and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v stand_v out_o till_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o ten_o persecution_n wherewith_o you_o will_v be_v try_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n i_o will_v crown_v you_o with_o the_o imperial_a crown_n which_o shall_v prove_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n unto_o you_o christianity_n shall_v become_v at_o length_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o will_v save_v you_o for_o the_o future_a from_o the_o deadly_a persecution_n of_o the_o red_a dragon_n you_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o subject_n to_o the_o cruelty_n of_o roman_a paganism_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o your_o religion_n this_o therefore_o will_v be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n unto_o you_o this_o be_v according_a to_o that_o apoc._n 21._o 4._o and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n that_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o persecution_n and_o kill_v for_o conscience_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o sad_a case_n of_o this_o smyrnian_a church_n under_o the_o pagan_a cruelty_n in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n wherefore_o when_o they_o have_v win_v their_o freedom_n it_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o contrary_n that_o this_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n will_v far_o appear_v from_o what_o follow_v 6._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o 11._o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o usual_a epiphonema_n to_o parable_n plain_o intimate_v that_o what_o hitherto_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o parabolicall_a prophecy_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o prophecy_n be_v to_o foretell_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v transact_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o divine_a or_o concern_v the_o state_n after_o this_o life_n the_o epiphonema_n follow_v as_o be_v very_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n which_o be_v the_o first_o example_n of_o the_o epiphonema_n come_v last_o of_o all_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o whole_a epistle_n there_o be_v prophetical_a verse_n 26._o and_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o keep_v my_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n etc._n etc._n which_o therefore_o concern_v the_o stage_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o therefore_o this_o promise_n here_o of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n before_o the_o epiphonema_n i_o will_v interpret_v of_o a_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n on_o this_o earth_n according_a as_o i_o have_v expound_v the_o passage_n but_o now_o that_o which_o follow_v this_o epiphonema_n be_v a_o promise_n of_o another_o sort_n viz._n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o it_o be_v the_o secure_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n after_o this_o life_n and_o seem_v far_a to_o correspond_v with_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n ch._n 20._o v._n 6._o bless_a and_o holy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n on_o such_o the_o second_o death_n have_v no_o power_n wherefore_o though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o inference_n of_o rigid_a syllogism_n yet_o according_a to_o those_o nice_a and_o delicate_a hint_n in_o prophetical_a intimation_n i_o will_v conclude_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o portion_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n be_v here_o propose_v to_o those_o afflict_a smyrnian_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a portion_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o mr._n mede_n have_v learned_o and_o judicious_o observe_v which_o grant_v do_v huge_o corroborate_v this_o application_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n to_o this_o interval_n which_o contain_v the_o time_n of_o all_o the_o suffering_n in_o a_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n have_v be_v very_o proper_a and_o accommodate_v to_o this_o smyrnian_a state_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v so_o frequent_o to_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o it_o to_o be_v intimate_v to_o they_o that_o these_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o martyr_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v be_v so_o characteristical_a of_o this_o interval_n wherein_o all_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n suffer_v viz._n in_o those_o ten_o persecution_n that_o it_o do_v marvellous_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o present_a epistle_n in_o this_o mystical_a way_n we_o have_v go_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n that_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o oppression_n and_o affliction_n as_o the_o allusion_n to_o that_o syriack_n word_n import_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n chap._n v._n the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n 1._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n 12._o in_o pergamus_n write_v the_o interval_n of_o this_o church_n be_v from_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 324_o when_o constantine_n utter_o defeat_v the_o army_n of_o licinius_n not_o above_o thirty_o thousand_o of_o one_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o escape_v and_o so_o with_o his_o own_o victory_n make_v the_o church_n also_o triumphant_a out_o of_o her_o long_a and_o unsupportable_a misery_n raise_v she_o aloft_o from_o her_o sad_a oppression_n and_o persecution_n from_o this_o year_n i_o say_v to_o the_o year_n 1242_o when_o the_o pope_n legate_n amelin_n make_v a_o end_n of_o the_o albigensian_a war_n with_o trancavel_n bastard_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o bezier_n let_v this_o be_v the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n 2._o of_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o interval_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n and_o for_o the_o termination_n of_o it_o there_o be_v these_o two_o consideration_n to_o countenance_v it_o the_o first_o in_o that_o the_o latter_a of_o those_o number_n in_o the_o last_o of_o daniel_n viz._n the_o number_n 1335_o do_v point_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n who_o be_v both_o one_o sect_n and_o from_o one_o author_n waldo_n of_o lion_n a_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o preach_v and_o his_o own_o and_o his_o follower_n suffering_n be_v about_o the_o term_n of_o that_o number_n who_o epoch_n be_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o temple_n by_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n so_o considerable_a a_o passage_n of_o providence_n be_v the_o appear_v of_o the_o waldenses_n in_o those_o time_n betwixt_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1160_o and_o 1170._o for_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o heretic_n by_o pope_n alexander_n in_o the_o lateran_n council_n in_o the_o year_n 1162_o upon_o which_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a persecution_n will_v immediate_o follow_v and_o mr._n mede_n with_o great_a judgement_n will_v have_v this_o latter_a number_n in_o daniel_n to_o 12._o point_n at_o these_o time_n nor_o do_v that_o expression_n of_o daniel_n at_o all_o weaken_v his_o opinion_n in_o that_o he_o say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o wait_v and_o come_v to_o the_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o and_o five_o and_o thirty_o day_n because_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n also_o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v that_o die_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n it_o be_v say_v i_o know_v thy_o tribulation_n and_o poverty_n but_o thou_o be_v rich_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v quite_o opposite_a in_o these_o thing_n what_o they_o call_v poverty_n the_o spirit_n call_v riches_n what_o they_o misery_n the_o spirit_n blessedness_n wherefore_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o waldenses_n or_o albigenses_n be_v a_o notable_a distinct_a and_o conspicuous_a joint_n of_o time_n even_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o terminate_v the_o interval_n of_o this_o church_n in_o pergamus_n not_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o conclusion_n of_o these_o waldensian_a or_o albigensian_a affair_n because_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o manner_n one_o and_o so_o plain_o conclude_v in_o the_o year_n i_o have_v mention_v their_o suffering_n may_v the_o more_o punctual_o answer_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o that_o one_o martyr_v antipas_n who_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v slay_v in_o pergamus_n but_o the_o concinnity_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v better_o understand_v after_o we_o have_v descant_v upon_o the_o name_n pergamus_n 3._o that_o by_o pergamus_n be_v intimate_v a_o state_n of_o exaltation_n or_o sublimity_n i_o intimate_v before_o sublimia_fw-la omne_fw-la dicta_fw-la asiaticis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d notat_fw-la hesychius_n suidas_n &_o
stage_n but_z if_o thou_o strive_v so_o as_o to_o get_v the_o victory_n in_o the_o way_n i_o have_v instruct_v thou_o i_o will_v translate_v thou_o to_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n most_o natural_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v where_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o and_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o my_o father_n as_o i_o 29._o after_o i_o have_v overcome_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n into_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n and_o there_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o encumbrance_n the_o pleasure_n and_o enticement_n of_o this_o low_a world_n will_v i_o cause_v to_o sit_v down_o with_o i_o in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o monition_n be_v the_o more_o seasonable_a by_o how_o much_o more_o near_o the_o approach_n of_o that_o great_a day_n be_v for_o i_o shall_v come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o very_a next_o thunder_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o gog_n and_o magog_n when_o i_o will_v transform_v your_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o my_o glorious_a body_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fit_a companion_n for_o i_o in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o behold_v i_o show_v 54._o you_o a_o mystery_n you_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n yet_o you_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o stupendous_a promise_n but_o thou_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o will_n and_o can_v carry_v on_o all_o his_o design_n to_o the_o very_a end_n amen_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o 22._o the_o church_n from_o the_o epiphonema_n come_v here_o last_o as_o in_o all_o these_o four_o last_o epistle_n one_o may_v haply_o raise_v this_o objection_n as_o if_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n immediate_o precede_v it_o be_v not_o political_a or_o prophetical_a enough_o but_o mere_o theological_a the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o therefore_o be_v against_o our_o profess_a rule_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n after_o this_o life_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n be_v mere_o a_o theogicall_a promise_n and_o of_o a_o thing_n more_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v see_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o earth_n yet_o this_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o general_a day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o that_o great_a and_o visible_a assize_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v appear_v in_o glorify_v body_n may_v well_o be_v range_v in_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o promise_v immediate_o precede_v the_o epiphonemata_fw-la of_o each_o epistle_n and_o to_o be_v accomplish_v visible_o in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o as_o christ_n after_o his_o suffering_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n ascend_v visible_o into_o heaven_n for_o heaven_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o heaven_n become_v also_o christ_n throne_n so_o those_o of_o laodicea_n who_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o their_o lust_n shall_v attain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o life_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v ascend_v visible_o into_o christ_n throne_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v leave_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o inferior_a region_n of_o the_o air_n sentence_v to_o that_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o such_o as_o the_o place_n of_o the_o epiphonema_n require_v and_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n no_o mean_a ratification_n of_o the_o true_a and_o literal_a sense_n of_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n touch_v the_o visible_a resurrection_n and_o glorification_n of_o our_o body_n and_o their_o ascension_n into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n against_o such_o as_o will_v whiffle_v away_o all_o these_o truth_n by_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o mere_a moral_a allegory_n thus_o consonant_a every_o way_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o epistle_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o apostolic_a truth_n chap._n x._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o main_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o way_n of_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n touch_v the_o say_a epistle_n and_o their_o circumstance_n otherwise_o hardly_o or_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v solve_v 1._o as_o in_o natural_a hypothesis_n those_o be_v account_v true_a that_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n the_o most_o natural_o and_o easy_o and_o especial_o if_o such_o as_o be_v no_o otherwise_o solvible_a then_o upon_o the_o propose_a hypothesis_n so_o that_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n i_o mean_v especial_o of_o any_o considerable_a portion_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v true_a that_o can_v solve_v the_o most_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v the_o same_o or_o the_o context_n precedent_n or_o subsequent_a thereto_o and_o if_o all_o still_o the_o more_o certain_a and_o if_o unsolvible_a otherwise_o there_o be_v still_o the_o more_o assurance_n of_o undeniable_a demonstration_n now_o how_o near_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o these_o epistle_n approach_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o case_n i_o will_v leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v after_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o question_n easy_o raise_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o or_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n and_o not_o easy_o answer_v nor_o at_o all_o satisfactory_o at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o hypothesis_n we_o have_v go_v 2._o as_o first_o if_o a_o man_n inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n after_o he_o have_v so_o express_o give_v notice_n that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o call_v it_o plain_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n 3._o shall_v start_v so_o unexpected_o from_o the_o title_n and_o intend_a subject_n as_o to_o write_v no_o less_o than_o seven_o epistle_n to_o certain_a church_n that_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a of_o prophecy_n in_o they_o before_o he_o deliver_v any_o prophecy_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o only_o promise_v and_o commination_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v this_o with_o as_o great_a pomp_n and_o as_o high_a a_o preamble_n as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o begin_v so_o famous_a prophecy_n as_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o the_o open_a book_n but_o according_a to_o our_o hypothesis_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a viz._n that_o though_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v a_o literal_a sense_n yet_o they_o be_v also_o a_o parable_n or_o prophecy_n and_o of_o as_o high_a concern_v for_o both_o matter_n and_o extent_n of_o time_n they_o reach_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o open_a book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o great_a pomp_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o notice_n thereof_o second_o a_o man_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n dictate_v letter_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o the_o church_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o africa_n for_o certain_o the_o church_n have_v disspr_v itself_o into_o all_o these_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o time_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o respecter_n of_o person_n for_o these_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n of_o john_n but_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o our_o answer_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n that_o for_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o word_n asia_n to_o comport_v also_o with_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n asia_n alone_o be_v pitch_v upon_o but_o according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v write_v unto_o under_o such_o distinct_a condition_n as_o she_o be_v to_o vary_v into_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n nor_o acception_n of_o person_n in_o this_o three_o if_o a_o man_n demand_v touch_v the_o order_n or_o precedency_n of_o these_o seven_o
who_o interval_n be_v from_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n or_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 63._o till_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 324._o when_o constantine_n the_o great_a a_o zealous_a professor_n of_o christianity_n have_v subdue_v the_o most_o potent_a enemy_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o for_o then_o the_o church_n be_v raise_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n or_o rather_o out_o of_o the_o mire_n and_o blood_n that_o she_o be_v tread_v down_o into_o by_o the_o ten_o cruel_a persecution_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n in_o sublimity_n and_o exaltation_n according_a to_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n but_o in_o this_o interval_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o martyrdom_n she_o be_v the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v all_o one_o and_o signify_v myrrh_n which_o whether_o you_o respect_v the_o plant_n itself_o which_o grow_v in_o sandy_a dry_a and_o uncultivated_a place_n and_o be_v itself_o rough_a and_o thorny_a with_o sharp_a prick_a leaf_n or_o else_o the_o gum_n of_o the_o tree_n which_o be_v bite_v and_o bitter_a to_o the_o taste_n and_o have_v its_o very_a name_n from_o thence_o in_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quia_fw-la amara_fw-la as_o martinius_n note_n it_o be_v very_o significative_a of_o this_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n that_o succeed_v wherein_o those_o horrible_a pagan_a persecution_n raise_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v comprehend_v so_o that_o smyrna_n signify_v the_o bitter_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o lamp_n name_v wormwood_n do_v the_o sad_a calamity_n of_o the_o western_a caesareate_n 2._o to_o which_o you_o may_v add_v that_o smyrna_n that_o be_v to_o say_v myrrh_n be_v a_o main_a ingredient_n in_o the_o embalm_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o again_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o funeral_n or_o rather_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o will_v be_v cause_v by_o the_o persecution_n of_o those_o time_n beside_o that_o as_o myrrh_n keep_v the_o body_n from_o corruption_n it_o may_v be_v a_o symbol_n of_o the_o eternize_n of_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o martyr_n to_o all_o posterity_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o conserve_n of_o their_o very_a body_n themselves_o which_o they_o call_v relic_n though_o this_o allusion_n can_v be_v no_o countenance_n to_o the_o abuse_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o last_o this_o allusion_n to_o myrrh_n be_v still_o the_o more_o emphatical_a in_o that_o the_o body_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o faithful_a witness_n as_o he_o style_v himself_o after_o his_o martyrdom_n on_o the_o cross_n be_v say_v to_o be_v embalm_v with_o myrrh_n john_n 19_o 3._o these_o thing_n say_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o who_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a the_o title_n that_o christ_n adorn_v himself_o with_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n namely_o through_o all_o the_o succession_n of_o they_o like_o that_o promise_n behold_v i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n intimate_v thereby_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n through_o which_o he_o will_v in_o all_o difficulty_n sustain_v the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n which_o general_a signification_n seem_v well_o enough_o proportion_v or_o fit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n he_o express_o require_v of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o zeal_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o general_a but_o now_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n and_o there_o enter_v a_o more_o bloody_a scene_n and_o terrible_a he_o seem_v to_o encourage_v they_o with_o high_a and_o more_o palpable_a and_o particular_a animation_n in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o his_o discourse_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o same_o that_o begin_v the_o war_n for_o this_o kingdom_n we_o strive_v for_o and_o will_v be_v the_o last_o in_o the_o field_n to_o assist_v my_o friend_n and_o discomfit_v my_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o i_o be_v the_o first_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o though_o i_o be_v crucify_v myself_o yet_o behold_v i_o be_o now_o alive_a and_o i_o tell_v you_o it_o for_o a_o pledge_n unto_o you_o of_o the_o same_o happiness_n if_o you_o lay_v down_o your_o life_n as_o the_o time_n will_v short_o require_v it_o for_o i_o and_o for_o my_o gospel_n this_o be_v very_o particular_a and_o apposite_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o smyrnian_a interval_n wherein_o there_o be_v to_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o bloody_a persecution_n 4._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o tribulation_n and_o poverty_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o know_v 9_o the_o great_a affliction_n and_o misery_n thou_o be_v oppress_v withal_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n every_o moment_n which_o be_v a_o right_a smyrnian_a condition_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n but_o thou_o be_v rich_a namely_o with_o those_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o meekness_n of_o patience_n of_o christian_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n and_o of_o sincere_a and_o invincible_a love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n even_o to_o the_o death_n itself_o and_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o reproach_n that_o those_o man_n cast_v upon_o christianity_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o yet_o make_v nothing_o of_o dissemble_v and_o deny_v the_o faith_n upon_o the_o arise_v of_o any_o persecution_n for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n as_o if_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v such_o a_o vile_a false_a and_o abject_a hypocrite_n this_o be_v to_o blaspheme_v they_o that_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n the_o right_a christian_n be_v the_o true_a jew_n who_o heart_n be_v circumcise_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o lie_v with_o his_o tongue_n and_o who_o faith_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o i_o and_o hope_n so_o firm_a of_o a_o better_a life_n that_o he_o can_v if_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o gospel_n so_o require_v willing_o part_n with_o this_o for_o the_o love_n of_o i_o and_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o kingdom_n these_o be_v the_o true_a member_n of_o my_o church_n who_o be_v for_o suffering_n the_o other_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o i_o tell_v peter_n when_o he_o will_v have_v dissuade_v i_o from_o undergo_a the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o 23._o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o the_o jew_n signify_v the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n then_o that_o and_o this_o mention_n of_o these_o false_a christian_n in_o opposition_n to_o these_o smyrnian_a sufferer_n do_v plain_o insinuate_v that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v give_v 5._o fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o 10._o thou_o shall_v suffer_v do_v not_o imitate_v the_o base_a cowardice_n of_o this_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n these_o hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n after_o that_o sharp_a reprehension_n of_o flincher_n from_o the_o faith_n he_o return_v to_o encourage_v and_o corroborate_v the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n behold_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v try_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n the_o red_a dragon_n that_o old_a serpent_n in_o his_o fight_n with_o michael_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o that_o vision_n be_v co-incident_a with_o this_o smyrnian_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v the_o pagan_n incense_v by_o the_o old_a serpent_n will_v cast_v several_a of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o your_o faith_n may_v be_v try_v and_o god_n may_v receive_v the_o glory_n of_o your_o fortitude_n and_o constancy_n this_o you_o shall_v have_v for_o ten_o day_n that_o be_v till_o the_o time_n of_o consummation_n that_o victory_n and_o redemption_n be_v wrought_v for_o you_o or_o that_o you_o die_v or_o rather_o thus_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n for_o ten_o day_n there_o will_v be_v ten_o season_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n which_o you_o must_v run_v through_o those_o ten_o persecution_n so_o famous_a in_o church-history_n and_o so_o frequent_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o man_n which_o consideration_n among_o other_o do_v not_o a_o little_a ratify_v this_o our_o exposition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o consequent_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o whole_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o seven_o successive_a intervall_n be_v you_o faithful_a unto_o death_n
the_o fit_a and_o easy_a congruity_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o of_o the_o event_n of_o the_o seven_o intervall_n denote_v by_o they_o to_o the_o prefiguration_n in_o the_o vision_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o by_o balaam_n mention_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n wherein_o antipas_n that_o be_v the_o opposer_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v murder_v the_o papal_a hierarchy_n be_v understand_v as_o it_o be_v also_o by_o the_o prophetess_n jezebel_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n who_o be_v also_o a_o murderess_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o both_o of_o they_o express_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o very_a text._n nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o wonderful_a that_o balaam_n and_o jezebel_n the_o one_o a_o man_n the_o other_o a_o woman_n shall_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n in_o the_o follow_a vision_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n signify_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n viz._n the_o hierarchy_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o ecclesiastic_a body_n 4._o and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o vision_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n the_o same_o i_o say_v of_o all_o those_o exposition_n of_o the_o thirteen_o and_o seventeen_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o that_o of_o the_o little_a horn_n in_o daniel_n namely_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v so_o natural_o applicable_a to_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o church_n beside_o the_o demonstration_n of_o synchronism_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o those_o two_o forego_v conclusion_n be_v add_v thereto_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n leave_v but_o that_o those_o interpretation_n be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o body_n of_o antichrist_n that_o mother_n of_o fornication_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v of_o multifarious_a modes_n of_o gross_a idolatry_n or_o that_o scarlet_a whore_n on_o the_o seven_o hill_n that_o be_v also_o drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n 5._o and_o that_o therefore_o in_o the_o four_o place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o poison_n exceed_v the_o antidote_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n that_o salvation_n shall_v be_v hope_v for_o there_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a truth_n but_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o of_o such_o huge_a moment_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v conceal_v what_o god_n may_v do_v in_o his_o more_o hide_a way_n of_o providence_n he_o alone_o know_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v say_v that_o every_o idolatrous_a heathen_a must_v perish_v eternal_o but_o to_o speak_v no_o far_o than_o we_o have_v commission_n and_o according_a to_o the_o easy_a tenor_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v pronounce_v though_o with_o great_a sadness_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n therefrom_o to_o think_v or_o declare_v any_o of_o the_o popish_a religion_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o especial_o since_o that_o voice_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o sound_v in_o the_o interval_n of_o thyatira_n say_v express_o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o 9_o fornicatour_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v bind_v to_o continue_v idolater_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v or_o else_o to_o renounce_v their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v damn_v by_o adhere_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n unless_o they_o can_v live_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o for_o he_o that_o die_v in_o such_o a_o capital_a sin_n as_o idolatry_n without_o repentance_n nay_o in_o a_o blind_a obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o it_o how_o can_v he_o escape_v eternal_a damnation_n 6._o but_o though_o we_o have_v keep_v ourselves_o to_o the_o apocalypse_n the_o thing_n be_v clear_a in_o that_o book_n alone_o ch_z 22._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o where_o all_o idolater_n be_v express_o exclude_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n and_o one_o of_o they_o though_o expunge_v by_o rome_n be_v thou_o shall_v not_o worship_v any_o grave_a image_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n for_o without_o be_v dog_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o whoremonger_n and_o murderer_n and_o idolater_n and_o whoso_o love_v and_o make_v a_o lie_n all_o these_o be_v exclude_v the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o from_o eat_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n of_o which_o who_o eat_v not_o be_v most_o assure_o detain_v in_o eternal_a death_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o murderer_n and_o whoremonger_n and_o 8._o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n what_o sentence_n can_v be_v more_o express_a than_o this_o 7._o but_o beside_o this_o divine_a sentence_n against_o they_o they_o be_v also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v self-condemned_n or_o at_o least_o give_v sentence_n against_o themselves_o while_o they_o so_o free_o pronounce_v that_o no_o idolater_n be_v to_o be_v save_v which_o they_o frequent_o do_v to_o save_v their_o own_o church_n from_o the_o reproach_n of_o idolatry_n for_o because_o some_o protestant_n have_v declare_v for_o the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n they_o far_o improve_v the_o favour_n to_o the_o quit_v themselves_o of_o the_o guilt_n from_o other_o hopeful_a presage_n that_o by_o a_o hearty_a implicit_a repentance_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a crime_n of_o that_o church_n they_o may_v through_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o punishment_n this_o piece_n of_o charity_n in_o some_o of_o our_o party_n they_o turn_v to_o the_o fence_n off_o all_o imputation_n of_o idolatry_n from_o themselves_o argue_v thus_o that_o no_o idolater_n can_v be_v save_v but_o those_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n may_v be_v save_v according_a to_o those_o protestant_n opinion_n therefore_o those_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v no_o idolater_n but_o most_o assure_o while_o they_o thus_o abuse_v the_o charity_n of_o some_o even_o by_o their_o own_o proposition_n they_o must_v bring_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n as_o they_o have_v herein_o give_v it_o against_o themselves_o in_o say_v that_o all_o idolater_n be_v damn_v or_o that_o no_o idolater_n can_v be_v save_v for_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o noon-light_n in_o this_o present_a discourse_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v idolater_n 8._o and_o in_o that_o of_o those_o of_o our_o church_n that_o say_v they_o may_v be_v save_v upon_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a implicit_a repentance_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n wherein_o they_o include_v the_o idolatry_n and_o all_o other_o miscarriage_n which_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blind_a mis-instruction_n of_o their_o church_n no_o more_o be_v give_v they_o by_o this_o then_o thus_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v save_v by_o disow_v of_o and_o dismember_n themselves_o from_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o bitter_o repent_v they_o that_o they_o be_v ever_o of_o that_o church_n as_o such_o and_o by_o be_v so_o mind_v that_o if_o they_o do_v know_v what_o a_o corrupt_a church_n it_o be_v they_o will_v forthwith_o separate_v from_o it_o so_o that_o in_o effect_n those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o some_o of_o we_o conceit_n may_v be_v save_v be_v no_o otherwise_o save_v if_o at_o all_o then_o by_o a_o implicit_a renounce_v communion_n with_o it_o which_o in_o foro_n divino_fw-la must_v go_v for_o a_o actual_a and_o formal_a separation_n from_o it_o in_o which_o position_n if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n it_o will_v reach_v the_o honest-minded_n pagan_n as_o well_o but_o it_o can_v shelter_v neither_o unless_o in_o such_o circumstance_n that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o opportunity_n to_o learn_v the_o truth_n which_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o especial_o this_o last_o age_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v abundant_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o all_o man_n especial_o those_o that_o live_v in_o protestant_a nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v without_o all_o