etc._n the_o common_a people_n be_v of_o the_o pharisy_n and_o justiciaries_n mind_n that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n see_v they_o live_v civil_o not_o taint_v with_o horrible_a and_o gross_a sin_n but_o we_o must_v repent_v for_o other_o sin_n as_o want_v of_o knowledge_n love_n obedience_n &c_n &c_n otherwise_o we_o can_v true_o repent_v now_o if_o we_o must_v repent_v of_o all_o sin_n much_o more_o of_o notorious_a sin_n as_o of_o atheism_n which_o now_o abound_v and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o pride_n in_o apparel_n contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o increase_v in_o all_o place_n for_o want_n of_o mercy_n for_o cruelty_n and_o for_o those_o sin_n which_o can_v soon_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o us._n now_o the_o remedy_n be_v to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n to_o return_v to_o their_o first_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o to_o man_n this_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n see_v this_o repentance_n never_o perish_v or_o decay_v but_o must_v be_v ever_o renew_v so_o then_o he_o will_v have_v we_o also_o to_o remember_v what_o good_a thought_n affection_n &_o action_n we_o have_v have_v to_o get_v they_o again_o and_o never_o lose_v they_o after_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o do_v our_o first_o work_n which_o the_o lord_n grant_v to_o we_o at_o our_o first_o calling_n they_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v again_o or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o 5._o whenas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v rebuke_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o decay_n in_o love_n and_o set_v down_o the_o remedy_n first_o to_o remember_v whence_o she_o be_v fall_v second_o to_o repent_v three_o to_o do_v she_o first_o work_n in_o these_o word_n he_o lay_v down_o a_o reason_n to_o move_v she_o to_o use_v the_o remedy_n especial_o to_o repent_v if_o she_o will_v not_o than_o he_o will_v come_v against_o she_o short_o this_o contain_v three_o part_n first_o a_o general_a threaten_a or_o commination_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o second_o a_o particular_a threaten_n and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n three_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o two_o threaten_n except_o you_o repent_v because_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o church_n this_o show_v our_o duty_n in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o we_o apply_v all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o one_o man_n or_o to_o one_o church_n to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o see_v any_o virtue_n commend_v we_o must_v imitate_v they_o or_o vice_n discommend_v we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v clean_o of_o they_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o which_o overcom_v etc._n etc._n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v namely_o to_o he_o which_o overcom_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v i_o will_v give_v he_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n namely_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o party_n to_o who_o be_v he_o which_o prevail_v against_o all_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n hell_n death_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n that_o we_o may_v overcome_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o a_o man_n must_v be_v bear_v anew_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o christ._n 1._o john_n 5._o for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v anew_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o overcom_v all_o his_o enemy_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o whole_o rely_v on_o christ_n 1._o john_n 5._o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o our_o faith_n for_o he_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o victory_n over_o death_n hell_n sin_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v his_o natural_a corruption_n abolish_v and_o weaken_v three_o that_o we_o stand_v against_o all_o our_o enemy_n with_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n and_o he_o which_o have_v these_o three_o he_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o these_o his_o enemy_n to_o they_o which_o overcome_v ergo_fw-la it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v to_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n that_o god_n offer_v life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o unless_o they_o will_v reject_v it_o for_o salvation_n be_v promise_v only_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v bear_v anew_o which_o have_v faith_n in_o christ_n deny_v themselves_o and_o they_o which_o stand_v out_o against_o all_o their_o enemy_n by_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n be_v this_o so_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v only_o to_o conqueror_n we_o must_v then_o labour_v to_o be_v conqueror_n to_o overcome_v all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v slavery_n and_o hell_n itself_o and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v in_o truth_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v overcome_v all_o these_o his_o enemy_n this_o be_v freedom_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o great_a among_o man_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v the_o vassal_n of_o sin_n a_o satan_n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o most_o miserable_a second_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v life_n eternal_a which_o be_v set_v out_o by_o two_o circumstance_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o will_v give_v second_o what_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o which_o word_n be_v a_o opposition_n between_o adam_n and_o christ_n for_o adam_n by_o his_o sin_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n but_o christ_n have_v set_v open_a the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v free_a access_n to_o it_o adam_n he_o lose_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n christ_n have_v prepare_v a_o heavenly_a paradise_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o garden_n whereof_o adam_n do_v eat_v it_o be_v call_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o pledge_n to_o he_o of_o eternal_a life_n if_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o his_o estate_n second_o because_o this_o tree_n have_v a_o virtue_n in_o it_o from_o god_n to_o preserve_v adam_n for_o ever_o from_o death_n and_o old_a age_n and_o to_o make_v he_o continual_o to_o live_v if_o he_o stand_v this_o tree_n of_o life_n be_v a_o true_a figure_n of_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n for_o as_o that_o tree_n have_v virtue_n in_o it_o from_o god_n to_o preserve_v adam_n life_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v keep_v from_o old_a age_n so_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n he_o live_v not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v man_n and_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o to_o convey_v quicken_a virtue_n to_o all_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o merit_n by_o a_o true_a faith_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n to_o eat_v signify_v sometime_o to_o believe_v as_o joh._n 6._o 50._o but_o it_o can_v be_v so_o here_o see_v we_o can_v in_o heaven_n believe_v in_o christ_n but_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n be_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o heaven_n with_o christ_n for_o ever_o for_o christ_n shall_v be_v to_o we_o a_o tree_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o ever_o yea_o all_o in_o all_o to_o every_o one_o of_o us._n in_o this_o first_o point_n of_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o first_o wherein_o consist_v eternal_a life_n namely_o in_o immediate_a fellowship_n &_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v our_o true_a felicity_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v be_v to_o his_o all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v all_o happiness_n that_o heart_n can_v wish_v therefore_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o outward_a mean_n as_o meat_n drink_v apparel_n sleep_n respiration_n recreation_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n jesus_n for_o ever_o second_o the_o place_n of_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o midst_n of_o paradise_n where_o christ_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o this_o in_o the_o heavenly_a paradise_n he_o say_v in_o paradise_n that_o be_v in_o the_o three_o or_o high_a heaven_n a_o place_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n where_o the_o lord_n especial_o show_v his_o glory_n and_o where_o he_o provide_v happiness_n for_o his_o child_n there_o be_v indeed_o three_o heaven_n one_o where_o we_o live_v and_o breath_n and_o where_o the_o cloud_n be_v the_o second_o where_o the_o star_n be_v the_o three_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o presence_n and_o where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o child_n be_v of_o this_o paul_n speak_v when_o he_o be_v rapt_v
practice_v this_o because_o we_o bring_v from_o our_o cradle_n natural_a presumption_n which_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v his_o love_n to_o us._n but_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o this_o natural_a presumption_n and_o take_v a_o new_a course_n and_o the_o first_o step_n to_o come_v to_o grace_n be_v to_o see_v that_o we_o want_v grace_n we_o must_v see_v that_o we_o be_v lose_v sheep_n prodigal_a child_n in_o ourselves_o the_o very_a firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o this_o to_o see_v our_o own_o want_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o grace_n the_o second_o step_n be_v to_o desire_v it_o when_o we_o see_v that_o we_o want_v it_o to_o hunger_n and_o long_a for_o it_o three_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o to_o apprehend_v this_o favour_n and_o grace_n by_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o step_n to_o get_v this_o grace_n second_o in_o that_o he_o set_v down_o first_o grace_n second_o peace_n here_o be_v the_o true_a order_n of_o seek_v for_o thing_n and_o blessing_n in_o this_o life_n first_o for_o grace_n and_o god_n favour_n second_o for_o peace_n and_o welfare_n not_o first_o peace_n and_o welfare_n but_o first_o for_o grace_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 the_o rigteousnes_n thereof_o and_o then_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o us._n this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n who_o begin_v at_o a_o wrong_a end_n first_o with_o peace_n in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v honour_n riches_n pleasure_n or_o preferment_n never_o seek_v first_o for_o grace_n and_o god_n favour_n but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v peace_n we_o must_v first_o have_v grace_n but_o man_n if_o god_n bless_v they_o in_o riches_n health_n and_o wealth_n they_o say_v oh_o god_n love_v i_o but_o alas_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n yet_o want_v grace_n we_o may_v have_v this_o welfare_n health_n wealth_n liberty_n and_o yet_o want_v grace_n nay_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v no_o blessing_n but_o a_o curse_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o man_n health_n wealth_n liberty_n which_o be_v but_o common_a blessing_n he_o may_v be_v out_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n see_v the_o lord_n bestow_v these_o common_a blessing_n on_o those_o which_o be_v his_o enemy_n psal._n 73._o 12._o but_o though_o the_o wicked_a have_v all_o these_o common_a blessing_n they_o be_v accurse_v and_o though_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n the_o favour_n and_o true_a love_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o other_o health_n wealth_n nor_o liberty_n yet_o he_o be_v most_o happy_a and_o bless_a fron_n he_o which_o be_v be_v etc._n etc._n here_o he_o set_v down_o the_o cause_n efficient_a and_o the_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n the_o author_n be_v god_n distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n three_o the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o his_o true_a nature_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 exo._n 3._o 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 tell_v he_o say_v i_o be_o ehjeh_fw-it jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o where_o be_v two_o name_n to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n now_o s._n john_n he_o expound_v they_o here_o where_o he_o say_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v further_o these_o two_o name_n ehjeh_n jehovah_n be_v two_o such_o name_n as_o can_v be_v translate_v full_o in_o our_o english_a tongue_n but_o be_v more_o significant_a in_o their_o original_a hebrew_n tongue_n for_o they_o import_v thus_o much_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v 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 so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o nature_n most_o simple_a pure_a and_o subsist_v in_o and_o by_o himself_o 1._o cor._n 8._o 4._o a_o idol_n be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o but_o only_o in_o man_n brain_n it_o have_v no_o subsist_v and_o be_v of_o itself_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o man_n art_n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n differ_v from_o all_o false_a god_n see_v he_o have_v his_o be_v in_o and_o from_o himself_o not_o of_o or_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n none_o other_o have_v this_o property_n but_o god_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o creature_n which_o be_v that_o though_o they_o have_v their_o subsist_v and_o be_v as_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o from_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n not_o take_v out_o of_o his_o essence_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o part_n as_o we_o have_v but_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o nothing_o see_v then_o we_o have_v all_o we_o have_v of_o god_n our_o body_n soul_n and_o all_o we_o enjoy_v we_o must_v in_o lieu_n of_o recompense_n in_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n give_v ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o his_o service_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_a and_o eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o as_o absolute_o 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 every_o way_n eternal_a from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o judge_v all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n that_o god_n which_o be_v be_v which_o have_v his_o be_v of_o in_o and_o from_o himself_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n this_o must_v we_o remember_v and_o think_v of_o that_o he_o which_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o which_o give_v we_o life_n and_o be_v he_o shall_v judge_v we_o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o do_v our_o duty_n in_o conscience_n but_o many_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o say_v god_n will_v not_o come_v in_o my_o time_n to_o judgement_n but_o though_o the_o lord_n come_v not_o to_o general_a judgement_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o he_o will_v come_v in_o particular_a judgement_n by_o death_n in_o this_o life_n three_o if_o we_o will_v always_o remember_v this_o it_o will_v bridle_v out_o live_v and_o make_v we_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n act._n 16._o 24._o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n 4._o these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v 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 first_o those_o which_o be_v here_o call_v seven_o spirit_n from_o these_o grace_n and_o peace_n come_v 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 john_n 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 which_o can_v be_v true_a of_o the_o angel_n who_o in_o no_o respect_n can_v be_v place_v before_o christ_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a angel_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o understand_v it_o thus_o 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 be_v call_v the_o seven_o spirit_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v one_o in_o substance_n yet_o he_o be_v seven_o that_o be_v many_o in_o gift_n and_o operation_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v himself_o the_o seven_o spirit_n second_o he_o call_v he_o so_o because_o he_o set_v down_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o see_v they_o
pharaoh_n butler_n who_o promise_v joseph_n to_o remember_v he_o be_v promote_v to_o honour_n out_o of_o prison_n but_o after_o be_v exalt_v in_o pharaoh_n house_n forget_v he_o gen._n 40._o but_o christ_n he_o be_v still_o now_o as_o ready_a as_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o earth_n to_o help_v we_o and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o work_n of_o a_o mediator_n for_o us._n then_o we_o must_v imitate_v christ_n use_v and_o have_v our_o loin_n gird_v up_o luk._n 12._o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o our_o duty_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o give_v he_o thanks_n to_o renew_v our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n daily_o yea_o every_o day_n make_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o die_v or_o to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o work_n concern_v our_o salvation_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o carry_v ourselves_o so_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n at_o any_o time_n but_o we_o never_o think_v of_o this_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o no_o good_a thing_n we_o never_o think_v of_o death_n till_o it_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n oh_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o become_v good_a follower_n of_o christ_n have_v our_o loin_n gird_v up_o ready_o prepare_v to_o all_o good_a work_n about_o the_o pap_n not_o the_o belly_n but_o breast_n some_o think_v and_o not_o unfit_o to_o show_v that_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n which_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v most_o perfect_a range_v in_o not_o subject_a to_o any_o sin_n but_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o with_o full_a measure_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a and_o his_o head_n as_o white_a as_o wool_n now_o s._n john_n describe_v christ_n by_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n first_o his_o head_n be_v as_o white_a as_o wool_n or_o snow_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o eternity_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o have_v a_o beginning_n yet_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v eternal_a he_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n dan._n 9_o and_o when_o all_o thing_n begin_v he_o be_v before_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n use_v this_o hoariness_n and_o whiteness_n of_o the_o old_a gray_a head_n use_v to_o set_v out_o his_o eternity_n and_o ever-being_a he_o will_v show_v the_o excellency_n and_o honour_n of_o age_a man_n of_o the_o old_a gray_a head_a man_n which_o other_o young_a want_n and_o for_o this_o he_o compare_v the_o old_a gray_a head_n to_o almond_n tree_n which_o be_v always_o white_a eccles._n 12._o 5._o and_o prou._n 16._o 31._o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o silver_n crown_n not_o make_v by_o man_n but_o make_v and_o place_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n on_o the_o age_a man_n head_n this_o excellency_n of_o the_o hoary_a head_n be_v in_o this_o that_o he_o bear_v in_o his_o person_n the_o image_n of_o god_n eternity_n before_o all_o young_a man_n he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n to_o show_v god_n eternity_n to_o man_n namely_o in_o this_o old_a and_o white_a head_n of_o he_o now_o see_v the_o age_a man_n have_v this_o excellency_n above_o young_a man_n he_o must_v be_v reverence_v young_a man_n must_v rise_v to_o he_o levit._n 19_o and_o we_o must_v in_o their_o hoary_a head_n learn_v the_o image_n of_o god_n eternity_n they_o which_o be_v such_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o age_n have_v this_o excellency_n above_o other_o they_o must_v excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n 1._o joh._n 2._o 13._o i_o write_v to_o you_o father_n which_o know_v the_o father_n which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n show_v he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o age_a man_n which_o be_v father_n shall_v have_v knowledge_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n second_o they_o must_v exceed_v other_o in_o holiness_n of_o life_n god_n be_v holy_a they_o bear_v his_o image_n therefore_o they_o must_v see_v they_o bear_v his_o image_n above_o other_o go_v before_o young_a man_n in_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n prou._n 16._o 31._o compare_v old_a age_n to_o a_o silver_n crown_v join_v with_o righteousness_n which_o when_o they_o be_v join_v together_o old_a age_n indeed_o be_v a_o glorious_a ornament_n then_o man_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o old_a age_n be_v no_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o nor_o dishonour_n but_o a_o ornament_n and_o commendation_n but_o alas_o miserable_a be_v our_o day_n when_o young_a man_n excel_v old_a in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o godliness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o as_o the_o age_a must_v go_v before_o they_o in_o preferment_n and_o excellency_n so_o they_o shall_v go_v before_o they_o in_o wisdom_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o in_o these_o which_o wear_v the_o silver_n crown_n on_o their_o head_n there_o be_v find_v sin_n abound_v and_o looseness_n of_o life_n it_o be_v much_o more_o dishonour_n in_o they_o then_o the_o young_a though_o in_o neither_o commendable_a and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o old_a man_n to_o say_v their_o memory_n conceit_n and_o knowledge_n fail_v they_o for_o this_o show_v they_o have_v live_v a_o bad_a and_o loose_a life_n and_o mis-spend_v their_o young_a age_n but_o they_o must_v labour_v that_o with_o their_o silver_n crown_v on_o their_o head_n they_o may_v have_v a_o silver_n life_n in_o heart_n and_o hand_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n s._n john_n go_v on_o to_o describe_v christ_n in_o vision_n by_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n now_o in_o handle_v these_o part_n though_o no_o man_n can_v set_v down_o certain_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v in_o every_o point_n yet_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v most_o probable_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eye_n etc._n etc._n he_o add_v these_o to_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v that_o our_o mediator_n be_v of_o a_o most_o pierce_a sharp_a and_o quick_a sight_n so_o that_o he_o behold_v all_o thing_n in_o earth_n even_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o he_o have_v fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n and_o as_o fire_n enter_v and_o pierce_v all_o metal_n so_o christ_n by_o his_o fiery_a eye_n pierce_v into_o the_o substance_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o sharp_a of_o sight_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o whole_a church_n see_v all_o the_o enterprise_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o all_o his_o child_n see_v christ_n be_v of_o so_o pierce_a and_o fiery_a a_o sight_n 1._o that_o he_o see_v the_o very_a secret_n and_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o only_o of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n but_o of_o order_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n for_o christ_n pierce_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o see_v they_o therefore_o we_o must_v look_v they_o be_v in_o order_n that_o he_o may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v true_a thought_n and_o inward_a affection_n with_o man_n bear_v no_o action_n because_o man_n know_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n he_o see_v the_o least_o inclination_n and_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o keep_v court_n of_o judgement_n not_o only_o for_o word_n and_o action_n but_o for_o thought_n and_o affection_n therefore_o man_n must_v take_v heed_n they_o be_v well_o order_v and_o so_o of_o christ_n approve_v that_o for_o they_o they_o be_v not_o condemn_v christ_n he_o see_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o very_a inclination_n 2._o then_o we_o must_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v indeed_o that_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o though_o we_o can_v blear_v man_n eye_n with_o outward_a profession_n and_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o yet_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n and_o see_v our_o heart_n and_o how_o we_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n if_o we_o be_v not_o indeed_o that_o we_o seem_v outward_o to_o be_v yet_o man_n must_v stay_v and_o suspend_v their_o rash_a judgement_n and_o not_o for_o the_o profess_v of_o religion_n judge_v man_n to_o be_v hypocrite_n for_o god_n alone_o search_v their_o heart_n second_o he_o be_v thus_o describe_v to_o show_v he_o be_v full_a of_o anger_n and_o judgement_n and_o ready_a to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o be_v of_o they_o which_o will_v not_o give_v themselves_o and_o turn_v to_o he_o by_o repentance_n in_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o word_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v a_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n yet_o he_o be_v also_o a_o judge_n &_o in_o indignation_n will_v execute_v his_o judgement_n on_o his_o enemy_n even_o upon_o all_o that_o refuse_v to_o have_v he_o to_o rule_v over_o
they_o as_o he_o say_v those_o my_o enemy_n which_o will_v not_o have_v i_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o 27._o bring_v they_o that_o i_o may_v kill_v they_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o awake_v many_o drowsy_a and_o secure_a professor_n for_o man_n now_o in_o this_o barren_a age_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n take_v pleasure_n in_o sin_n it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v to_o they_o to_o live_v in_o security_n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o hearty_a repentance_n let_v these_o know_v that_o though_o they_o live_v close_o in_o sin_n yet_o christ_n behold_v they_o not_o as_o a_o redeemer_n but_o as_o a_o judge_n with_o fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n ready_a to_o execute_v judgement_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n they_o then_o must_v consider_v their_o own_o estate_n in_o time_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n lest_o that_o they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o snort_v in_o security_n christ_n come_v unaware_o and_o cut_v they_o off_o in_o his_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v to_o fine_a brass_n 15_o the_o word_n signify_v brass_n which_o be_v shine_v for_o substance_n durable_a &_o pure_a the_o very_a choice_n and_o excellent_a kind_n of_o brass_n this_o he_o add_v to_o signify_v the_o invincible_a power_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o encounter_v nay_o have_v already_o encounter_v with_o sin_n and_o satan_n wound_v they_o and_o bruise_v their_o head_n to_o powder_n for_o his_o foot_n be_v strong_a and_o durable_a he_o be_v of_o power_n to_o overcome_v his_o enemy_n to_o tread_v they_o underfoot_o and_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n and_o not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o in_o his_o member_n he_o be_v most_o powerful_a see_v he_o have_v brazen_a foot_n use_v strong_a and_o durable_a to_o overcome_v his_o enemy_n and_o tread_v they_o underfoot_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a comfort_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o if_o they_o be_v exercise_v with_o any_o temptation_n of_o satan_n or_o with_o any_o affliction_n and_o grief_n they_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v but_o seek_v to_o christ_n their_o head_n he_o will_v in_o we_o as_o he_o have_v before_o in_o his_o own_o person_n bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o break_v it_o to_o powder_n let_v we_o then_o put_v our_o cause_n to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o have_v the_o whole_a order_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o so_o if_o sin_n and_o corruption_n hang_v on_o we_o vex_v and_o oppress_v we_o we_o must_v fly_v to_o he_o make_v he_o acquaint_v with_o it_o seek_v help_n from_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o find_v it_o weaken_v and_o wound_v nay_o bruise_a to_o piece_n by_o his_o help_n if_o we_o see_v the_o terror_n of_o death_n we_o must_v not_o fear_v too_o much_o for_o christ_n be_v strong_a and_o able_a to_o overcome_v death_n nay_o he_o encounter_v with_o sin_n and_o satan_n on_o the_o cross_n overcome_v he_o there_o and_o go_v down_o with_o he_o to_o his_o own_o den_n and_o cabin_n and_o there_o vanquish_a death_n so_o that_o he_o have_v subdue_v and_o bring_v he_o under_o foot_n and_o make_v he_o his_o footstool_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a so_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o without_o repent_v live_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o christ_n have_v a_o foot_n of_o brass_n he_o will_v bruise_v they_o in_o piece_n make_v they_o his_o footstool_n and_o with_o his_o brazen_a foot_n grind_v they_o to_o powder_n then_o they_o which_o be_v as_o yet_o enemy_n to_o christ_n must_v turn_v to_o he_o leave_v their_o old_a master_n satan_n come_v to_o he_o else_o he_o will_v break_v they_o to_o nothing_o by_o his_o strong_a and_o brazen_a foot_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n the_o foot_n of_o god_n as_o of_o man_n in_o the_o scripture_n often_o signify_v he_o or_o their_o way_n so_o here_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n signify_v his_o way_n or_o work_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n this_o show_v the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n way_n they_o be_v uncorrupt_a even_o as_o brass_n purify_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o be_v they_o most_o pure_a most_o unspotted_a without_o all_o dross_n all_o his_o way_n his_o counsel_n and_o work_n either_o of_o creation_n or_o preservation_n all_o be_v without_o fault_n the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v uncorrupt_a the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v try_v in_o the_o fire_n he_o be_v a_o shield_n to_o all_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o psal._n 18._o 30._o see_v all_o his_o way_n be_v pure_a and_o most_o holy_a use_v we_o must_v speak_v and_o think_v of_o they_o with_o reverence_n even_o of_o his_o secret_a judgement_n whereof_o we_o know_v no_o cause_n nor_o reason_n we_o must_v reverence_v they_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v pure_a of_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o point_n to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o his_o way_n and_o not_o curious_o to_o search_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o though_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n to_o man_n acknowledge_v they_o as_o holy_a &_o true_a with_o reverence_n for_o all_o christ_n way_n be_v holy_a the_o blind_a man_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o light_n because_o he_o see_v it_o not_o no_o more_o can_v blind_a man_n such_o as_o all_o be_v judge_v of_o work_n hide_v with_o god_n the_o lord_n bid_v abimelech_n give_v sarah_n to_o abraham_n else_o he_o will_v punish_v he_o and_o all_o his_o 20._o what_o reason_n be_v this_o in_o man_n sight_n nay_o it_o seem_v cruelty_n to_o punish_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o so_o achan_n he_o sin_v jos._n 7._o and_o the_o people_n be_v plague_v david_n sin_v 2._o sam._n 12._o the_o child_n die_v and_o he_o sin_v again_o 2._o sam._n 24._o the_o people_n be_v plague_v what_o reason_n can_v man_n give_v of_o these_o these_o seem_v all_o contrary_n to_o reason_n in_o man_n judgement_n but_o we_o must_v reverence_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o good_a pure_a and_o holy_a though_o we_o see_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o of_o they_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v some_o to_o cast_v off_o other_o some_o now_o this_o seem_v cruelty_n to_o man_n nay_o some_o hold_v it_o a_o action_n of_o cruelty_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v withhold_v his_o mercy_n from_o one_o and_o show_v it_o to_o another_o but_o they_o sin_n see_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n that_o he_o in_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v some_o to_o reject_v other_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o of_o this_o we_o must_v reverence_v it_o and_o hold_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a counsel_n and_o his_o voice_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n this_o he_o add_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v the_o loudness_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o voice_n because_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v go_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v sound_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o to_o show_v the_o power_n force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o voice_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o his_o creature_n christ_n before_o all_o thing_n be_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o at_o his_o word_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v lazarus_n lie_v rot_v in_o his_o grave_n yet_o he_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o thousand_o trumpet_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o rise_v up_o nay_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v dead_a six_o thousand_o year_n even_o those_o shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o loud_a and_o great_a voice_n a_o powerful_a and_o effectnall_a voice_n see_v this_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o loud_a and_o powerful_a a_o voice_n that_o the_o dead_a be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o 1._o this_o show_v the_o security_n and_o deadness_n of_o those_o man_n which_o though_o they_o hear_v it_o daily_o sound_v and_o cry_v in_o their_o ear_n as_o the_o noise_n of_o many_o water_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o as_o do_v the_o dead_a body_n of_o lazarus_n hear_v and_o stand_v up_o and_o come_v forth_o of_o their_o grave_n of_o sin_n but_o still_o snort_v in_o security_n and_o rot_n in_o their_o sin_n this_o argue_v our_o great_a drowsiness_n that_o the_o dead_a which_o have_v lie_v six_o thousand_o year_n shall_v at_o this_o voice_n rise_v and_o awake_v and_o we_o hear_v it_o both_o loud_a and_o powerful_a and_o public_a in_o our_o ear_n will_v not_o put_v up_o our_o head_n nor_o our_o heart_n not_o
member_n we_o must_v hate_v that_o he_o hate_v love_v that_o he_o love_v &_o so_o show_v that_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o member_n of_o christ._n ob._n christ_n he_o hate_v wicked_a man_n why_o then_o suffer_v he_o they_o to_o live_v &_o destroy_v they_o not_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o church_n answ._n he_o suffer_v they_o for_o just_a cause_n for_o he_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a light_a out_o of_o darkness_n he_o can_v turn_v that_o which_o be_v most_o wicked_a in_o itself_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o child_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n then_o no_o marvel_v though_o he_o suffer_v they_o which_o he_o hate_v let_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o verse_n christ_n infer_v this_o conclusion_n upon_o the_o former_a word_n it_o contain_v in_o it_o two_o part_n the_o first_o a_o commandment_n the_o second_o a_o promise_n a_o commandment_n let_v he_o that_o have_v ear_n etc._n etc._n a_o promise_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n for_o to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v of_o the_o tree_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o conclusion_n serve_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o former_a thing_n christ_n teach_v she_o in_o the_o commandment_n be_v three_o thing_n the_o first_o who_o be_v command_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n second_o what_o be_v command_v namely_o to_o hear_v three_o the_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v the_o party_n command_v to_o hear_v be_v describe_v they_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n that_o be_v which_o can_v hear_v mat._n 13._o christ_n expound_v it_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v that_o be_v a_o hear_v ear_n he_o must_v hear_v and_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o word_n by_o this_o we_o see_v there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o hearer_n one_o be_v a_o deaf_a hearer_n not_o have_v a_o hear_n ear_n as_o those_o which_o bring_v outward_a and_o bodily_a ear_n to_o the_o word_n but_o not_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o hart_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n they_o can_v obey_v that_o they_o hear_v second_o there_o be_v a_o hear_v hearer_n who_o not_o only_o hear_v with_o the_o outward_a ear_n of_o the_o body_n but_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n pierce_v and_o touch_v have_v new_a ear_n make_v by_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v he_o which_o bring_v both_o the_o ear_n his_o head_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n who_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o believe_v the_o word_n hear_v such_o a_o ear_n have_v david_n the_o lord_n god_n bore_v his_o ear_n and_o make_v he_o new_a ear_n even_o ear_n of_o heart_n my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o have_v new_a ear_n he_o answer_v the_o lord_n lo_o i_o come_v 6._o his_o heart_n hear_v the_o lord_n such_o ear_n have_v isaiah_n send_v i_o such_o have_v lydia_n 17._o her_o ear_n be_v open_v and_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o paul_n word_n the_o lord_n give_v her_o new_a ear_n see_v christ_n make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n on_o earth_n than_o grace_n be_v not_o universal_a save_v grace_n be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o he_o if_o he_o will_v may_v hear_v and_o have_v salvation_n for_o there_o must_v be_v some_o deaf_a hearer_n as_o well_o as_o hear_v hearer_n then_o all_o can_v hear_v nor_o have_v eternal_a life_n see_v all_o can_v come_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o hear_v nay_o though_o god_n admit_v all_o into_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o give_v not_o grace_n to_o every_o one_o to_o hear_v so_o that_o he_o become_v a_o profitable_a hearer_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v by_o hear_v mat._n 13._o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o to_o know_v not_o to_o other_o note_v that_o some_o only_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v to_o know_v his_o will_n and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o same_o see_v the_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o hear_v hearer_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o become_v such_o to_o become_v good_a hearer_n not_o to_o bring_v only_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o only_o ear_n of_o our_o body_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o ear_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n and_o never_o think_v ourselves_o well_o till_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o hear_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o we_o hear_v &_o can_v affect_v the_o same_o and_o be_v change_v and_o turn_v by_o it_o josiah_n hear_v the_o law_n and_o that_o not_o with_o bodily_a ear_n but_o with_o his_o heart_n so_o that_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n according_o david_n psalm_n 26._o god_n bid_v he_o seek_v he_o he_o have_v his_o ear_n bore_v anew_o make_v answer_v lord_n i_o will_v seek_v thy_o face_n take_v heed_n then_o of_o deaf_a ear_n when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o not_o profit_v by_o it_o be_v not_o change_v in_o life_n for_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o man_n hear_v shall_v not_o hear_v nor_o obey_v and_o be_v better_v by_o that_o they_o hear_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v our_o common_a hear_n for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o come_v bring_v our_o bodily_a ear_n to_o the_o word_n but_o our_o heart_n harken_v not_o they_o obey_v not_o that_o we_o hear_v but_o we_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a and_o as_o full_a of_o sin_n as_o ever_o and_o that_o after_o long_o hear_v which_o show_v we_o be_v indeed_o deaf_a hearer_n the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n and_o with_o attention_n to_o add_v faith_n repentance_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v good_a hearer_n than_o we_o must_v hear_v so_o as_o we_o be_v change_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o learn_v to_o believe_v in_o christ._n eph._n 4._o 21._o and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o practise_v and_o obey_v so_o much_o we_o learn_v for_o we_o hear_v no_o further_o than_o we_o obey_v then_o see_v we_o must_v so_o hear_v the_o word_n we_o must_v suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o alter_v labour_v to_o obey_v the_o word_n and_o to_o be_v change_v by_o it_o and_o except_o we_o thus_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o to_o we_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n but_o of_o death_n and_o as_o the_o good_a hear_n be_v the_o ready_a mean_n to_o salvation_n so_o the_o deaf_a hear_n be_v to_o destruction_n the_o three_o point_n which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v hear_v with_o attention_n faith_n &_o obedience_n be_v repentance_n for_o our_o want_n and_o sin_n for_o of_o that_o christ_n speak_v afore_o then_o this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o they_o for_o else_o christ_n will_v not_o have_v add_v these_o word_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n who_o have_v show_v they_o their_o want_n and_o the_o remedy_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o 〈◊〉_d sin_n he_o add_v this_o caveat_n which_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o personal_a want_n use_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o for_o the_o omit_v of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o prevent_n and_o turn_v away_o of_o god_n judgement_n and_o as_o private_a man_n of_o their_o personal_a sin_n so_o must_v country_n &_o city_n in_o general_a remember_v their_o want_n &_o sin_n and_o do_v their_o first_o work_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v two_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o hear_v the_o first_o because_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o trinity_n the_o second_o because_o he_o speak_v not_o to_o one_o or_o two_o but_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o one_o ob._n but_o how_o can_v the_o spirit_n speak_v these_o word_n see_v christ_n speak_v they_o ans._n both_o may_v stand_v for_o all_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o and_o see_v this_o to_o teach_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n it_o belong_v to_o
up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n 2._o cor._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v paradise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o pleasure_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o most_o infinite_a for_o so_o gen._n 30._o 8._o rahell_n wrestle_v with_o leah_n with_o wrestle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o great_a wrestle_n so_o in_o the_o psalm_n to_o show_v how_o huge_a and_o high_a the_o hill_n be_v david_n call_v they_o the_o hill_n of_o god_n the_o mountain_n of_o god_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o huge_a mountain_n so_o here_o he_o call_v it_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n to_o show_v it_o be_v a_o place_n most_o excellent_a full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n this_o place_n be_v set_v out_o at_o large_a reu._n 22._o then_o see_v this_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o place_n we_o shall_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v thither_o to_o wean_v our_o mind_n from_o earthly_a paradise_n which_o be_v but_o a_o prison_n and_o lift_v our_o head_n up_o to_o heaven_n set_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n on_o thing_n above_o phil._n 3._o vers._n 8._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v from_o this_o eight_o verse_n to_o the_o twelve_o be_v the_o second_o epistle_n or_o letter_n to_o another_o church_n of_o asia_n namely_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o before_o this_o second_o epistle_n be_v a_o second_o particular_a commandment_n to_o john_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o in_o these_o word_n and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v which_o particular_a commandment_n be_v prefix_v before_o the_o epistle_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o every_o church_n that_o s._n john_n have_v sufficient_a call_n to_o write_v the_o same_o and_o that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o of_o himself_o and_o so_o shall_v all_o they_o which_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o sufficient_a call_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o without_o doubt_n believe_v the_o same_o as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v their_o call_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v of_o more_o excellent_a gift_n have_v it_o then_o such_o which_o be_v but_o ordinary_a man_n this_o commandment_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o the_o particular_a commandment_n be_v the_o epistle_n itself_o stand_v of_o three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n be_v in_o the_o eight_o verse_n and_o contain_v a_o preparation_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o preface_n he_o show_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v namely_o in_o christ_n he_o which_o be_v and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o last_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o stir_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o a_o religious_a care_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n second_o because_o no_o commandment_n concern_v religion_n and_o god_n service_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n but_o only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ._n now_o this_o epistle_n be_v concern_v religion_n and_o god_n worship_n he_o propound_v it_o in_o christ_n his_o name_n alone_o and_o christ_n in_o this_o preface_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o notable_a argument_n first_o that_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o second_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a but_o these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o that_o be_v he_o be_v everlasting_a god_n which_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n afore_o all_o creature_n &_o after_o all_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o live_v that_o be_v be_v god_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n become_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o rise_v to_o give_v everlasting_a life_n to_o us._n in_o which_o word_n note_v two_o point_n of_o doctrine_n first_o 1._o that_o christ_n be_v a_o person_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n namely_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n for_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o and_o last_o he_o must_v be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o be_v alive_a he_o be_v man_n and_o as_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n make_v one_o man_n so_o the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n concur_v to_o make_v one_o christ._n the_o second_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v a_o comfort_n or_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n first_o that_o he_o be_v god_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v able_a second_o he_o be_v man_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v willing_a to_o help_v to_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o all_o misery_n or_o else_o ease_v they_o for_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o ergo_fw-la true_a god_n ergo_fw-la able_a to_o help_v second_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o live_v therefore_o willing_a see_v he_o come_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o to_o rise_v again_o to_o give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o these_o word_n to_o comfort_v the_o church_n in_o misery_n and_o hence_o be_v the_o very_a fountain_n of_o all_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n if_o the_o lord_n lie_v any_o cross_n on_o thou_o as_o persecution_n tribulation_n misery_n or_o calamity_n then_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n christ_n be_v god_n able_a to_o help_v he_o be_v man_n willing_a to_o deliver_v thou_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o prop_n to_o stay_v and_o hold_v we_o up_o that_o we_o sink_v not_o in_o persecution_n or_o cross_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n after_o the_o preface_n follow_v the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v the_o matter_n and_o content_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o epistle_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n second_o counsel_n for_o she_o concern_v time_n to_o come_v the_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o nine_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n in_o these_o word_n as_o there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o she_o there_o be_v also_o a_o comfort_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o commend_v she_o but_o comfort_v she_o be_v in_o misery_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n we_o hear_v these_o word_n before_o expound_v i_o know_v that_o be_v i_o see_v thy_o work_n way_n deal_v the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o thy_o life_n i_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o same_o it_o like_v and_o please_v i_o well_o in_o that_o christ_n say_v he_o know_v her_o work_n here_o be_v a_o notable_a property_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o see_v all_o church_n he_o behold_v all_o man_n action_n he_o see_v their_o word_n work_n affection_n and_o action_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n before_o so_o now_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v always_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n he_o see_v and_o behold_v all_o her_o deal_n and_o this_o consideration_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o religion_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n see_v his_o heart_n hear_v every_o word_n behold_v all_o his_o action_n and_o mark_v all_o his_o word_n david_n 139._o psalm_n the_o lord_n behold_v all_o my_o secret_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o he_o know_v it_o so_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o our_o word_n our_o thought_n our_o action_n of_o all_o we_o do_v or_o say_v nay_o where_o this_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n no_o faith_n no_o conscience_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n see_v his_o work_n behold_v and_o mark_n they_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o life_n sin_n as_o he_o do_v and_o thy_o tribulation_n here_o he_o join_v work_n and_o tribulation_n together_o where_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o tribulation_n must_v needs_o go_v with_o work_n and_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n where_o grace_n be_v there_o must_v be_v tribulation_n where_o god_n give_v grace_n he_o add_v tribulation_n first_o to_o humble_v they_o second_o to_o try_v they_o three_o to_o prevent_v other_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v else_o commit_v i_o know_v thy_o tribulation_n this_o then_o be_v add_v to_o comfort_v the_o church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v true_a thou_o be_v in_o tribulation_n but_o it_o come_v not_o by_o chance_n but_o from_o god_n my_o father_n i_o know_v it_o i_o see_v and_o behold_v it_o and_o have_v care_n of_o
sure_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o if_o one_o look_v and_o view_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o osea_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n every_o man_n seek_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o way_n none_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v he_o beside_o they_o be_v altogether_o carnal_a fleshly_a dead_a and_o drown_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n none_o affect_v thing_n belong_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o all_o man_n in_o general_a lie_n in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n in_o they_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n have_v wrap_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o security_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v never_o dream_v of_o the_o evil_a day_n though_o god_n preach_v daily_o by_o his_o judgement_n to_o they_o again_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n want_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n the_o cruelty_n which_o abound_v in_o all_o man_n oppression_n whoredom_n fornication_n these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n now_o in_o our_o day_n rife_o in_o every_o place_n these_o be_v common_a sin_n call_v for_o vengeance_n which_o will_v come_v undoubted_o unless_o we_o repent_v so_o that_o christ_n can_v speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o this_o church_n but_o in_o a_o contrary_a voice_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o common_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n yet_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o remnant_n who_o lament_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o they_o must_v take_v to_o they_o christian_a fortitude_n &_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n &_o of_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v and_o bold_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n to_o maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o let_v they_o first_o consider_v that_o they_o which_o fear_v distrustful_o must_v have_v a_o miserable_a portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n reu._n 21._o 8._o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o this_o reward_n let_v we_o go_v on_o fear_v nothing_o 2_o they_o must_v consider_v god_n presence_n he_o be_v by_o they_o ready_a to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o psalm_n 34._o 12._o 2._o king_n 6._o elishah_n servant_n see_v in_o dothan_n a_o huge_a army_n which_o beset_v he_o and_o his_o master_n he_o say_v be_v not_o afraid_a for_o they_o which_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o these_o against_o us._n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n and_o that_o god_n angel_n will_v defend_v and_o guard_v he_o so_o shall_v all_o man_n in_o danger_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o persuade_v themselves_o god_n be_v present_a he_o have_v his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v his_o child_n 3_o god_n child_n must_v consider_v in_o peril_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n paul_n he_o account_v it_o his_o chief_a honour_n nay_o he_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n then_o if_o suffer_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v such_o a_o honourable_a thing_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n &_o affliction_n whatsoever_o but_o those_o which_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o present_a day_n of_o misery_n nor_o have_v not_o this_o perfect_a fortitude_n they_o must_v lament_v and_o howl_v lest_o the_o evil_a day_n take_v they_o unprovided_a the_o next_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o this_o church_n must_v suffer_v but_o before_o he_o propound_v the_o affliction_n he_o set_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n often_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n before_o hand_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n judgement_n and_o correction_n before_o they_o come_v lest_o we_o perish_v in_o they_o for_o christ_n luk._n 19_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o she_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n because_o she_o will_v not_o think_v of_o her_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n forotel_v and_o show_v her_o final_a destruction_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o they_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o he_o which_o can_v foretell_v all_o future_a thing_n in_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v contingent_a he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n but_o christ_n foretell_v their_o particular_a affliction_n to_o come_v ergo_fw-la he_o be_v god_n ob._n but_o the_o physician_n can_v foretell_v the_o death_n of_o his_o patient_n the_o astronomer_n the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o come_v answ._n they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o mean_n the_o physician_n foretell_v by_o the_o cause_n and_o sign_n he_o see_v in_o the_o party_n by_o which_o death_n be_v in_o â—ort_n present_a so_o the_o astronomer_n by_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n can_v foretell_v a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o course_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o eclipse_n be_v present_a but_o without_o these_o sign_n and_o cause_n they_o can_v simple_o but_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n or_o cause_n simple_o foretell_v this_o affliction_n in_o particular_a to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n christ_n describe_v the_o affliction_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o devil_n second_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o three_o the_o kind_n imprisonment_n four_a the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o five_o the_o time_n ten_o day_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n ob._n but_o how_o can_v he_o afflict_v they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o deal_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o man_n ans._n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o rule_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o they_o direct_v their_o thought_n will_n affection_n so_o as_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o move_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v they_o in_o prison_n now_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o persecution_n we_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n those_o be_v which_o persecute_v the_o church_n namely_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n move_v and_o rule_v by_o he_o notorious_a wicked_a wretch_n which_o have_v satan_n for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n 2._o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n see_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o he_o to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o for_o he_o which_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o religion_n in_o word_n or_o action_n he_o in_o that_o action_n be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n lead_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o action_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n satan_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a agent_n he_o be_v his_o slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o be_v as_o a_o soldier_n under_o his_o band_n again_o learn_v we_o to_o take_v pity_n on_o all_o such_o person_n see_v they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n lead_v and_o move_v by_o he_o yea_o even_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecutor_n furthermore_o the_o weapon_n we_o must_v have_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o persecution_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a see_v our_o enemy_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v use_v invocation_n and_o prayer_n fast_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o which_o we_o show_v our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o this_o weapon_n of_o prayer_n elias_n be_v call_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a enemy_n among_o we_o then_o be_v indeed_o the_o soldier_n to_o be_v use_v but_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n that_o must_v be_v our_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n the_o
when_o a_o man_n keep_v this_o promise_n make_v in_o baptism_n and_o perform_v this_o condition_n to_o god_n and_o stipulation_n than_o he_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n &_o when_o he_o break_v it_o than_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a 1._o pet._n 3._o 21._o second_o the_o lord_n he_o give_v his_o servant_n many_o grace_n as_o faith_n hope_n love_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n these_o he_o commit_v to_o man_n to_o see_v how_o he_o will_v use_v or_o abuse_v they_o 1._o tim._n 6._o 20._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o keep_v they_o to_o use_v they_o well_o and_o this_o if_o we_o do_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o our_o own_o good_a than_o we_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n else_o not_o as_o if_o a_o man_n commit_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o another_o if_o he_o lose_v it_o or_o keep_v it_o not_o well_o he_o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o he_o be_v faithful_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o have_v make_v a_o promise_n in_o baptism_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o thou_o have_v have_v many_o grace_n promise_v to_o use_v they_o well_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o life_n and_o death_n &_o be_v faithful_a in_o persecution_n &_o affliction_n keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o then_o thou_o artfaithfull_a against_o this_o duty_n three_o sort_n of_o man_n offend_v first_o they_o which_o though_o they_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o security_n never_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n to_o understand_v his_o will_n or_o to_o obey_v he_o yet_o these_o will_v brag_v of_o their_o good_a meaning_n though_o they_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o please_v god_n no_o care_n to_o keep_v their_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n and_o their_o stipulation_n in_o baptism_n to_o he_o second_o they_o which_o for_o a_o good_a while_n have_v have_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v come_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n yet_o after_o long_a time_n fall_v away_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o world_n with_o the_o profit_n and_o sin_n thereof_o and_o so_o leave_v all_o and_o come_v to_o break_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n both_o these_o be_v unfaithful_a servant_n and_o their_o reward_n if_o the_o lord_n deal_v in_o justice_n with_o they_o be_v destruction_n and_o yet_o all_o man_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v of_o these_o two_o sort_n they_o either_o live_v in_o ignorance_n or_o fall_v away_o after_o a_o long_a time_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o profess_v a_o long_a time_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v earnest_a professor_n yet_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n they_o will_v leave_v all_o profession_n of_o religion_n to_o save_v themselves_o then_o see_v all_o these_o offend_v we_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v god_n to_o obey_v he_o to_o keep_v his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o we_o to_o the_o end_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o lose_v our_o life_n rather_o than_o any_o one_o grace_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o us._n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o persecution_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v merit_v heaven_n see_v there_o be_v promise_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n ans._n it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n by_o resemblance_n for_o as_o man_n in_o a_o race_n first_o run_v and_o after_o they_o obtain_v the_o crown_n at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o race_n so_o man_n must_v first_o in_o this_o world_n live_v godly_a run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n after_o that_o they_o have_v their_o crown_n in_o heaven_n i_o answer_v again_o this_o reward_n be_v not_o of_o the_o work_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o worker_n not_o to_o the_o martyredome_n but_o to_o the_o martyr_n which_o have_v by_o suffer_a death_n show_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o passion_n or_o suffering_n but_o to_o the_o person_n suffer_v &_o not_o for_o his_o suffering_n but_o to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n &_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o by_o his_o suffer_a death_n so_o then_o that_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o work_n but_o to_o the_o worker_n and_o not_o for_o his_o work_n but_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o he_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o use_n than_o be_v use_v that_o if_o we_o keep_v this_o promise_n in_o baptism_n make_v before_o god_n his_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o which_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n promise_v to_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n let_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n 11._o hear_v in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n or_o last_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n now_o in_o these_o three_o verse_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v a_o rehearsal_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n deliver_v before_o in_o this_o and_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n now_o see_v christ_n the_o head_n and_o doctor_n of_o his_o church_n be_v most_o perfect_a in_o his_o doctrine_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o deliver_v the_o same_o see_v he_o repeat_v again_o and_o again_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o see_v peter_n put_v they_o often_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o common_a salvation_n hence_o we_o note_v that_o minister_n may_v often_o repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n not_o only_o the_o same_o matter_n but_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o word_n so_o do_v christ_n the_o head_n doctor_n of_o the_o church_n so_o may_v we_o or_o any_o preacher_n preach_v the_o same_o sermon_n again_o in_o manner_n and_o matter_n not_o for_o to_o ease_v ourselves_o but_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christ_n seven_o time_n repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o the_o hearer_n then_o if_o they_o find_v the_o preacher_n shall_v deliver_v the_o same_o doctrine_n again_o or_o often_o they_o must_v not_o find_v fault_n for_o than_o they_o may_v as_o well_o find_v fault_n with_o christ_n himself_o who_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o often_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n in_o this_o eleven_o verse_n be_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commandment_n second_o a_o promise_n in_o the_o commandment_n first_o what_o be_v command_v second_o to_o who_o the_o duty_n command_v be_v to_o hear_v there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o hear_v good_a and_o bad_a here_o he_o require_v good_a hear_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n not_o naked_a and_o bare_a outward_a hear_n then_o we_o see_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n stand_v in_o hear_v with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v nothing_o we_o hear_v and_o know_v nothing_o with_o sound_a hear_n to_o salvation_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o who_o the_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v for_o some_o be_v deaf_a some_o be_v lively_a and_o hear_v hearer_n they_o be_v deaf_a which_o hear_v only_o with_o outward_a and_o bodily_a ear_n not_o affect_v in_o hart_n nor_o change_v in_o life_n by_o the_o word_n they_o be_v good_a hear_v hearer_n which_o be_v touch_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o word_n change_v and_o renew_a in_o life_n by_o the_o same_o have_v not_o only_o outward_a ear_n of_o the_o head_n but_o inward_a bore_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n hence_o we_o learn_v two_o thing_n use_v first_o that_o election_n be_v not_o general_a and_o universal_a of_o every_o particular_a man_n for_o there_o be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v ever_o some_o deaf_a hearer_n second_o we_o learn_v our_o duty_n that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o lend_v our_o outward_a ear_n but_o withal_o join_v faith_n obedience_n and_o conversion_n in_o life_n so_o hear_v that_o we_o be_v change_v in_o life_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n else_o our_o hear_n be_v fruitless_a nay_o to_o damnation_n the_o three_o thing_n be_v what_o they_o must_v hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v namely_o that_o which_o be_v before_o in_o the_o former_a word_n deliver_v by_o christ._n the_o principal_a thing_n be_v these_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n see_v and_o regard_v the_o tribulation_n and_o affliction_n of_o his_o church_n second_o that_o god_n church_n and_o people_n be_v to_o suffer_v the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n must_v forethink_v of_o it_o and_o consider_v of_o it_o before_o
it_o come_v &_o withal_o must_v arm_v themselves_o with_o christian_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n not_o to_o fear_v too_o much_o three_o they_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o promise_n and_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n in_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o true_a religion_n even_o to_o death_n so_o that_o they_o must_v hear_v these_o three_o the_o first_o concern_v god_n providence_n see_v and_o regard_v his_o church_n the_o second_o concern_v christian_n fortitude_n &_o courage_n in_o affliction_n the_o three_o our_o faithfulness_n &_o constancy_n in_o defence_n of_o faith_n &_o a_o good_a conscience_n maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o end_n these_o three_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o shall_v hear_v and_o consider_v and_o so_o we_o must_v consider_v and_o learn_v the_o same_o to_o excite_v they_o and_o we_o to_o these_o three_o thing_n to_o hear_v and_o know_v the_o three_o duty_n he_o give_v two_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o spirit_n speak_v the_o second_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v not_o to_o one_o but_o all_o church_n direct_o to_o they_o of_o smyrna_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o church_n to_o all_o of_o we_o no_o man_n be_v except_v but_o must_v hear_v he_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v a_o promise_n he_o which_o evercome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v that_o we_o may_v overcome_v two_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o to_o renounce_v and_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o second_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o hope_n trust_v and_o affiance_n in_o christ_n which_o when_o we_o do_v than_o we_o have_v save_v faith_n and_o this_o overcome_v all_o our_o enemy_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o defend_v true_a religion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n that_o be_v eternal_a death_n for_o the_o first_o death_n be_v when_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v separate_v in_o this_o life_n the_o second_o when_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o god_n for_o ever_o in_o which_o separation_n reu._n 21._o consist_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o man_n even_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o eternal_a lake_n it_o be_v then_o as_o if_o he_o say_v though_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o first_o death_n yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o he_o shall_v escape_v that_o fire_n and_o lake_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a and_o happy_a promise_n to_o escape_v the_o lake_n of_o hell_n here_o note_n first_o to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o which_o overcome_v to_o they_o which_o renounce_v themselves_o put_v their_o trust_n and_o affiance_n only_o in_o christ_n and_o labour_n to_o keep_v faith_n &_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n then_o if_o we_o will_v overcome_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v to_o teach_v or_o hear_v of_o religion_n but_o true_a profession_n be_v join_v with_o fight_v against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o with_o christian_n courage_n let_v none_o of_o they_o reign_v over_o we_o but_o fight_v till_o we_o overcome_v and_o get_v victory_n over_o they_o all_o than_o we_o overcome_v indeed_o and_o then_o to_o we_o be_v make_v this_o promise_n alas_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o know_v or_o approve_v religion_n and_o yet_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o to_o let_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o ourflesh_n reign_v over_o us._n than_o we_o must_v never_o content_v ourselves_o with_o bare_a profession_n but_o labour_v to_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v conqueror_n of_o hell_n death_n etc._n etc._n by_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o have_v a_o bless_a promise_n of_o freedom_n from_o the_o second_o death_n and_o of_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o shall_v not_o fear_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o burn_a lake_n furthermore_o in_o these_o word_n be_v answer_v a_o question_n which_o many_o a_o man_n heart_n make_v but_o few_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o heart_n can_v answer_v how_o may_v i_o escape_v the_o burn_a lake_n how_o can_v i_o fly_v and_o avoid_v the_o second_o death_n ans._n thou_o must_v in_o this_o life_n turn_v true_o to_o god_n from_o all_o thy_o evil_a way_n renounce_v thyself_o believe_v and_o put_v thy_o assurance_n in_o christ_n and_o withal_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fiery_a lake_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o hurt_v thou_o though_o thou_o shall_v taste_v of_o the_o first_o yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o second_o death_n will_v any_o have_v his_o soul_n escape_v this_o burn_a lake_n have_v his_o silly_a soul_n free_a from_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n let_v he_o turn_v to_o god_n renounce_v himself_o put_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n never_o turn_v to_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o withal_o take_v heed_n to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v faith_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o maintain_v pure_a and_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o burn_a lake_n further_o we_o see_v by_o these_o word_n that_o of_o the_o two_o death_n the_o second_o be_v the_o worse_o and_o most_o proper_o death_n for_o the_o first_o be_v but_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o second_o the_o second_o be_v the_o cruel_a death_n and_o destruction_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n this_o be_v yet_o the_o madness_n of_o man_n that_o they_o fear_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o first_o and_o not_o of_o the_o second_o never_o think_v of_o the_o burn_a lake_n like_a child_n which_o fear_v shadow_n and_o never_o fear_v fire_n or_o water_n but_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v drown_v or_o burn_v and_o to_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n 12._o in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o three_o particular_a commandment_n of_o christ_n to_o john_n for_o the_o pen_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o three_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n by_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n be_v mean_v either_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n or_o company_n of_o the_o minister_n &_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o so_o often_o in_o the_o word_n one_o be_v put_v for_o a_o multitude_n this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v give_v to_o john_n by_o christ_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o calling_n to_o pen_v this_o book_n and_o epistle_n second_o to_o assure_v the_o church_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n see_v it_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n thus_o say_v he_o with_o have_v that_o sharp_a etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n in_o the_o thirteen_o verse_n the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n thus_o say_v he_o here_o he_o show_v in_o who_o name_n he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n christ_n who_o be_v describe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o prophet_n and_o priest_n but_o a_o king_n in_o govern_v and_o guide_v his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v a_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v describe_v first_o that_o it_o have_v to_o edge_n second_o it_o be_v sharp_a mean_v by_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o the_o like_a power_n hebr._n 4._o 12._o christ_n be_v thus_o set_v out_o to_o comfort_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o by_o this_o christ_n signify_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o by_o power_n of_o the_o word_n kill_v sin_n wound_v it_o at_o the_o heart_n he_o kill_v and_o slay_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o deadly_a that_o it_o can_v recover_v again_o second_o that_o he_o will_v strengthen_v and_o maintain_v the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o by_o this_o sword_n against_o all_o their_o enemy_n for_o he_o will_v not_o only_o hurt_v the_o enemy_n but_o defend_v his_o by_o his_o sword_n object_n how_o do_v he_o wound_v they_o by_o the_o word_n answ._n the_o word_n must_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v of_o us._n now_o when_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o law_n and_o the_o threat_n thereof_o and_o the_o point_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o if_o affliction_n come_v faith_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v they_o make_v we_o that_o we_o be_v comfort_v and_o arm_v we_o against_o all_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v hurt_v we_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o not_o than_o the_o word_n be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o sword_n in_o a_o sheath_n not_o draw_v out_o nor_o use_v to_o defend_v or_o drive_v back_o our_o enemy_n but_o
keep_v my_o name_n though_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v erect_v his_o throne_n yet_o thou_o maintaine_v my_o name_n and_o hold_v it_o fast_o so_o that_o neither_o fraud_n nor_o force_n of_o enemy_n can_v take_v it_o from_o thou_o my_o name_n that_o be_v my_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 9_o thou_o do_v constant_o hold_v and_o maintain_v it_o and_o my_o religion_n thou_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o my_o servant_n have_v deliver_v to_o thou_o so_o that_o in_o these_o word_n christ_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o constancy_n in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o use_v to_o hold_v believe_v and_o maintain_v religion_n but_o we_o must_v do_v it_o constant_o so_o the_o word_n signifiâ—s_v we_o must_v hold_v the_o same_o fast_o against_o all_o adversary_n not_o easy_o turn_v with_o any_o blast_n of_o man_n doctrine_n but_o so_o to_o hold_v religion_n that_o no_o enemy_n by_o force_n or_o fraud_n draw_v it_o from_o us._n when_o math._n 13._o the_o man_n find_v the_o pearl_n he_o sell_v all_o to_o buy_v the_o field_n and_o if_o a_o man_n among_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o field_n by_o his_o cunning_a and_o skill_n a_o golden_a mine_n he_o will_v not_o tell_v it_o to_o any_o but_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o he_o have_v &_o buy_v the_o ground_n that_o so_o he_o may_v enrich_v himself_o so_o we_o if_o we_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o make_v it_o we_o to_o have_v it_o make_v sure_a to_o we_o to_o sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o loose_a life_n itself_o rather_o then_o to_o forgo_v that_o precious_a pearl_n 1._o tim._n 3._o 9_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o precious_a jewel_n which_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o treasury_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o can_v be_v break_v into_o but_o must_v be_v strong_a in_o which_o store-house_n and_o treasury_n we_o must_v have_v true_a religion_n and_o faith_n lock_v that_o nothing_o get_v it_o from_o we_o but_o lose_v all_o we_o have_v even_o our_o life_n before_o we_o part_v with_o it_o for_o if_o that_o be_v sure_a all_o be_v well_o but_o if_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v lose_v all_o be_v go_v salvation_n be_v lose_v thy_o soul_n be_v perish_v now_o for_o her_o further_a commendation_n christ_n set_v out_o her_o constancy_n by_o two_o argument_n first_o that_o she_o hold_v religion_n without_o denial_n second_o that_o she_o hold_v it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n never_o deny_v religion_n or_o revolt_v from_o faith_n in_o christ_n she_o do_v not_o as_o many_o man_n who_o hold_v believe_v and_o maintain_v religion_n yet_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n they_o will_v revolt_v in_o this_o we_o must_v imitate_v she_o else_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v we_o grace_n to_o repent_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o we_o perish_v esaw_n sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o small_a thing_n a_o few_o red_a pottage_n but_o after_o he_o seek_v it_o with_o repentance_n and_o tear_n &_o can_v not_o get_v it_o we_o must_v then_o hold_v religion_n and_o not_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n revolt_v and_o deny_v it_o lest_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o no_o grace_n to_o repent_v which_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n that_o be_v i_o own_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_a religion_n religion_n be_v call_v christ_n first_o because_o christ_n with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v author_n of_o it_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v good_a be_v from_o above_o second_o because_o he_o reveal_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n three_o because_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o religion_n christ_n be_v the_o whole_a subject_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o christ_n set_v out_o her_o constancy_n be_v that_o she_o hold_v religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o persecute_v she_o be_v constant_a when_o antiphas_n be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o this_o antiphas_n be_v it_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v by_o any_o history_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v he_o be_v pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n who_o oppose_v himself_o and_o oppugn_v the_o doctrine_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o that_o city_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o point_n first_o he_o commend_v this_o martyr_n antiphas_n when_o he_o say_v that_o my_o servant_n my_o faithful_a servant_n antiphas_n he_o extol_v he_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o honour_n and_o commend_v martyr_n which_o die_v for_o christ_n cause_n and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o give_v they_o their_o due_a deserve_a honour_n and_o commendation_n as_o christ_n do_v to_o antiphas_n second_o by_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o conversation_n of_o life_n for_o this_o cause_n christ_n commend_v this_o good_a martyr_n that_o the_o people_n of_o pergamus_n may_v imitate_v he_o in_o his_o constancy_n not_o to_o honour_v he_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v with_o divine_a honour_n and_o invocation_n again_o he_o say_v that_o my_o faithful_a martyr_n not_o commend_v he_o for_o his_o death_n that_o he_o die_v but_o for_o the_o cause_n for_o not_o the_o death_n but_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o man_n may_v die_v for_o heresy_n and_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o martyr_n but_o antiphas_n he_o be_v a_o true_a martyr_n ergo_fw-la christ_n say_v that_o my_o servant_n nay_o that_o my_o faithful_a servant_n antiphas_n in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o author_n of_o this_o death_n of_o antiphas_n some_o among_o you_o some_o of_o pergamus_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n they_o be_v such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o reign_v and_o this_o he_o repeat_v to_o show_v that_o they_o which_o have_v contemn_v christ_n religion_n though_o they_o pretend_v good_a thing_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o they_o they_o be_v his_o hold_n and_o castle_n object_n but_o why_o do_v the_o devil_n dwell_v in_o the_o city_n of_o pergamus_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o city_n be_v gentile_n they_o hate_v and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n &_o so_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o must_v then_o take_v heed_n we_o never_o contemn_v the_o fame_n for_o in_o a_o family_n where_o they_o live_v in_o ignorance_n in_o injustice_n fraud_n and_o wickedness_n there_o the_o devil_n rule_v he_o have_v his_o throne_n that_o be_v a_o stable_n for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o then_o master_n of_o family_n and_o parent_n which_o govern_v family_n must_v see_v they_o love_v and_o embrace_v religion_n and_o teach_v it_o to_o their_o family_n else_o their_o house_n be_v but_o the_o stable_n of_o satan_n his_o place_n to_o dwell_v in_o ob._n but_o whether_o may_v not_o antiphas_n be_v minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n have_v flee_v answ._n persecution_n be_v double_a either_o direct_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n principal_o or_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o person_n he_o may_v fly_v safe_o if_o he_o get_v opportunity_n to_o preserve_v his_o life_n and_o have_v liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o fly_v but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o whole_a church_n then_o unless_o he_o have_v liberty_n grant_v by_o they_o he_o must_v stay_v and_o take_v part_n with_o they_o in_o their_o persecution_n now_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v antiphas_n persecution_n see_v he_o be_v so_o call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o he_o commend_v she_o before_o but_o here_o he_o rebuke_n she_o and_o this_o reproof_n be_v first_o general_o propound_v then_o in_o more_o particular_a in_o general_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o want_v zeal_n thou_o bear_v with_o they_o which_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o have_v these_o word_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n before_o and_o here_o repeat_v they_o again_o teach_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o search_v what_o be_v in_o they_o that_o christ_n may_v have_v against_o they_o to_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o strait_a reckon_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v do_v from_o their_o beginning_n to_o their_o end_n and_o all_o their_o life_n narrow_o to_o examine_v themselves_o
and_o place_n and_o not_o before_o fit_a person_n so_o paul_n say_v that_o if_o to_o eat_v shall_v offend_v he_o will_v never_o eat_v 1._o cor._n 9_o so_o here_o balaam_n give_v offence_n they_o of_o pergamus_n take_v it_o to_o commit_v sin_n and_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o fall_v from_o god_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o balaam_n cast_v these_o offence_n before_o the_o israelite_n namely_o by_o provoke_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n numb_a 25._o when_o balaam_n have_v use_v many_o way_n to_o curse_v they_o and_o can_v not_o prevail_v he_o use_v new_a mean_n which_o be_v to_o send_v out_o most_o wicked_a and_o beautiful_a woman_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o their_o idol_n banquet_n and_o to_o fornication_n and_o they_o condescend_v to_o they_o hence_o we_o gather_v 1_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a note_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o offence_n to_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n for_o balaam_n a_o false_a prophet_n be_v note_v by_o this_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v godliness_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n to_o salvation_n so_o false_a teach_n be_v a_o mystery_n tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o that_o by_o this_o note_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o all_o religion_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o turk_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o papist_n which_o most_o trouble_v we_o in_o this_o church_n for_o all_o religion_n who_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o stop_v or_o hinder_v man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n they_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n the_o papist_n religion_n which_o our_o ancient_a folk_n call_v the_o old_a religion_n be_v a_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o destroy_v man_n to_o overturn_v the_o whole_a moral_a law_n of_o god_n especial_o to_o maintain_v adultery_n and_o idolatry_n the_o first_o commandment_n be_v thou_o shall_v have_v the_o true_a god_n only_o for_o thy_o god_n but_o the_o papist_n make_v more_o than_o one_o they_o make_v the_o creature_n god_n they_o invocate_v saint_n which_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o make_v they_o god_n to_o give_v they_o his_o honour_n see_v he_o alone_o be_v present_v every_o where_o &_o see_v the_o hart_n and_o see_v they_o say_v they_o can_v merit_v which_o none_o can_v do_v formans_fw-la sin_n but_o only_o god_n no_o not_o christ_n himself_o if_o he_o be_v not_o god_n nay_o they_o make_v the_o wooden_a cross_n not_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v god_n in_o that_o they_o call_v it_o their_o hope_n and_o so_o the_o virgin_n mary_n call_v she_o our_o lady_n put_v hope_n in_o she_o and_o say_v she_o can_v command_v her_o son_n in_o heaven_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n the_o second_o commandment_n they_o in_o practice_n break_v in_o make_v image_n of_o god_n the_o father_n like_o a_o old_a man_n the_o son_n as_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n &_o with_o religious_a worship_n adore_v and_o worship_v saint_n they_o err_v against_o the_o three_o commandment_n teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v swear_v by_o saint_n and_o the_o four_o in_o that_o they_o make_v festival_n day_n of_o man_n and_o saint_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o take_v away_o man_n liberty_n of_o labour_v six_o day_n to_o worship_v their_o saint_n as_o for_o the_o five_o commandment_n in_o this_o they_o make_v subject_n free_a from_o their_o lawful_a loyalty_n to_o their_o lawful_a prince_n in_o the_o six_o they_o make_v and_o appoint_v place_n to_o which_o murderer_n may_v fly_v and_o be_v safe_a and_o in_o keep_v the_o word_n from_o lay_a man_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o so_o murder_v their_o soul_n in_o the_o seven_o they_o maintain_v stew_n and_o house_n of_o profess_a adultery_n and_o hold_v that_o the_o uncle_n may_v marry_v his_o niece_n or_o his_o great_a niece_n for_o the_o eight_o commandment_n they_o overthrow_v it_o in_o that_o they_o make_v all_o thing_n saleable_a heaven_n hell_n purgatory_n and_o all_o which_o be_v manifest_a robbery_n they_o wrong_v the_o nine_o commandment_n in_o that_o they_o false_o make_v man_n write_n the_o canon_n of_o god_n word_n nay_o they_o maintain_v lie_v see_v that_o they_o hold_v a_o man_n be_v ask_v of_o a_o thing_n he_o know_v as_o when_o one_o have_v confess_v his_o sin_n another_o ask_v he_o he_o may_v though_o he_o know_v the_o same_o say_v he_o know_v not_o that_o be_v they_o know_v not_o they_o to_o tell_v they_o to_o you_o but_o that_o be_v a_o slender_a excuse_n for_o the_o ten_o commandment_n they_o make_v concupiscence_n and_o lust_n to_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o put_v out_o that_o commandment_n so_o that_o we_o see_v this_o whole_a religion_n which_o be_v call_v of_o old_a people_n the_o old_a religion_n be_v clean_o new_a from_o the_o true_a religion_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n see_v it_o tend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o destruction_n and_o overturning_a of_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n to_o come_v to_o our_o own_o church_n true_a it_o be_v man_n slander_v our_o doctrine_n say_v it_o be_v scandalous_a three_o way_n first_o that_o we_o teach_v god_n create_v man_n to_o cast_v the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o into_o hell_n &_o destroy_v they_o first_o we_o answer_v we_o hold_v that_o though_o the_o scripture_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o certain_a number_n yet_o the_o elect_a be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o small_a number_n second_o the_o end_n why_o god_n create_v man_n be_v not_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o their_o due_n just_a &_o deserve_a damnation_n &_o destruction_n not_o that_o he_o create_v man_n to_o this_o end_n to_o cast_v they_o to_o hell_n second_o they_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n see_v we_o hold_v that_o god_n decree_v man_n fall_n and_o so_o do_v make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n answ._n we_o say_v indeed_o that_o god_n decree_v man_n fall_n &_o permit_v he_o to_o sin_n yet_o teach_v we_o not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o his_o will_n be_v double_a general_a and_o particular_a in_o his_o general_a will_n he_o decree_v to_o permit_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o fall_v yet_o so_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n it_o be_v good_a though_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n evil_n for_o as_o he_o can_v draw_v out_o of_o darkness_n light_n so_o out_o of_o evil_n he_o can_v work_v good_a to_o himself_o second_o there_o be_v his_o special_a will_n by_o which_o he_o will_v and_o delight_n only_o in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o by_o this_o he_o hate_v man_n fall_n and_o even_o as_o the_o magistrate_n hate_v &_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o the_o malefactor_n yet_o he_o will_v it_o in_o that_o he_o execute_v the_o same_o so_o the_o lord_n he_o in_o his_o general_a will_n will_v the_o permit_v of_o man_n fall_n not_o as_o it_o be_v evil_a but_o as_o it_o turn_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_a last_o they_o charge_v our_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o security_n and_o carnal_a carelessness_n in_o that_o we_o teach_v man_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n but_o see_v we_o withal_o teach_v a_o man_n must_v use_v the_o mean_n daily_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o the_o end_n we_o teach_v no_o doctrine_n of_o carnal_a security_n but_o a_o doctrine_n of_o pain_n and_o trouble_v which_o make_v man_n not_o careless_a but_o careful_a to_o come_v to_o hear_v to_o be_v certain_a and_o to_o persevere_v therefore_o they_o charge_v we_o wrongful_o in_o all_o these_o see_v it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o give_v offence_n we_o must_v take_v especial_a heed_n we_o give_v no_o offence_n in_o our_o life_n conversation_n word_n or_o deed_n but_o so_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o that_o we_o live_v unspotted_o for_o if_o we_o give_v offence_n we_o be_v balaams_n scholar_n and_o tread_v in_o his_o path_n let_v we_o then_o in_o our_o calling_n so_o carry_v ourselves_o upright_o that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n for_o woe_n to_o they_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v nay_o it_o be_v better_a they_o have_v a_o millstone_n tie_v to_o they_o and_o they_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n for_o that_o be_v to_o plunge_v our_o brother_n soul_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n but_o we_o must_v rather_o labour_v to_o help_v he_o to_o take_v from_o he_o all_o block_n of_o offence_n which_o if_o man_n will_v do_v than_o our_o church_n shall_v flourish_v
her_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o commandment_n to_o repent_v for_o other_o end_n first_o that_o then_o he_o may_v with_o the_o time_n give_v grace_n also_o to_o repent_v that_o so_o she_o and_o we_o may_v see_v what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o withal_o see_v our_o own_o want_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v as_o we_o be_v command_v and_o so_o to_o make_v we_o inexcusable_a and_o she_o repent_v not_o here_o jesabels_n sin_n be_v set_v down_o namely_o impenitency_n and_o go_v on_o in_o her_o sin_n of_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n concern_v which_o sin_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o where_o impenitency_n be_v forbid_v second_o how_o great_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v first_o where_o it_o be_v forbid_v ans._n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o the_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o two_o be_v sever_v and_o distinct_a neither_o can_v be_v mingle_v one_o with_o the_o other_o now_o the_o law_n command_v thing_n which_o we_o in_o that_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o which_o adam_n be_v can_v have_v fulfil_v but_o the_o gospel_n command_v thing_n above_o nature_n the_o law_n can_v command_v repentance_n see_v it_o reveal_v not_o repentance_n 2._o but_o the_o gospel_n command_v it_o and_o so_o by_o a_o evangelicall_a commandment_n this_o sin_n be_v forbid_v as_o for_o the_o second_o part_n how_o great_a this_o sin_n be_v know_v we_o that_o when_o man_n live_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n see_v by_o it_o man_n heap_v up_o sin_n and_o wrath_n to_o themselves_o some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o it_o be_v untrue_a for_o that_o be_v a_o blasphemy_n so_o be_v not_o impenitency_n that_o be_v in_o this_o life_n but_o impenitency_n proper_o be_v at_o death_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v again_o that_o a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n see_v he_o give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v but_o she_o will_v not_o ans._n she_o have_v free_a will_n to_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n have_v and_o so_o to_o be_v impenitent_a but_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o she_o have_v free_a will_n to_o do_v good_a &_o to_o repent_v without_o god_n special_a grace_n that_o which_o christ_n say_v of_o jesabel_n may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o church_n and_o most_o man_n among_o we_o he_o give_v we_o long_a time_n to_o repent_v ten_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o repute_n we_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n we_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o god_n true_o but_o lie_v in_o sin_n in_o ignorance_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n in_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n covetousness_n adultery_n idleness_n drink_v and_o eat_v so_o that_o our_o life_n tell_v plain_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o turn_n to_o god_n true_o now_o christ_n have_v reprove_v the_o church_n and_o jesabel_n from_o the_o 22._o to_o the_o 28._o verse_n he_o give_v special_a counsel_n to_o they_o both_o the_o end_n of_o his_o counsel_n be_v to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o avoid_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o concern_v the_o woman_n jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n the_o second_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n the_o counsel_n concern_v she_o be_v in_o the_o 22._o and_o 23._o verse_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v to_o repent_v thou_o jesabel_n and_o thy_o company_n and_o disciple_n repent_v of_o your_o sin_n this_o be_v not_o express_v but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o be_v the_o reason_n vers_fw-la 22._o 23._o the_o reason_n be_v this_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o repent_v i_o will_v punish_v thou_o with_o sundry_a judgement_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v punish_v with_o sundry_a judgement_n therefore_o repent_v behold_v i_o will_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n in_o which_o note_n two_o part_n first_o a_o threaten_a second_o a_o exception_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o work_n before_o the_o threaten_a christ_n set_v this_o note_n of_o attention_n this_o shall_v teach_v she_o &_o we_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o judgement_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n josias_n when_o the_o law_n be_v read_v his_o heart_n melt_v which_o be_v at_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o king_n 24._o so_o when_o peter_n preach_v the_o jew_n be_v prick_v in_o heart_n because_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o fearful_a judgement_n due_a to_o they_o for_o kill_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n act._n 2._o 37._o so_o shall_v we_o with_o josias_n be_v humble_v at_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o god_n threaten_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v move_v to_o repent_v and_o the_o cause_n why_o sin_n be_v so_o rife_a be_v because_o man_n think_v not_o earnest_o or_o else_o regard_v not_o god_n judgement_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n the_o threaten_a have_v three_o part_n according_a to_o three_o estate_n the_o first_o concern_v jesabel_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n we_o may_v gather_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n by_o those_o 2._o sam._n 13._o 5._o of_o jonadab_n to_o amnon_n lie_v down_o on_o thy_o bed_n and_o feign_v thyself_o sick_a so_o here_o i_o i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n that_o be_v strike_v she_o with_o some_o great_a sickness_n the_o place_n namely_o the_o bed_n put_v for_o the_o sickness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o man_n lie_v on_o the_o bed_n jesabel_n take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o bed_n by_o fornication_n who_o abuse_v the_o bed_n the_o lord_n to_o punish_v she_o in_o the_o bed_n according_o give_v her_o sickness_n in_o the_o same_o bed_n which_o she_o abuse_v here_o be_v god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n he_o punish_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v abuse_v jesabel_n abuse_v the_o bed_n to_o fornication_n the_o lord_n punish_v she_o in_o the_o bed_n with_o some_o great_a disease_n and_o sickness_n dives_fw-la abuse_v his_o tongue_n and_o taste_v in_o god_n creature_n &_o he_o be_v punish_v in_o they_o luke_n 16._o he_o ask_v a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n gamester_n take_v pleasure_n in_o abuse_v time_n and_o spend_v it_o in_o card_v and_o dice_v their_o punishment_n it_o bring_v many_o judgement_n on_o they_o they_o come_v to_o ruin_v and_o misery_n ahab_n to_o get_v the_o vineyard_n shed_v blood_n the_o lord_n shed_v he_o jesabels_n and_o his_o child_n and_o they_o which_o live_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o poor_a &_o draw_v it_o out_o of_o they_o be_v punish_v with_o the_o like_a for_o blood_n will_v have_v blood_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v punish_v man_n in_o those_o sin_n wherein_o they_o take_v most_o pleasure_n then_o this_o shall_v admonish_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n we_o abuse_v no_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o same_o to_o our_o punishment_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o that_o be_v strike_v she_o with_o some_o grievous_a sickness_n here_o we_o see_v the_o author_n of_o sickness_n it_o be_v not_o by_o chance_n but_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o man_n can_v learn_v this_o they_o will_v make_v better_a use_n of_o sickness_n if_o man_n can_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v cast_v i_o on_o my_o bed_n visit_v my_o body_n with_o sickness_n he_o have_v do_v it_o for_o some_o of_o my_o sin_n to_o humble_v i_o and_o make_v i_o repent_v then_o they_o will_v find_v in_o their_o recovery_n a_o blessing_n and_o live_v a_o new_a life_n isaiah_n 38._o hezekiah_n when_o he_o lie_v on_o his_o death_n bed_n know_v it_o come_v from_o the_o lord_n &_o therefore_o hear_v isaiah_n say_v he_o must_v die_v he_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v as_o for_o other_o thing_n so_o especial_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o crave_a pardon_n for_o they_o so_o jacob_n lie_v on_o his_o bed_n lean_v on_o his_o staff_n sit_v up_o and_o pray_v for_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o testify_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o god_n so_o shall_v we_o in_o our_o sickness_n show_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o pray_v for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n commit_v against_o he_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o threaten_a which_o concern_v her_o disciple_n and_o follower_n which_o receive_v her_o doctrine_n and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o and_o their_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o great_a affliction_n we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o not_o a_o trick_n or_o slip_v of_o youth_n as_o we_o call_v it_o see_v christ_n assign_v a_o great_a punishment_n to_o it_o again_o we_o see_v some_o cause_n why_o town_n city_n and_o country_n be_v afflict_v with_o much_o famine_n sword_n and_o pestilence_n namely_o because_o there_o be_v fornicator_n and_o maintainer_n of_o error_n and_o superstition_n for_o god_n