be_v praise_v cherish_v and_o follow_v as_o have_v the_o impress_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o they_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o suffering_n constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o their_o work_n catexochen_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o your_o grace_n and_o work_n of_o suffering_n patience_n and_o zeal_n against_o such_o worker_n false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o these_o be_v your_o good_a work_n worthy_a of_o commendation_n and_o imitation_n in_o you_o now_o in_o all_o our_o action_n observe_v there_o must_v be_v many_o circumstantial_a ingredient_n to_o denominate_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o good_a work_n according_a to_o that_o old_a rule_n a_o quo_fw-la cvi_fw-la quomodo_fw-la quando_fw-la first_o they_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o true_a fountain_n god_n spirit_n must_v be_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o author_n 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or_o fundamental_o unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o this_o can_v be_v term_v a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n but_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a and_o real_a truth_n that_o justify_v a_o soul_n in_o his_o suffering_n for_o it_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v keep_v undefiled_a thereby_o and_o so_o become_v a_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n when_o god_n call_v he_o to_o it_o in_o clear_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n see_v more_o hereon_o in_o v._o 9_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n five_o in_o the_o last_o place_n understand_v that_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o our_o work_n though_o they_o be_v all_o right_o circumstantiate_v as_o aforesaid_a yet_o strict_o and_o simple_o in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v good_a work_n for_o so_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n god_n be_v only_o good_a mark_v 10.18_o and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o production_n of_o they_o though_o the_o agency_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v manifest_o in_o they_o yet_o pass_v through_o corrupt_a conduit_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o sinful_a instrument_n they_o receive_v a_o tincture_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o defilement_n from_o the_o sinful_a agent_n that_o do_v produce_v and_o effect_v they_o and_o so_o single_o in_o themselves_o be_v sinful_a and_o imperfect_a but_o as_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o christ_n our_o work_n though_o otherwise_o weak_a sinful_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n accept_v as_o good_a holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o be_v do_v and_o present_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o that_o altar_n that_o both_o sanctify_v the_o gift_n and_o the_o giver_n in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o acceptation_n of_o our_o work_n before_o our_o person_n be_v in_o christ_n than_o he_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o our_o work_n though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o yet_o in_o christ_n and_o as_o flow_v from_o his_o divine_a efficiency_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o most_o holy_a good_a and_o perfect_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v more_o especial_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v the_o labour_n and_o patience_n they_o undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n which_o do_v manifest_o appear_v in_o their_o zeal_n against_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v from_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o burdensome_a troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o christ_n faithful_a church_n to_o have_v evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o the_o one_o do_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n the_o other_o their_o judgement_n the_o one_o be_v pernicious_a in_o their_o example_n the_o other_o in_o their_o doctrine_n the_o one_o 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hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a 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witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
officer_n now_o at_o present_a authorize_v in_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o such_o officer_n then_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o officer_n want_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v right_o dispense_v but_o the_o major_a be_v former_o clear_v the_o consequence_n i_o believe_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o look_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o office_n therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a and_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o primitive_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o positive_a institution_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v moral_a positive_a law_n and_o still_o constringent_a and_o perpetual_a unless_o you_o can_v show_v their_o repeal_v see_v cawdry_n on_o the_o sabbath_n part_v 1._o cap._n 2._o hereon_o and_o therefore_o bind_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n confer_v hereunto_o that_o of_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o all_o which_o indeed_o the_o church_n do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o maintain_v though_o they_o have_v lay_v by_o the_o name_n thereof_o so_o necessary_a do_v they_o find_v the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a office_n though_o the_o office_n themselves_o nominal_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o door_n when_o we_o send_v preacher_n to_o our_o american_n plantation_n for_o the_o discipling_n the_o poor_a indian_n be_v they_o not_o tantamount_n as_o apostle_n when_o eusebius_n the_o centurist_n and_o late_a church_n historiographer_n do_v historify_v the_o act_n and_o occurrence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n evangelist_n when_o person_n do_v interpret_v and_o enucleate_v dark_a or_o prophetical_a scripture_n do_v they_o not_o look_v like_o prophet_n when_o by_o the_o faith_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a corruption_n be_v vanquish_v the_o will_n be_v reform_v health_n restore_v and_o satanical_a dispossession_n accomplish_v do_v they_o not_o carry_v the_o face_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o entertain_v the_o office_n and_o gift_n themselves_o nominal_o as_o well_o as_o operative_o and_o virtual_o though_o with_o some_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o by_o a_o crescent_a as_o unto_o young_a brother_n acknowledge_v always_o and_o that_o just_o a_o pre-eminence_n of_o gift_n and_o spirit_n in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o near_a unto_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o verity_n but_o far_o thereby_o from_o conclude_v that_o their_o office_n be_v bury_v with_o the_o first_o founder_n together_o with_o their_o most_o excellent_a gift_n in_o one_o arm_n but_o still_o keep_v alive_a and_o preserve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o station_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o none_o may_v judge_v i_o rash_a or_o presumptory_a in_o this_o opinion_n i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o add_v adhuc_fw-la sub_fw-la judice_fw-la lie_fw-la est_fw-la try_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v every_o one_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a to_o walk_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n that_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o question_n may_v be_v seasonable_o set_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o true_a christ_n minister_n from_o antichrist_n or_o the_o pseudo-prophet_n from_o the_o orthodox_n see_v the_o false_a one_o can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o rev._n 2.2_o this_o question_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a the_o discussion_n useful_a both_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o strange_a to_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o god_n to_o have_v false_a prophet_n and_o false_a apostle_n in_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 18.19_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o of_o the_o grove_n four_o hundred_o but_o the_o true_a one_o hide_v by_o obadiah_n be_v but_o one_o hundred_o ezekiel_n jeremiah_n meet_v they_o too_o in_o babylon_n jer._n 28_o 29_o chap._n and_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n be_v much_o trouble_v and_o vex_v with_o false_a apostle_n false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n also_o witness_v 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o gal._n 5.12_o matth._n 24.11_o and_o those_o church_n of_o ephesus_n pergamus_n sardis_n etc._n etc._n have_v their_o share_n also_o in_o this_o trouble_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o god_n often_o suffer_v with_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o in_o and_o upon_o his_o church_n to_o make_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o precious_a to_o try_v the_o godly_a and_o discover_v hypocrite_n and_o to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o can_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o preserve_v his_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o contagion_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v to_o try_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o all_o their_o malignant_a influence_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n now_o a_o false_a apostle_n or_o prophet_n may_v be_v discover_v two_o way_n first_o either_o from_o his_o false_a doctrine_n or_o pprophecy_n or_o second_o from_o his_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n the_o ancient_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v call_v seer_n from_o the_o clear_a divine_a revelation_n and_o irradiation_n they_o have_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 17.13_o and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n next_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a call_n to_o exercise_v that_o gift_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n they_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o have_v see_v nothing_o as_o in_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o that_o be_v they_o be_v prophet_n because_o they_o will_v be_v prophet_n it_o be_v their_o own_o motion_n that_o make_v they_o prophesy_v they_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v their_o own_o will_n the_o high_a original_n of_o their_o call_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v their_o own_o what_o their_o fancy_n lust_n private_a interest_n affection_n and_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v unto_o they_o so_o their_o prophecy_n come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o therefore_o however_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v by_o man_n be_v worthless_a in_o god_n account_n because_o it_o only_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o from_o god_n spirit_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n now_o i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o press_v for_o enthusiastic_a prophecy_n but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o close_o with_o man_n base_a interest_n and_o motion_n but_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o therefore_o what_o come_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o private_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n various_o brand_v under_o the_o title_n of_o lie_n dream_n vain_a divination_n perverse_a thing_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mark_v 7.7_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2.6_o another_o jesus_n another_o spirit_n another_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 11_o 4._o therefore_o paul_n dare_v not_o preach_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o what_o he_o have_v from_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o therefore_o we_o may_v plain_o judge_v a_o false_a prophet_n or_o apostle_n when_o he_o come_v with_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n and_o own_o spirit_n and_o own_o design_n be_v opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o spirit_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n within_o the_o gospel_n object_n but_o will_v not_o some_o say_v that_o all_o heretic_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v with_o verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v high_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v concordant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o in_o vain_a to_o broach_v and_o attest_v they_o and_o who_o more_o high_a than_o
unclean_a lust_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o most_o sad_a condition_n when_o god_n do_v unchurch_n a_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n witness_v the_o habitation_n of_o these_o seven_o asian_a church_n wherein_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n in_o mahumatism_n and_o heathenism_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n holy_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n and_o all_o for_o their_o impenitency_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o loud_a cry_v abomination_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v too_o often_o recognize_v this_o verse_n to_o backslidden_a soul_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v verse_n 6._o but_o this_o thou_o have_v that_o thou_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o i_o also_o hate_n christ_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o though_o she_o be_v just_o faulty_a for_o her_o defection_n in_o her_o first_o love_n yet_o she_o have_v this_o commendable_a point_n in_o she_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o she_o other_o commendable_a grace_n that_o she_o abhor_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n which_o also_o be_v most_o hateful_a and_o abominable_a unto_o christ_n himself_o now_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n as_o all_o ecclesiastic_a history_n testify_v take_v the_o denomination_n from_o nicholas_n a_o deacon_n of_o antioch_n but_o whether_o he_o be_v their_o leader_n himself_o or_o whether_o they_o false_o pretend_v he_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o their_o heresy_n be_v disputable_a indeed_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o eusebius_n lib._n 3._o do_v say_v that_o the_o nicolaitan_n have_v false_o pretend_v the_o name_n of_o nicholas_n to_o their_o heresy_n as_o m._n baxter_n assert_n in_o his_o book_n of_o infidelity_n p._n 132._o however_o we_o see_v their_o heresy_n be_v abominable_a for_o christ_n hate_v they_o and_o their_o heretical_a practice_n and_o opinion_n consist_v as_o antiquity_n testify_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n to_o hold_v and_o practice_v all_o manner_n of_o corporal_a obscenity_n and_o adultery_n lawful_a and_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a fornication_n and_o idolatry_n also_o and_o which_o they_o ground_v on_o this_o wicked_a principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o only_o in_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o take_v liberty_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o that_o these_o be_v chief_a head_n of_o their_o heresy_n be_v somewhat_o evident_a from_o verse_n 14_o &_o 15._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o nicolaitan_n be_v join_v and_o compare_v now_o we_o know_v that_o balaam_n wicked_a doctrine_n be_v to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o offend_v god_n both_o in_o corporal_a and_o spiritual_a whoredom_n in_o the_o business_n of_o baal_n peor_n that_o so_o by_o offend_v he_o they_o may_v perish_v numb_a 25._o compare_v to_o 31.16_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v this_o false_a prophet_n true_a disciple_n and_o be_v true_a branch_n of_o the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a who_o pretend_v strange_a and_o unknown_a high_a mystery_n and_o discovery_n of_o light_n which_o plain_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n never_o hear_v of_o as_o many_o of_o the_o same_o spirit_n now_o a_o day_n pretend_v unto_o on_o purpose_n to_o amuse_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o draw_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o how_o well_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n among_o we_o do_v correspond_v with_o their_o elder_a brethren_n the_o nicholaitan_n compare_v the_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o some_o of_o these_o time_n with_o that_o description_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n make_v by_o m._n baxter_n out_o of_o historical_a antiquity_n page_n 129._o of_o his_o say_a book_n of_o infidelity_n speak_v of_o the_o nicholaitan_n who_o inhuman_a filthiness_n say_v he_o be_v such_o and_o their_o devilish_a conceit_n so_o many_o and_o vile_a that_o i_o will_v forbear_v to_o mention_v they_o only_o this_o they_o make_v themselves_o like_o christ_n and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v equal_a to_o he_o and_o some_o the_o same_o with_o he_o that_o good_a and_o evil_n differ_v not_o in_o deed_n but_o in_o man_n opinion_n they_o worship_v image_n they_o live_v in_o such_o horrid_a way_n in_o lust_n and_o filthiness_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v name_v epiphanius_n himself_o unhappy_o fell_a in_o among_o they_o and_o know_v their_o way_n from_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o action_n but_o happy_o escape_v when_o they_o will_v have_v draw_v he_o to_o their_o lust_n they_o have_v multitude_n of_o amaze_a word_n and_o notion_n like_o our_o behmenist_n that_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o a_o suspicion_n of_o witchcraft_n to_o read_v they_o they_o use_v witchcraft_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o enchantment_n and_o keep_v devil_n in_o familiarity_n with_o they_o that_o by_o their_o mean_n they_o may_v increase_v their_o knowledge_n and_o power_n thus_o far_o m._n baxter_n and_o he_o profess_v afterward_o that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o nor_o two_o but_o all_o church_n history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o do_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o will_v read_v epiphanius_n himself_o who_o once_o fall_v in_o among_o they_o they_o will_v see_v much_o more_o have_v thus_o far_o describe_v the_o nicholaitan_n and_o their_o heresy_n in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o more_o pure_a sound_a and_o undefiled_a the_o church_n be_v the_o devil_n be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o raise_v heresy_n and_o schism_n in_o it_o how_o busy_a the_o devil_n be_v in_o those_o asian_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o bring_v in_o the_o foul_a heresy_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o jezabel_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v so_o to_o entice_v they_o to_o sin_n against_o their_o god_n that_o he_o may_v have_v his_o purpose_n on_o they_o but_o when_o the_o church_n become_v more_o corrupt_v tyrannical_a and_o antichristianize_v under_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n their_o heresy_n be_v less_o and_o their_o schism_n few_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a pure_a time_n for_o satan_n will_v rather_o hereticate_v and_o poison_v the_o whole_a than_o a_o part_n and_o indeed_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o design_n accomplish_v when_o he_o see_v a_o church_n rush_v onward_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o among_o such_o he_o have_v no_o need_n to_o lay_v any_o of_o his_o stratagem_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o only_o to_o let_v they_o in_o peace_n and_o security_n and_o they_o will_v hasten_v on_o fast_o enough_o unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n therefore_o hence_o unto_o i_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o we_o have_v true_a and_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sincere_o preach_v and_o teach_v among_o our_o church_n or_o else_o satan_n the_o envious_a one_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o sow_v also_o his_o tare_n of_o heresy_n and_o error_n as_o he_o do_v at_o present_a among_o we_o to_o overthrow_v if_o he_o may_v our_o hope_n and_o harvest_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o but_o a_o sad_a say_n when_o some_o minister_n affirm_v they_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o time_n though_o i_o confess_v heresy_n be_v great_a evil_n and_o to_o be_v fervent_o deprecate_v from_o all_o christ_n flock_n yet_o when_o they_o say_v they_o be_v all_o at_o peace_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o be_v another_o strong_a man_n keep_v the_o house_n beside_o christ_n for_o be_v sure_a when_o christ_n come_v to_o bruise_v satan_n head_n he_o will_v bite_v christ_n heel_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o manchild_n christ_n bear_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o faithful_a one_o but_o the_o dragon_n will_v present_o send_v forth_o flood_n of_o water_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o persecution_n if_o possible_o to_o destroy_v both_o it_o and_o they_o rev._n 12.15_o and_o this_o proceed_v from_o that_o everlasting_a enmity_n set_v between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n gen._n 3.15_o and_o will_v continue_v until_o he_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o the_o pure_a the_o church_n be_v the_o busy_a will_n satan_n be_v to_o undermine_v they_o if_o he_o may_v observe_v 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o all_o heresy_n be_v defile_v and_o abominable_a
to_o they_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o hear_v they_o as_o they_o you_o but_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v those_o christian_n society_n and_o church_n among_o you_o that_o be_v as_o lily_n shine_v in_o grace_n among_o those_o thorn_n and_o unfruitful_a nation_n and_o to_o retard_v our_o reformation_n in_o church_n and_o ordinance_n till_o all_o be_v square_v and_o hew_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n or_o before_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v all_o unto_o this_o work_n be_v a_o vain_a expectation_n see_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o that_o old_a leven_a of_o our_o ancestor_n national_a church_n national_a officer_n birth_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n on_o that_o account_n etc._n etc._n still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o among_o we_o that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o render_v the_o work_n of_o a_o full_a reformation_n in_o this_o generation_n most_o difficult_a but_o the_o attempt_n thereof_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o land_n but_o general_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a nation_n round_o about_o we_o witness_v the_o intemperate_a zeal_n of_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n who_o become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n in_o their_o irregular_a attempt_n about_o this_o work_n though_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o desire_v and_o aim_v at_o good_a and_o just_a thing_n yet_o they_o prosecute_v it_o not_o just_o for_o to_o denominate_v a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n the_o thing_n itself_o desire_v and_o attempt_v must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n in_o itself_o as_o a_o full_a reformation_n to_o god_n word_n be_v but_o it_o must_v have_v other_o honest_a circumstance_n in_o it_o also_o 1_o the_o time_n when_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o god_n and_o a_o clear_a providence_n call_v unto_o it_o 2_o the_o manner_n how_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v and_o promote_v as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o peace_n not_o with_o war_n tumult_n and_o rebellion_n against_o magistrate_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n so_o that_o the_o best_a action_n may_v lose_v its_o reward_n and_o the_o atempter_n thereof_o suffer_v just_o for_o the_o unjust_a prosecution_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n to_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v no_o evil_n that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o we_o be_v not_o to_o sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n unless_o case_n of_o inevitable_a necessity_n where_o god_n will_v rather_o have_v mercy_n then_o sacrifice_n to_o promote_v any_o just_a end_n or_o good_a whatsoever_o for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n command_n and_o precept_n not_o of_o event_n and_o providence_n therefore_o all_o you_o faithful_a one_o of_o this_o land_n be_v wise_a and_o sober_a in_o this_o your_o way_n of_o temptation_n stop_v not_o the_o current_n of_o god_n reformation_n by_o your_o precipitate_a and_o irregular_a act_n be_v you_o still_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n you_o see_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o this_o full_a work_n among_o we_o even_o the_o old_a leven_a of_o false_a worship_n derive_v and_o leave_v unto_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n god_n will_v remove_v this_o more_o and_o more_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o that_o more_o general_o and_o will_v enlarge_v the_o tent_n of_o jacob_n among_o we_o if_o we_o provoke_v not_o god_n by_o our_o sin_n towards_o he_o but_o to_o expect_v a_o total_a reformation_n never_o look_v for_o it_o until_o the_o day_n star_n shall_v arise_v with_o a_o incomparable_a glory_n in_o the_o interim_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o and_o sober_o like_o child_n of_o the_o light_n serve_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o than_o god_n will_v make_v they_o unto_o we_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n and_o most_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o have_v their_o portion_n and_o lot_n in_o such_o a_o land_n object_n but_o after_o all_o this_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v rise_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v those_o among_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o practise_v spiritual_a and_o corporal_a adultery_n so_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n thyatira_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n galathia_fw-la the_o jewish_a doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n and_o many_o other_o great_a corruption_n be_v among_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o drunkenness_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n incest_n eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o the_o obscenity_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n yet_o these_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n his_o seven_o candlestick_n his_o faithful_a one_o call_v and_o elect_a and_o be_v not_o then_o our_o parochial_a church_n our_o national_a church_n as_o true_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o be_v and_o be_v they_o not_o as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o those_o first_o primitive_a christian_n and_o church_n be_v and_o so_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o church_n of_o christ_n faithful_a elect_a and_o call_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 1_o i_o answer_v we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o all_o church_n if_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o plant_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n elect_v and_o call_v though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o envious_a one_o sow_v plentiful_o among_o the_o good_a wheat_n his_o tare_n and_o darnel_n as_o among_o those_o of_o corinth_n pergamus_n and_o other_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yet_o i_o believe_v christ_n have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n against_o they_o in_o respect_n what_o he_o have_v against_o we_o they_o be_v but_o corrupt_a in_o part_n we_o all_o leprous_a they_o lose_v but_o some_o member_n we_o the_o very_a vital_n for_o i_o much_o question_n whether_o our_o national_a church_n be_v of_o this_o gospel_n structure_n as_o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o seeing_z we_o read_v in_o history_n of_o their_o civil_a institution_n and_o beginning_n be_v so_o divide_v or_o ordain_v by_o the_o politic_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n yet_o withal_o i_o say_v we_o have_v the_o sincere_a faith_n of_o christ_n here_o preach_v among_o we_o present_o after_o if_o not_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n as_o historian_n testify_v this_o good_a seed_n be_v almost_o lose_v among_o we_o but_o again_o revive_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n but_o hold_v captive_a and_o low_a under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n yet_o doubtless_o god_n have_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o his_o invisible_a church_n and_o elect_a one_o our_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o cleave_v to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o we_o own_o a_o succession_n from_o they_o but_o not_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o church_n for_o so_o we_o have_v sail_v under_o the_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o tyranny_n over_o we_o and_o to_o plead_v that_o our_o parochial_a society_n be_v church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o at_o best_a to_o plead_v that_o our_o hundred_o or_o counties_n be_v churchdivision_n presbytery_n or_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o civil_a institution_n with_o the_o former_a but_o some_o write_v that_o dionysius_n pope_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o first_o divider_n and_o institutor_n of_o parish_n about_o anno_fw-la 267._o and_o bring_v into_o england_n by_o honorius_n bishop_n of_o canterbury_n as_o learned_a master_n selden_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr decimis_fw-la testify_v 2_o i_o answer_v if_o our_o church_n be_v right_a in_o their_o first_o institution_n gather_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o have_v as_o real_o lose_v the_o very_a be_v of_o our_o church_n under_o antichrist_n reign_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n pergamus_n ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o saracenical_a tyranny_n and_o mahometanism_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n to_o call_v our_o church_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o from_o antichristianisme_n as_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o miserable_a captivate_v asian_a church_n from_o turcism_n and_o mahometanism_n unless_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n have_v the_o keep_n and_o be_v the_o preserver_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a spouse_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o she_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n that_o many_o church_n pretend_v unto_o by_o succession_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a last_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o corruption_n in_o
utter_a overthrow_n chap._n 31._o v._n 3._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v also_o somewhat_o against_o reason_n that_o saul_n shall_v be_v all_o the_o precedent_a night_n at_o endor_n and_o on_o his_o way_n come_v and_o go_v and_o that_o under_o great_a dejection_n trouble_n and_o consternation_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o hard_a fate_n foretell_v he_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o shall_v the_o immediate_a morrow_n join_v battle_n with_o the_o philistine_n be_v in_o my_o apprehension_n a_o very_a unlikely_a conceit_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v and_o conclude_v with_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n o_o teach_v we_o o_o lord_n to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n that_o both_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n may_v have_v their_o due_n verse_n 11._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o what_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardis_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n after_o john_n be_v set_v by_o a_o spiritual_a rapture_n in_o a_o fit_a frame_n and_o posture_n to_o receive_v those_o divine_a and_o excellent_a revelation_n he_o in_o this_o verse_n make_v a_o entrance_n into_o his_o first_o vision_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o great_a and_o mighty_a voice_n that_o he_o hear_v as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v christ_n as_o be_v manifest_v in_o verse_n 8._o compare_v to_o the_o 9_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o last_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v the_o giver_n out_o and_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n unto_o john_n and_o give_v he_o this_o vision_n concern_v the_o seven_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n unto_o they_o and_o what_o he_o see_v and_o shall_v be_v represent_v unto_o he_o in_o those_o vision_n he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o down_o and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n which_o then_o be_v in_o asia_n minor_fw-la at_o ephesus_n smyrna_n &_o e._n hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v deal_v very_o faithful_o with_o their_o church_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n they_o must_v come_v with_o real_a vision_n of_o god_n not_o feign_v once_o paul_n do_v profess_v unto_o those_o he_o write_v that_o he_o keep_v nothing_o back_o for_o their_o good_a but_o discover_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v god_n motion_n and_o direction_n when_o he_o move_v they_o must_v move_v when_o he_o stand_v still_o so_o must_v they_o if_o god_n command_v they_o to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o peace_n and_o consolation_n they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o god_n proceed_v in_o anger_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o a_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n the_o minister_n ought_v not_o like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jeremiah_n preach_v peace_n peace_n and_o sew_v pillow_n under_o their_o elbow_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o security_n and_o so_o make_v they_o ripe_a for_o destruction_n neither_o be_v they_o only_o in_o a_o perfunctory_a way_n to_o preach_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o church_n but_o they_o must_v follow_v john_n example_n here_o whatsoever_o vision_n or_o burden_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v for_o the_o more_o certainty_n and_o better_a observation_n thereof_o write_v it_o down_o and_o send_v it_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o their_o church_n keep_v this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n keep_v in_o commit_v their_o doctrine_n unto_o writing_n a_o sure_a way_n of_o preserve_v it_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o verse_n 12._o and_o i_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n verse_n 13._o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n and_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n john_n have_v hear_v this_o great_a and_o terrible_a voice_n he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o either_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v metonimocal_o where_o see_v be_v put_v for_o understanding_n that_o be_v he_o turn_v right_o and_o distinct_o to_o understand_v the_o voice_n he_o hear_v or_o else_o to_o be_v take_v per_fw-la synecdochen_n part_n for_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o be_v the_o person_n that_o utter_v the_o voice_n from_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o god_n faithful_a one_o be_v very_a intent_n to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will._n they_o be_v not_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v their_o master_n will_n dark_o and_o in_o part_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o know_v it_o full_o that_o they_o may_v full_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fruitless_a hear_n to_o hear_v the_o voice_n only_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o be_v intent_n upon_o the_o intendment_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o life_n unto_o all_o that_o believe_v yet_o without_o this_o be_v but_o as_o a_o mere_a voice_n and_o a_o dead_a letter_n those_o with_o paul_n act_v 9_o when_o he_o be_v strike_v down_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o damascus_n hear_v the_o voice_n but_o see_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v unto_o he_o so_o many_o in_o our_o day_n do_v hear_v the_o same_o voice_n of_o god_n that_o strike_v through_o other_o soul_n unto_o conversion_n while_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o the_o voice_n either_o to_o their_o comfort_n or_o conversion_n no_o soon_o be_v john_n turn_v to_o comprehend_v more_o distinct_o this_o voice_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o but_o present_o he_o have_v a_o vision_n present_v he_o of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o they_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v interpreter_n but_o by_o the_o way_n this_o note_n arise_v observe_v that_o god_n reserve_v his_o choice_a discovery_n for_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o inquire_a soul_n john_n when_o he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n and_o be_v turn_v he_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n etc._n etc._n when_o soul_n turn_v to_o god_n and_o inquire_v careful_o after_o his_o will_n god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o treasurer_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o intendment_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o revolution_n and_o providential_a percussion_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o statist_n of_o the_o world_n will_v know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n their_o best_a counsellor_n will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o diligent_a observer_n not_o of_o star_n fly_v of_o bird_n the_o bowel_n of_o beast_n and_o such_o ethnic_a foppery_n but_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n observe_v 2._o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v most_o certain_a john_n say_v not_o he_o hear_v only_o a_o voice_n but_o he_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o sight_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a most_o evidential_a of_o all_o the_o sense_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o and_o indeed_o this_o whole_a book_n be_v a_o book_n of_o vision_n present_v unto_o john_n and_o which_o he_o see_v in_o patmos_n now_o in_o all_o vision_n there_o be_v some_o representation_n make_v either_o to_o the_o 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they_o to_o their_o master_n who_o after_o he_o have_v proceed_v on_o his_o white_a horse_n with_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o not_o turn_v by_o repentance_n he_o can_v go_v forth_o on_o his_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n his_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o from_o among_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o desolate_a the_o first_o that_o i_o read_v of_o that_o extend_v the_o wing_n of_o his_o authority_n beyond_o his_o own_o just_a limit_n and_o boundary_n be_v victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n who_o hot_o contend_v with_o ireneus_fw-la and_o other_o of_o the_o african_a church_n to_o have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o they_o and_o to_o impose_v his_o dictate_v on_o they_o and_o that_o very_o pertinacious_o about_o a_o frivolous_a controversy_n the_o observation_n of_o easter_n herein_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v begin_v to_o 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his_o message_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o angel_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v intend_v the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n be_v as_o superintendent_n or_o archbishop_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n i_o answer_v first_o to_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v no_o colour_n at_o all_o for_o that_o opinion_n for_o the_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o former_a page_n specify_v and_o to_o add_v a_o word_n because_o christ_n command_v each_o angel_n to_o reform_v their_o abuse_n within_o themselves_o he_o send_v not_o the_o angel_n of_o one_o church_n to_o reform_v another_o 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spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o yet_o who_o more_o fallible_a than_o himself_o in_o his_o judicial_a sentence_n doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v what_o he_o pretend_v that_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n just_o may_v he_o assume_v authority_n in_o censure_v direct_a and_o govern_v all_o other_o church_n but_o before_o that_o do_v appear_v let_v himself_o and_o other_o that_o assume_v the_o like_a authority_n with_o himself_o hide_v their_o face_n in_o shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o ever_o second_o to_o the_o first_o question_n i_o answer_v that_o those_o i_o confess_v of_o the_o episcopal_a interest_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o superscription_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n do_v intend_v and_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o be_v supreme_a overseer_n director_n and_o mediator_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n within_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o this_o have_v be_v write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v say_v the_o episcopal_v to_o the_o archbishop_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a prelate_n and_o bishop_n over_o all_o other_o the_o prelate_n and_o bishop_n in_o england_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o london_n salisbury_n exeter_z etc._n etc._n that_o be_v say_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n salisbury_n or_o exeter_z etc._n etc._n who_o be_v the_o chief_a bishop_n pastor_n and_o overseer_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n within_o his_o own_o jurisdiction_n and_o diocese_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v according_a to_o the_o latin_a dialect_n bishop_n and_o pastor_n or_o according_a to_o our_o own_o proper_a idiom_n overseer_n and_o feeder_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v synonimas_fw-la and_o be_v but_o as_o several_a denomination_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o divers_a act_n therein_o for_o the_o faculty_n of_o over-seeing_a guidance_n and_o direction_n he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n for_o that_o of_o teach_v instruct_v and_o spiritual_o feed_v his_o flock_n in_o all_o kind_n he_o be_v call_v a_o pastor_n and_o very_o often_o too_o in_o scripture_n for_o his_o rootedness_n and_o soundness_n in_o faith_n life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v call_v a_o elder_a so_o that_o these_o be_v but_o several_a name_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n and_o often_o apply_v in_o scripture_n reciprocal_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n sometime_o he_o be_v call_v the_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n sometime_o the_o bishop_n sometime_o the_o pastor_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o such_o as_o guide_v well_o their_o flock_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o 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very_a sin_n abundant_o witness_v against_o by_o god_n in_o most_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n when_o as_o some_o will_v stand_v up_o and_o prophesy_v peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n as_o ezek._n 13.10.16_o and_o what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o peace_n while_o their_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n and_o iniquity_n i_o can_v wish_v it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o of_o the_o pretend_a angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n where_o be_v that_o faithful_a one_o to_o be_v find_v it_o may_v be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o as_o a_o true_a angel_n or_o ambassador_n from_o christ_n will_v deal_v roundly_o with_o their_o sin_n and_o tell_v israel_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o judah_n of_o her_o transgression_n good_a physician_n will_v search_v the_o wound_n thorough_o the_o rather_o for_o to_o cure_v they_o it_o be_v also_o christ_n method_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o wound_n and_o sin_n of_o his_o church_n that_o so_o he_o may_v like_o the_o good_a samaritane_n pour_v oil_n into_o they_o and_o heal_v they_o and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n christ_n minister_n shall_v follow_v their_o master_n pattern_n deal_v faithful_o simple_o and_o roundly_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o people_n according_a to_o gospel_n rule_v in_o that_o case_n provide_v and_o not_o as_o many_o do_v speak_v peace_n and_o word_n of_o comfort_n the_o true_a portion_n of_o spiritual_a member_n of_o christ_n unto_o profess_a enemy_n to_o godliness_n and_o the_o saint_n scorner_n and_o derider_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o ordinance_n drunkard_n swearer_n etc._n etc._n what_o have_v such_o to_o do_v with_o the_o child_n bread_n so_o continue_v unrepentant_a and_o obstinate_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v for_o this_o lukewarmness_n of_o many_o minister_n and_o church_n it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n cap._n 3._o 16._o as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a mat._n 21.43_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o of_o ezek._n 13.22_o 23._o to_o be_v serious_o consider_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o point_n the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o those_o that_o sow_v pillow_n under_o the_o arms-hole_n because_o with_o lie_v you_o have_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_a who_o i_o have_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o turn_v from_o his_o wicked_a way_n by_o promise_v he_o life_n therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v no_o more_o vanity_n nor_o divine_a divination_n for_o i_o will_v deliver_v my_o people_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n observe_v 2._o another_o correllary_n hence_o rise_v that_o all_o church_n and_o person_n ought_v to_o have_v and_o receive_v a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o be_v eminent_a in_o though_o chargeable_a with_o many_o defection_n and_o fail_n otherwise_o christ_n spare_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v but_o make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o chapter_n though_o otherwise_o many_o aberration_n and_o fail_n be_v lay_v unto_o their_o charge_n though_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v for_o the_o coldness_n in_o her_o first_o love_n yet_o she_o have_v these_o commendable_a virtue_n and_o grace_n in_o she_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o hatred_n to_o all_o evil_a worker_n and_o false_a light_n and_o apostle_n that_o come_v with_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o the_o great_a fundamental_a or_o corner_n stone_n the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o christ_n proceed_v with_o the_o other_o church_n in_o the_o like_a method_n and_o lay_v a_o commendable_a character_n on_o they_o all_o for_o those_o grace_n in_o they_o worthy_o call_v for_o it_o paul_n can_v give_v a_o just_a acknowledgement_n to_o his_o brethren_n the_o jew_n though_o otherwise_o perverse_a enough_o bear_v they_o witness_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n to_o god_n though_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n rom._n 10.2_o and_o christ_n tell_v the_o jew_n and_o speak_v it_o with_o approbation_n and_o to_o their_o commendation_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v you_o also_o in_o i_o it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o most_o of_o professor_n of_o these_o day_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o almost_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o brother_n in_o christ_n or_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o be_v not_o baptize_v into_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o interest_n with_o himself_o but_o this_o rather_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n schismatical_a and_o factious_a then_o of_o a_o meek_a christianlike_a peacemaking_a temper_n which_o will_v bear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a rather_o than_o break_v the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o brethren_n who_o have_v put_v on_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n o_o what_o a_o lamentable_a practice_n it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o be_v presbyterian_o to_o rake_v up_o all_o the_o fault_n and_o dirt_n they_o can_v and_o cast_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o independent_o and_o again_o for_o independent_o to_o cast_v it_o back_o on_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o both_o of_o they_o to_o cast_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o those_o call_v anabaptist_n and_o they_o again_o as_o ready_a as_o the_o former_a to_o repay_v it_o back_o again_o why_o have_v you_o so_o learned_a christ_n o_o for_o shame_n let_v all_o that_o fear_n god_n of_o each_o sort_n be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o unchristianlike_a practice_n let_v it_o not_o be_v tell_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v in_o askelon_n but_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o your_o common_a saviour_n what_o you_o see_v of_o god_n in_o your_o brethren_n commend_v it_o encourage_v it_o cherish_v it_o though_o there_o may_v be_v fail_n in_o each_o sort_n and_o that_o great_a one_o yet_o for_o that_o grace_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o they_o love_v they_o honour_v they_o and_o think_v better_o of_o they_o then_o of_o thyself_o though_o thou_o may_v be_v right_a in_o some_o external_o of_o worship_n than_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v right_a than_o thou_o in_o doctrinal_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v sound_a than_o they_o in_o doctrinal_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o holy_a and_o better_a man_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o due_a title_n of_o honour_n love_n and_o commendation_n for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o for_o their_o fault_n and_o fail_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n gal._n 6.1_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o repentance_n according_a to_o gospel_n order_n for_o so_o thou_o may_v win_v thy_o brother_n but_o by_o the_o other_o way_n thou_o be_v sure_a to_o drive_v he_o far_o from_o thou_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o familistical_a notionist_n the_o quaker_n in_o these_o day_n be_v high_o baptize_v in_o this_o sin_n and_o out_o run_v all_o other_o in_o this_o uncharitable_a and_o unchristianlike_a practice_n they_o be_v sharp_a censurer_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o person_n that_o will_v not_o run_v in_o the_o same_o fanatique_a wild_a course_n with_o themselves_o and_o which_o be_v strange_a and_o most_o observable_a be_v that_o they_o never_o will_v acknowledge_v nor_o give_v a_o due_a commendation_n to_o any_o though_o never_o so_o self-denying_a and_o godly_a and_o fill_v abundant_o with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n unless_o they_o take_v up_o the_o same_o mad_a opinion_n with_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a when_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-fulness_n and_o pride_n that_o they_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o so_o carry_v on_o to_o damnable_a and_o blasphemous_a opinion_n and_o heresy_n among_o the_o many_o reason_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o due_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o grace_n in_o the_o godly_a these_o be_v some_o 1._o that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o due_a honour_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o 2._o because_o all_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n work_v and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o honour_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v find_v 3._o for_o the_o encouragement_n and_o cherish_v all_o person_n under_o all_o hardship_n and_o affliction_n in_o acquire_v and_o maintain_v those_o grace_n alive_a fructify_a and_o effective_a 4._o and_o last_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v not_o so_o discourage_v the_o godly_a as_o to_o think_v nothing_o praise_v worthy_a in_o they_o while_o they_o have_v many_o thing_n in_o they_o worthy_a to_o
only_o indeed_o be_v temporary_a and_o necessary_a alone_o for_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v defunct_a because_o some_o of_o their_o first_o primitive_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v cease_v also_o but_o second_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o what_o be_v necessary_o essential_a to_o denominate_v a_o apostle_n do_v not_o consist_v sole_o in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n or_o of_o power_n of_o miracle_n for_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v partaker_n in_o those_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o equal_o with_o themselves_o and_o yet_o no_o apostle_n and_o paul_n that_o want_v much_o of_o the_o accommodation_n of_o witness_v unto_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n though_o supply_v by_o a_o miraculous_a sight_n from_o heaven_n none_o can_v deny_v but_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n and_o light_n unto_o the_o gentile_n last_o in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o assert_v the_o true_a essential_o of_o a_o apostle_n do_v consist_v in_o his_o call_n and_o commission_n to_o that_o work_n and_o function_n christ_n call_v the_o first_o twelve_o matth._n 10.1.5_o which_o be_v only_o denominate_v disciple_n and_o from_o their_o mission_n unto_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v then_o first_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n and_o so_o have_v take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o office_n as_o man_n send_v it_o soon_o become_v their_o proper_a appellation_n now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o right_a mission_n and_o commission_n that_o give_v a_o be_v and_o essential_o unto_o a_o apostle_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o first_o author_n that_o commissionated_a unto_o this_o office_n in_o that_o of_o matth._n 10._o his_o commission_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o of_o narrow_a jurisdiction_n but_o in_o matth._n 28.19_o it_o be_v much_o enlarge_v for_o in_o the_o first_o they_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o disciple_n all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n now_o as_o they_o be_v send_v on_o this_o great_a embassy_n for_o christ_n and_o by_o christ_n so_o they_o send_v other_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o same_o work_n mathias_n be_v the_o first_o we_o read_v of_o act_v 1._o that_o they_o choose_v into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n after_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_n 13.2_o 3._o be_v choose_v and_o separate_v unto_o this_o work_n and_o send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o may_v be_v true_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o again_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a province_n go_v about_o gather_v and_o constitute_v church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o those_o political_a church_n make_v up_o of_o officer_n and_o elder_n and_o member_n be_v the_o true_a delegate_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o they_o again_o from_o this_o delegated_a power_n commissionate_v other_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o disciple_v the_o gentile_n and_o unconvert_v nation_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o then_o practice_v unless_o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o all_o nation_n convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o day_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o history_n be_v afterward_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o become_v famous_a church_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n but_o of_o one_o generation_n and_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o that_o work_n be_v to_o make_v they_o eviternal_a though_o their_o doctrine_n continue_v yet_o their_o person_n be_v translate_v and_o go_v to_o their_o father_n and_o this_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o work_v of_o conversion_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n till_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v call_v in_o and_o we_o all_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v do_v by_o apostolical_a man_n and_o officer_n for_o i_o will_v have_v the_o ingenious_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n pastor_n teacher_n help_n and_o government_n be_v but_o relative_a function_n and_o have_v their_o be_v only_o dependent_a and_o limit_v to_o their_o relation_n and_o church_n they_o be_v neither_o elder_n pastor_n nor_o governent_n without_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o officer_n universal_o commissionated_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconverted_a gentile_n and_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v apostle_n of_o christ_n authorize_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o service_n joseph_n of_o arimethea_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v be_v our_o english_a apostle_n which_o be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o our_o nation_n conversion_n dionysius_n areopagita_n be_v the_o apostle_n unto_o france_n james_n unto_o spain_n anthony_n unto_o italy_n thomas_n unto_o italy_n and_o so_o other_o unto_o other_o nation_n and_o when_o christianity_n be_v almost_o lose_v and_o obliterated_a here_o in_o england_n by_o the_o incursion_n of_o barbarous_a nation_n gregory_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o yet_o antichistianize_v some_o century_n of_o year_n after_o send_v here_o austin_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o their_o almost_o lose_a faith_n and_o christian_n profession_n so_o likewise_o when_o our_o church_n send_v man_n to_o convert_v the_o gentile_a nation_n of_o america_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o private_a disciple_n they_o can_v go_v for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v as_o officer_n to_o wit_n as_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n or_o governent_n they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v relation_n only_o to_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o they_o must_v go_v as_o apostle_n which_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a work_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o the_o apostolical_a office_n must_v continue_v as_o necessary_a to_o do_v the_o full_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n why_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o necssity_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o add_v because_o of_o unbelief_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n second_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a what_o great_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v that_o such_o gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n though_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o ordinary_a as_o in_o the_o first_o church_n i_o have_v read_v of_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o cyprian_a about_o the_o second_o century_n who_o provoke_v their_o adversary_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n by_o miracle_n by_o bring_v person_n possess_v with_o devil_n into_o their_o assembly_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v effect_v and_o make_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v m._n baxter_n give_v we_o a_o far_a account_n out_o of_o athanasiâ—_n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o miracle_n in_o their_o day_n and_o attest_v to_o by_o so_o many_o and_o honest_a witness_n that_o they_o be_v credible_a to_o reason_n page_n 63._o upon_o that_o question_n in_o his_o book_n of_o infidelity_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n page_z 15._o speak_v of_o cast_v out_o devil_n of_o which_o sort_n say_v he_o some_o think_v that_o real_o they_o do_v so_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o we_o may_v do_v now_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n sometime_o to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o the_o prayer_n and_o appeal_n of_o god_n people_n have_v strange_o and_o miraculous_o perfect_v and_o produce_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n of_o late_a and_o within_o our_o memory_n in_o divers_a example_n which_o be_v now_o too_o long_o to_o rehearse_v some_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o miraculous_o recover_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n other_o dispossess_v of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v palpable_o vex_v and_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o only_a by_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n of_o somg_v odd_o person_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v one_o instance_n i_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o a_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o public_a
wheresoever_o idolatry_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o church_n looseness_n and_o lasciviousness_n present_o follow_v error_n be_v fruitful_a and_o one_o bring_v forth_o another_o assoon_o as_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n maintain_v the_o eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o be_v the_o service_n of_o devil_n present_o they_o join_v hand_n with_o the_o obscene_a sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n when_o the_o israelite_n join_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o baal_n peor_n numb_a 25._o they_o become_v shameless_a and_o present_o fall_v on_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n in_o ezek._n 8.14_o we_o shall_v read_v that_o there_o be_v jewish_a woman_n weep_v for_o tammuz_o that_o be_v as_o some_o read_v it_o adonis_n or_o a_o idol_n or_o image_n of_o adonis_n who_o be_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o venus_n and_o slay_v by_o a_o boar_n in_o who_o memory_n there_o be_v celebrate_v yearly_a solemnity_n in_o which_o be_v the_o weep_n of_o woman_n or_o as_o junius_n have_v it_o it_o be_v osiris_n a_o idol_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o phoenician_n in_o who_o rite_n they_o forget_v all_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n to_o the_o idol_n so_o corrupt_a be_v false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n that_o it_o and_o filthiness_n do_v usual_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o in_o most_o partâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—he_n jurisdiction_n of_o rome_n but_o especial_o italy_n and_o spain_n â—ein_o the_o great_a and_o most_o notorious_a idolatry_n be_v commit_v and_o countenance_v there_o be_v the_o great_a obscenity_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n yea_o and_o that_o common_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o be_v unnatural_a and_o sodomitish_a and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v name_v among_o christian_n so_o it_o be_v so_o here_o once_o within_o our_o memory_n with_o we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v taste_v the_o same_o grape_n of_o rome_n lust_n be_v soon_o promote_v both_o in_o court_n and_o country_n quest_n but_o if_o you_o here_o demand_v wherein_o lie_v the_o mischievousness_n and_o grievousness_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n i_o answer_v 1._o all_o idolater_n they_o forsake_v the_o true_a god_n 2._o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o form_n of_o creep_a thing_n 3._o they_o thrust_v out_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o their_o holy_a place_n and_o at_o last_o god_n himself_o 4._o they_o slight_a god_n and_o his_o help_n in_o extremity_n and_o call_v to_o their_o idol_n that_o see_v not_o hear_v not_o nor_o understand_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v to_o s._n anthony_n s._n francis_n etc._n etc._n 5._o they_o become_v prodigal_a towards_o their_o idol_n as_o the_o adulterer_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o for_o his_o harlot_n so_o they_o nothing_o too_o much_o for_o their_o idolatrize_a worship_n witness_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n 6._o they_o become_v unclean_a and_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n god_n hate_v 7._o they_o become_v fool_n infatuate_v and_o deliver_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n whilst_o they_o disclaim_v the_o great_a infinite_a glorious_a holy_a and_o alwise_a god_n and_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o adore_v batts_n ox_n mole_n owl_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o little_a piece_n of_o dead_a wood_n metal_n and_o the_o like_a carve_v and_o frame_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n and_o this_o be_v the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o idolater_n who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o strange_a delusion_n and_o believe_v a_o lie_n observe_v 7._o the_o last_o note_n from_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o difficult_a undertake_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v off_o or_o wean_v either_o new_a plant_v church_n or_o new_o reform_v one_o from_o their_o old_a false_a worship_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o the_o new_a plant_v church_n as_o of_o pergamus_n corinth_n and_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_n think_v that_o they_o may_v still_o participate_v of_o their_o former_a sacrifice_n of_o devil_n and_o their_o idolathite_n and_o of_o christ_n table_n also_o but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v very_o bitter_a against_o such_o in_o 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o and_o the_o spirit_n here_o also_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o and_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o the_o pergamitish_a church_n for_o entertainment_n of_o such_o doctrine_n what_o ado_n have_v paul_n also_o to_o take_v off_o the_o believe_a jew_n from_o their_o circumcision_n and_o moysaicall_a rite_n they_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o pedagogy_n of_o moses_n join_v to_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o so_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v no_o less_o than_o a_o full_a council_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v this_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n act_n 15._o and_o what_o a_o difficult_a business_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o reformation_n to_o reform_v up_o full_o all_o the_o world_n know_v what_o uproar_n commotion_n and_o civil_a war_n there_o be_v in_o k._n edward_n the_o sixth_n day_n when_o the_o mass-book_n be_v but_o turn_v into_o english_a as_o some_o of_o k._n edward_n counsellor_n advise_v our_o cornish_a rebel_n who_o be_v then_o in_o arm_n for_o their_o old_a mumpsimus_n and_o popish_a worship_n and_o sure_o luther_n nor_o zuinglius_fw-la nor_o calvin_n can_v go_v on_o with_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o germany_n france_n or_o other_o place_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o unpreparedness_n and_o unsuitable_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o who_o they_o begin_v the_o reformation_n be_v so_o long_a time_n settle_v and_o fix_v upon_o their_o old_a lees_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n for_o they_o to_o go_v far_o through_o with_o it_o than_o be_v fit_a and_o competent_a for_o that_o generation_n who_o always_o reserve_v some_o relic_n remain_v and_o smack_v of_o popery_n though_o the_o main_a work_n be_v beat_v down_o and_o therefore_o some_o heady_a people_n of_o those_o time_n that_o will_v not_o condescend_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o have_v providential_a carriage_n towards_o the_o weak_a and_o dark_a sort_n of_o people_n will_v reform_v thing_n even_o to_o the_o height_n and_o full_a pitch_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n but_o the_o people_n of_o they_o age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o it_o cause_v much_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o through_o intemperate_a zeal_n much_o hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o the_o begin_v reformation_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n but_o since_o in_o many_o place_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o reform_a this_o reformation_n have_v make_v a_o further_a progress_n by_o some_o step_n yet_o still_o among_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a not_o only_o in_o this_o nation_n but_o elsewhere_o there_o be_v some_o remain_v of_o the_o old_a false_a worship_n and_o practice_n and_o a_o lust_a after_o they_o so_o strong_a a_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o our_o predecessor_n practice_n be_v they_o never_o so_o corrupt_a yet_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o that_o reformation_n we_o enjoy_v and_o liberty_n to_o profess_v and_o practice_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o most_o undefiled_a and_o pure_a pattern_n that_o we_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o desire_v more_o on_o our_o own_o part_n or_o what_o great_a blessing_n can_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o be_v protect_v secure_v and_o countenance_v in_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n will_v not_o reform_v in_o such_o a_o day_n when_o public_a edict_n be_v go_v forth_o from_o cyrus_n to_o set_v israel_n free_a i_o wonder_v when_o they_o will_v fall_v upon_o it_o do_v they_o expect_v the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v and_o compel_v all_o unto_o the_o work_n alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o generation_n that_o all_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n in_o a_o whole_a nation_n or_o kingdom_n no_o never_o will_v there_o be_v such_o a_o golden_a age_n until_o christ_n himself_o shall_v come_v with_o the_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o purge_v his_o garner_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o be_v not_o the_o church_n a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n if_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v the_o church_n where_o be_v the_o thorn_n be_v they_o the_o other_o neighbour_n nation_n about_o alas_o they_o be_v lily_n too_o church_n on_o that_o account_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v they_o the_o gentle_a nation_n as_o turk_n persian_n antichristian_o and_o popish_a nation_n as_o italian_n spanish_a french_a &_o c_o alas_o they_o be_v no_o thorn_n to_o you_o the_o reform_a nation_n be_v in_o equal_a balance_n
than_o the_o approve_a presbyter_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o latter_a zeal_n be_v better_a â—egulated_v and_o more_o sober_a than_o the_o former_a when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n say_v paul_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o child_n i_o do_v as_o a_o child_n i_o understand_v as_o a_o child_n but_o when_o i_o become_v a_o man_n i_o put_v away_o childish_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o our_o first_o birth_n we_o be_v very_o childish_a and_o zealous_a of_o small_a thing_n external_a circumstance_n in_o worship_n we_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o great_a thing_n and_o if_o a_o paint_a window_n a_o cross_n a_o suâ—pless_a a_o cope_n etc._n etc._n stand_v in_o our_o way_n we_o present_o stumble_v at_o they_o and_o think_v it_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n we_o can_v perform_v to_o god_n either_o to_o burn_v they_o or_o break_v they_o to_o piece_n as_o antichristian_a trumpery_n again_o if_o we_o come_v a_o little_a high_o than_o we_o spend_v most_o or_o all_o our_o strength_n about_o the_o defence_n of_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o whether_o presbytery_n independency_n or_o the_o way_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n so_o call_v be_v the_o right_a way_n this_o humour_n too_o be_v most_o prevalent_a in_o the_o neophites_n but_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n be_v for_o the_o elder_n and_o strong_a sort_n the_o one_o think_v to_o catch_v heaven_n by_o tything_n mint_n and_o anniss_n by_o be_v very_o intense_a about_o the_o small_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o other_o â—ot_n leave_v the_o first_o undo_v fall_v upon_o the_o kernel_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v fit_a meat_n for_o strong_a man_n the_o grow_a christian_n grace_n excel_v the_o young_a as_o his_o love_n be_v more_o sound_n he_o love_v not_o for_o interest_n or_o opinion_n sake_n as_o many_o young_a one_o do_v but_o he_o love_v the_o brethren_n on_o this_o ground_n as_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a truth_n with_o himself_o second_o his_o service_n be_v more_o cordial_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v often_o meet_v god_n presence_n in_o his_o ordinance_n than_o the_o young_a christian_n have_v and_o therefore_o needs_o must_v his_o desire_n and_o affection_n excel_v unto_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n see_v he_o have_v ofâ—ner_o meet_v god_n therein_o as_o in_o a_o special_a habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n three_o a_o old_a christian_n faith_n be_v sound_a than_o the_o young_a he_o believe_v not_o because_o he_o have_v hear_v only_o with_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o believe_v because_o he_o have_v see_v taste_v and_o experience_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o other_o it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o have_v not_o attain_v too_o four_o his_o patience_n be_v more_o try_v more_o refine_v than_o the_o young_a five_o and_o last_o in_o effect_n all_o his_o grace_n be_v sound_a and_o better_o circumstantiate_v then_o those_o of_o the_o young_a christian_n for_o end_n for_o ground_n for_o manner_n for_o time_n and_o in_o all_o other_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o strive_v that_o our_o last_o work_n may_v be_v more_o than_o our_o first_o otherwise_o shame_n unto_o we_o as_o unprofitable_a servant_n verse_n 20._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n yet_o nevertheless_o o_o thou_o church_n of_o thyatira_n though_o i_o do_v approve_v and_o encourage_v thy_o gracious_a work_n of_o love_n faith_n service_n and_o patience_n and_o commend_v thou_o for_o thy_o proficiency_n in_o they_o yet_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n certain_a offence_n to_o lay_v in_o charge_n against_o thou_o hence_o note_v observe_v if_o our_o sin_n be_v few_o and_o great_a though_o our_o grace_n be_v many_o and_o eminent_a yet_o god_n will_v come_v against_o we_o for_o they_o few_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v as_o dead_a fly_n in_o precious_a ointment_n it_o will_v defile_v the_o whole_a box_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o inhabit_v quiet_o and_o at_o peace_n in_o one_o mansion_n with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n if_o ephraim_n will_v have_v idol_n god_n will_v let_v he_o alone_o and_o if_o israel_n will_v uphold_v wickedness_n though_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v abound_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o holy_a service_n yet_o that_o shall_v not_o privilege_v they_o from_o a_o babylonish_n captivity_n if_o his_o own_o select_a people_n will_v turn_v wild_a olive_n and_o cruciâ—â—e_v the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o his_o christ_n he_o can_v cut_v they_o off_o and_o make_v they_o a_o desolate_a and_o disperse_a people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n thyatira_n have_v many_o excellent_a grace_n and_o so_o have_v ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n the_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n jezabel_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n god_n come_v against_o they_o in_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o desolate_a if_o we_o conceive_v our_o grace_n of_o faith_n love_n service_n etc._n etc._n will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n though_o we_o admit_v antichristian_a doctrine_n of_o idolatry_n false_a and_o evil_a worship_n among_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v doubtless_o many_o of_o our_o former_a bishop_n be_v very_o godly_a man_n as_o jewel_n downham_n Ê‹sher_n hall_n davenant_n etc._n etc._n yet_o their_o real_a grace_n and_o holiness_n can_v not_o stop_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o go_v forth_o in_o wrath_n against_o the_o antichristian_a practice_n and_o false_a worship_n tolerate_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o engâ—_n 〈…〉_o only_o can_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o they_o themselves_o 〈◊〉_d main_a and_o the_o whole_a function_n shall_v smart_v for_o it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n indignation_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o pious_a man_n yet_o for_o their_o tolerate_n and_o connive_v at_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o themselves_o shall_v suffer_v in_o the_o common_a judgement_n but_o their_o pious_a and_o gracious_a soul_n shall_v be_v save_v so_o as_o by_o fire_n not_o that_o of_o purgatory_n first_o kindle_v in_o the_o pope_n kitchen_n but_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n sanctify_v unto_o they_o by_o that_o fire_n of_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v away_o our_o dross_n to_o wit_n god_n spirit_n and_o word_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v to_o it_o how_o we_o admit_v offence_n among_o we_o though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o they_o may_v draw_v god_n into_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o though_o they_o may_v not_o at_o present_a unchurch_n we_o yet_o if_o hold_v unrepented_a of_o they_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o come_v against_o we_o quick_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n o_o let_v no_o man_n plead_v for_o toleration_n of_o sin_n false_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o first_o church_n so_o as_o they_o sin_v first_o in_o these_o particular_n so_o they_o be_v make_v the_o first_o example_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sad_a say_n of_o some_o that_o their_o present_a church_n be_v as_o sound_v straight_o and_o holy_a as_o the_o primitive_a one_o they_o have_v their_o drunkard_n incestuous_a follower_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o nicolaitan_n and_o jezabel_n and_o we_o say_v they_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n have_v not_o worse_o alas_o they_o be_v now_o make_v unto_o we_o example_n of_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n for_o those_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o very_a habitation_n give_v unto_o the_o curse_a mahometan_n and_o their_o off_o spring_n turn_v barbarian_n and_o heathen_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o transgression_n with_o they_o o_o may_v we_o not_o fear_v the_o same_o desolate_v judgement_n let_v we_o not_o contemn_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n but_o speedy_o repent_v and_o do_v our_o first_o work_n so_o far_o shall_v we_o be_v from_o boast_v on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v unto_o we_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n but_o to_o proceed_v the_o charge_n against_o thyatira_n be_v that_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n who_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o deceive_v my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n this_o woman_n jezebel_n here_o mention_v doubtless_o
will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n now_o this_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v attribute_v to_o that_o kingdom_n which_o christ_n have_v as_o god_n with_o the_o father_n by_o right_a of_o creation_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n by_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n long_o after_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n pprophecy_n and_o christ_n have_v long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o natural_a kingdom_n of_o he_o as_o one_o with_o the_o father_n neither_o second_o can_v it_o be_v apply_v with_o any_o more_o show_v of_o reason_n to_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n because_o how_o few_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o language_n do_v as_o much_o as_o own_v or_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o some_o learned_a observe_v and_o that_o aright_o that_o not_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o tongue_n in_o the_o world_n do_v as_o much_o as_o own_v or_o acknowledge_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o again_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v christ_n how_o great_a a_o part_n thereof_o be_v apostate_n antichristian_n and_o even_o violent_a persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o again_o consider_v how_o few_o of_o those_o in_o the_o reform_a nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o more_o clearness_n and_o light_n discover_v and_o preach_v be_v true_o sincere_a servant_n of_o christ_n submit_v with_o cheerfulness_n unto_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o righteousness_n own_v christ_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n thereof_o therefore_o sure_o this_o kingdom_n and_o happy_a period_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v as_o christ_n say_v john_n 18.36_o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o that_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n and_o be_v here_o promise_v as_o a_o reward_n to_o the_o overcome_a saint_n and_o for_o which_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v which_o will_v not_o be_v give_v by_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n until_o he_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n dan._n 7.13_o compare_v to_o rev._n 14.14_o last_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o humane_a testimony_n and_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v the_o least_o with_o some_o and_o that_o be_v of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o annotation_n only_o on_o two_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o matter_n and_o substance_n i_o contend_v for_o to_o wit_n a_o more_o glorious_a triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o ultimate_a day_n of_o judgement_n first_o they_o in_o their_o new_a annotation_n on_o rev._n 5.10_o and_o we_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n confess_v that_o this_o may_v signify_v the_o prosperous_a time_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christian_n king_n and_o emperor_n dan._n 7.27_o psal_n 37.11_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n and_o on_o rev._n 2.25_o 26._o they_o say_v hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v signify_v till_o christ_n second_o come_v general_a or_o special_a power_n over_o the_o nation_n signify_v to_o join_v with_o christ_n in_o judge_v the_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o give_v the_o morning_n star_n signify_v christ_n give_v the_o full_a fruition_n of_o himself_o thus_o far_o they_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v in_o the_o full_a extent_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o yet_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o futurity_n but_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o show_v their_o great_a mistake_n that_o expect_v a_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o christ_n reign_n or_o monarchy_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n before_o christ_n second_o appearance_n in_o the_o cloud_n to_o accomplish_v this_o work_n this_o opinion_n be_v not_o a_o little_a dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a both_o unto_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o unto_o all_o magistracy_n that_o such_o opinionist_n live_v under_o for_o once_o entertain_v the_o judgement_n that_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v now_o to_o be_v set_v up_o all_o other_o opposite_n and_o kingdom_n must_v down_o before_o it_o for_o who_o will_v count_v it_o a_o hard_a say_n or_o sinful_a to_o remove_v humane_a power_n and_o magistrate_n be_v they_o ever_o so_o just_a that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o all-righteous_a sceptre_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o on_o this_o very_a ground_n and_o principle_n that_o every_o party_n and_o faction_n that_o pretend_v high_a to_o christ_n have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v itself_o in_o the_o throne_n how_o be_v episcopacy_n dethrone_v but_o that_o presbytery_n think_v itself_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n must_v go_v with_o they_o whether_o prelacy_n or_o presbytery_n be_v of_o the_o divine_a or_o better_a size_n that_o be_v not_o the_o dispute_n but_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o conceit_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o their_o geneva_n model_n and_o presbytery_n what_o nation_n be_v at_o peace_n among_o the_o reform_a before_o it_o be_v exalt_v and_o have_v the_o throne_n again_o this_o principle_n be_v again_o entertain_v by_o some_o other_o pretend_v to_o more_o holiness_n and_o truth_n than_o they_o o_o how_o they_o labour_v for_o a_o eruption_n like_o a_o inbred_a wind_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n never_o at_o rest_n till_o it_o set_v up_o its_o interest_n or_o its_o pretend_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n up_o at_o top_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a principle_n and_o fancy_n that_o carry_v on_o those_o irregular_a head_n of_o munster_n and_o john_n of_o leyden_n etc._n etc._n that_o make_v they_o dream_v of_o a_o new_a state_n come_v down_o among_o they_o from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v as_o weak_a frail_a and_o sinful_a as_o any_o other_o do_v not_o this_o excite_v they_o to_o contemn_v all_o power_n and_o magistracy_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o tread_v all_o under_o foot_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o new_a camaera_n and_o be_v not_o this_o again_o attempt_v and_o act_v by_o some_o in_o our_o day_n that_o have_v take_v up_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o who_o know_v where_o it_o will_v rest_v be_v once_o set_v on_o foot_n or_o work_v by_o a_o fiery_a irregular_a zeal_n judicious_a m._n hooker_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n though_o a_o episcopal_a man_n yet_o wise_o foresee_v the_o evil_a of_o this_o judgement_n and_o principle_n and_o give_v forewarn_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o it_o do_v destroy_v episcopacy_n and_o it_o will_v destroy_v presbytery_n and_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o if_o it_o be_v not_o moderate_v and_o wise_o regulate_v by_o a_o overmastering_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o herein_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v but_o my_o duty_n and_o discharge_v my_o conscience_n in_o show_v the_o false_a ground_n of_o many_o man_n miscarriage_n about_o the_o prosecution_n and_o attainment_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o indeed_o will_v never_o be_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o infirm_a and_o corrupt_a generation_n which_o be_v partly_o spiritual_a and_o partly_o carnal_a and_o they_o that_o endeavour_v to_o set_v it_o up_o may_v just_o perish_v in_o the_o attempt_n be_v not_o call_v to_o it_o neither_o by_o god_n nor_o christ_n neither_o let_v any_o say_v hence_o that_o i_o contemn_v full_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o reform_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n unto_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n when_o god_n open_v a_o door_n unto_o we_o unto_o this_o work_n it_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o the_o church_n triumphant_a before_o christ_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v her_o captain_n and_o leader_n on_o which_o then_o will_v be_v with_o great_a power_n and_o might_n and_o none_o shall_v hinder_v we_o be_v now_o command_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o overcome_v our_o temptation_n patient_o not_o to_o reign_v and_o triumph_n which_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o patience_n unto_o another_o life_n he_o that_o thus_o overcome_v shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o reign_v with_o he_o while_o other_o may_v be_v shut_v out_o for_o their_o sin_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o power_n they_o live_v under_o have_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o false_a principle_n to_o wit_n a_o expectance_n to_o reign_v with_o christ_n at_o present_a let_v all_o wise_a christian_n shun_v it_o as_o a_o ruinous_a house_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o overwhelm_v all_o that_o
in_o himself_o be_v too_o weak_a for_o such_o a_o work_n may_v be_v fit_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o thyself_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v find_v worthy_a o_o do_v thou_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n with_o true_a light_n from_o above_o and_o remove_v all_o impediment_n his_o iniquity_n out_o of_o thy_o sight_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o thy_o own_o blood_n than_o thou_o may_v discover_v thy_o mind_n unto_o thy_o poor_a servant_n be_v hallow_v by_o thyself_o to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o grant_v o_o christ_n that_o by_o thy_o favour_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n he_o may_v diligent_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o that_o unto_o sobriety_n and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v some_o advantage_n by_o he_o and_o if_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n have_v herein_o through_o weakness_n build_v any_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o thy_o precious_a structure_n o_o let_v it_o be_v consume_v but_o so_o as_o that_o thy_o servant_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a but_o if_o any_o of_o thou_o receive_v good_a hereby_o to_o thou_o for_o it_o as_o most_o due_a which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a be_v praise_n glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o catalogue_n of_o diverse_a question_n in_o this_o treatise_n discuss_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n pag._n 1_o whether_o john_n the_o divine_a the_o subordinate_a author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 5_o whether_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n own_a or_o some_o other_o person_n 7_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o christian_a wish_n or_o salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n unto_o you_o 19_o how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o church_n whilst_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o grace_n and_o peace_n aforehand_o 19_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v two_o last_o come_n to_o judgement_n 25_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 31_o and_o 112_o whether_o the_o lord_n day_n mention_v rev._n 1.10_o wherein_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o not_o 33_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a the_o devil_n be_v god_n ape_n herein_o 34_o do_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n 37_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 28_o 19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fullfil_v 38_o whether_o that_o samuel_n which_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v unto_o saul_n be_v the_o true_a prophet_n samuel_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o shape_n and_o likeness_n or_o otherwise_o some_o cozen_a consort_n and_o confederate_n of_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n 38_o 39_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n appear_v unto_o john_n rev._n 1_o 13._o when_o he_o appear_v to_o he_o as_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 43_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o separation_n between_o the_o deity_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n 44_o whether_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v to_o be_v only_o spiritual_o understand_v and_o not_o matterial_o also_o 50_o 51_o whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n and_o angel_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n do_v or_o shall_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n 53_o do_v not_o angel_n see_v god_n face_n in_o heaven_n and_o do_v not_o moses_n and_o jacob_n see_v god_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n 54._o and_o do_v not_o divine_n hold_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n 55_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v impassable_a 58_o why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o 68_o whether_o a_o sound_a church_n may_v censure_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 69_o 70_o whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n 71_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o presbytery_n 72_o what_o give_v unto_o our_o work_n the_o denomination_n of_o good_a work_n and_o whether_o any_o of_o our_o work_n be_v simple_o and_o strict_o to_o be_v call_v good_a and_o perfect_a 79_o and_o 80_o in_o who_o lie_v the_o power_n to_o try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 83_o and_o 196_o whether_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o word_n 84_o whether_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 85_o 86_o etc._n etc._n whether_o any_o else_o beside_o true_a and_o real_a saint_n or_o believer_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n 86_o 87_o whether_o the_o judicial_n or_o ceremonial_n of_o moses_n be_v any_o foundation_n for_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n 88_o 89_o whether_o baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o best_a satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n upon_o infant_n 88_o whether_o it_o must_v be_v true_a justify_n faith_n or_o dogmatical_a only_o that_o entitle_v to_o baptism_n 90_o 91_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o tie_v unto_o the_o first_o twelve_o 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o whether_o the_o first_o 12_o apostle_n be_v but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n 95_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n do_v continue_v unto_o the_o church_n 97_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o the_o true_a 101_o 102_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o church_n shall_v one_o repair_v to_o receive_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n call_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 105_o 106_o etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v the_o first_o reformer_n have_v a_o right_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o â—_o have_v it_o not_o from_o rome_n 108_o whether_o the_o presbytery_n of_o england_n have_v a_o right_a call_n from_o the_o late_a bishop_n as_o true_a presbyter_n 110_o whether_o believer_n complaint_n for_o want_n of_o will_n to_o repent_v be_v just_a or_o not_o 118_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o legal_a teach_v to_o denounce_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o non-amendment_n or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n 119_o whether_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n in_o some_o causality_n unto_o salvation_n or_o joint_o with_o he_o somewhat_o subordinate_a to_o that_o great_a end_n 120_o and_o whether_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o condiiion_n proper_o so_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 121_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n 126_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o paradise_n 130_o whether_o paradise_n and_o heaven_n above_o be_v all_o one_o 131_o whether_o god_n tempt_v man_n and_o whether_o he_o tempt_v unto_o evil_n or_o sin_n 143_o do_v not_o many_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n 144_o whether_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n or_o efficiency_n in_o and_o about_o sin_n 146_o why_o do_v god_n often_o afflict_v his_o own_o child_n with_o so_o sharp_a tribulation_n and_o whether_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v vindicate_v in_o that_o particular_a 149_o whether_o great_a corruption_n nullify_v a_o church_n 173_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o full_a reformation_n can_v be_v attain_v 171_o 172_o how_o be_v god_n justice_n vindicate_v if_o he_o smite_v godly_a and_o ungodly_a together_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a among_o they_o 179_o whether_o christ_n receive_v now_o by_o faith_n to_o justification_n and_o absolution_n be_v the_o hide_a manna_n and_o white_a stone_n promise_v rev._n 2.17_o to_o
add_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1651._o who_o do_v number_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n very_o radiant_a and_o pregnant_a within_o the_o say_a book_n to_o prove_v it_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n first_o in_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o so_o high_o illuminate_v a_o person_n as_o john_n the_o apostle_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v evince_v and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o last_o public_a legacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o special_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v god_n will_v never_o suffer_v such_o a_o palpable_a deceit_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o long_o without_o control_n and_o under_o his_o own_o name_n so_o often_o reiterated_a in_o those_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n direction_n approbation_n and_o providential_a preservation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o this_o book_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o do_v full_o harmonise_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o indubitable_a receive_v book_n of_o god_n that_o treat_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n three_o and_o last_o see_v those_o thing_n be_v evident_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v predict_v and_o foretell_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o dethron_n of_o the_o dragon_n the_o rise_n continuance_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o whore_n ride_v upon_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n with_o divers_a other_o event_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o former_a some_o whereof_z be_v long_o since_o evident_o accomplish_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o determine_a time_n and_o period_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o prophecy_n come_v from_o god_n when_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v consult_v deut._n 18.21_o 22_o verse_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n about_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n have_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o whether_o this_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n first_o they_o that_o oppose_v the_o first_o do_v offer_n as_o their_o reason_n the_o unlikelyness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n that_o there_o be_v between_o this_o book_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n and_o his_o epistle_n which_o two_o latter_a agree_v in_o style_n and_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n be_v very_a dissonant_n from_o they_o both_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n in_o the_o first_o two_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n though_o he_o write_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o substantial_a truth_n contain_v therein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a tie_v up_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o the_o epistle_n but_o be_v leave_v at_o large_a by_o the_o spirit_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o expression_n which_o he_o write_v according_a to_o his_o own_o genius_n and_o temper_n be_v high_a and_o sublimate_n but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o must_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v and_o be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o beside_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o prophecy_n keep_v somewhat_o the_o like_a and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o expression_n character_n and_o method_n as_o it_o do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n daniel_n isaiah_n and_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v joint_o run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n in_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v and_o other_o of_o john_n writing_n second_o they_o that_o oppose_v give_v as_o another_o reason_n but_o unadvised_o that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n the_o revelation_n be_v entitle_v not_o unto_o john_n evangelist_n or_o john_n the_o apostle_n but_o unto_o john_n the_o divine_a this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n for_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o john_n be_v by_o excellency_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n call_v by_o this_o name_n of_o the_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o write_v and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o heretic_n that_o oppose_v it_o in_o his_o time_n as_o the_o ebonite_n simon_n magus_n carpocrates_n cerinthus_n and_o their_o follower_n yet_o withal_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o this_o word_n the_o divine_a in_o our_o language_n be_v too_o narrow_a a_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o this_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v of_o more_o copious_a and_o extensive_a signification_n which_o make_v much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o evangelist_n that_o write_v this_o book_n for_o the_o foresay_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n and_o maintainer_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v this_o denomination_n either_o from_o his_o work_n and_o so_o be_v entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a or_o last_o he_o acquire_v that_o peculiar_a title_n to_o himself_o from_o the_o high_a divine_a inspiration_n and_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n he_o have_v from_o god_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o those_o his_o vision_n and_o so_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o eminent_o conversant_a with_o god_n he_o may_v just_o acquire_v unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o john_n the_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o former_a be_v the_o more_o genuine_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o title_n in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v that_o this_o john_n who_o be_v the_o subordinate_a author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o be_v write_v cap._n 1._o 9_o when_o john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n under_o banishment_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n which_o do_v agree_v with_o all_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a father_n who_o all_o testify_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v there_o banish_v and_o second_o as_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n as_o aretas_n witness_v basil_n gregory_n cyril_n epiphanius_n ireneus_fw-la hippolyta_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n counsel_n plain_o avouch_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n this_o john_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n major_n or_o the_o great_a and_o the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o three_o great_a witness_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o most_o retire_a and_o eminent_a action_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n who_o after_o christ_n have_v accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v ascend_v he_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o as_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n testify_v have_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n receive_v power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o province_n fall_v in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n where_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o preach_v convert_v and_o found_v those_o several_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n philadelphia_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n but_o also_o it_o seem_v
to_o overturn_v all_o its_o opposite_n that_o assert_n that_o true_a real_a grace_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o pre-requisite_a as_o the_o condition_n unto_o baptism_n among_o many_o other_o argument_n of_o he_o against_o m._n blake'_v dogmatical_a faith_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o his_o four_o and_o five_o and_o eleven_o argument_n page_n 96._o of_o his_o apology_n and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o place_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o argument_n both_o from_o authority_n and_o scripture_n levy_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o comport_v with_o this_o truth_n his_o four_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n to_o justification_n but_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n therefore_o this_o abrenunciation_n have_v be_v practise_v always_o in_o baptism_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v his_o five_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v sincere_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v to_o justification_n but_o such_o be_v all_o as_o come_v to_o baptism_n therefore_o for_o the_o major_a it_o require_v no_o more_o proof_n but_o to_o explain_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n have_v enough_o prove_v that_o the_o phrase_n of_o believe_v in_o comprehend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o god_n which_o be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o sovereign_a ruler_n and_o chief_a good_a this_o none_o but_o a_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o do_v his_o eleven_o argument_n if_o baptism_n be_v solemnize_n of_o the_o mystical_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o baptise_a then_o true_a justify_v faith_n be_v of_o god_n require_v thereto_o but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a therefore_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o hold_v the_o antecedent_n to_o be_v true_a the_o consequence_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o no_o man_n but_o the_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o take_v christ_n as_o a_o husband_n and_o head_n for_o so_o to_o do_v be_v justify_v faith_n these_o three_o have_v i_o only_o choose_v of_o m._n baxter_n 26._o argument_n to_o set_v as_o a_o antithesis_fw-la unto_o m._n morice_n position_n and_o as_o a_o answer_n thereunto_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v it_o pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la a_o ill_a case_n be_v much_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o in_o this_o that_o i_o have_v set_v m._n baxter_n to_o answer_v m._n morice_n be_v but_o to_o set_v socrates_n to_o answer_v plato_n and_o i_o may_v add_v one_o word_n that_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n faith_n which_o be_v only_o dogmatical_a and_o formal_a though_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n gives_z right_a of_o admission_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v admission_n to_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n which_o so_o qualifi_v the_o person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o admit_v he_o as_o be_v one_o that_o seem_v sound_a in_o believe_v for_o judas_n be_v always_o reckon_v among_o the_o twelve_o before_o his_o traitorous_a betray_a act_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o simon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v also_o act_v 8.13_o now_o the_o church_n can_v but_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v deny_v admission_n either_o to_o simon_n or_o any_o other_o that_o desire_v it_o for_o charity_n think_v no_o evil_a and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a rule_n de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o entitul_a and_o have_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o a_o foedere_fw-la for_o that_o alone_o be_v save_a faith_n which_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n make_v the_o condition_n pre-requisite_a to_o such_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n which_o be_v before_o assert_v and_o prove_v and_o that_o that_o give_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la give_v a_o true_a title_n also_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o according_a to_o a_o charitative_a judgement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o will_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v admission_n be_v both_o true_a real_a and_o sanctify_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o desire_v it_o though_o oftentimes_o the_o sequel_n manifest_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v therein_o and_o hereby_o it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o church_n door_n be_v wide_a than_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v exceed_v the_o triumphant_a and_o be_v far_o enlarge_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o herein_o this_o shall_v suffice_v observe_v 5._o that_o false_a teacher_n be_v most_o arrogant_a and_o pretend_v high_a to_o gift_n and_o mission_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n find_v it_o so_o in_o their_o false_a teacher_n and_o corinth_n also_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o who_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n they_o will_v needs_o get_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o calling_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o on_o trial_n they_o be_v find_v liar_n they_o be_v of_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o precedency_n and_o be_v above_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o true_a apostle_n gaudent_fw-la preesse_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la prosunt_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la putant_fw-la preesse_fw-la &_o insolentius_fw-la &_o arrogantius_fw-la principes_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la locum_fw-la appertivisse_fw-la they_o be_v like_o those_o in_o jer._n 8.8_o who_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o as_o those_o in_o ezek._n 13.6_o who_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v yet_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vain_a vision_n and_o a_o lie_a divination_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o demand_v why_o shall_v those_o false_a teacher_n denominate_v themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n see_v the_o number_n be_v only_o limit_v to_o twelve_o i_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v denominate_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o century_n after_o christ_n the_o apostolical_a time_n though_o the_o twelve_o be_v dead_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n as_o church_n history_n manifest_v and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o the_o papist_n so_o far_o as_o the_o five_o century_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o hold_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n second_o i_o answer_v this_o apostolical_a office_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o peculiar_a faculty_n of_o the_o twelve_o as_o to_o debar_v all_o other_o from_o that_o denomination_n and_o though_o i_o grant_v they_o be_v christ_n apostle_n catexochen_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o other_o that_o be_v send_v for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a in_o christ_n embassy_n unto_o the_o world_n may_v appropriate_v that_o title_n unto_o themselves_o as_o paul_n very_o often_o in_o his_o epistle_n have_v just_o vindicate_v his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o may_v not_o barnabas_n with_o other_o that_o be_v send_v upon_o the_o same_o message_n with_o paul_n and_o the_o rest_n appropriate_v the_o same_o title_n and_o that_o just_o to_o themselves_o also_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o those_o be_v stand_v perpetual_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v to_o continue_v it_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n mystical_a the_o elect_a be_v gather_v and_o complete_a for_o so_o the_o word_n strong_o enforce_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o whereas_o they_o object_v that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v that_o some_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v
they_o in_o this_o particular_a witness_v the_o jesuitish_a sect_n with_o their_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n voluminous_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n counsel_n father_n tradition_n super-numerary_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o common_a trade_n with_o all_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine-monger_n to_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a with_o their_o intricate_a scriptural_a gloss_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o better_o swallow_v down_o the_o hook_n or_o poison_v undiscovered_a within_o the_o artificial_o compose_a bait_n and_o pill_n and_o as_o the_o fish_n sepia_n darken_v the_o water_n with_o its_o inky_a humour_n to_o avoid_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o fisher_n so_o do_v these_o serpentine_a fry_n so_o cloud_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o polemical_a discourse_n that_o unaware_o they_o have_v bring_v many_o heretical_a syncretisme_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o reason_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o high_a pretence_n to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n both_o be_v undermine_v by_o they_o and_o have_v endeavour_v the_o overthrow_n thereof_o by_o their_o strange_a conclusion_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n now_o understand_v that_o i_o hold_v not_o that_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o external_o or_o accidental_n of_o religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v the_o holder_n thereof_o a_o heretic_n or_o false_a teacher_n for_o than_o which_o of_o the_o father_n will_v go_v clear_a nor_o but_o few_o if_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n but_o that_o true_o and_o real_o denominate_v a_o heretic_n or_o false_a teacher_n be_v the_o hold_v and_o maintain_v such_o error_n as_o direct_o strike_v at_o and_o will_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n now_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n article_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v for_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a john_n 17_o 3._o and_o that_o doctrine_n that_o strike_v at_o this_o either_o direct_o or_o consequential_o be_v heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o just_o be_v they_o call_v false_a apostle_n that_o go_v about_o to_o add_v circumcision_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o act_n 15._o this_o be_v to_o nullify_v christ_n sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v the_o galathian_o that_o hereby_o they_o harken_v to_o a_o new_a gospel_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o plain_a and_o easy_a discernment_n for_o a_o competent_a spiritualised_a christian_a to_o make_v discovery_n of_o a_o false_a apostle_n prophet_n false_a teacher_n or_o heretic_n by_o the_o doctrine_n he_o bring_v for_o first_o if_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v of_o satan_n and_o from_o hell_n next_o if_o it_o strike_v direct_o or_o consequential_o at_o the_o subversion_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o of_o his_o office_n be_v sure_a that_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o name_n way_n or_o practice_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o none_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o son_n all_o other_o way_n be_v not_o only_o break_v reed_n but_o dangerous_a this_o only_a in_o the_o son_n be_v eternal_a life_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o their_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n and_o this_o will_v the_o better_o be_v evince_v by_o first_o consider_v its_o contrary_a the_o right_a call_n of_o true_a and_o faithful_a teacher_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o call_n be_v either_o first_o from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o church_n god_n call_n be_v by_o give_v ability_n gift_n and_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n and_o office_n that_o he_o ordain_v he_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o when_o god_n send_v moses_n he_o furnish_v he_o for_o the_o great_a work_n he_o appoint_v he_o to_o moses_n plead_v his_o unaptness_n and_o slowness_n of_o speech_n but_o god_n say_v go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o teach_v thou_o etc._n etc._n exod._n 4.12_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a god_n come_v with_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o sufficiency_n thereof_o before_o they_o be_v send_v upon_o their_o errand_n god_n call_v apostle_n of_o fisher_n and_o make_v they_o fisher_n of_o man_n and_o so_o spirit_n they_o and_o enable_v they_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o face_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o tell_v they_o go_v preach_v and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a assistance_n by_o his_o grace_n strength_n comfort_n direction_n spirit_n those_o that_o christ_n call_v and_o send_v he_o give_v they_o a_o full_a supply_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n necessary_a to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a service_n second_o god_n call_n give_v affection_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o work_n he_o move_v strong_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o send_v on_o his_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o will_v on_o as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o hesitate_v or_o secure_v his_o carnal_a interest_n yet_o second_o this_o call_n must_v proceed_v orderly_o unto_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o since_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o call_n be_v cease_v the_o mediate_a call_n must_v concur_v to_o set_v the_o seal_n and_o authority_n upon_o the_o first_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n the_o call_v of_o ability_n part_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o office_n do_v not_o real_o and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la invest_v he_o in_o that_o office_n it_o maybe_o say_v that_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi he_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o but_o not_o a_o right_a of_o possession_n for_o christ_n have_v delegated_a that_o power_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o set_v their_o public_a signature_n upon_o all_o officer_n for_o his_o service_n for_o who_o god_n qualify_v with_o a_o call_n of_o ability_n he_o be_v only_o judge_v and_o deem_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o real_o a_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v ordain_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o call_v only_o he_o may_v perform_v many_o good_a duty_n and_o service_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o able_a and_o faithful_a disciple_n or_o member_n but_o by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la and_o authoritative_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v their_o call_n to_o public_a office_n as_o apostle_n teacher_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n only_o as_o from_o god_n and_o contemn_v the_o other_o from_o the_o church_n sure_o i_o be_o of_o judgement_n as_o unto_o their_o mission_n they_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o be_v neither_o call_v of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o if_o their_o call_n of_o ability_n be_v from_o god_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o than_o it_o will_v manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o a_o submit_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o his_o word_n therefore_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a officer_n and_o shine_a star_n within_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o that_o boast_v of_o their_o calling_n from_o the_o church_n and_o want_v the_o first_o call_v of_o god_n of_o ability_n they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n to_o be_v cast_v unto_o the_o dung_n useless_a to_o any_o service_n they_o will_v not_o serve_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v a_o pin_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o be_v false_a apostle_n to_o the_o purpose_n fit_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o all_o faithful_a christian_n assembly_n shall_v have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o such_o who_o can_v only_o manifest_v their_o call_n from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n in_o competent_a gift_n and_o part_n fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n they_o can_v work_v at_o all_o to_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n for_o they_o want_v supply_n to_o that_o end_n we_o know_v a_o artificer_n can_v do_v little_a work_n without_o his_o tool_n or_o instrument_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o spiritual_a building_n if_o god_n have_v
by_o interpose_v a_o intervening_a necessity_n and_o clear_a obstacle_n thereunto_o and_o therein_o god_n love_v obedience_n better_o than_o sacrifice_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o first_o ministerial_a reformer_n never_o maintain_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o ministry_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n lineal_o through_o the_o loin_n of_o antichrist_n but_o only_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o all_o age_n be_v by_o the_o invisible_a church_n maintain_v and_o assert_v sometime_o with_o more_o perspicuity_n and_o visibility_n than_o other_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o officer_n and_o ministry_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o must_v needs_o also_o grant_v a_o perpetual_a and_o necessary_a visibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o consequential_o a_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o how_o a_o true_a christian_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o antichristian_a state_n in_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n as_o i_o former_o say_v i_o know_v not_o or_o how_o the_o same_o state_n can_v be_v both_o mere_o antichristian_a and_o christian_n a_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o a_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n a_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o oâ—_n idol_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a and_o justifiable_a call_n respect_v the_o essence_n thereof_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o foundation_n aright_o of_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o otherwise_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o many_o circumstantial_a point_n yet_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o may_v more_o comfortable_o be_v receive_v from_o one_o church_n then_o another_o as_o former_o be_v evince_v the_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o sound_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o sound_a spiritual_a and_o edify_v their_o ministerial_a function_n be_v the_o more_o loose_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o loose_v their_o ministerial_a call_n will_v be_v therefore_o the_o godly_a church_n and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o mission_n ministerial_a call_v and_o office_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o repair_v unto_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v then_o of_o the_o present_a ministry_n of_o england_n as_o now_o constitute_v who_o as_o presbyter_n ordain_v one_o another_o to_o their_o ministerial_a office_n who_o be_v first_o ordain_v themselves_o by_o the_o late_a bishop_n and_o so_o hold_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o as_o from_o true_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v but_o contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cloud_v my_o judgement_n in_o any_o thing_n if_o the_o english_a presbytery_n as_o the_o helvetian_a and_o genevan_n have_v do_v to_o their_o perpetual_a glory_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o antichristian_a whore_n and_o so_o public_o renounce_v all_o ministerial_a call_v as_o derive_v from_o she_o than_o i_o grant_v such_o ministry_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o though_o collate_v of_o office_n mere_o as_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n without_o the_o just_a assent_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o church_n be_v not_o so_o justifiable_a as_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o evince_v but_o if_o they_o maintain_v their_o call_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v good_a as_o by_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n they_o have_v utter_o nullify_v and_o undo_v their_o case_n and_o their_o call_n too_o in_o my_o judgement_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v for_o what_o be_v not_o good_a and_o justifiable_a in_o the_o fountain_n and_o first_o origin_n can_v be_v make_v justifiable_a by_o succession_n in_o the_o stream_n and_o branch_n a_o pollute_a fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a wholesome_a stream_n causa_fw-la causae_fw-la causa_fw-la causati_fw-la if_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a as_o most_o of_o they_o grant_v though_o both_o name_n and_o office_n be_v warrantable_a in_o a_o gospel_n regulate_v sense_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o first_o mission_n and_o call_v how_o then_o come_v their_o call_n more_o warrantable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o author_n and_o founder_n if_o bishop_n in_o their_o ministry_n be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_n how_o come_v they_o to_o supplant_v they_o and_o pull_v they_o down_o christ_n ministry_n be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o desolate_v and_o dethrone_v brethren_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a function_n but_o rather_o for_o consolidate_v and_o confirm_v therefore_o sure_o there_o be_v somewhat_o amiss_o all_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v stand_v to_o this_o day_n witness_v the_o national_a covenant_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o constitute_v in_o england_n be_v of_o the_o off_o spring_n and_o brood_n of_o babylon_n they_o always_o hold_v their_o call_n good_a as_o ministerial_a bishop_n have_v their_o personal_a call_v from_o such_o successive_o as_o first_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a or_o justifiable_a in_o the_o succession_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v as_o some_o say_v to_o salve_v it_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o church_n of_o invisible_a saint_n under_o antichrist_n because_o they_o must_v prove_v themselves_o then_o to_o succeed_v that_o very_a church_n or_o those_o very_a invisible_a saint_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o that_o those_o very_a saint_n be_v ministerial_a officer_n or_o presbyter_n or_o else_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o man_n may_v be_v saint_n but_o not_o ministerial_o saint_n send_v or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o they_o have_v the_o alone_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o in_o want_n of_o such_o true_a ministerial_a presbyter_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v either_o unavoidable_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n their_o ministerial_a office_n void_a and_o null_a or_o otherwise_o plain_o concede_fw-la that_o they_o have_v it_o derivative_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o what_o a_o sorry_a call_n that_o be_v if_o at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v call_v i_o have_v former_o evince_v and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o law_n that_o quod_fw-la initio_fw-la vitiosum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr poor_a tractu_fw-la temporis_fw-la convalescere_fw-la see_v more_o hereon_o du_n plessis_n treat_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 3624._o and_o bishop_n jewel_n defen_n apolog._n part_n 2._o page_n 131._o who_o be_v witness_n without_o exception_n manifest_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v observe_v from_o this_o observe_v that_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n be_v great_a persecuter_n of_o the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v suffer_v much_o from_o such_o false_a teacher_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a be_v always_o against_o the_o true_a one_o and_o cause_v they_o often_o to_o be_v smite_v and_o afflict_v as_o micaiah_n be_v jeer_v by_o zedekiah_n which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n from_o i_o to_o thou_o 1_o king_n 22._o 2_o 4._o and_o that_o not_o all_o but_o be_v smite_v disgraceful_o on_o the_o check_n also_o shemaiah_n stir_v up_o the_o authority_n against_o jeremiah_n the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o will_v have_v cast_v he_o in_o the_o prison_n jer._n 29.24_o yea_o say_v ezekiel_n 22.25_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o her_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o not_o only_o like_o fox_n but_o even_o like_a lion_n raven_v the_o prey_n these_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v always_o very_o pernicious_a to_o god_n true_a church_n what_o great_a persecuter_n arrius_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o athanasius_n and_o the_o orthodox_n they_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a that_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o not_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o by_o incense_a the_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o how_o willing_o will_v pilate_n release_v christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o follower_n false_a prophet_n still_o exclaim_v and_o fastigate_v the_o magistrate_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o
be_v a_o she_o prophetess_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o that_o she_o be_v one_o of_o that_o sect_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o that_o she_o come_v with_o the_o same_o curse_a nicolaitish_a doctrine_n in_o the_o 14_o and_o 15._o verse_n mention_v teach_v and_o draw_v god_n people_n to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n first_o herein_o appear_v her_o impudence_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o modesty_n of_o her_o sex_n and_o apostolical_a prohibition_n yet_o she_o take_v the_o name_n of_o a_o prophetess_n upon_o herself_o and_o to_o teach_v public_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 14_o 34._o next_o observe_v her_o falsity_n and_o deceit_n she_o be_v a_o prophetess_n and_o why_o it_o be_v only_o to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v christ_n servant_n three_o observe_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o her_o seduction_n it_o be_v by_o false_a doctrine_n by_o teach_v idolatry_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o idol_n and_o fornication_n to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a for_o i_o always_o take_v these_o to_o be_v two_o great_a distinct_a sin_n and_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n idolatry_n and_o fornication_n and_o not_o only_a idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a fornication_n or_o adultery_n for_o balaam_n advice_n be_v not_o only_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o business_n of_o baal_n peor_n mumb._n 25.1_o 2._o shall_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n but_o to_o fornication_n also_o with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n so_o also_o jezabel_n ahab_n wife_n who_o provoke_v he_o to_o set_v up_o idolatry_n unto_o baal_n in_o israel_n 1_o king_n 16.31_o 32._o compare_v to_o 1_o king_n 21.25_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a adultress_n as_o by_o that_o of_o 2_o king_n 9.22_o what_o peace_n whilst_o the_o woredom_n of_o thy_o mother_n jezabel_n and_o her_o witchcraft_n be_v yet_o in_o great_a number_n and_o her_o carriage_n be_v according_o impudent_a for_o 30._o do_v convince_v her_o whoredom_n for_o she_o paint_v her_o face_n and_o tire_v her_o head_n and_o look_v out_o at_o window_n the_o posture_n rather_o of_o a_o strumpet_n then_o of_o majesty_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o and_o therefore_o balaam_n and_o jezabel_n be_v here_o fit_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o personate_v this_o lewd_a nicolaitish_a sect_n and_o their_o great_a prophetess_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n observe_v 1._o hence_o note_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a defigne_n of_o satan_n to_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o false_a she_o prophetess_n as_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n so_o there_o be_v a_o false_a prophetess_n and_o a_o very_a impudent_a one_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n in_o thyatira_n if_o god_n will_v have_v he_o or_o she_o prophet_n the_o devil_n will_v be_v god_n ape_n and_o will_v have_v the_o same_o if_o god_n to_o honour_v that_o weak_a sex_n sometime_o raise_v up_o she_o prophet_n to_o help_v his_o people_n be_v sure_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v upon_o the_o same_o work_n he_o will_v have_v his_o jezabel_n his_o maximillae_n for_o her_o service_n also_o we_o find_v in_o ezekiel_n day_n there_o be_v false_a propheteses_n who_o sow_v pillow_n to_o ahe_fw-la armhole_n 13._o 1k_n 18._o prophesy_v please_v thing_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o neh._n 6.14_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o one_o noadia_n a_o prophetess_n she_o with_o other_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v against_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n encourage_v sanballet_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discourage_v nehemiah_n and_o the_o bvilder_n of_o it_o and_o some_o such_o there_o be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o all_o age_n who_o with_o their_o false_a doctrine_n will_v deceive_v unwary_a people_n simon_n magus_n have_v his_o helena_n carpocrates_n his_o marcellina_n montanus_n have_v his_o prisca_n and_o maximillina_n and_o so_o all_o erroneous_a sect_n have_v their_o she_o prophetess_n as_o well_o as_o he_o prophet_n for_o the_o devil_n design_n thrive_v on_o both_o way_n observe_v 2._o false_a she_o prophetess_n be_v not_o only_o very_o bold_a but_o very_o subtle_a to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v god_n servant_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v liken_v to_o jezabel_n a_o bold_a setter_n up_o of_o idolatry_n and_o a_o subtle_a deceiver_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o naboth_n and_o seek_v the_o death_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n appear_v and_o it_o appear_v also_o henbe_n that_o this_o false_a nicolaitish_a prophetess_n be_v not_o only_o a_o very_a impudent_a one_o for_o she_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v but_o be_v also_o a_o very_a sly_a and_o subtle_a one_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o deceive_v christ_n servant_n i_o conjecture_v that_o her_o practice_n be_v somewhat_o like_o the_o rant_a familist_n and_o antiscripturists_a of_o our_o day_n who_o pretend_v some_o high_a notion_n and_o transcendent_a matter_n above_o the_o common_a pitch_n of_o plain_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o so_o fly_v beyond_o sobriety_n god_n suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o they_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n to_o sin_n be_v but_o of_o a_o legal_a spirit_n and_o of_o bondage_n and_o sin_n can_v at_o all_o reach_n god_n or_o offend_v his_o majesty_n and_o then_o they_o can_v free_o among_o the_o heathen_n as_o the_o nicolaitish_a christian_n do_v of_o old_a partake_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o baal_n of_o bacchus_n priapus_n venus_n or_o any_o of_o their_o heathenish_a idol_n and_o can_v free_o without_o regret_n eat_v of_o their_o idolothite_n and_o join_v and_o commix_v with_o their_o corporal_a fornication_n also_o high_a and_o untrodden_a speculation_n and_o novelty_n carry_v the_o vizor_n of_o deceit_n with_o they_o wholesome_a doctrine_n be_v old_a and_o plain_a but_o novel_a and_o erroneous_a be_v hold_v forth_o in_o most_o high_a and_o unintelligible_a motion_n which_o false_a proprophet_n and_o prophetess_n on_o purpose_n make_v use_v of_o to_o amuse_v confound_v ensnare_v and_o deceive_v the_o easy_a credulous_a and_o simple_a people_n many_o of_o these_o false_a she_o prophetess_n go_v up_o and_o down_o with_o their_o new_a light_n new_a christ_n and_o new_a gospel_n and_o all_o within_o they_o in_o these_o very_a day_n of_o we_o a_o true_a branch_n of_o the_o old_a gnostic_n and_o nicolaitan_n observe_v 3._o some_o of_o god_n own_o faithful_a servant_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o false_a teacher_n this_o jezeâ—el_n or_o false_a lady_n prophetess_n have_v seduce_v christ_n servant_n and_o have_v entice_v they_o to_o their_o filthy_a idolatry_n and_o adultery_n we_o know_v peter_n and_o barnabas_n be_v draw_v away_o by_o such_o into_o error_n gal_n 2.13_o 14_o the_o old_a lie_a prophet_n deceive_v the_o young_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o draw_v he_o into_o a_o snare_n which_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n for_o a_o lion_n devour_v he_o 1_o kin._n 13._o christ_n have_v foretell_v we_o mat._n 24._o that_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o but_o whence_o do_v they_o arise_v from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o do_v raise_v such_o a_o smoke_n with_o their_o false_a doctrine_n rev._n 9_o that_o they_o darken_v the_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n truth_n that_o the_o saint_n can_v clear_o see_v their_o way_n and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a if_o they_o stumble_v do_v not_o many_o precious_a soul_n stumble_v in_o the_o late_a day_n of_o prelacy_n and_o be_v turn_v away_o with_o their_o error_n and_o have_v not_o many_o stumble_v in_o these_o day_n of_o liberty_n and_o carry_v away_o and_o deceive_v by_o familistical_a anti-scriptural_a error_n and_o the_o like_a but_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v we_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o peter_n 2_o epist_n 3.17_o 18._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v against_o thyatira_n and_o it_o be_v because_o she_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n a_o church_n be_v not_o so_o blame_v worthy_a for_o have_v a_o jezebel_n a_o false_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n among_o they_o but_o for_o suffer_v for_o countenance_v own_v and_o free_o tolerate_v of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n whence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o toleration_n and_o indulgence_n of_o false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o will_n to_o suffer_v opinion_n in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v dissonant_n from_o his_o truth_n that_o will_v corrupt_v the_o soul_n with_o sin_n though_o i_o shall_v plead_v for_o a_o just_a
neck_n unto_o this_o gracious_a yoke_n and_o our_o back_n unto_o this_o burden_n therefore_o it_o will_v cost_v much_o sweat_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o christian_n under_o christ_n yoke_n and_o burden_n must_v not_o think_v to_o live_v at_o ease_n or_o at_o liberty_n and_o stray_v whither_o their_o fancy_n call_v they_o they_o be_v under_o a_o burden_n a_o yoke_n they_o must_v attend_v and_o keep_v their_o work_n if_o they_o be_v fruitful_a proficient_o in_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a burden_n and_o a_o easy_a yoke_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o yoke_n and_o a_o burden_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o some_o write_v that_o christ_n be_v repute_v joseph_n the_o carpenter_n son_n before_o he_o fall_v to_o the_o more_o public_a work_n of_o his_o ministry_n he_o follow_v his_o father_n in_o law_n trade_n of_o make_v yoke_n for_o ox_n to_o which_o that_o expression_n of_o he_o in_o mat._n 11._o do_v allude_v but_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o not_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o make_v spiritual_a yoke_n to_o lay_v on_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o disciple_n he_o lay_v command_n on_o they_o both_o natural_o moral_a and_o positive_o moral_a to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o we_o and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v all_o command_v to_o hold_v fast_o this_o burden_n this_o yoke_n of_o christ_n his_o faithful_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n until_o he_o come_v hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v this_o must_v signify_v christ_n second_n and_o general_a and_o not_o of_o his_o first_o or_o of_o his_o special_a come_n in_o spirit_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o christ_n near_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o his_o incarnation_n and_o he_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n some_o score_n year_n before_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o such_o as_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n this_o will_v handsome_o follow_v as_o a_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n that_o when_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n they_o must_v then_o let_v go_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n for_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v and_o no_o long_o but_o at_o his_o second_o and_o last_o appearance_n he_o have_v another_o glorious_a administration_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o which_o yet_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o after_o he_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n he_o command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o former_a burden_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n already_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n until_o his_o second_o come_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v christ_n burden_n or_o doctrine_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o the_o saint_n for_o that_o first_o age_n or_o generation_n only_o wherein_o it_o be_v public_a as_o some_o vain_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v unto_o all_o generation_n until_o to_o he_o that_o do_v hold_v fast_o and_o overcome_v power_n be_v give_v he_o over_o the_o nation_n to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o power_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o saint_n for_o they_o be_v still_o as_o lily_n among_o thorn_n in_o a_o afflict_a and_o wilderness_n estate_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n until_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o give_v they_o their_o release_n and_o freedom_n feom_o all_o sorrow_n and_o anti-christian_n servitude_n and_o therefore_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n consult_v ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o verse_n 26._o and_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o keep_v my_o work_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 verse_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v to_o shiver_n even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n here_o be_v a_o vincenti_fw-la dabitur_fw-la a_o crown_n and_o a_o reward_n set_v forth_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o escape_v those_o assault_n and_o doctrine_n of_o satan_n teach_v by_o that_o false_a prophetess_n and_o nicolaitish_a jezebel_n and_o withal_o keep_v close_o unto_o godly_a way_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v call_v my_o work_n christ_n work_n because_o of_o his_o efficiency_n therein_o and_o approbation_n thereunto_o and_o that_o that_o will_v give_v a_o interest_n unto_o this_o crown_n it_o be_v not_o follow_v of_o christ_n work_n a_o little_a season_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o way_n side_n and_o spring_v up_o but_o short_o dye_v for_o want_n of_o radical_a moisture_n but_o a_o constant_a persevere_v keep_v unto_o christ_n work_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o will_v do_v the_o work_n observe_v 1._o note_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o in_o our_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n to_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o wicked_a person_n and_o false_a teacher_n but_o we_o must_v close_v with_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n and_o do_v good_a work_n also_o our_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n must_v not_o be_v a_o negative_a religion_n or_o righteousness_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o positive_a one_o also_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o renounce_v popery_n and_o all_o false_a way_n and_o doctrine_n but_o we_o must_v also_o set_v up_o that_o religion_n doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v pure_a holy_a and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v in_o grace_n to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a commendation_n to_o those_o of_o thyatira_n to_o overcome_v and_o escape_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n or_o worse_a what_o praiseworthy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o overcome_v the_o assault_n of_o rome_n and_o their_o depth_n of_o satan_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o as_o pernicious_a doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o what_o gain_n will_v it_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o popery_n and_o embrace_v familisme_n anti-scripturisme_a arminianism_n sarcinianisme_n and_o what_o not_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o in_o all_o our_o repentance_n we_o be_v will_v not_o only_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_a way_n but_o to_o turn_v into_o the_o good_a else_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o halt_n and_o maim_a work_n and_o a_o lame_a repentance_n and_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o title_n of_o any_o of_o christ_n work_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o observe_v unto_o the_o end_n our_o christian_n life_n be_v a_o race_n and_o he_o that_o leave_v off_o in_o the_o mid_a way_n have_v no_o hope_n to_o attain_v the_o prize_n hence_o note_v observe_v 2._o the_o crown_n be_v give_v to_o the_o persevere_v christian_n see_v more_o on_o ver_fw-la 7._o of_o this_o cap._n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n etc._n etc._n these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o of_o psal_n 2.8_o 9_o only_a the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o this_o they_o word_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v a_o prophecy_n and_o a_o promise_n relate_v unto_o christ_n ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n ver_fw-la 9_o thou_o shall_v break_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n thou_o shall_v dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n and_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n and_o again_o in_o rev._n 19.15_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o smite_v the_o nation_n with_o the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n object_n but_o that_o power_n and_o that_o work_n be_v there_o attribute_v to_o christ_n alone_o how_o be_v it_o therefore_o here_o attribute_v to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n i_o answer_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o also_o if_o christ_n the_o head_n shall_v rule_v the_o nation_n so_o his_o member_n shall_v rule_v together_o with_o he_o and_o under_o he_o he_o as_o the_o head_n they_o as_o his_o subordinate_a limb_n and_o assistant_n christ_n and_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n mistycal_a and_o therefore_o they_o both_o must_v reign_v together_o unless_o you_o conceive_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o which_o
he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o be_v now_o ready_a and_o willing_a be_v reconcile_v by_o his_o blood_n to_o receive_v we_o again_o into_o his_o gracious_a favour_n after_o our_o backslide_n upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o turn_v unto_o he_o from_o our_o sin_n then_o former_o be_v now_o adopt_a child_n and_o no_o long_a stranger_n and_o enemy_n the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o grace_n make_v the_o prodigal_a child_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o return_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o he_o be_v not_o mistake_v of_o his_o father_n good_a will_n towards_o he_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o his_o father_n see_v he_o but_o a_o far_o off_o he_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o luke_n 15.20_o oh_o the_o wonderful_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o no_o soon_o have_v we_o heart_n or_o desire_n to_o return_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n towards_o he_o after_o we_o have_v play_v the_o prodigal_n and_o go_v astray_o from_o he_o by_o evil_a work_n but_o present_o he_o meet_v we_o more_o than_o half_a way_n be_v yet_o a_o far_o off_o and_o fall_v upon_o our_o neck_n and_o kiss_v we_o with_o kiss_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n though_o we_o play_v the_o prodigal_n yet_o we_o be_v child_n still_o the_o prodigal_a be_v a_o son_n though_o he_o play_v the_o bankcrupt_a and_o spend_v almost_o all_o his_o stock_n of_o grace_n the_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v child_n though_o wanton_a one_o will_v make_v we_o desire_v to_o return_v unto_o our_o father_n though_o provoke_v against_o we_o by_o our_o sinful_a course_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n herein_o consider_v that_o of_o john_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o john_n 2.1_o it_o be_v our_o advocate_n the_o child_n advocate_n believer_n advocate_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v come_v and_o return_v unto_o the_o father_n with_o the_o great_a boldness_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o stick_v close_o to_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n that_o be_v almost_o lose_v and_o dead_a in_o her_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n be_v not_o command_v by_o christ_n to_o seek_v out_o any_o new_a way_n or_o novel_a doctrine_n but_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o remember_v the_o old_a one_o which_o they_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o hear_v from_o the_o faithful_a apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v after_o any_o new_a discovery_n of_o light_n which_o be_v not_o former_o deliver_v to_o they_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o such_o way_n they_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o new_a light_n of_o the_o gnostic_n nicolaitan_n and_o the_o high_a speculation_n thereof_o or_o rather_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v and_o yet_o perish_v eternal_o for_o the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v the_o good_a old_a way_n discover_v first_o unto_o adam_n after_o his_o fall_n in_o the_o promise_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3._o and_o more_o and_o more_o manifest_v under_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o dark_a type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n till_o at_o last_o it_o come_v to_o its_o meridian_n and_o full_a discovery_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o this_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o that_o sardis_n be_v command_v to_o remember_v that_o which_o she_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o to_o keep_v close_o unto_o it_o from_o which_o he_o have_v make_v a_o defection_n great_a and_o foul_a this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v close_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o paul_n enjoin_v timothy_n to_o attend_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 3.14_o 15._o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a and_o be_v persuade_v thereof_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o a_o child_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a way_n that_o be_v to_o restore_v and_o renew_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v almost_o dead_a in_o sin_n to_o attain_v the_o new_a name_n the_o new_a life_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n be_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o old_a way_n the_o old_a doctrine_n the_o old_a light_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o all_o innovation_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n carry_v great_a danger_n with_o they_o and_o i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n etc._n etc._n observe_v 3._o that_o christ_n will_v fall_v upon_o the_o wicked_a with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o least_o think_v of_o in_o a_o hour_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v of_o his_o judgement_n will_v prevent_v their_o expectation_n none_o will_v believe_v in_o jeremiah_n time_n that_o the_o captivity_n will_v come_v upon_o jerusalem_n but_o every_o one_o will_v put_v far_o away_o the_o evil_a day_n lam._n 4.12_o as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o come_v in_o after_o generation_n and_o not_o in_o they_o see_v ezek._n 12.22_o 37._o the_o jew_n little_o think_v in_o christ_n day_n that_o the_o period_n of_o their_o city_n and_o temple_n be_v so_o nigh_o though_o he_o foretell_v they_o that_o short_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o not_o one_o stone_n shall_v be_v leave_v upon_o another_o the_o old_a world_n be_v secure_a until_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n will_v not_o believe_v god_n threaten_n until_o they_o feel_v the_o consume_a fire_n and_o brimstone_n gen._n 19_o whilst_o belshazzar_n be_v carrouse_v in_o his_o cup_n god_n write_v a_o mene_n tekei_n upharsin_n over_o his_o head_n and_o kingdom_n dan._n 5.4_o etc._n etc._n england_n and_o other_o nation_n do_v not_o think_v that_o bloody_a judgement_n be_v so_o near_o whatsoever_o sinner_n think_v christ_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o judge_n and_o judgement_n be_v at_o the_o door_n sinner_n be_v secure_a and_o think_v judgement_n slumber_v when_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o march_n and_o upon_o the_o wing_n isa_n 5.26_o lam_n 4.19_o wicked_a man_n say_v as_o those_o in_o isa_n 5.19_o let_v he_o make_v haste_n and_o hasten_v his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o and_o let_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o iâ—rael_n draw_v nigh_o and_o come_v that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o they_o mock_v the_o prophet_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v they_o of_o judgement_n and_o destruction_n but_o god_n will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o i_o come_v quick_o say_v christ_n rev._n 22.20_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o god_n bring_v on_o judgement_n with_o speed_n and_o soon_o than_o they_o be_v look_v for_o be_v first_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o high_o wrong_v and_o provoke_v god_n justice_n and_o patience_n and_o call_v for_o his_o wrath_n upon_o they_o by_o their_o sin_n second_o because_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o daily_o importune_v god_n to_o avenge_v they_o of_o their_o enemy_n luk._n 18.7_o 8._o and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v night_n and_o day_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o it_o be_v the_o cry_n of_o those_o precious_a soul_n clothe_v in_o white_a rev._n 6.10_o that_o bring_v destroy_v judgement_n and_o desolation_n on_o babylon_n how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o judge_v and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v answer_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v rest_v yet_o for_o a_o little_a season_n until_o their_o fellow_n servant_n also_o and_o their_o brethren_n that_o shall_v be_v kill_v as_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v fulfil_v see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 2._o 16._o observe_v 4._o the_o execution_n of_o all_o terrible_a judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o christ._n he_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n to_o destroy_v spoil_n and_o undo_v his_o enemy_n he_o will_v not_o only_o rob_v they_o of_o a_o little_a but_o take_v all_o their_o pretend_a grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o they_o only_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n for_o comparison_n and_o parable_n do_v not_o always_o run_v on_o all_o four_o the_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a theive_v spoil_v and_o plunder_v the_o honest_a thrive_a peaceable_a man_n but_o christ_n as_o the_o just_a thief_n spoil_v and_o make_v desolate_a the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a only_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o thief_n