5.2_o give_v entrance_n to_o grace_n 10.3_o access_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n 11._o make_v the_o elder_n well_o report_v of_o and_o each_o christian_n to_o 1.24_o stand_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v that_o 3.17_o hand_n by_o which_o we_o must_v apprehend_v christ_n that_o 6.16_o shield_n by_o which_o we_o resist_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o 13_o mean_v by_o which_o we_o do_v good_a to_o other_o 3.7_o by_o faith_n we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n 8.1_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n 3.12_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o 3.17_o he_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n 6.35_o we_o feed_v on_o he_o continual_o 5.8_o resist_v satan_n 1.13_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 4.2_o and_o the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v become_v profitable_a and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v faith_n be_v of_o such_o a_o quality_n that_o it_o 2.7_o unit_v we_o to_o christ_n 8._o make_v we_o certain_a of_o our_o salvation_n 3.13_o bold_a in_o our_o profession_n minister_v 3.28_o true_a joy_n 15.28_o give_v temporal_a blessing_n 17.19_o sanctify_v our_o gift_n and_o make_v we_o refuse_v the_o 24._o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n in_o a_o word_n no_o sin_n can_v condemn_v he_o who_o have_v this_o true_a faith_n and_o no_o virtue_n can_v save_v he_o who_o want_v it_o to_o come_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v christ_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o most_o comely_a garment_n that_o ever_o we_o can_v wear_v it_o be_v to_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o 13.13_o robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n 27.15_o jacob_n be_v bless_v by_o esau_n garment_n and_o we_o be_v bless_v by_o christ_n garment_n what_o we_o see_v through_o a_o green_a glass_n seem_v all_o to_o be_v green_a and_o what_o god_n see_v through_o christ_n it_o be_v all_o amiable_a we_o must_v put_v on_o this_o apparel_n not_o as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n on_o i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o clothes_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v they_o on_o again_o or_o as_o a_o gown_n that_o we_o cast_v off_o when_o we_o come_v to_o our_o home_n but_o we_o must_v so_o put_v he_o on_o that_o we_o never_o put_v he_o off_o again_o we_o must_v put_v he_o on_o by_o imputation_n imitation_n infusion_n and_o profession_n by_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n imitation_n of_o his_o virtue_n infusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n thus_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v christ_n for_o what_o though_o a_o man_n can_v command_v the_o earth_n with_o alexander_n the_o 14._o sea_n with_o moses_n the_o 1._o fire_n with_o eliah_n and_o the_o 10._o sun_n with_o josuah_n what_o though_o he_o be_v as_o rich_a as_o 4._o solomon_n as_o wise_a as_o 16.23_o achitophel_n as_o strong_a as_o 16._o samson_n as_o swift_a as_o 18.19_o ahimaaz_n as_o beautiful_a as_o 18._o absalon_n as_o fortunate_a as_o 33._o metellus_n and_o descend_v as_o 3.8_o paul_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a of_o prince_n yet_o have_v not_o christ_n he_o have_v nothing_o yea_o say_v a_o man_n have_v the_o abstinence_n of_o aristyde_v the_o innocence_n of_o photion_n the_o holiness_n of_o socrates_n the_o alm_n deed_n of_o cimon_n the_o moderation_n of_o camillus_n the_o honesty_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o both_o cato_n all_o these_o out_o of_o christ_n be_v but_o augustine_n splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la and_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o 3.10_o dung_n in_o regard_n of_o christ._n for_o have_v he_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n want_v he_o and_o want_v all_o thing_n he_o be_v in_o at_z and_o after_o death_n advantage_n i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o repent_v for_o if_o we_o repentance_n turn_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v turn_v to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v turn_v consider_v his_o 2._o mercy_n in_o forgive_a his_o 30.9_o benefit_n in_o give_v his_o 2.5_o patience_n in_o forbear_v and_o his_o 26.9_o judgement_n in_o punish_v 17.30_o the_o word_n preach_v 4.3_o sin_n commit_v and_o that_o 13.24_o few_o shall_v be_v save_v 12.1_o the_o shortness_n of_o life_n 90.12_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n 9.26_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n 2.9_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n 25.46_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o 15.10_o comfort_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o that_o else_o we_o can_v have_v no_o 41.1_o comfort_n in_o death_n 7._o pray_v we_o can_v unless_o we_o repent_v and_o 2.40_o perish_v we_o shall_v unless_o we_o repent_v but_o bless_v shall_v we_o be_v if_o we_o do_v repent_v but_o manum_fw-la de_fw-la tabula_fw-la magister_fw-la adest_fw-la this_o discourse_n follow_v will_v teach_v we_o these_o thing_n and_o it_o be_o i_o bold_a to_o present_v to_o your_o worship_n john_n send_v his_o revelation_n to_o many_o church_n and_o i_o present_v his_o epistle_n to_o many_o worthy_a personage_n and_o to_o who_o may_v i_o better_o present_v they_o then_o to_o you_o john_n be_v a_o disciple_n full_a of_o love_n and_o you_o be_v brethren_n full_a of_o love_n the_o preacher_n of_o these_o lecture_n be_v well_o know_v to_o many_o but_o to_o none_o better_o than_o to_o many_o of_o you_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o my_o time_n worthy_a member_n of_o that_o most_o worthy_a college_n college_n with_o he_o and_o the_o rather_o i_o do_v it_o that_o time_n to_o come_v may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o from_o one_o honourable_a root_n have_v issue_v so_o many_o profitable_a branch_n to_o the_o church_n you_o be_v six_o brethren_n as_o pillar_n of_o your_o house_n there_o be_v three_o sister_n as_o fruitful_a vine_n of_o the_o same_o one_o be_v not_o but_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o she_o i_o know_v a_o lady_n of_o admirable_a virtue_n wray_n the_o other_o two_o be_v and_o long_o may_v they_o be_v so_o you_o be_v all_o brethren_n by_o nature_n of_o one_o venture_n nation_n of_o one_o country_n grace_n of_o one_o spirit_n affection_n of_o one_o heart_n fortune_n in_o great_a favour_n and_o of_o one_o hope_v by_o your_o holy_a behaviour_n and_o 4.9_o concern_v brotherly_a love_n i_o need_v not_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o for_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v one_o another_o your_o plutarch_n scilurus_fw-la at_o his_o death_n need_v not_o to_o teach_v you_o concord_n by_o give_v to_o each_o of_o you_o a_o sheaf_n of_o arrow_n which_o can_v well_o be_v break_v whilst_o they_o be_v conjoin_v for_o you_o by_o your_o amity_n make_v yourselves_o invincible_a if_o 294._o chilo_n the_o lacedaemonian_a die_v for_o joy_n to_o see_v one_o son_n crown_v at_o olympus_n and_o 〈◊〉_d diagoras_n rhodius_n do_v the_o like_a when_o his_o three_o child_n get_v the_o garland_n at_o a_o wrestle_n and_o 45.28_o jacob_n so_o rejoice_v to_o hear_v of_o his_o son_n joseph_n to_o be_v advance_v great_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o egypt_n how_o may_v that_o happy_a father_n of_o you_o rejoice_v to_o see_v at_o one_o time_n one_o son_n sit_v as_o high_a sheriff_n of_o the_o shire_n another_o preach_n before_o the_o judge_n of_o assize_n and_o the_o three_o plead_v as_o councillor_n at_o the_o bar_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o great_a expectation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n thus_o 10.1_o wise_a son_n be_v a_o joy_n to_o their_o parent_n and_o all_o may_v 133.1_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o comely_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n aristotle_n can_v say_v that_o parent_n be_v not_o bless_v unless_o they_o be_v after_o their_o death_n bless_v in_o their_o child_n 〈◊〉_d and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o a_o father_n blessedness_n to_o see_v his_o child_n like_v to_o flourish_v when_o he_o be_v go_v nay_o of_o all_o monument_n that_o parent_n can_v leave_v behind_o they_o there_o be_v none_o as_o one_o say_v like_o to_o a_o virtuous_a son_n but_o all_o parent_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bless_v 4._o adam_n two_o son_n can_v not_o agree_v in_o one_o field_n 21.9_o abraham_n in_o one_o house_n rarey_a isaak_v in_o one_o womb_n 1._o david_n in_o one_o palace_n nor_o 12.13_o two_o brethren_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o inheritance_n and_o though_o concord_n among_o brethren_n especial_o such_o as_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n be_v very_o rare_a yet_o do_v you_o even_o in_o this_o most_o comfortable_o agree_v you_o be_v not_o as_o simeon_n &_o levi_n romulus_n and_o remus_n eteocles_n and_o polynices_n atreus_n &_o thyestes_n aeta_n and_o perseus_n but_o as_o castor_n and_o pollux_n david_n and_o jonathan_n joseph_n and_o benjamin_n and_o as_o a_o true_a friend_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d one_o soul_n in_o two_o body_n it_o seem_v that_o as_o agrippa_z the_o brother_n of_o augustus_n be_v behold_v to_o sallust_n for_o that_o one_o sentence_n small_a thing_n increase_v by_o concord_n but_o perish_v through_o discord_n so_o you_o have_v all_o learned_a the_o same_o lesson_n as_o be_v
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a benediction_n for_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n &_o must_v short_o be_v fulfil_v therefore_o those_o be_v bless_v which_o read_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n and_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o secret_a objection_n for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v we_o need_v not_o to_o read_v or_o remember_v this_o prophecy_n see_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n but_o he_o add_v the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v mark_v these_o word_n for_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o revelation_n be_v of_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o here_o they_o be_v repeat_v again_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o these_o prophecy_n contain_v weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v deep_o consider_v and_o earnest_o think_v on_o and_o s._n john_n repeat_v the_o same_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o awake_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n continual_o for_o though_o they_o can_v fall_v into_o the_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o slumber_n of_o security_n may_v overtake_v they_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a matth._n 25.5_o and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a church_n confess_v that_o she_o sleep_v though_o her_o heart_n wake_v cant._n 5.2_o second_o to_o confirm_v and_o hearten_v the_o church_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o affliction_n to_o come_v for_o herein_o be_v the_o common_a say_n true_a he_o that_o be_v forewarn_v be_v fore-armed_n now_o in_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n whether_o affliction_n temptation_n death_n or_o the_o last_o judgement_n itself_o all_o will_v come_v short_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o life_n as_o to_o stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n so_o to_o move_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n the_o bad_a servant_n beat_v his_o fellow_n because_o he_o think_v his_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.48.49_o the_o old_a world_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n never_o regard_v noah_n prophecy_n and_o so_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o matth._n 24.39_o we_o shall_v lay_v these_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o always_o think_v with_o paul_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o â—and_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n these_o eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n now_o the_o 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word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n observe_v first_o the_o penman_n that_o dedicate_v this_o book_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v for_o the_o first_o the_o penman_n be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o repeat_v his_o name_n to_o show_v and_o certify_v every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o true_a penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v this_o revelation_n but_o though_o he_o repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o add_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n or_o commendation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v never_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o cause_n to_o our_o own_o praise_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o god_n glory_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n maintain_v this_o paul_n practise_v who_o often_o humble_v himself_o and_o call_v himself_o the_o 15._o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n yet_o when_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n come_v into_o question_n than_o he_o set_v out_o himself_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a apostle_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o as_o we_o may_v find_v in_o both_o of_o his_o 11.5_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n second_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n concern_v they_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o write_v to_o church_n second_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o the_o first_o why_o write_v he_o to_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o church_n see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a catholic_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a &_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o the_o same_o be_v part_v into_o several_a branch_n and_o company_n one_o part_n be_v in_o one_o country_n and_o another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o wherein_o also_o every_o several_a congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n all_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v only_o one_o yet_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o take_v their_o name_n of_o the_o country_n whereto_o they_o adjoine_v be_v call_v so_o many_o particular_a sea_n as_o the_o english_a sea_n the_o spanish_a sea_n french_a italian_a scottish_a sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o particular_a church_n must_v john_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n now_o john_n choose_v rather_o to_o write_v to_o church_n than_o to_o particular_a man_n first_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n second_o because_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o call_v not_o that_o her_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n house_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o god_n enemy_n second_o because_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o three_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v therein_o second_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n among_o all_o particular_a church_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o seven_o in_o asia_n no_o doubt_n for_o special_a cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a church_n as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v plain_o show_v second_o that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o long_o before_o have_v be_v foretell_v may_v be_v more_o evident_a for_o here_o the_o jew_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o gentile_n send_v unto_o last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o other_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n whereon_o alâ—_n other_o church_n shall_v depend_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v know_v of_o they_o why_o john_n pass_v by_o it_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n which_o contain_v matter_n needful_a for_o all_o church_n to_o know_v grace_n be_v with_o
of_o god_n so_o christ_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n than_o all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o matth._n 6.33_o this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n every_o where_o use_n who_o in_o seek_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o will_v toil_v themselves_o in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v wealth_n honour_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o regard_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a foundation_n of_o all_o outward_a welfare_n here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o god_n give_v i_o wealth_n honour_n and_o reputation_n than_o he_o love_v i_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n thereof_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v no_o sure_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o be_v his_o enemy_n may_v enjoy_v they_o all_o as_o job._n 21.7_o to_o the_o 14._o this_o david_n perceive_v how_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v in_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psalm_n 73.3.7_o and_o yet_o they_o stand_v but_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n herewith_o deceive_v himself_o he_o that_o want_v god_n favour_n in_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o curse_a wretch_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o world_n for_o outward_a thing_n at_o his_o command_n for_o all_o earthly_a thing_n sever_v from_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n the_o wicked_a man_n peace_n be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 48.22_o and_o the_o man_n that_o have_v god_n grace_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o want_v all_o worldly_a benefit_n yet_o he_o have_v more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n without_o it_o for_o hereby_o alone_o he_o be_v true_o bless_a and_o happy_a from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wit_n god_n himself_o distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n etc._n etc._n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o a_o distribution_n which_o express_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o which_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o exod._n 3.14_o 15._o where_o moses_n demand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v ask_v who_o send_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v answer_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o say_v ehich_n jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o which_o two_o name_n serve_v to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o be_v translate_v i_o be_o and_o the_o lord_n but_o these_o english_a word_n do_v not_o full_o express_v their_o signification_n yet_o s._n john_n expound_v they_o here_o make_v ehich_n to_o signify_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v which_o word_n of_o john_n also_o in_o the_o original_n be_v more_o full_a in_o sense_n than_o our_o english_a tongue_n can_v well_o express_v and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o explain_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a substance_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a simple_a substance_n and_o essence_n in_o these_o word_n be_v touch_v sundry_a weighty_a point_n first_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n which_o have_v his_o be_v in_o himself_o of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o paul_n say_v a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o that_o be_v nothing_o subsist_v in_o nature_n but_o a_o mere_a fond_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o essence_n subsist_v and_o that_o of_o himself_o alone_o perfect_o and_o herein_o differ_v from_o all_o idol_n and_o false_a god_n second_o hereby_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n every_o creature_n be_v a_o substance_n as_o angel_n and_o man_n likewise_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n be_v substance_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n and_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v part_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v their_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o he_o for_o then_o each_o creature_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n can_v be_v without_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n substance_n be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n my_o meaning_n then_o be_v that_o god_n make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o he_o create_v by_o his_o word_n and_o preserve_v they_o be_v make_v which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o return_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o thankfulness_n endeavour_v his_o glory_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n three_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o every_o way_n though_o they_o be_v eternal_a in_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v yet_o have_v they_o a_o beginning_n second_o they_o be_v eternal_a not_o absolute_o but_o by_o participation_n for_o god_n make_v they_o eternal_a but_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_o of_o himself_o eternal_a four_o note_n he_o say_v not_o from_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v but_o from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o eternal_a god_n be_v also_o a_o judge_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n a_o point_n of_o special_a use_n to_o move_v we_o to_o well_o before_o god_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n if_o any_o shall_v flatter_v himself_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v dead_a before_o that_o day_n come_v i_o answer_v iâ—_n may_v be_v so_o what_o then_o think_v thâ—u_n thereby_o to_o escape_v his_o judgement_n no_o very_o for_o this_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v thou_o particular_o by_o death_n and_o thereby_o to_o reserve_v thou_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n oâ—_n that_o we_o can_v serious_o think_v on_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v â—o_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n act_n 24.16_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v he_o at_o his_o come_n whether_o by_o death_n or_o judgement_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o 〈◊〉_d before_o his_o throne_n these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o seven_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v before_o the_o thronâ—_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o they_o for_o two_o cause_n a_o first_o because_o 〈◊〉_d and_o peace_n be_v here_o say_v to_o proceed_v from_o these_o seven_o spirit_n but_o it_o can_v come_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o attend_v to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n second_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o be_v a_o benediction_n or_o a_o salutation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o spirit_n be_v set_v before_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o respect_n for_o which_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v place_v before_o christ._n the_o word_n be_v rather_o thus_o to_o be_v expound_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o exposition_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v only_o one_o in_o substance_n
himself_o and_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o godhead_n quicken_v his_o manhood_n the_o most_o godly_a man_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v can_v do_v so_o but_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v raise_v from_o death_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n through_o that_o mystical_a union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o all_o his_o member_n by_o mean_v whereof_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n his_o godhead_n which_o raise_v up_o his_o manhood_n be_v convey_v to_o all_o his_o member_n in_o their_o resurrection_n from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v christ_n call_v 15._o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n because_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o corn_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n do_v sanctify_v the_o whole_a crop_n so_o christ_n his_o resurrection_n do_v make_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o all_o his_o member_n in_o this_o title_n be_v comprise_v a_o notable_a comfort_n for_o all_o god_n child_n against_o the_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n if_o john_n have_v say_v christ_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v among_o the_o live_n it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a comfort_n for_o than_o have_v he_o show_v that_o the_o live_a saintâ—_n on_o earth_n be_v child_n in_o god_n family_n have_v christ_n for_o their_o elder_a brother_n but_o call_v he_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v a_o further_a comfort_n the_o lord_n show_v hereby_o what_o special_a regard_n he_o have_v to_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v dead_a for_o even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a they_o continue_v member_n of_o his_o family_n and_o have_v christ_n jesus_n dead_a and_o bury_v reckon_v among_o they_o for_o their_o elder_a brother_n in_o regard_v whereof_o christ_n have_v a_o double_a right_n among_o the_o dead_a first_o of_o a_o king_n second_o of_o a_o priest_n the_o right_a of_o a_o king_n he_o have_v to_o command_v his_o member_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o enter_v into_o glory_n after_o he_o the_o right_a of_o a_o priest_n whereby_o he_o offer_v up_o himself_o in_o death_n a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o death_n of_o all_o his_o member_n for_o by_o his_o death_n he_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o unto_o they_o a_o sweet_a sleep_n in_o the_o grave_n as_o in_o a_o bed_n of_o down_o out_o of_o which_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n rise_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n here_o be_v the_o three_o title_n give_v to_o christ_n wherein_o his_o kingly_a office_n be_v express_v he_o be_v call_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o so_o be_v king_n together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n govern_v all_o thing_n with_o they_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n second_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o redeemer_n god_n and_o man_n in_o two_o nature_n in_o this_o respect_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n give_v he_o a_o 10._o name_n above_o every_o name_n at_o which_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v even_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o in_o this_o second_o respect_n he_o be_v call_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o place_n now_o christ_n be_v a_o king_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o the_o might_n and_o policy_n of_o man_n as_o earthly_a kingdom_n do_v but_o it_o be_v spiritual_a direct_o concern_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n where_o he_o rule_v by_o his_o law_n and_o this_o be_v his_o privilege_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n to_o rule_v and_o reign_v spiritual_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o dint_n of_o sword_n or_o force_v of_o arm_n but_o by_o his_o holy_a word_n through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o he_o be_v as_o a_o king_n which_o carry_v his_o sceptre_n in_o his_o mouth_n even_o his_o word_n isay._n 11.4_o that_o be_v the_o râ—d_n of_o his_o power_n by_o which_o he_o rule_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 110._o vers_fw-la 2._o now_o christ_n be_v here_o entitle_v prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o because_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o as_o mediator_n can_v give_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o the_o great_a monarch_n in_o the_o world_n second_o because_o he_o have_v sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o potentate_n as_o well_o as_o over_o other_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v for_o not_o only_o have_v he_o power_n to_o make_v a_o law_n to_o bind_v their_o conscience_n but_o also_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o to_o save_v they_o if_o they_o break_v his_o law_n he_o have_v power_n to_o destroy_v they_o be_v they_o what_o they_o may_v be_v he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o hell_n to_o open_v and_o to_o shut_v at_o his_o pleasure_n revel_v 3.7_o he_o can_v if_o he_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o life_n and_o save_v they_o or_o else_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o destroy_v they_o hence_o arise_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v far_o above_o they_o we_o must_v then_o with_o all_o fear_n and_o tremble_a reverence_n his_o high_a majesty_n great_a be_v that_o reverence_n which_o man_n yield_v to_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o than_o what_o reverence_n shall_v we_o perform_v to_o he_o which_o be_v prince_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v conceive_v what_o honour_n we_o owe_v unto_o he_o which_o be_v advance_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o all_o majesty_n and_o this_o our_o reverence_n we_o must_v show_v by_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o tremble_v and_o believe_v heart_n as_o isaiah_n say_v cap._n 66.2_o we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o christ_n without_o great_a reverence_n at_o his_o name_n every_o knee_n must_v bow_v that_o be_v at_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a majesty_n whereto_o he_o be_v now_o exalt_v every_o heart_n even_o of_o the_o great_a monarch_n shall_v be_v touch_v with_o submission_n awe_n and_o reverence_n if_o this_o take_v place_n in_o man_n heart_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v so_o profane_v and_o blaspheme_v as_o it_o be_v in_o â—easting_v sport_n in_o curse_v and_o swear_v whereby_o man_n toss_v it_o like_o a_o ball_n without_o all_o reverence_n to_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n as_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o see_v he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n we_o must_v give_v he_o absolute_a obedience_n prince_n on_o earth_n must_v be_v obey_v so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v be_v obey_v without_o exception_n not_o only_o absolute_o and_o perpetual_o in_o all_o his_o commandment_n but_o most_o willing_o and_o free_o as_o it_o be_v say_v his_o people_n come_v free_o in_o the_o day_n of_o assemble_v psal._n 110.3_o man_n will_v say_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o they_o must_v obey_v he_o also_o as_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o prince_n many_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v a_o good_a faith_n in_o christ_n their_o saviour_n which_o little_a regard_n obedience_n to_o he_o as_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o none_o can_v have_v christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n which_o have_v he_o not_o for_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n neither_o do_v that_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n which_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o this_o our_o obedience_n must_v be_v show_v in_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o hear_v and_o learn_v out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n three_o see_v christ_n be_v king_n of_o king_n all_o prince_n must_v do_v he_o service_n for_o they_o be_v all_o inferior_a and_o subject_a to_o he_o psal._n 72.11_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 12._o be_v wise_a now_o o_o you_o king_n be_v learned_a you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n kiss_v the_o son_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v inward_o reverence_n and_o outward_o obey_v he_o this_o their_o homage_n must_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o kingdom_n they_o must_v frame_v their_o law_n after_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n they_o must_v
son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o friend_n who_o shall_v give_v they_o not_o only_a life_n and_o motion_n but_o eternal_a life_n with_o his_o own_o majesty_n this_o be_v job_n comfort_v that_o though_o he_o die_v yet_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o redeemer_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o comfort_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o last_o judgement_n second_o this_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n that_o they_o shall_v will_n they_o will_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o christ_n judgement_n seat_n &_o there_o look_v on_o he_o who_o be_v their_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v in_o their_o life_n contemn_v and_o despise_v and_o this_o consideration_n may_v serve_v to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n which_o have_v noâ—_n begin_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n aâ—_n also_o to_o increase_v and_o further_a repentance_n in_o they_o who_o have_v by_o god_n grace_n begin_v the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v some_o do_v think_v when_o they_o die_v all_o be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o further_a account_n to_o follow_v but_o though_o we_o lie_v rot_v in_o our_o grave_n a_o thousand_o or_o two_o thousand_o year_n yet_o we_o shall_v rise_v and_o look_v upon_o our_o judge_n with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o in_o our_o life_n time_n repent_v we_o shall_v hear_v he_o with_o our_o own_o ear_n give_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n against_o we_o go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v best_o for_o we_o in_o this_o day_n of_o grace_n to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n and_o now_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o then_o we_o may_v rise_v with_o joy_n and_o stand_v with_o holâ—nesse_n before_o christ_n jesus_n no_o doubt_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o shall_v thus_o appear_v it_o will_v move_v we_o to_o repent_v three_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o that_o be_v all_o man_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n shall_v look_v on_o he_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o those_o who_o want_v their_o fight_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v have_v it_o then_o restore_v it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o divine_n that_o the_o elect_n shall_v have_v all_o their_o sense_n and_o other_o defect_n restore_v wherein_o they_o be_v want_v in_o this_o life_n and_o it_o may_v also_o be_v add_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v then_o have_v some_o of_o their_o sense_n restore_v if_o they_o want_v the_o same_o in_o this_o life_n as_o hear_v and_o see_v at_o the_o least_o for_o the_o deaf_a shall_v hear_v the_o blind_a shall_v see_v this_o judge_n and_o this_o can_v be_v no_o glory_n to_o they_o see_v it_o be_v to_o increase_v their_o misery_n for_o the_o more_o sense_n they_o have_v the_o more_o punishment_n they_o shall_v feel_v because_o by_o sense_n we_o apprehend_v misery_n even_o thâ—se_a which_o pierce_v he_o here_o be_v add_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o christ_n manifestation_n of_o his_o come_n and_o that_o for_o three_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o no_o power_n or_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n can_v free_v any_o one_o from_o his_o appearance_n for_o if_o any_o can_v escape_v in_o all_o likelihod_n it_o will_v be_v those_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o prevail_v most_o against_o christ_n and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o none_o of_o those_o can_v escape_v his_o judgement_n for_o even_o they_o which_o pierce_v he_o they_o shall_v see_v this_o judge_n and_o be_v summon_v before_o his_o majesty_n for_o though_o they_o have_v power_n to_o kill_v he_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o before_o his_o bar_n of_o judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n second_o to_o show_v the_o case_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n namely_o that_o such_o woe_n and_o misery_n shall_v befall_v they_o as_o they_o never_o once_o think_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o crucify_v christ_n never_o dream_v of_o this_o that_o he_o who_o they_o then_o put_v to_o a_o temporal_a death_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v their_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o they_o have_v repent_v three_o to_o show_v the_o rueful_a and_o woeful_a estate_n of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n they_o shall_v rise_v to_o judgement_n and_o have_v the_o great_a enemy_n their_o judge_n who_o will_v show_v rigour_n upon_o they_o and_o justice_n without_o all_o mercy_n for_o this_o pierce_a of_o christ_n be_v mean_v not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o of_o all_o ungodly_a personâ—_n because_o all_o such_o do_v by_o their_o sin_n as_o with_o sword_n and_o spear_n wound_v he_o at_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o soldier_n do_v impenitent_a sinner_n be_v as_o the_o jew_n which_o crucify_v christ_n as_o judas_n which_o betray_v he_o and_o as_o the_o soldier_n which_o goar_n his_o side_n and_o unless_o they_o now_o repent_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v judge_v as_o his_o enemy_n even_o they_o which_o pierce_v he_o out_o of_o these_o word_n some_o gather_v that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n have_v still_o the_o wound_n and_o scar_n which_o be_v give_v he_o at_o his_o death_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n and_o that_o these_o shall_v be_v see_v in_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n add_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v no_o blemish_n to_o christ_n to_o have_v these_o but_o rather_o a_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n but_o this_o can_v be_v gather_v hence_o for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v see_v he_o who_o they_o pierce_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v pierce_v what_o though_o they_o see_v the_o person_n who_o they_o wound_v shall_v they_o therefore_o see_v his_o wound_n many_o shall_v see_v king_n and_o queen_n who_o they_o crown_v in_o this_o world_n but_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v wear_v their_o crown_n so_o we_o shall_v see_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n but_o not_o as_o father_n and_o mother_n iv._o point_n the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o come_n especial_o in_o the_o wicked_a in_o these_o word_n and_o all_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v before_o he_o where_o s._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o only_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o tribe_n as_o in_o like_a case_n our_o saviour_n christ_n set_v out_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o manner_n of_o judge_v the_o visible_a church_n math._n 25._o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o which_o repent_v not_o of_o what_o nation_n soever_o of_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o have_v be_v shall_v wail_v and_o mourn_v at_o that_o day_n and_o he_o add_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o mourning_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o before_o he_o or_o over_o he_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v wail_v and_o lament_v with_o exceed_a lamentation_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o his_o word_n but_o contemn_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o now_o they_o want_v all_o help_n to_o free_v they_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n afterward_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o invention_n that_o can_v alter_v man_n estate_n hence_o than_o we_o be_v admonish_v first_o that_o in_o this_o world_n we_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o get_v our_o sin_n pardon_v to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o holy_a word_n and_o unless_o we_o attain_v hereunto_o in_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v wail_v eternal_o for_o when_o the_o last_o day_n be_v coâ—e_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o help_n no_o way_n to_o escape_v no_o time_n of_o grace_n to_o repeâ—â—_n remember_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o seek_v for_o oil_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o knock_v when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v math._n 25._o but_o if_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n get_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n then_o shall_v we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o eternal_o yea_o at_o this_o dreadful_a day_n to_o all_o the_o wicked_a we_o shall_v lift_v up_o our_o head_n and_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v christ_n come_v to_o our_o full_a redemption_n all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v cry_v and_o howl_v woe_n and_o alas_o for_o evermore_o the_o devil_n know_v the_o worth_n of_o this_o admonition_n will_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o our_o heart_n
golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o i_o hear_v this_o sudden_a and_o mighty_a voice_n i_o turn_v myself_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o utter_v the_o same_o in_o this_o behaviour_n of_o john_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o word_n as_o john_n dispose_v himself_o towards_o christ_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o vision_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o voice_n speak_v john_n hearken_v and_o because_o the_o sound_n thereof_o come_v behind_o he_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o utter_v it_o even_o so_o must_v we_o do_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n stranger_n with_o god_n slow_a to_o hear_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o ready_a to_o turn_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n when_o we_o hear_v therefore_o when_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n we_o must_v hearken_v and_o though_o we_o be_v go_v another_o way_n yet_o we_o must_v turn_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o voice_n that_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o saint_n john_n have_v not_o see_v this_o marvelous_a vision_n unless_o he_o have_v turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v he_o that_o speak_v no_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n unless_o we_o turn_v our_o heart_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o that_o betimes_o while_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n viz._n the_o entrance_n thereunto_o the_o second_o part_n it_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o vision_n contain_v a_o most_o worthy_a representation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o a_o description_n of_o christ_n continue_v from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n wherein_o john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v and_o partly_o by_o see_v and_o first_o he_o begin_v his_o description_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o see_v he_o represent_v in_o vision_n and_o so_o describe_v he_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o place_n where_o he_o see_v he_o second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n wherein_o he_o appear_v i._o for_o the_o place_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v himself_o vers_fw-la 20._o now_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n for_o that_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o they_o for_o as_o the_o candlestick_n serve_v to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n that_o be_v set_v therein_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n they_o bear_v up_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o call_v candlestick_n than_o candle_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o or_o from_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v god_n instrument_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a true_a lamp_n and_o candle_n that_o give_v light_a to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n second_o hence_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n must_v learn_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v a_o shine_a and_o burn_a candle_n indeed_o this_o principal_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n john_n 5._o vers_fw-la 35._o but_o yet_o it_o must_v also_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o member_n thereof_o as_o saint_n paul_n command_v 16._o shine_v say_v he_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n quest._n how_o shall_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n become_v a_o burn_a light_n answ._n first_o he_o must_v have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o then_o as_o a_o candlestick_n hold_v out_o and_o send_v forth_o the_o beaâ—es_n thereof_o to_o other_o partly_o by_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n and_o partly_o by_o example_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n thus_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v god_n commandment_n shine_v as_o light_n say_v s._n paul_n in_o the_o world_n philip_n 2.15_o and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n ephes._n 5.8_o second_o consider_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o which_o be_v wonderful_a great_a for_o by_o godly_a instruction_n in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o answerable_a obedience_n in_o our_o life_n we_o win_v many_o to_o the_o lord_n show_v forth_o such_o light_n whereby_o other_o may_v walk_v in_o this_o dark_a world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a light_n in_o the_o winter_n season_n man_n think_v they_o do_v other_o great_a pleasure_n if_o in_o the_o night_n they_o hang_v forth_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v passenger_n a_o little_a way_n in_o a_o earthly_a walk_n what_o a_o bless_a thing_n then_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v guide_v a_o sinful_a wicked_a wretch_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n live_v in_o god_n church_n like_o candle_n put_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n hence_o come_v great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o other_o with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o they_o lead_v other_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n especial_o they_o who_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o conscience_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o good_a example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o as_o in_o a_o haven_n town_n if_o any_o man_n in_o the_o night_n time_n do_v remove_v the_o sea-mark_a which_o guide_v the_o ship_n in_o the_o right_a channel_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v near_o the_o shore_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n even_o so_o they_o that_o shall_v give_v light_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o false_a light_n to_o such_o as_o depend_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v sail_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n hereby_o they_o lead_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a haven_n and_o instead_o of_o heaven_n bring_v their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n which_o must_v terrify_v we_o from_o ignorance_n and_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v we_o labour_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o this_o world_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o godly_a conversation_n three_o reason_n consider_v the_o fearful_a judgment_n of_o god_n against_o such_o as_o live_v in_o his_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o yet_o give_v no_o light_n they_o do_v incur_v the_o fearful_a wrath_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o temple_n the_o keep_n of_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n and_o other_o instrument_n to_o trim_v the_o same_o which_o notable_o figure_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n who_o look_v to_o every_o light_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v to_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o a_o lamp_n and_o when_o they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o dark_a he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n to_o trim_v they_o and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o better_a light_n both_o by_o godly_a life_n and_o good_a instruction_n but_o when_o he_o have_v snuff_v they_o again_o and_o again_o if_o still_o they_o burn_v dark_a and_o dim_a and_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o else_o a_o false_a light_n
be_v a_o inducement_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o gift_n fit_a for_o this_o call_n to_o affect_v the_o same_o last_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o call_n and_o holy_a in_o his_o conversation_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n he_o be_v place_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n now_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v long_o bear_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n any_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a or_o profane_v nay_o he_o will_v take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n and_o there_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n for_o as_o they_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o by_o their_o place_n so_o shall_v their_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a unless_o they_o be_v faithful_a this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n levit._n 10.1_o and_o hophâ—â—â—_n and_o phineas_n 1._o sam._n 3.13_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n ought_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o their_o way_n for_o by_o their_o call_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ._n now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a and_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n he_o will_v sure_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o unfaithful_a minister_n put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n &_o confound_v they_o for_o ever_o they_o must_v therefore_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o become_v not_o hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o his_o will_n so_o shall_v christ_n protect_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o save_v they_o eternal_o and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n this_o sword_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v in_o the_o write_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n heb._n 4.12_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lively_a mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o it_o be_v thereto_o compare_v because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v sharp_o into_o the_o flesh_n and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o bone_n even_o to_o the_o very_a marrow_n so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n enter_v sharp_o and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o very_a marrow_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o twofold_a operation_n one_o upon_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o elect_a it_o wound_v the_o wicked_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n isay._n 11.4_o christ_n shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o lip_n that_o be_v with_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n herewith_o shall_v he_o consume_v antichrist_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o visit_v leviathan_n and_o slay_v the_o dragon_n that_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n isay._n 27._o vers_fw-la 1._o here_o consider_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v kill_v a_o impenitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n first_o in_o this_o life_n where_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n the_o second_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o the_o soul_n go_v to_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a the_o three_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o go_v to_o hell_n eternal_o now_o a_o sinner_n receive_v in_o this_o life_n his_o deadly_a wound_n after_o this_o manner_n christ_n in_o the_o give_v thereof_o have_v a_o threefold_a work_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n first_o hereby_o he_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o sin_n as_o hypocrisy_n pride_n and_o rebellion_n of_o heart_n with_o all_o other_o his_o horrible_a and_o damnable_a transgression_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14.24.25_o when_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v reprove_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o word_n judge_v he_o and_o thereby_o lie_v open_a unto_o he_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n second_o christ_n hereby_o reveâ—leth_v unto_o he_o his_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n due_a unto_o he_o in_o which_o regard_n the_o law_n be_v call_v 3.6_o a_o kill_a letter_n show_v no_o mercy_n but_o only_o thunder_v out_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o transgressor_n three_o hereby_o christ_n awake_v his_o guilty_a conscience_n sharpen_v the_o sting_n thereof_o and_o terrify_v he_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n thus_o wicked_a felix_n tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n preach_v 24.25_o of_o temperance_n righteousness_n and_o the_o â—udgement_n to_o come_v so_o when_o king_n 4.6_o belshazzer_n see_v the_o palm_n of_o the_o hand_n writing_n thing_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o â—all_n his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o his_o joint_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n stand_v one_o against_o another_o and_o all_o these_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o wicked_a without_o apprehension_n of_o mercy_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o recover_v one_o that_o â—s_v 〈◊〉_d wound_v but_o while_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d this_o estate_n he_o have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o without_o unfamed_a repentance_n be_v already_o in_o thâ—_n first_o step_n towards_o eternal_a death_n for_o these_o horror_n oâ—_n conscience_n sever_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o flash_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a woe_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n by_o this_o sword_n wound_v his_o enemy_n hence_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v sundry_a duty_n first_o how_o to_o earn_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o will_v rage_v and_o storm_n against_o it_o and_o the_o preacher_n thereof_o because_o it_o touch_v they_o we_o must_v not_o despise_v or_o malign_v they_o but_o rather_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n towards_o they_o for_o this_o their_o behaviour_n be_v a_o token_n they_o be_v wound_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o these_o their_o raging_n be_v nothing_o but_o struggle_n before_o death_n eternal_a unless_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o deadly_a wound_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v let_v to_o see_v and_o know_v the_o lamentable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a number_n in_o those_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v for_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n that_o in_o those_o placeâ—_n few_o come_v to_o true_a knowledge_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o most_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a now_o this_o their_o condition_n be_v most_o fearful_a a_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o man_n have_v long_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o thereby_o better_v for_o knowledge_n in_o mind_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n they_o be_v thereby_o wound_v unto_o death_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n have_v always_o his_o work_n it_o either_o cure_v unto_o life_n by_o work_a repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o salvation_n or_o wound_v unto_o death_n they_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o we_o must_v therefore_o lament_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n as_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o dead_a man_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v how_o soever_o they_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n by_o their_o â—â—ill_a honesty_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o a_o field_n and_o there_o behold_v many_o thousand_o slaughter_a and_o 〈◊〉_d ouâ—_n bloâ—d_v some_o in_o the_o â—ead_a some_o in_o the_o side_n etc._n etc._n this_o sight_n will_v make_v his_o heart_n to_o bleed_v well_o this_o 〈…〉_z god_n be_v church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o see_v with_o bodily_a eye_n the_o most_o man_n be_v wound_v with_o this_o sword_n of_o god_n word_n and_o lie_v 〈◊〉_d wallow_v in_o the_o bloâ—d_n of_o their_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d they_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n in_o security_n and_o want_n of_o repentance_n iii_o this_o mâ—st_v admonish_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v earnest_o to_o have_v further_a thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o than_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n oâ—_n horror_n of_o conscience_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o sound_a reformation_n of_o life_n for_o without_o this_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o
first_o he_o give_v he_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o presence_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o to_o assure_v he_o of_o protection_n from_o all_o danger_n of_o death_n then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o wrod_n bid_v he_o not_o to_o fear_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n be_v a_o soverigne_a remedy_n against_o all_o fear_n when_o moses_n fear_v the_o great_a calling_n he_o be_v send_v about_o to_o take_v away_o that_o fear_n the_o lord_n say_v 3.12_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o hence_o david_n say_v 40_o he_o will_v not_o fear_v though_o he_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n because_o god_n be_v his_o stay_n and_o comfort_n wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o of_o god_n presence_n but_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o special_a protection_n and_o so_o in_o all_o danger_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n we_o shall_v have_v stay_n and_o comfort_n for_o our_o soul_n the_o lord_n have_v use_v these_o two_o mean_n to_o confirm_v john_n both_o a_o sign_n &_o his_o word_n do_v yet_o further_o condescend_v unto_o johns_n weakness_n and_o establish_v his_o own_o word_n by_o two_o reason_n the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o because_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v before_o he_o the_o last_o because_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v after_o he_o these_o two_o title_n be_v give_v unto_o christ_n to_o express_v his_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n as_o before_o we_o have_v hear_v verse_n 8._o now_o here_o they_o be_v again_o set_v down_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o power_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o protect_v his_o servant_n from_o all_o danger_n and_o from_o death_n and_o will_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o all_o his_o promise_n unto_o eternal_a life_n verse_n 18._o and_o be_o he_o that_o live_v but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o reason_n to_o confirm_v john_n and_o it_o may_v thus_o be_v frame_v by_o way_n of_o a_o distinction_n although_o i_o be_v dead_a yet_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n yea_o i_o have_v power_n over_o death_n and_o hell_n this_o distinction_n contain_v three_o part_n first_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v second_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o live_v for_o evermore_o three_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o part_n and_o be_o he_o that_o live_v though_o i_o be_v dead_a here_o life_n be_v ascribe_v to_o christ_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n for_o christ_n live_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n different_a from_o the_o life_n of_o other_o creature_n for_o first_o he_o have_v sufficient_a life_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o second_o he_o give_v life_n to_o other_o for_o the_o first_o that_o we_o may_v better_o conceive_v it_o we_o must_v know_v that_o life_n be_v twofold_a uncreated_a and_o create_v uncreated_a life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o god_n whereby_o god_n live_v this_o life_n be_v eternal_a and_o infinite_a in_o itself_o &_o from_o itself_o now_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o live_v this_o uncreated_a life_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o godhead_n again_o create_v be_v twofold_a the_o first_o be_v natural_a preserve_v by_o mean_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o second_o be_v spiritual_a both_o begin_v and_o continue_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v more_o perfect_a than_o the_o natural_a now_o christ_n live_v not_o the_o natural_a life_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n live_v the_o uncreated_a life_n &_o as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o live_v the_o spiritual_a life_n his_o body_n and_o soul_n have_v all_o their_o subsist_v and_o sustentation_n in_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v in_o himself_o most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a life_n and_o so_o live_v of_o himself_o second_o christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o live_v because_o he_o give_v life_n unto_o man_n &_o that_o two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o he_o give_v life_n to_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o in_o he_o every_o thing_n live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v act._n 17.28_o second_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n and_o man_n and_o so_o he_o give_v spiritual_a life_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o people_n hence_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o john_n 14.19_o for_o look_v as_o christ_n die_v not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o die_v eternal_o so_o he_o live_v now_o in_o heaven_n the_o spiritual_a life_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v that_o spiritual_a life_n in_o and_o by_o he_o eternal_o and_o therefore_o our_o life_n be_v say_v to_o be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o do_v eat_v the_o body_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n real_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o he_o for_o as_o we_o receive_v grace_n from_o his_o grace_n so_o we_o receive_v life_n from_o his_o life_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o seek_v for_o this_o spiritual_a life_n at_o christ_n hand_n use_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o paul_n i_o live_v not_o now_o but_o christ_n liâ—eth_v in_o i_o gal._n â—_o 21_o and_o that_o our_o life_n 〈◊〉_d â—id_v in_o christ_n as_o in_o a_o head_n and_o root_n for_o he_o live_v in_o heaven_n that_o we_o may_v live_v by_o he_o our_o care_n must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o for_o our_o temporal_a life_n which_o be_v but_o a_o vapour_n and_o like_o a_o fleet_a shadow_n as_o for_o this_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v eternal_a but_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v though_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n man_n whole_a care_n be_v for_o temporal_a life_n few_o think_v on_o this_o how_o to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o this_o spiritual_a life_n by_o christ_n though_o he_o have_v say_v i_o live_v that_o you_o may_v live_v in_o i_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o common_a practice_n they_o will_v go_v ten_o twenty_o yea_o a_o hundred_o mile_n to_o provide_v mean_n for_o their_o bodily_a preservation_n and_o yet_o will_v scarce_o go_v one_o or_o two_o mile_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n for_o ever_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v the_o hardness_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v for_o their_o sin_n nor_o feel_v the_o smart_n &_o weight_n thereof_o this_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o in_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n for_o when_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o well_o of_o jacob_n talk_v with_o she_o 4._o and_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n of_o who_o water_n whosoever_o drink_v shall_v never_o thirst_v she_o do_v nothing_o but_o cavil_n with_o he_o but_o when_o he_o lay_v to_o her_o heart_n her_o principal_a sin_n than_o she_o leave_v off_o cavil_v and_o in_o reverence_n and_o some_o beginning_n of_o faith_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n even_o so_o let_v the_o minister_n say_v unto_o his_o people_n he_o can_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o water_n of_o life_n they_o will_v nothing_o regard_v but_o cavil_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o their_o sin_n be_v touch_v and_o their_o soul_n humble_v by_o the_o sight_n thereof_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o heart_n fit_a to_o receive_v spiritual_a life_n by_o christ_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o fear_v god_n wrath_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o same_o hereby_o we_o shall_v be_v wean_v from_o the_o dangerous_a love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v ravish_v with_o desire_n of_o christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o if_o once_o we_o can_v feel_v a_o parch_a heat_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n than_o will_v we_o thirst_v &_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v drink_v our_o fill_n and_o dine_v ourselves_o in_o his_o save_a merit_n this_o natural_a life_n be_v but_o vanish_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o this_o spiritual_a
everlasting_a life_n which_o christ_n there_o keep_v in_o store_n for_o we_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n principal_o do_v christ_n here_o say_v behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o 3._o this_o also_o must_v move_v we_o to_o put_v all_o our_o affiance_n in_o he_o and_o to_o place_v all_o our_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o man_n have_v most_o regard_n to_o that_o part_n of_o their_o body_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n live_v well_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v our_o spiritual_a life_n we_o therefore_o must_v set_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n on_o he_o especial_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n be_v this_o though_o i_o be_v dead_a yeâ—_n i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n here_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o hell_n be_v a_o bodily_a place_n keep_v with_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o door_n as_o man_n dwelling_n house_n be_v that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o place_n of_o god_n word_n neither_o yet_o that_o the_o torment_n thereof_o be_v bodily_a such_o as_o be_v inflict_v in_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o they_o be_v spiritual_a be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n who_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n but_o christ_n in_o this_o phrase_n borrow_v a_o comparison_n from_o steward_n of_o great_a house_n who_o at_o their_o installing_n into_o their_o stewardship_n have_v the_o key_n of_o all_o thing_n give_v unto_o they_o which_o give_v of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o token_n of_o regiment_n and_o authority_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o once_o die_v yet_o by_o his_o death_n do_v vanquish_v hell_n and_o death_n and_o have_v obtain_v full_a power_n &_o dominion_n over_o they_o both_o for_o evermore_o hence_o arise_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n proper_o belong_v only_o unto_o christ._n no_o mere_a creature_n have_v this_o power_n for_o he_o that_o can_v forgive_v sin_n must_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n namely_o hell_n and_o death_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o christ_n alone_o who_o only_o have_v the_o key_n thereof_o and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v proper_o forgive_v sin_n be_v to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v power_n in_o himself_o over_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o therefore_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v full_a of_o blasphemy_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o proper_o to_o pronounce_v unto_o man_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n of_o themselves_o and_o they_o deride_v the_o custom_n of_o reform_a church_n who_o from_o god_n pronounce_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n unto_o they_o that_o repent_v second_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o reverence_n christ_n and_o to_o perform_v unto_o he_o all_o due_a honour_n and_o loyal_a obedience_n if_o we_o never_o have_v do_v this_o heretofore_o we_o must_v now_o begin_v and_o if_o we_o have_v do_v it_o we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o more_o for_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n he_o can_v open_v the_o gate_n thereof_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o cast_v thither_o who_o he_o will_n many_o deceive_v themselves_o through_o their_o false_a conceit_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v not_o of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o judge_n but_o as_o a_o saviour_n only_o they_o make_v he_o all_o of_o mercy_n and_o pity_n and_o thereby_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v likewise_o a_o righteous_a judge_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o in_o our_o evil_a way_n but_o strive_v to_o please_v he_o continual_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a least_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o stir_v up_o his_o wrath_n against_o we_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o cast_v we_o into_o hell_n whence_o be_v no_o redemption_n three_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n unto_o all_o those_o in_o god_n church_n that_o in_o this_o life_n unfeigned_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n for_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n &_o death_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o from_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v because_o they_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o if_o this_o be_v always_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n it_o will_v minister_v endless_a joy_n unto_o our_o soul_n against_o the_o servile_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n vers._n 19_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v hereafter_o here_o s._n john_n propound_v a_o second_o action_n of_o christ._n for_o have_v confirm_v john_n against_o his_o great_a fear_n he_o give_v he_o a_o commandment_n to_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v etc._n etc._n this_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o john_n in_o the_o eleven_o verse_n and_o be_v here_o again_o repeat_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o john_n may_v see_v the_o special_a care_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n that_o he_o still_o continue_v a_o provident_a head_n thereof_o for_o their_o good_a estate_n after_o his_o ascension_n second_o that_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a man_n shall_v know_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a unto_o trouble_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v better_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o evil_n to_o come_v three_o that_o john_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v of_o his_o call_n to_o write_v and_o publish_v this_o book_n four_o that_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v be_v out_o of_o doubt_n that_o this_o book_n be_v no_o device_n of_o man_n but_o a_o book_n of_o god_n and_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n reveal_v from_o christ_n to_o john_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v though_o christ_n do_v faithful_o reveal_v his_o will_n yet_o john_n may_v err_v in_o publish_v it_o answ._n as_o christ_n deliver_v this_o to_o john_n so_o he_o receive_v and_o publish_v it_o faithful_o without_o all_o fault_n either_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n for_o we_o must_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o teacher_n as_o the_o prophet_n in_o former_a time_n so_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v immediate_o by_o christ_n and_o have_v such_o special_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v when_o they_o propound_v by_o preach_v or_o write_v any_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n make_v unto_o they_o luk._n 10.16_o he_o which_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o be_v which_o refuse_v you_o refuse_v i_o and_o â—e_v which_o refuse_v i_o refuse_v he_o that_o send_v i_o again_o matth._n 10.20_o it_o be_v not_o you_o which_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n speak_v in_o you_o joh._n 14.26_o he_o promise_v to_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v their_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n yea_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16_o 1â—_n which_o promise_v some_o apply_v 〈◊〉_d all_o god_n minister_n but_o if_o we_o mark_v the_o circumstance_n thereof_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o proper_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o apostle_n for_o though_o in_o other_o the_o certainty_n hereof_o can_v be_v affirm_v yet_o in_o they_o it_o may_v for_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o counsel_n at_o jerusalem_n thus_o they_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o 28._o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o certain_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o no_o minister_n ever_o since_o can_v say_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n both_o in_o speak_v and_o write_v this_o distinction_n must_v be_v hold_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o faithful_a pen_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o book_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o repetition_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o commandment_n be_v contain_v the_o division_n of_o this_o whole_a book_n write_v the_o word_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v that_o be_v set_v down_o what_o i_o have_v show_v thou_o in_o this_o vision_n and_o which_o be_v that_o be_v all_o thing_n which_o i_o reveal_v unto_o thou_o touch_v the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o that_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o
iii_o those_o that_o for_o a_o time_n show_v forth_o many_o good_a thing_n as_o care_v to_o get_v knowledge_n and_o to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o after_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v entangle_v and_o draw_v away_o with_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n or_o else_o to_o be_v drive_v back_o by_o trial_n and_o persecution_n and_o of_o these_o three_o sort_n be_v most_o man_n general_o who_o case_n be_v fearful_a and_o dangerous_a for_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n if_o they_o continue_v thus_o unfaithful_a to_o induce_v man_n to_o fidelity_n christ_n add_v a_o most_o forcible_a reason_n promise_v thereunto_o the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n hence_o the_o papist_n conclude_v that_o martyr_n by_o suffer_a martyrdom_n do_v merit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n therefore_o say_v they_o it_o be_v a_o reward_n whereto_o i_o answer_v two_o way_n i._n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v call_v a_o crown_n only_o in_o resemblance_n because_o as_o with_o man_n after_o the_o race_n be_v run_v they_o receive_v the_o garland_n even_o so_o after_o man_n have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o this_o life_n then_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v they_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o antecedent_n of_o eternal_a life_n second_o the_o reward_n be_v promise_v not_o to_o the_o martyrdom_n but_o to_o the_o martyr_n and_o yet_o not_o for_o his_o suffering_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o suffer_a death_n have_v show_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o who_o merit_n alone_o he_o be_v so_o reward_v and_o so_o must_v this_o and_o all_o other_o promise_n of_o like_a sort_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o papist_n do_v foul_o err_v when_o they_o apply_v the_o promise_n unto_o the_o work_n which_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o worker_n by_o this_o promise_n we_o all_o that_o have_v make_v our_o vow_n to_o god_n in_o baptism_n must_v learn_v to_o become_v faithful_a in_o keep_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v unfaithful_a unto_o man_n much_o more_o with_o god_n and_o the_o more_o fearful_a be_v this_o sin_n because_o only_o the_o faithful_a shall_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n second_o all_o such_o as_o have_v make_v a_o show_n of_o good_a thing_n heretofore_o and_o now_o do_v suffer_v the_o same_o to_o decay_v must_v call_v to_o mind_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o become_v faithful_a keeper_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o walk_v constant_o in_o obedience_n and_o then_o shall_v they_o have_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n though_o not_o for_o their_o desert_n but_o only_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n verse_n 11._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o conclusion_n wherein_o observe_v general_o as_o also_o in_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n that_o christ_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o he_o speak_v before_o in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v because_o it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o doctor_n of_o his_o church_n who_o example_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o teach_v must_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o precept_n the_o like_a do_v the_o apostle_n it_o grieve_v not_o paul_n to_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n phil._n 3.1_o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o the_o disperse_a church_n 12_o that_o he_o will_v often_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n before_o his_o depart_n wherein_o they_o have_v knowledge_n and_o be_v establish_v hereby_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o ministry_n have_v warrant_n often_o to_o teach_v and_o repeat_v the_o same_o point_n of_o doctrine_n even_o in_o the_o same_o word_n yea_o god_n faithful_a minister_n may_v preach_v the_o same_o sermon_n oftentimes_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o for_o ease_v to_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o hearer_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n mark_v the_o minister_n to_o deliver_v the_o same_o thing_n often_o he_o be_v not_o curious_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o his_o ministry_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n they_o may_v find_v fault_n with_o christ_n who_o seven_o time_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n unto_o these_o church_n this_o conclusion_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o word_n of_o this_o commandment_n have_v be_v expound_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n thereof_o yet_o here_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v what_o the_o spirit_n commend_v thus_o serious_o to_o our_o hear_n the_o thing_n be_v three_o which_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n first_o touch_v god_n providence_n that_o he_o see_v and_o regard_v the_o tribulation_n of_o his_o church_n the_o second_o touch_v trial_n that_o god_n church_n and_o people_n ought_v beforehand_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n and_o thereby_o arm_v themselves_o with_o courage_n against_o all_o affliction_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v overmuch_o daunt_v with_o any_o fear_n the_o three_o touch_v faithfulness_n god_n people_n must_v consider_v what_o promise_v they_o have_v make_v to_o god_n in_o baptism_n namely_o to_o keep_v faith_n true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o these_o they_o must_v perform_v unto_o death_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o careful_o commend_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v they_o engrave_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v practice_v they_o in_o our_o life_n and_o to_o incite_v we_o hereunto_o we_o must_v mark_v the_o two_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n first_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o us._n second_o because_o they_o concern_v all_o church_n though_o principal_o they_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o therefore_o none_o may_v seek_v excuse_n to_o exempt_v himself_o from_o learning_n and_o obey_v these_o thing_n the_o promise_n he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o overcome_v we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n by_o second_o death_n be_v mean_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o death_n mention_v in_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n asunder_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n the_o second_o be_v when_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o be_v sâ—â—ered_v for_o ever_o from_o god_n comfortable_a presence_n reu._n 21.8_o this_o second_o death_n be_v expound_v to_o be_v a_o abode_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n the_o meaning_n therefore_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v this_o that_o they_o which_o overcome_v though_o they_o may_v suffer_v the_o first_o death_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o suffer_v damnation_n their_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v sever_v one_o from_o the_o other_o for_o a_o time_n but_o neither_o soul_n nor_o body_n shall_v ever_o be_v sever_v from_o god_n to_o go_v into_o that_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v a_o most_o gracious_a and_o happy_a promise_n here_o first_o mark_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v namely_o to_o they_o that_o overcome_v where_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o profess_v and_o approve_v or_o to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v join_v a_o fight_n against_o himself_o against_o sin_n the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o reign_v over_o he_o but_o so_o fight_v as_o by_o god_n grace_n he_o may_v overcome_v and_o then_o shall_v the_o second_o death_n never_o hurt_v he_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o profess_v if_o we_o still_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o knowledge_n but_o labour_v to_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n such_o power_n of_o grace_n as_o will_v make_v we_o true_o to_o say_v we_o be_v conqueror_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n this_o be_v that_o bless_a state_n of_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o life_n everlasting_a belong_v who_o shall_v never_o taste_v of_o the_o second_o death_n second_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o great_a question_n which_o
diverse_a some_o thing_n he_o decree_v to_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n some_o other_o thing_n god_n decree_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o other_o as_o sin_n and_o so_o evil_a thing_n though_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n yet_o they_o come_v in_o some_o sort_n from_o his_o will_n &_o decree_n for_o if_o he_o simple_o nill_v they_o they_o can_v never_o be_v beside_o in_o god_n decree_n be_v set_v down_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o also_o the_o mean_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o this_o persecution_n the_o place_n and_o end_n be_v plain_o note_v this_o we_o must_v remember_v &_o on_o the_o contrary_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o protestant_n which_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o sundry_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v god_n only_o foresee_v they_o and_o no_o way_n decree_a or_o will_v they_o as_o namely_o sin_n but_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n a_o bare_a foreknowledge_n without_o a_o decree_n be_v to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o idle_a providence_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n will_v not_o admit_v the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o expound_v his_o former_a say_n for_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o do_v christ_n call_v this_o persecution_n the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n christ_n answer_v because_o it_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v on_o earth_n where_o we_o may_v note_v what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n be_v they_o public_a or_o private_a namely_o they_o serve_v to_o discover_v the_o state_n of_o man_n heart_n either_o by_o make_v manifest_a their_o faith_n repentance_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n or_o by_o detect_v their_o impatience_n &_o hypocrisy_n verse_n 11._o behold_v i_o come_v short_o hold_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n here_o be_v christ_n commandment_n to_o this_o church_n wherein_o consider_v first_o what_o he_o injoin_v they_o then_o the_o reason_n thereof_o the_o thing_n he_o enjoin_v be_v this_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o be_v hold_v as_o it_o be_v with_o both_o hand_n that_o little_a meaof_n faith_n and_o grace_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v from_o i_o and_o in_o no_o wise_a part_n with_o the_o same_o this_o commandment_n have_v be_v before_o expound_v chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 25._o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v this_o commandment_n be_v two_o one_o go_v before_o it_o in_o these_o word_n i_o come_v short_o that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o general_a judgement_n or_o by_o death_n unto_o thou_o particular_o before_o this_o reason_n be_v put_v a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o speedy_a come_n of_o christ_n unto_o we_o either_o by_o death_n in_o particular_a or_o in_o judgement_n general_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v but_o â—aid_v up_o &_o treasure_v even_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n herein_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o and_o say_v with_o the_o bad_a servant_n mat._n 24.48_o my_o master_n do_v foreslowe_v his_o come_n for_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o impenitency_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o with_o a_o ancient_a jerome_n father_n think_v we_o ever_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o his_o trumpet_n this_o daily_a persuasion_n of_o the_o speedy_a come_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o notable_a use_n for_o first_o it_o will_v daunt_v the_o most_o desperate_a wretch_n that_o be_v and_o make_v he_o to_o tremble_v in_o himself_o and_o restrain_v he_o from_o many_o sin_n and_o if_o a_o man_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o be_v yet_o a_o loose_a liver_n this_o persuasion_n will_v rouse_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o make_v he_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o repentance_n for_o who_o will_v not_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o soul_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v now_o come_v to_o give_v he_o his_o final_a reward_n second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n and_o have_v repent_v and_o do_v believe_v this_o persuasion_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o make_v he_o constant_a in_o every_o good_a duty_n both_o of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n towards_o his_o brethren_n three_o this_o serve_v to_o comfort_v any_o person_n that_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o when_o he_o shall_v believe_v this_o which_o christ_n have_v say_v i_o come_v short_o he_o can_v but_o think_v but_o his_o deliverance_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o at_o his_o come_n he_o bring_v perfect_a redemption_n to_o all_o his_o elect._n the_o second_o reason_n be_v set_v after_o the_o commandment_n that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n that_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o thy_o glory_n even_o everlasting_a life_n this_o must_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n take_v it_o only_o for_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o ministry_n though_o it_o be_v also_o understand_v of_o he_o but_o the_o same_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v say_v if_o thou_o hold_v not_o fast_o thy_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n thou_o will_v loose_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o be_v ordain_v for_o thou_o hence_o some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n ordain_v to_o life_n may_v final_o perish_v because_o another_o may_v have_v that_o crown_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a abuse_n of_o this_o and_o such_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o absolute_a that_o a_o man_n may_v loose_v his_o crown_n but_o conditional_a hold_v fast_o or_o else_o thou_o shall_v perish_v and_o loose_v eternal_a life_n though_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o thou_o now_o the_o use_n of_o such_o speech_n be_v not_o to_o signify_v fall_v from_o grace_n but_o to_o show_v unto_o we_o our_o own_o weakness_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v of_o god_n whole_o to_o ourselves_o we_o can_v not_o but_o perish_v therefore_o they_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n unto_o a_o careful_a use_v of_o the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o salvation_n like_a as_o a_o father_n that_o take_v his_o child_n and_o set_v he_o on_o a_o horse_n guide_v the_o horse_n with_o one_o hand_n and_o hold_v he_o with_o the_o other_o and_o then_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n take_v heed_n lest_o thou_o fall_v not_o mean_v thereby_o that_o the_o child_n shall_v fall_v but_o intend_v to_o make_v he_o sit_v fast_o &_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o if_o he_o shall_v leave_v he_o he_o will_v fall_v second_o christ_n use_v such_o speech_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v make_v his_o church_n persevere_v in_o grace_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o all_o exhortation_n and_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n be_v instrument_n of_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n unto_o god_n child_n because_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v who_o shall_v be_v save_v certain_o so_o he_o have_v ordain_v certain_a mean_n to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v part_v whereof_o be_v exhortation_n &_o threaten_n which_o do_v not_o import_v any_o final_a relapse_n but_o serve_v as_o mean_n &_o cause_n of_o perseverance_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n here_o bid_v this_o church_n hold_v fast_o lest_o another_o take_v her_o crown_n in_o this_o threaten_n we_o may_v note_v that_o when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o one_o man_n or_o his_o blessing_n from_o any_o one_o people_n for_o the_o abuse_n thereof_o he_o have_v other_o ready_a to_o bestow_v the_o same_o upon_o who_o will_v use_v the_o same_o well_o when_o judas_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o apostleship_n mathias_n be_v choose_v in_o his_o room_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n by_o infidelity_n fall_v away_o from_o god_n he_o have_v the_o gentile_n in_o store_n to_o engraph_v in_o their_o stead_n for_o the_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v not_o shorten_v when_o any_o one_o people_n shall_v abuse_v his_o gospel_n he_o can_v give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o mat._n 21.43_o this_o must_v be_v think_v upon_o for_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o be_v now_o god_n people_n use_n and_o do_v enjoy_v his_o gospel_n but_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o herewith_o for_o if_o we_o abuse_v the_o same_o we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o have_v another_o nation_n in_o store_n who_o we_o now_o contemn_v whither_o he_o can_v send_v his_o gospel_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o plentiful_a fruit_n thereof_o we_o therefore_o must_v embrace_v and_o hold_v fast_o this_o blessing_n of_o god_n which_o now_o we_o enjoy_v and_o show_v