_v here_o set_v down_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o to_o wit_n ignorance_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o know_v not_o thy_o own_o natural_a estate_n as_o thou_o be_v bear_v of_o adam_n out_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v proud_a and_o thy_o pride_n make_v thou_o lukewarm_a then_o he_o show_v whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a namely_o of_o their_o natural_a estate_n for_o the_o first_o christ_n make_v ignorance_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o pride_n teach_v we_o that_o pride_n be_v not_o the_o first_o sin_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o many_o both_o papist_n and_o other_o have_v think_v true_a it_o be_v pride_n be_v a_o great_a and_o mother_n sin_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o many_o foul_a iniquity_n but_o yet_o ignorance_n be_v a_o mother_n sin_n whereof_o pride_n spring_v the_o cause_n why_o any_o person_n swell_v with_o pride_n in_o himself_o be_v ignorance_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a estate_n by_o this_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o learn_v to_o know_v our_o own_o estate_n what_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o ourselves_o without_o christ_n for_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o pull_v down_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o prophet_n of_o god_n use_v to_o call_v man_n to_o a_o search_n of_o themselves_o zeph._n 2.1_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v the_o people_n to_o humility_n and_o grace_n that_o man_n see_v their_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a may_v be_v humble_v and_o cause_v to_o forsake_v themselves_o and_o come_v unto_o christ._n and_o sure_o till_o such_o time_n as_o man_n be_v humble_v for_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v never_o get_v sound_a grace_n but_o be_v as_o the_o proud_a pharisie_n hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n though_o they_o have_v much_o knowledge_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v search_v his_o natural_a estate_n then_o beside_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o come_v other_o most_o excellent_a grace_n as_o humility_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o true_a obedience_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o first_o of_o all_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o own_o estate_n in_o ourselves_o &_o with_o our_o personal_a sin_n &_o with_o god_n judgment_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o true_a grace_n the_o spot_n and_o blemish_n of_o our_o body_n we_o can_v soon_o espy_v and_o wipe_v away_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v less_o careful_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v far_o better_a that_o christ_n may_v full_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o their_o ignorance_n of_o themselves_o it_o please_v he_o to_o desrcibe_v to_o they_o their_o natural_a estate_n &_o so_o proportional_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o all_o church_n &_o of_o all_o people_n which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n misery_n this_o he_o propound_v two_o way_n first_o general_o in_o these_o word_n and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a then_o by_o the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v three_o poverty_n blindness_n and_o nakedness_n for_o the_o first_o the_o word_n translate_v wretched_a signify_v one_o subject_a to_o calamity_n grief_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o misery_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v who_o be_v thus_o wretched_a i_o will_v enter_v into_o a_o description_n of_o man_n misery_n whereof_o that_o we_o may_v conceive_v aright_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o root_n and_o fountain_n thereof_o for_o therein_o we_o shall_v best_o see_v what_o misery_n mean_v this_o root_n be_v original_a sin_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o that_o particular_a transgression_n whereby_o adam_n sin_v which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o person_n but_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n spread_v itself_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n christ_n except_v second_o the_o deface_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o corrupt_a of_o man_n heart_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v in_o it_o a_o pronesse_n unto_o all_o sin_n both_o in_o will_n affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o these_o two_o stand_v original_a sin_n and_o in_o they_o and_o with_o they_o must_v we_o conceive_v of_o man_n misery_n as_o in_o the_o root_n thereof_o second_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o man_n misery_n under_o the_o form_n of_o punishment_n have_v relation_n to_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o adam_n &_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o each_o man_n nature_n thereby_o receive_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v consider_v sundry_a way_n according_a to_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o after_o for_o it_o be_v either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n or_o after_o this_o life_n
favour_n of_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o even_o despair_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o till_o this_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o we_o may_v make_v a_o show_n in_o profession_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o we_o shall_v never_o haâ—e_v sound_a grace_n and_o bless_a be_v our_o estate_n if_o we_o can_v lay_v aside_o that_o devilish_a pride_n which_o puff_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o become_v poor_a in_o spirit_n then_o be_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o but_o till_o we_o be_v beggar_n in_o ourselves_o we_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o christ._n how_o can_v christ_n true_o charge_v this_o church_n with_o poverty_n for_o the_o laodicean_n be_v a_o rich_a people_n and_o have_v great_a store_n of_o wealth_n answ._n true_a it_o be_v they_o be_v rich_a in_o wealth_n as_o history_n show_v and_o yet_o poor_a to_o god_n for_o all_o honour_n and_o wealth_n in_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o without_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n paul_n say_v 2.10_o we_o be_v complete_a in_o christ_n forth_o of_o he_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o say_v 22.23_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o and_o you_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n but_o nothing_o be_v we_o till_o we_o have_v christ_n and_o christ_n us._n use_n as_o it_o be_v with_o this_o church_n so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o other_o every_o person_n and_o all_o people_n be_v but_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a if_o they_o want_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n have_v give_v any_o man_n riches_n and_o wealth_n he_o must_v lay_v this_o good_a foundation_n use_v they_o as_o help_v to_o further_a his_o salvation_n for_o by_o they_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o also_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n but_o they_o that_o have_v wealth_n and_o use_v it_o otherwise_o shall_v find_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o deep_a condemnation_n the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o misery_n be_v blindness_n quest._n how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v blind_a for_o they_o have_v a_o learned_a teacher_n no_o doubt_n that_o both_o be_v able_a and_o do_v teach_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n likewise_o know_v the_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n answ._n they_o have_v knowledge_n indeed_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v blind_a first_o because_o they_o know_v not_o their_o own_o estate_n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o skill_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n &_o great_a knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n yet_o if_o he_o know_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o be_v but_o a_o blind_a man_n second_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n they_o know_v no_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n but_o they_o can_v not_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v god_n be_v my_o god_n christ_n my_o redeemer_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n my_o sanctifier_n three_o because_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v of_o thing_n that_o do_v differ_v as_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o evil_a and_o evil_a and_o between_o temporal_a thing_n and_o eternal_a blessing_n this_o spiritual_a discern_a be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n grace_n use_n in_o that_o christ_n say_v they_o be_v blind_a though_o they_o have_v knowledge_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v but_o mere_a ignorance_n before_o god_n to_o those_o person_n that_o know_v not_o themselves_o and_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o want_v hereof_o christ_n call_v the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n blind_a though_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o very_a learned_a man_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o rest_v content_a with_o any_o humane_a learning_n no_o not_o with_o the_o literal_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v further_a to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n &_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o be_v able_a in_o some_o good_a sort_n to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v david_n a_o most_o worthy_a prophet_n intitule_v the_o 32._o psalm_n his_o learning_n what_o learning_n show_v he_o there_o answ._n surely_n nothing_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o indeed_o that_o be_v it_o which_o season_v all_o our_o learning_n and_o therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o it_o the_o three_o part_n of_o their_o misery_n be_v nakedness_n nakedness_n be_v twofold_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n &_o to_o god_n nakedness_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v bodily_a &_o that_o be_v also_o twofold_a either_o that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o fall_n in_o the_o body_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n whereby_o their_o body_n be_v uncover_v appear_v very_o glorious_a without_o shame_n or_o that_o which_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n whereby_o the_o body_n be_v naked_a &_o bare_a appear_v full_a of_o shame_n which_o be_v so_o excessive_a by_o reason_n of_o man_n sin_n that_o if_o necessity_n will_v permit_v the_o whole_a body_n both_o face_n &_o hand_n shall_v all_o be_v cover_v nakedness_n before_o god_n be_v when_o any_o man_n lie_v before_o god_n a_o deform_a sinner_n in_o this_o case_n moses_n see_v the_o israelite_n 32.25_o when_o they_o have_v make_v a_o golden_a calf_n for_o thereby_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o god_n image_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n this_o be_v a_o misery_n of_o all_o misery_n &_o the_o great_a nakedness_n that_o can_v be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o nakedness_n of_o this_o church_n in_o this_o place_n qu._n why_o do_v christ_n call_v they_o naked_a ans._n to_o move_v they_o and_o in_o their_o person_n all_o professor_n to_o have_v care_v not_o to_o fly_v from_o god_n 31.33_o and_o to_o hide_v their_o sin_n with_o adam_n but_o to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o his_o presence_n and_o there_o lie_v open_a their_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o cover_n for_o they_o by_o christ._n it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n to_o hide_v their_o sin_n from_o man_n but_o never_o to_o care_v how_o bare_a &_o naked_a they_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o yet_o see_v they_o all_o as_o plain_o as_o we_o see_v the_o sore_n of_o any_o poor_a lazer_n that_o show_v the_o same_o to_o move_v our_o pity_n towards_o he_o which_o if_o we_o can_v see_v we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o seek_v to_o cover_v our_o sin_n before_o god_n we_o must_v therefore_o labour_v in_o our_o own_o conscience_n to_o see_v the_o nakedness_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v touch_v and_o humble_v for_o the_o same_o that_o so_o we_o may_v earnest_o entreat_v for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o cover_n to_o clothe_v our_o soul_n this_o be_v david_n practice_n for_o when_o he_o say_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v psal._n 32.1_o he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o use_v to_o uncover_v his_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o open_v before_o god_n that_o at_o his_o hand_n in_o christ_n he_o may_v get_v a_o cover_n for_o they_o these_o be_v the_o particular_a part_n of_o a_o man_n misery_n which_o every_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o feel_v in_o himself_o if_o he_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o thus_o have_v christ_n both_o in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a set_v down_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o church_n that_o he_o may_v prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o bless_a comfort_n which_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n vers._n 18._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v by_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o thy_o filthy_a nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eye-salue_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v here_o begin_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o church_n wherein_o first_o he_o propound_v a_o notable_a remedy_n for_o her_o misery_n before_o note_v in_o this_o remedy_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o thing_n the_o manner_n of_o prescribe_v it_o the_o remedy_n itself_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o the_o first_o this_o remedy_n be_v propound_v not_o in_o any_o sharp_a commandment_n but_o by_o a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a advice_n i_o counsel_v thou_o and_o herein_o christ_n do_v take_v to_o himself_o the_o office_n of_o the_o counsellor_n of_o his_o church_n for_o as_o god_n have_v his_o church_n and_o people_n so_o he_o have_v his_o counsellor_n by_o who_o in_o mercy_n he_o have_v reveal_v his_o
because_o the_o papist_n make_v christ_n but_o half_a a_o saviour_n in_o put_v our_o merit_n unto_o he_o and_o so_o disgrace_v he_o in_o his_o glorious_a work_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o most_o absolute_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n iii_o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o these_o worthy_a gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v get_v be_v by_o buy_v and_o bargain_v so_o christ_n say_v i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o where_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o this_o city_n for_o it_o be_v rich_a and_o also_o give_v to_o much_o traffic_n as_o history_n record_v and_o therefore_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o kind_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o be_v a_o people_n exercise_v in_o much_o traffic_n and_o delight_v with_o nothing_o more_o than_o buy_v and_o sell_v well_o i_o have_v ware_n that_o will_v serve_v your_o turn_n as_o gold_n garments_z and_o oil_n therefore_o come_v and_o buy_v of_o i_o these_o word_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v proper_o for_o so_o we_o can_v buy_v nothing_o of_o christ_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a in_o any_o but_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v only_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o resemblance_n to_o buy_v and_o sell_v which_o stand_v in_o these_o point_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o bargain_v first_o a_o man_n see_v his_o want_n and_o desire_n to_o have_v it_o supply_v and_o therefore_o go_v to_o the_o place_n where_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v sold._n second_o he_o see_v the_o thing_n and_o he_o like_v it_o three_o he_o prize_v and_o value_v it_o four_o he_o make_v exchange_n for_o it_o by_o money_n or_o money_n worth_a five_o if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sum_n he_o give_v earnest_a so_o in_o the_o get_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o resemblance_n to_o all_o these_o first_o a_o man_n must_v feel_v himself_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n because_o man_n see_v want_v of_o bread_n meat_n and_o drink_n in_o their_o house_n therefore_o do_v they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o same_o now_o look_v how_o fencible_o any_o man_n feel_v these_o worldly_a want_n so_o evident_o shall_v we_o feel_v our_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n that_o cause_v we_o to_o seek_v to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n second_o feel_v our_o want_n we_o shall_v hunger_n &_o long_a after_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o he_o &_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o merit_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v to_o buy_v a_o thing_n do_v take_v a_o like_n thereof_o which_o do_v stir_v up_o a_o desire_n in_o he_o to_o buy_v so_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o have_v like_v of_o christ_n which_o will_v move_v we_o to_o seek_v unto_o he_o isay._n 55.1_o ho_o all_o they_o that_o thirst_n come_v and_o buy_v so_o that_o none_o make_v this_o bargain_n but_o he_o that_o thirst_v three_o we_o must_v prize_v and_o value_n christ_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n even_o at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n that_o we_o account_v all_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o he_o to_o be_v but_o lose_v yea_o even_o dross_n &_o dung_n 3.8_o as_o paul_n do_v four_o we_o must_v make_v exchange_n how_o we_o can_v give_v christ_n nothing_o but_o his_o own_o answ._n proper_o there_o be_v no_o exchange_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v isay._n 55.1_o ho_o come_v and_o buy_v without_o money_n for_o nothing_o simon_n maguâ—_n be_v heavy_o check_v and_o accurse_a for_o offer_v to_o buy_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 8.20_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o exchange_n to_o be_v make_v we_o must_v give_v he_o our_o sin_n and_o receive_v his_o righteousness_n &_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v 2._o cor_fw-la 5.21_o to_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o see_v a_o most_o bless_a exchange_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o shame_n we_o receive_v his_o bless_a grace_n and_o righteousness_n quest._n how_o be_v this_o exchange_n make_v answ._n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o when_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o confess_v our_o sin_n pray_v earnest_o for_o remission_n and_o believe_v our_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n then_o be_v he_o our_o righteousness_n last_o though_o we_o can_v give_v nothing_o unto_o christ_n yet_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o a_o earnest_n in_o this_o bargain_n to_o wit_n some_o portion_n of_o god_n 1.21_o spirit_n and_o some_o small_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o grace_v to_o bewail_v our_o sin_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o with_o purpose_v not_o to_o sin_v again_o these_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o this_o bargain_n and_o thus_o be_v heaven_n buy_v and_o sell_v between_o christ_n and_o we_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o true_a save_v grace_n be_v they_o never_o so_o small_a even_o as_o a_o penny_n be_v a_o sufficient_a earnest_n for_o a_o bargain_n of_o a_o hundred_o pound_n here_o we_o see_v we_o be_v command_v to_o buy_v christ_n and_o to_o make_v a_o bargain_n with_o he_o use_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v right_a to_o he_o and_o his_o merit_n but_o how_o go_v the_o case_n with_o the_o world_n sure_o many_o come_v where_o this_o bargain_n be_v offer_v but_o few_o there_o be_v that_o buy_v we_o be_v like_a to_o passenger_n on_o the_o sea_n who_o see_v many_o goodly_a building_n sumptuous_a city_n &_o fruitful_a land_n but_o they_o make_v no_o purchase_n of_o they_o they_o only_o praise_v they_o as_o they_o behold_v they_o and_o so_o pass_v by_o so_o we_o come_v and_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n and_o approve_v of_o the_o same_o but_o where_o be_v the_o party_n that_o make_v this_o bargain_n come_v to_o particular_a point_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o few_o bargain_n for_o christ._n for_o who_o feel_v his_o own_o misery_n as_o he_o ought_v who_o perceive_v himself_o to_o stand_v in_o such_o need_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v worldly_a want_v we_o feel_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a want_n we_o be_v senseless_a and_o yet_o till_o we_o true_o feel_v our_o misery_n we_o never_o come_v to_o make_v this_o bargain_n with_o christ._n again_o come_v to_o our_o desire_n &_o hunger_a after_o christ_n in_o bodily_a thirst_n and_o hunger_n we_o can_v say_v i_o hunger_n or_o i_o thirst_v but_o who_o can_v say_v i_o hunger_n &_o thirst_n after_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n alas_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a we_o feel_v no_o want_n nay_o they_o be_v dead_a we_o fear_v none_o evil_a and_o as_o for_o our_o value_v and_o esteem_v of_o christ_n we_o be_v plain_a gaderens_n and_o esawe_n we_o prefer_v the_o world_n and_o the_o base_a thing_n therein_o before_o christ._n and_o for_o the_o exchange_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n &_o to_o put_v on_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o plain_o show_v we_o make_v no_o exchange_n and_o though_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v heap_n of_o sin_n on_o christ_n yet_o who_o take_v christ_n righteousness_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o last_o for_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v receive_v it_o yet_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o their_o conscience_n can_v tell_v they_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o for_o they_o want_v knowledge_n faith_n and_o other_o grace_n by_o all_o these_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o this_o bargain_n be_v not_o make_v and_o yet_o true_a it_o be_v that_o for_o worldly_a &_o base_a bargane_n he_o must_v rise_v early_o that_o will_v go_v beyond_o they_o but_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o expert_a in_o vile_a earthly_a thing_n and_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o this_o excellent_a and_o heavenly_a bargain_n wherefore_o see_v christ_n call_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o make_v this_o one_o bargain_n with_o he_o and_o that_o present_o which_o we_o shall_v testify_v by_o do_v the_o five_o former_a duty_n let_v we_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o may_v say_v each_o one_o for_o himself_o i_o have_v bargain_v with_o christ_n and_o receive_v his_o earnest_n yea_o our_o care_n shall_v be_v that_o this_o bargain_n be_v make_v not_o with_o we_o alone_o but_o with_o our_o child_n many_o be_v forward_o to_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n in_o good_a trade_n wherein_o they_o may_v buy_v and_o sell_v for_o their_o live_n wherein_o they_o do_v well_o but_o withal_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o make_v this_o bargain_n with_o christ_n and_o then_o they_o do_v far_o better_o for_o this_o