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
reverence_n as_o from_o the_o lord_n last_o in_o this_o exceed_a fear_n of_o john_n who_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o very_a godly_a and_o righteous_a man_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v will_v be_v astonish_v even_o to_o death_n with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n and_o if_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o holy_a can_v stand_v before_o god_n presence_n much_o less_o can_v the_o most_o righteous_a work_n of_o any_o man_n endure_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o judgement_n if_o his_o person_n can_v abide_v his_o presence_n his_o work_n will_v never_o bear_v his_o judgement_n for_o the_o person_n must_v first_o be_v approve_v before_o the_o work_n be_v accept_v therefore_o damnable_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o teach_v that_o such_o as_o in_o themselves_o be_v sinful_a man_n must_v stand_v before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n bring_v with_o they_o work_v of_o grace_n as_o mean_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o part_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o desperation_n for_o how_o can_v our_o work_n be_v perfect_o holy_a see_v our_o person_n be_v but_o sanctify_v here_o in_o part_n and_o who_o can_v think_v that_o the_o infinite_a justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o man_n ii_o point_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o fear_n in_o his_o body_n he_o fall_v down_o as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n this_o be_v no_o small_a fear_n but_o exceed_v great_a astonish_v his_o sense_n and_o lay_v he_o down_o as_o dead_a physician_n say_v and_o that_o true_o the_o mind_n follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n but_o hence_o we_o may_v as_o true_o say_v that_o the_o body_n follow_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v work_v upon_o the_o body_n like_v unto_o strong_a disease_n johns_n fear_n cast_v his_o body_n into_o a_o sound_n and_o so_o horror_n of_o conscience_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v cold_a will_v make_v the_o body_n hot_a and_o the_o entrails_n to_o roll_n in_o the_o body_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o anger_n 1._o reg._n 21.4_o when_o ahab_n can_v not_o obtain_v nabals_n vineyard_n he_o lay_v he_o down_o on_o his_o bed_n in_o displeasure_n and_o be_v almost_o dead_a even_o so_o will_v other_o affection_n work_v upon_o the_o body_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v disease_v must_v not_o always_o be_v cure_v by_o bare_a physic_n but_o sometime_o by_o cure_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o order_n of_o the_o affection_n for_o when_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o body_n arise_v from_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o mind_n then_o till_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o compose_v and_o settle_v physic_n will_v little_o avail_v iii_o point_n the_o kind_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v insinuate_v in_o these_o word_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o be_v a_o religious_a reverend_a fear_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o christ_n for_o this_o kind_n of_o prostrate_v the_o body_n betoken_v humility_n and_o argue_v a_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o the_o thing_n fear_v hence_o we_o be_v teach_v when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v prostrate_v ourselves_o as_o john_n do_v and_o look_v that_o we_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o religious_a fear_n of_o his_o majesty_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o christ_n be_v now_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v now_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n as_o john_n do_v i_o answer_v though_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n yet_o have_v he_o his_o foot_n upon_o earth_n at_o which_o we_o must_v fall_v down_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o mercy-seat_n be_v the_o pledge_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v god_n footstool_n psal._n 99.5_o before_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o fall_v down_o well_o though_o the_o mercy-seat_n be_v now_o take_v away_o yet_o some_o thing_n be_v instead_o thereof_o for_o wheresoever_o god_n people_n assemble_v themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n there_o be_v his_o footstool_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n we_o must_v cast_v down_o ourselves_o before_o christ_n jesus_n and_o do_v all_o duty_n unto_o he_o with_o all_o fear_n awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o majesty_n this_o fear_n of_o john_n though_o it_o be_v holy_a yet_o be_v it_o taint_v with_o some_o sin_n and_o corruption_n for_o it_o be_v a_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n which_o make_v he_o thus_o astonish_v and_o affright_v whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a affection_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o perfect_o holy_a but_o mix_v with_o imperfection_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sanctification_n which_o be_v always_o in_o part_n in_o this_o life_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n have_v in_o he_o a_o filial_a fear_n of_o god_n alone_o but_o some_o servile_a fear_n whereby_o we_o fear_v god_n for_o his_o judgement_n be_v mix_v therewith_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o johns_n fear_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o confirmation_n now_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o confirmation_n in_o these_o word_n then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v fear_v not_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n here_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n use_v these_o mean_n for_o johns_n confirmation_n second_o the_o mean_n themselves_o the_o time_n be_v note_v in_o this_o word_n then_o that_o be_v after_o his_o presence_n have_v strike_v a_o fear_n in_o my_o heart_n which_o make_v i_o as_o dead_a then_o the_o lord_n use_v mean_n to_o comfort_v i_o the_o mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o confirmation_n be_v then_o use_v when_o the_o party_n be_v humble_v and_o thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o all_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o salvation_n first_o he_o bruise_v their_o stony_a heart_n and_o wound_v their_o sinful_a soul_n before_o he_o pour_v in_o the_o oil_n of_o grace_n first_o a_o man_n must_v be_v a_o lose_a sheep_n and_o then_o christ_n find_v he_o and_o lay_v he_o on_o his_o shoulder_n and_o bring_v he_o home_o and_o indeed_o they_o that_o will_v feel_v sound_a comfort_n by_o christ_n must_v first_o be_v humble_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n reap_v so_o little_a comfort_n either_o by_o the_o word_n or_o sacrament_n be_v the_o want_n of_o true_a humiliation_n before_o they_o come_v whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v fit_v for_o grace_n and_o consolation_n ii_o point_n the_o mean_v use_v by_o christ_n to_o confirm_v john_n and_o they_o be_v two_o first_o a_o sensible_a sign_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o second_o comfortable_a word_n fear_v not_o here_o first_o observe_v in_o general_a christ_n gracious_a deal_n with_o john_n he_o use_v not_o one_o mean_n apart_o but_o in_o great_a mercy_n that_o he_o may_v thorough_o confirm_v john_n he_o give_v he_o both_o a_o sign_n and_o word_n and_o so_o he_o have_v always_o deal_v with_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o call_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o deliverer_n of_o his_o people_n first_o he_o give_v he_o his_o word_n say_v i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o a_o sign_n say_v upon_o this_o mountain_n shall_v you_o serve_v god_n exâ—d_n 3.12_o so_o when_o he_o will_v confirm_v the_o heart_n of_o 7._o ahaz_n against_o his_o enemy_n he_o first_o give_v he_o a_o promise_n of_o deliverance_n verse_n 7._o then_o bid_v he_o ask_v a_o sign_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n christ_n in_o the_o publish_n of_o his_o gospel_n add_v sign_n and_o miracle_n unto_o his_o word_n that_o the_o truth_n thereof_o may_v be_v full_o confirm_v and_o so_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n beside_o his_o merciful_a promise_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o fidelity_n he_o give_v we_o further_o sign_n and_o seal_n to_o support_v our_o weakness_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o even_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o teach_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v a_o special_a care_n over_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o he_o do_v so_o condescend_v and_o abase_v himself_o unto_o their_o weakness_n add_v unto_o his_o word_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o by_o both_o he_o may_v more_o evident_o give_v that_o assurance_n which_o by_o one_o alone_a our_o weakness_n will_v not_o so_o well_o conceive_v again_o in_o this_o mean_n of_o confirmation_n note_v the_o order_n which_o christ_n use_v
gospel_n when_o he_o preach_v god_n word_n be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a witness_n sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n first_o they_o must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o before_o all_o testimony_n of_o man_n in_o the_o office_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o christ_n to_o 4.34_o teach_v his_o father_n will_n eleazar_n abraham_n elder_a servant_n show_v his_o fidelity_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o have_v do_v his_o master_n message_n gen._n 24.33_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v special_a care_n of_o that_o weighty_a message_n commit_v unto_o they_o second_o they_o must_v testify_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v matter_n of_o salvation_n as_o faith_n obedience_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n among_o man_n we_o count_v he_o a_o faithful_a witness_n which_o testify_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o his_o church_n herein_o paul_n clear_v himself_o 27._o that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n blood_n see_v he_o deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o keep_v nothing_o back_o three_o he_o must_v neither_o add_v unto_o or_o take_v away_o much_o less_o in_o any_o case_n deprave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o false_a prophet_n teach_v some_o truth_n but_o withal_o they_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o or_o detract_v from_o god_n truth_n something_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v thing_n concern_v moral_a virtue_n handle_v sound_o but_o come_v to_o justification_n and_o thereto_o they_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o man_n work_n &_o so_o they_o deal_v with_o faith_n and_o repentance_n matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o take_v away_o one_o part_n and_o add_v another_o to_o the_o scripture_n they_o hold_v the_o creed_n in_o word_n yet_o in_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o same_o as_o by_o their_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v &_o so_o show_v themselves_o false_a witness_n four_o a_o faithful_a witness_n must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o best_o beseem_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o best_a approve_v that_o be_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a and_o familiar_a kind_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v touch_v &_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v edify_v when_o the_o word_n be_v otherwise_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n or_o for_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n or_o much_o read_n though_o nothing_o be_v say_v but_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o that_o so_o dispense_v it_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a witness_n because_o he_o corrupt_v the_o word_n by_o his_o vain_a delivery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n in_o many_o minister_n who_o teach_v the_o truth_n indeed_o but_o yet_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o seek_v themselves_o and_o not_o god_n glory_n respect_v little_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o simple_a so_o themselves_o may_v be_v famous_a for_o wit_n eloquence_n and_o learning_n but_o these_o man_n make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n like_v to_o huxter_n that_o by_o starch_v blow_v and_o spice_v set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o their_o ware_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o will_v banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o our_o land_n unless_o it_o be_v reform_v second_o this_o title_n of_o christ_n that_o faithful_a witness_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o the_o damnable_a practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n for_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o his_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o 5.10_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o not_o do_v make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o a_o liar_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o horrible_a &_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n for_o when_o the_o law_n be_v apply_v who_o be_v afraid_a and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v yet_o who_o believe_v our_o report_n god_n minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o little_a child_n we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v this_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o man_n be_v not_o move_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o this_o fearful_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n this_o therefore_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o ourselves_o the_o heinousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v strive_v against_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o word_n into_o our_o heart_n tremble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o each_o part_n thereof_o may_v have_v his_o perfect_a work_n in_o we_o for_o which_o end_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o among_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o burn_a lake_n unbeliever_n be_v set_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n revel_v 21._o vers_fw-la 8._o three_o see_v christ_n jesus_n be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o man_n conscience_n in_o particular_a of_o their_o salvation_n we_o learn_v that_o every_o one_o which_o profess_v himself_o to_o repent_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o election_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o he_o particular_o and_o though_o this_o be_v against_o all_o humane_a sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v a_o faithful_a witness_n avouch_v the_o same_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o testimony_n for_o by_o unbelief_n we_o great_o dishonour_v our_o witness_n bearer_n by_o deny_v truth_n unto_o his_o record_n here_o than_o we_o see_v it_o it_o no_o presumption_n as_o the_o papist_n say_v to_o believe_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o particular_a nay_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n in_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v christ_n a_o most_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hereto_o also_o serve_v the_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o seal_v up_o unto_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n the_o minister_n give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o they_o that_o true_o repent_v be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v believe_v thou_o and_o life_n eternal_a belong_v to_o thou_o and_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o second_o office_n of_o christ_n namely_o his_o priesthood_n the_o principal_a action_n whereof_o stand_v in_o die_v in_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n and_o here_o s._n john_n allude_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o family_n among_o the_o jew_n compare_v christ_n to_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o as_o among_o they_o he_o which_o be_v first_o bear_v and_o elder_a of_o the_o family_n have_v many_o privilege_n and_o preeminence_n above_o his_o brethren_n as_o lordship_n right_a of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o double_a portion_n etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n he_o have_v his_o privilege_n yea_o even_a christ_n crucify_v he_o have_v his_o prerogative_n among_o the_o dead_a above_o all_o that_o be_v dead_a so_o paul_n expound_v this_o title_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o beginning_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n coloss._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n dead_a and_o bury_v among_o all_o the_o dead_a be_v two_o first_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o so_o to_o glory_v some_o indeed_o have_v rise_v before_o christ_n from_o natural_a death_n to_o natural_a life_n as_o lazarus_n but_o it_o be_v to_o die_v again_o and_o moses_n and_o elias_n assume_v their_o body_n in_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n but_o yet_o they_o lay_v they_o down_o again_o to_o the_o former_a misery_n of_o corruption_n for_o a_o time_n but_o christ_n jesus_n rosâ—_n from_o death_n to_o life_n eternal_a never_o to_o die_v again_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o step_n into_o his_o glory_n second_o that_o by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o raise_v up_o
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
of_o the_o preface_n of_o this_o book_n contain_v the_o title_n and_o inscription_n thereof_o now_o from_o this_o nine_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v contain_v one_o of_o those_o seven_o vision_n which_o be_v show_v unto_o john_n and_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n in_o this_o first_o vision_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v first_o the_o circumstance_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o part_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n be_v four_o first_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v namely_o john_n the_o second_o the_o place_n where_o at_o paâ—mos_n the_o three_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v propound_v it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o be_v 〈…〉_z the_o spirit_n the_o four_o the_o time_n when_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o first_o john_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n befall_v who_o do_v therefore_o name_n himself_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o the_o devil_n have_v he_o 1._o but_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v god_n give_v his_o vision_n not_o to_o all_o man_n but_o unto_o those_o which_o be_v most_o â—it_a for_o they_o such_o as_o be_v most_o holy_a man_n for_o life_n endue_v with_o exceed_a gift_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v wisdom_n constancy_n zeal_n piety_n and_o religion_n so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o deliver_v not_o they_o to_o all_o 〈…〉_z his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n man_n of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o exceed_a holiness_n &_o piety_n indeed_o the_o lord_n reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n by_o wicked_a man_n as_o by_o balaam_n and_o cayphaâ—_n but_o they_o never_o know_v what_o those_o thing_n mean_v which_o be_v show_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v a_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v a_o vision_n and_o to_o know_v the_o same_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o for_o both_o these_o be_v john_n thorough_o qualify_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o exceed_a holiness_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n love_v he_o and_o of_o singular_a and_o rare_a gift_n full_a of_o zeal_n love_n and_o piety_n and_o also_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o vision_n make_v know_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o devil_n make_v no_o such_o choice_n his_o vision_n befall_v man_n which_o be_v heretic_n wicked_a notorious_a sinner_n who_o have_v no_o such_o rare_a and_o special_a gift_n as_o the_o other_o have_v so_o that_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o this_o as_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o apostle_n s._n john_n now_o john_n have_v name_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o receiver_n of_o this_o vision_n for_o the_o great_a credit_n hereof_o he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o modest_a term_n first_o a_o brother_n second_o a_o companion_n first_o he_o call_v himself_o their_o brother_n that_o be_v of_o they_o who_o by_o faith_n be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o family_n whereof_o god_n the_o father_n be_v head_n and_o householder_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o â—lder_a brother_n and_o all_o believer_n be_v fellow_n brethren_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n be_v by_o faith_n the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n member_n of_o that_o family_n and_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d to_o other_o by_o this_o title_n your_o brother_n first_o he_o set_v out_o his_o humility_n and_o great_a modesty_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n above_o all_o man_n which_o liveâ—_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n he_o be_v the_o last_o apostle_n and_o have_v apostolical_a authority_n bâ—ing_v a_o most_o zeâ—lous_a and_o constant_a professor_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o brother_n to_o 〈…〉_z himself_o but_o equal_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o esteem_v better_o of_o our_o brethren_n than_o of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v ourselves_o inferior_a to_o they_o second_o by_o this_o title_n we_o see_v he_o have_v his_o heart_n full_a of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n he_o love_v they_o as_o brethren_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n even_o our_o enemy_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o we_o but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n with_o we_o to_o these_o especial_o shall_v we_o show_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n so_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o christian_n roman_n he_o affection_a to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n rom._n 12.10_o and_o great_a reason_n for_o believer_n be_v link_v each_o to_o other_o with_o the_o near_a bond_n they_o have_v the_o same_o father_n which_o be_v god_n the_o same_o redeemer_n the_o same_o faith_n hope_n baptism_n and_o the_o same_o benefit_n by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o death_n and_o obedience_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o practise_v there_o be_v that_o call_v themselves_o brethren_n who_o as_o isaiah_n say_v hate_v they_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n 66.5_o and_o mock_v they_o even_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n whereby_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v if_o any_o seem_v to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o they_o be_v revile_v and_o hate_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o among_o all_o true_a christian_n shall_v be_v brotherly_a love_n the_o second_o title_n companion_n or_o copartner_n in_o three_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o patience_n of_o christ._n he_o call_v himself_o copartner_n with_o 〈◊〉_d in_o tribulation_n for_o two_o causus_fw-la first_o because_o at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v this_o vision_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n under_o that_o cruel_a tyrant_n domâ—â—ian_n about_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christâ—_n who_o banish_v he_o into_o 〈◊〉_d where_o he_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o therefore_o call_v himself_o a_o partner_n with_o they_o in_o affliction_n by_o which_o he_o show_v what_o be_v that_o state_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n namely_o to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o must_v not_o be_v companion_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n but_o copartner_n in_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n teach_v those_o which_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n these_o lesson_n first_o to_o deny_v themselves_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o because_o of_o this_o estate_n the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v call_v the_o militant_a church_n be_v in_o continual_a fight_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o this_o land_n have_v have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n for_o many_o year_n without_o persecution_n which_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o special_a blessing_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o for_o this_o end_n that_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o see_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v under_o affliction_n we_o be_v all_o in_o duty_n bind_v to_o wait_v continual_o when_o god_n will_v call_v we_o out_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n no_o man_n can_v define_v the_o time_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o trial_n but_o yet_o that_o it_o will_v come_v we_o must_v resolve_v because_o of_o the_o usual_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n send_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n whereby_o no_o doubt_n many_o sheaf_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o lord_n barn_n now_o after_o this_o long_o gather_v there_o will_v come_v a_o day_n of_o â—â—â—â—ing_n the_o lord_n will_v take_v into_o his_o hand_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o affliction_n and_o put_v it_o into_o his_o corn_n and_o thereby_o try_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n it_o stand_v we_o therefore_o in_o hand_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o in_o this_o time_n of_o peacâ—_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v good_a corn_n in_o the_o lord_n sieve_n and_o not_o chaff_n which_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o unquenchable_a fire_n second_o he_o call_v himself_o their_o copartner_n in_o affliction_n because_o his_o pitiful_a heart_n be_v move_v with_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o all_o his_o fellow_n member_n when_o he_o remember_v their_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n under_o the_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n shall_v
understanding_n of_o this_o place_n two_o question_n must_v be_v handle_v first_o how_o far_o forth_o do_v christ_n give_v this_o his_o power_n unto_o man_n answ._n christ_n sovereign_a and_o general_a power_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v not_o indeed_o give_v to_o any_o creature_n nay_o it_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o can_v be_v convey_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o person_n of_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n this_o truth_n we_o must_v hold_v of_o all_o christ_n office_n they_o be_v only_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v pass_v from_o he_o to_o any_o other_o ii_o quest._n how_o then_o do_v christ_n say_v true_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o that_o overcom_v power_n over_o nation_n answ._n not_o that_o his_o sovereign_a power_n be_v actual_o give_v to_o the_o creature_n but_o because_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o christ_n have_v the_o fruit_n &_o benefit_n of_o this_o power_n in_o his_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n be_v in_o they_o two_o way_n first_o hereby_o christ_n make_v all_o his_o servant_n be_v his_o member_n partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v condemn_v in_o hell_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v say_v to_o 2.6_o be_v raise_v up_o together_o and_o make_v to_o sit_v together_o in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o again_o he_o say_v the_o 6.2_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n not_o iâ—_n give_v sentence_n upon_o they_o but_o as_o witness_n and_o approver_n of_o christ_n his_o sentence_n for_o the_o elect_n shall_v first_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n and_o then_o be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n shall_v sit_v with_o christ_n and_o there_o approve_v of_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a second_o by_o this_o power_n he_o enable_v those_o that_o be_v he_o in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o overcome_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n his_o meaning_n then_o be_v this_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v howsoever_o my_o sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o creature_n in_o myself_o can_v be_v derive_v to_o any_o other_o yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o my_o power_n i_o will_v exalt_v they_o that_o overcome_v to_o partake_v of_o my_o glory_n and_o will_v give_v they_o power_n in_o themselves_o over_o their_o sin_n over_o death_n hell_n the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n here_o then_o behold_v unto_o what_o exceed_v dignity_n every_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v advance_v not_o in_o himself_o but_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v rule_v over_o nation_n and_o victory_n over_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n yea_o he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n glory_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n whatsoever_o use_n for_o the_o privilege_n of_o every_o christian_n be_v to_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v the_o wicked_a world_n now_o as_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o judge_n that_o sit_v and_o condemn_v a_o murderer_n or_o a_o thief_n to_o be_v a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n himself_o so_o it_o be_v for_o any_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n see_v he_o himself_o must_v condemn_v the_o world_n of_o those_o sin_n neither_o can_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v ever_o advance_v he_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n to_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o other_o unless_o he_o first_o reform_v it_o in_o himself_o second_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o privilege_n of_o a_o christian_n must_v be_v hide_v in_o our_o mind_n against_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n and_o of_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n for_o he_o that_o have_v keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n all_o his_o life_n be_v a_o prince_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v rule_v over_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o though_o now_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o wrong_v by_o they_o yet_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v their_o judge_n and_o shall_v one_o day_n condemn_v they_o that_o do_v he_o wrong_n and_o as_o for_o death_n it_o be_v subdue_v in_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o death_n unto_o he_o 1._o corin._n 15._o vers_fw-la 54._o again_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v thus_o he_o shall_v feed_v and_o rule_v the_o nation_n 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o shepherd_n rule_v and_o feed_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o book_n the_o papist_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o peter_n john_n 21.16_o feed_v my_o sheep_n that_o be_v feed_v and_o rule_v my_o sheep_n will_v gather_v peter_n supremacy_n over_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n but_o their_o gross_a abuse_n of_o that_o place_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o this_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o every_o one_o that_o overcom_v for_o if_o their_o collection_n be_v good_a then_o hence_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o christian_a man_n shall_v have_v the_o like_a supremacy_n and_o be_v a_o pope_n which_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v every_o man_n may_v judge_v therefore_o that_o place_n in_o john_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o supremacy_n for_o there_o christ_n teach_v peter_n the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n from_o this_o first_o gift_n of_o christ_n the_o papist_n gather_v two_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o several_a saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v patron_n of_o country_n &_o kingdom_n as_o saint_n george_n for_o england_n saint_n deâ—is_n for_o france_n saint_n patrick_n for_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n second_o that_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o saint_n for_o the_o saint_n rule_v the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o know_v all_o nation_n and_o if_o they_o know_v they_o than_o they_o must_v be_v pray_v unto_o but_o they_o swarâ—e_v from_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n for_o first_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v have_v power_n one_o over_o one_o country_n and_o another_o over_o another_o but_o every_o saint_n have_v power_n over_o all_o nation_n second_o they_o have_v power_n over_o all_o nation_n not_o because_o they_o rule_v they_o actual_o but_o because_o they_o have_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n power_n whereby_o they_o be_v rule_v and_o for_o their_o second_o collection_n we_o must_v by_o nation_n understand_v not_o all_o church_n but_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o wicked_a be_v they_o that_o must_v be_v break_v like_o poâ—ters_n vessel_n now_o the_o faithful_a have_v not_o power_n over_o the_o church_n but_o over_o infidel_n &_o therefore_o both_o their_o collection_n be_v absurd_a i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o morâ—â—ng_a star_n here_o be_v the_o second_o benefit_n promise_v by_o christ_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v 28._o the_o morning_n star_n proper_o signify_v that_o bright_a star_n which_o rise_v a_o little_a before_o the_o sun_n some_o time_n of_o the_o year_n which_o the_o heathen_a call_n venus_n and_o hereby_o be_v mean_v christ_n himself_o as_o reu._n 22.16_o i_o be_o the_o bright_a morning_n star_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o star_n first_o because_o he_o illuminate_v all_o man_n with_o the_o light_n of_o understanding_n and_o his_o church_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o sufficient_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o concern_v salvation_n second_o to_o show_v that_o the_o prophesy_v utter_v by_o balaam_n touch_v christ_n who_o he_o call_v 24.17_o the_o star_n of_o jaacob_n be_v now_o fulfil_v when_o as_o christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n have_v plentiful_o reveal_v himself_o to_o all_o nation_n further_o he_o be_v call_v a_o morning_n star_n for_o that_o special_a resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o it_o for_o the_o morning_n star_n rise_v not_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o middle_n of_o the_o night_n but_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o night_n towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o day_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v about_o to_o rise_v and_o then_o it_o shine_v bright_a than_o all_o other_o star_n even_o so_o christ_n he_o come_v not_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o middle_n of_o the_o dark_a time_n under_o the_o law_n but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o after_o his_o incarnation_n he_o do_v shine_v most_o full_o to_o all_o nation_n so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o light_n of_o knowledge_n before_o his_o come_n as_o have_v be_v since_o this_o peter_n verifi_v when_o he_o say_v 1.19_o we_o have_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o which_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dâ—wne_n and_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n where_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n be_v call_v a_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o their_o preach_v then_o as_o a_o candlelight_n but_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o the_o day_n star_n which_o shine_v most_o bright_o he_o