so_o call_v for_o on_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o condition_n by_o virtue_n of_o compact_n it_o have_v a_o legal_a influence_n merit_n and_o causality_n unto_o the_o production_n of_o its_o end_n neither_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o such_o compact_n in_o the_o word_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o on_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n be_v they_o never_o so_o evangelical_n as_o faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n justification_n or_o life_n be_v promise_v thereupon_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v death_n upon_o disobedience_n and_o life_n upon_o obedience_n man_n have_v forfeit_v the_o one_o by_o his_o disobedience_n christ_n step_v in_o as_o the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a and_o sure_a covenant_n and_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n unto_o death_n which_o be_v the_o full_a performance_n of_o the_o penal_a condition_n due_a unto_o the_o sinner_n and_o so_o absolute_o purchase_v a_o bless_a seed_n unto_o himself_o and_o on_o such_o stable_a condition_n perform_v altogether_o by_o himself_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o forfeit_v their_o inheritance_n be_v in_o so_o sure_a a_o hand_n and_o be_v still_o heir_n though_o while_o under_o year_n they_o differ_v not_o from_o servant_n that_o be_v while_o under_o sin_n and_o unregeneracy_n be_v still_o in_o bondage_n until_o faith_n come_v to_o discover_v their_o heirship_n and_o interest_n unto_o the_o purchase_a possession_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o evil_a work_n they_o be_v as_o enemy_n stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o god_n and_o the_o commonweal_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o old_a legal_a distinction_n they_o have_v notwithstanding_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la though_o not_o jus_n in_o re._n and_o though_o i_o deny_v faith_n or_o repentance_n to_o be_v condition_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o life_n or_o justification_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o be_v require_v in_o the_o same_o new_a law_n covenant_n or_o testament_n as_o condition_n improper_o so_o call_v or_o as_o condition_n in_o order_n precede_v one_o the_o other_o and_z as_o benefit_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o see_v the_o word_n condition_n be_v of_o late_a glown_n so_o rampant_a and_o overmuch_o perfume_v with_o the_o spicery_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v willing_o let_v it_o lie_v as_o that_o other_o term_n of_o merit_n which_o in_o their_o first_o birth_n be_v more_o innocent_a and_o inoffensive_a and_o shall_v rather_o call_v they_o as_o duty_n and_o quality_n require_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n by_o christ_n as_o necessary_a in_o all_o his_o redeem_v once_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v duty_n necessary_a i_o will_v be_v understand_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o virtate_fw-la precepti_fw-la and_o virtute_fw-la medii_fw-la unto_o all_o such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o their_o duty_n but_o not_o unto_o infant_n or_o idiot_n that_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n for_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n which_o infant_n or_o idiot_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o we_o exempt_v they_o from_o salvation_n die_v so_o if_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a as_o augustine_n once_o dream_v and_o therefore_o be_v call_v durus_fw-la pater_fw-la infantum_fw-la and_o all_o other_o must_v conclude_v the_o like_a harsh_a judgement_n on_o they_o also_o that_o hold_v actual_a faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o absolute_a necessary_a condition_n unto_o justification_n and_o life_n but_o again_o if_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o arminian_n say_v that_o none_o be_v save_v but_o on_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o to_o credere_fw-la or_o act_v of_o faith_n and_o none_o damn_v but_o for_o unbelief_n then_o i_o reassume_a that_o some_o person_n according_a to_o this_o be_v neither_o damn_v nor_o save_v for_o infant_n die_v such_o as_o aforesaid_a can_v have_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o incapacity_n the_o act_n of_o faith_n nor_o unbelief_n which_o be_v a_o privation_n by_o refusal_n or_o resistance_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v manifest_a indeed_o such_o absurdity_n do_v they_o incur_v that_o assert_v such_o absolute_a condition_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v do_v on_o man_n part_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a on_o christ_n part_n to_o be_v perform_v and_o he_o have_v full_o finish_v all_o the_o condition_n for_o his_o elect_a one_o by_o his_o death_n though_o some_o of_o they_o die_v infant_n yet_o be_v save_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v with_o christ_n in_o for_z and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o his_o choose_a one_o of_o who_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v one_o which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o from_o this_o precedent_a discourse_n you_o may_v plain_o conclude_v that_o though_o i_o grant_v repentance_n a_o necessary_a gospel_n duty_n and_o for_o divers_a good_a end_n it_o be_v ordain_v so_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o place_n it_o in_o any_o subordinate_a causality_n joint_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o only_o as_o our_o duty_n thoroughfare_n or_o way_n thereunto_o command_v and_o institute_v by_o christ_n as_o part_v of_o his_o new_a law_n that_o he_o himself_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n alone_o of_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o hereon_o shall_v suffice_v see_v more_o hereon_o v._n 23._o observe_v 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o threat_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a gospel_n doctrine_n when_o christ_n have_v pass_v with_o his_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o offer_v a_o reconcilement_n free_o if_o the_o sinner_n will_v but_o turn_v from_o his_o iniquity_n and_o repent_v and_o yet_o the_o sinner_n will_v refuse_v his_o gracious_a term_n he_o have_v another_o burden_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o after_o he_o have_v refuse_v so_o great_a salvation_n he_o can_v cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n fire_n the_o most_o obdurate_a and_o incorrigible_a child_n must_v have_v the_o sharp_a rod_n a_o smile_n or_o a_o love-token_n will_v work_v upon_o the_o ingenious_a but_o say_v solomon_n a_o rod_n be_v for_o the_o back_n of_o a_o fool_n neither_o be_v judgement_n a_o strange_a work_n unto_o christ_n for_o as_o he_o be_v relate_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o father_n respect_v his_o grace_n and_o love_a kindness_n so_o he_o be_v as_o well_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o legislator_n and_o so_o may_v just_o chastise_v his_o church_n as_o contemner_n and_o transgressor_n of_o his_o royal_a law_n if_o he_o call_v we_o to_o repent_v which_o be_v part_n of_o his_o new_a covenant_n law_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o yet_o go_v on_o obstinate_o in_o sin_n just_o may_v he_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o we_o if_o his_o lamblike_a quality_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n will_v not_o invite_v we_o to_o return_v he_o can_v rote_n as_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n which_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n wherefore_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o will_v shut_v out_o as_o useless_a the_o doctrine_n of_o threat_n and_o judgement_n from_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v sober_o and_o conditional_a not_o peremptory_a and_o absolute_a for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o curb_n and_o fear_v of_o loss_n and_o punishment_n the_o wanton_a stray_a soul_n will_v hardly_o be_v reclaim_v though_o the_o more_o tender_a heart_a the_o apprehension_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n may_v reclaim_v and_o mollify_v observe_v 3._o another_o observation_n be_v to_o take_v off_o god_n candlestick_n or_o to_o unchurch_n a_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v the_o most_o grievous_a of_o all_o god_n judgement_n christ_n can_v not_o afflict_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o a_o great_a loss_n then_o to_o remove_v his_o church_n from_o among_o they_o for_o hereby_o first_o privative_o his_o glory_n and_o special_a presence_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n be_v withdraw_v second_o the_o guidance_n light_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v depart_v three_o his_o ordinance_n be_v all_o defile_v and_o vanish_v four_o his_o special_a protection_n be_v withdraw_v also_o five_o and_o last_o instead_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n they_o have_v his_o presence_n in_o wrath_n judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n instead_o of_o his_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o comfort_n they_o have_v the_o dismal_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n error_n and_o despair_n instead_o of_o christ_n holy_a ordinance_n they_o have_v the_o devil_n sacrifice_n and_o instead_o of_o god_n special_a protection_n over_o they_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_n by_o satan_n to_o all_o foul_a and_o
sermon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o exeter_n to_o wit_n m._n lewis_n steukley_n a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a who_o occasional_o in_o that_o discourse_n speak_v of_o a_o great_a man_n steward_n in_o scotland_n real_o possess_v with_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v torment_v so_o sore_a many_o day_n that_o his_o tongue_n be_v swell_v without_o his_o mouth_n to_o that_o magnitude_n and_o extensiveness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o bring_v it_o in_o or_o contain_v it_o within_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o thereby_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o all_o use_n of_o speech_n yet_o however_o in_o that_o horrid_a posture_n and_o speechless_a there_o be_v a_o clear_a distinct_a voice_n hear_v within_o he_o say_v unto_o that_o minister_n that_o minister_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v the_o possess_a party_n be_v his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o may_v save_v his_o pain_n for_o that_o the_o person_n possess_v be_v his_o own_o to_o who_o the_o minister_n answer_v i_o can_v believe_v thou_o satan_n for_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n then_o the_o spirit_n or_o voice_n within_o will_v answer_v again_o be_v go_v for_o he_o be_v i_o to_o who_o the_o minister_n reply_v if_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o thou_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o i_o will_v try_v with_o my_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o prove_v thou_o a_o liar_n satan_n whereupon_o he_o depart_v and_o leave_v the_o party_n miserable_o extort_a and_o torment_v and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n return_v to_o his_o house_n it_o be_v in_o his_o thought_n to_o pitch_v upon_o some_o certain_a faithful_a christian_n to_o join_v with_o he_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o this_o duty_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o possess_a party_n and_o to_o send_v for_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o return_v but_o observe_v the_o providence_n when_o as_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o house_n he_o find_v all_o these_o person_n there_o come_v on_o other_o account_n to_o speak_v with_o he_o which_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n have_v in_o the_o way_n pitch_v on_o when_o he_o see_v that_o he_o admire_v and_o bless_a god_n for_o the_o providence_n and_o present_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o intend_v forthwith_o to_o send_v for_o they_o all_o in_o particular_a to_o assist_v he_o in_o duty_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o releasement_n of_o such_o a_o person_n possess_v by_o satan_n and_o will_v try_v their_o interest_n with_o god_n for_o he_o and_o on_o his_o behalf_n they_o glad_o hear_v it_o and_o entertain_v the_o motion_n and_o so_o continue_v that_o evening_n some_o hour_n together_o very_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n and_o after_o the_o duty_n perform_v they_o all_o depart_v to_o their_o several_a rest_n the_o next_o morning_n very_o early_o the_o party_n possess_v come_v to_o the_o minister_n well_o compose_v and_o sensible_a and_o his_o tongue_n restore_v to_o his_o wont_a bigness_n and_o station_n speak_v to_o the_o minister_n plain_o and_o distinct_o that_o he_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o he_o for_o he_o affirm_v by_o his_o prayer_n he_o be_v heal_v and_o deliver_v from_o the_o evil_a one_o that_o vex_v he_o the_o minister_n demandse_v he_o by_o what_o time_n he_o have_v releasement_n he_o answer_v by_o such_o a_o time_n in_o the_o precedent_a evening_n by_o which_o the_o minister_n find_v it_o swas_fw-mi about_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o he_o and_o so_o both_o minister_n and_o party_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o story_n and_o he_o avouch_v he_o have_v it_o from_o a_o godly_a minister_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n who_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o minister_n own_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o actor_n of_o it_o and_o come_v from_o so_o serious_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o public_a exercise_n it_o deserve_v as_o much_o of_o a_o historical_a faith_n as_o any_o story_n of_o like_a kind_n whatsoever_o and_o why_o the_o church_n shall_v now_o want_v miracle_n i_o know_v not_o see_v the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v that_o abundance_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o because_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v of_o late_o so_o cheat_v the_o world_n with_o so_o many_o legend_n of_o they_o that_o we_o will_v now_o give_v credit_n to_o none_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a one_o coin_a and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o little_a faith_n we_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o but_o to_o return_v that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v singular_a in_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o press_v not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o necessary_a faith_n but_o dogmatical_o only_a i_o shall_v recite_v some_o of_o good_a authority_n to_o defend_v i_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o singularity_n herein_o but_o for_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v only_o conversant_a about_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v have_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n recognize_v hisce_fw-la veniam_fw-la petimusque_fw-la damusque_fw-la vicissm_n and_o first_o d._n hammond_n resolve_v 6._o page_n 351._o assert_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n bishop_n be_v usual_o call_v apostle_n and_o manifest_v that_o the_o notion_n apostles_n be_v not_o always_o take_v proper_o or_o strict_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o m._n parker_n of_o the_o cross_n part_v 2._o 126._o affirm_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n extend_v the_o apostolical_a time_n beyond_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o therefore_o some_o author_n and_o person_n of_o antiquity_n be_v say_v to_o live_v temporibus_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o live_v about_o 300._o year_n after_o christ_n and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n admit_v of_o these_o first_o five_o century_n of_o year_n after_o christ_n to_o be_v apostolical_a pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a for_o the_o main_a and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v what_o disadvantage_n or_o inconvenience_n can_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o dogmatical_a point_n and_o tenet_n but_o rather_o much_o many_o way_n by_o want_n thereof_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o general_a or_o universal_a officer_n do_v the_o church_n now_o enjoy_v that_o can_v right_o preach_v abroad_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n for_o all_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n be_v mere_o relative_n and_o can_v move_v or_o act_v authoritative_o beyond_o their_o own_o proper_a sphere_n and_o relation_n to_o wit_n their_o flock_n and_o church_n unless_o they_o will_v hereby_o inevitable_o grant_v a_o liberty_n of_o pprophecy_n to_o all_o gift_a person_n and_o so_o rank_a themselves_o among_o those_o that_o do_v it_o only_o virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la non_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la unto_o the_o unconverted_a world_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_o do_v virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la be_v to_o slight_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tacit_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n in_o it_o to_o confer_v such_o a_o office_n whereby_o christ_n may_v be_v public_o teach_v unto_o the_o gentile_a or_o heathenish_a world_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o world_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n rom._n 10._o and_o matth._n 28.19_o for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v and_o to_o prophesy_v interpret_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la be_v only_o a_o relative_a duty_n and_o permit_v and_o exercise_v within_o the_o church_n assembly_n only_o that_o i_o can_v collect_v either_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v send_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o ethnic_a world_n be_v send_v ordinary_o from_o the_o church_n some_o extraordinary_a case_n only_o except_v which_o never_o amount_v unto_o a_o rule_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o apostle_n as_o be_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o want_v of_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v enforce_v to_o maintain_v heterodoxical_a opinion_n concern_v the_o authority_n the_o power_n of_o preach_v mission_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o effect_n conclude_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o universal_a bishop_n or_o at_o least_o as_o absurd_o universal_a elder_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n be_v mere_o relative_n that_o must_v have_v power_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n from_o the_o discourse_v premise_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o argument_n if_o the_o word_n can_v lawful_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n either_o by_o private_a christian_n or_o
to_o any_o and_o after_o follow_v a_o complaint_n of_o want_n of_o will_n to_o holy_a performance_n it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a will_n unto_o it_o or_o else_o there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o complaint_n which_o be_v only_o for_o a_o great_a measure_n not_o for_o a_o total_a want_n of_o will_n unto_o it_o thirly_n and_o last_o understand_v that_o christ_n often_o exhibit_v his_o command_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n even_o to_o the_o reprobate_n themselves_o to_o manifest_v unto_o they_o their_o duty_n the_o due_a performance_n whereof_o they_o have_v in_o their_o original_n first_o parent_n lose_v and_o forfeit_v and_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o restore_v it_o see_v the_o vindication_n of_o god_n justice_n be_v as_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o his_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o when_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n bid_v such_o person_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v they_o never_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o will_n unto_o the_o work_n but_o rather_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n in_o a_o more_o obdurate_a unbelief_n but_o to_o proceed_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_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 as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o return_v unto_o i_o and_o unto_o thy_o first_o love_n by_o this_o gracious_a warning_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o be_v sure_a i_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o and_o that_o short_o and_o though_o my_o appearance_n as_o yet_o unto_o thou_o while_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o thy_o recovery_n be_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n one_o of_o thy_o own_o nature_n and_o compassionate_a towards_o thou_o yet_o know_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n of_o love_n zeal_n and_o charity_n i_o shall_v forthwith_o come_v in_o another_o like_a resemblance_n have_v my_o eye_n as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n proceed_v from_o my_o mouth_n and_o destroy_v thou_o and_o thy_o church-state_n and_o that_o quick_o unless_o thou_o speedy_o amend_v thy_o fault_n observe_v hence_o note_v that_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o avert_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n from_o fall_v upon_o a_o church_n or_o people_n ahab_n repentance_n though_o it_o be_v but_o hypocritical_a and_o unsound_a yet_o stay_v god_n in_o execute_v his_o judgement_n on_o he_o the_o repentance_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n for_o their_o adultery_n and_o idolatry_n stay_v god_n hand_n against_o they_o and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n experience_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o return_v unto_o god_n by_o demolish_n their_o abomination_n and_o idolatry_n god_n promise_v they_o he_o will_v not_o bring_v the_o evil_n in_o their_o day_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o his_o idolatrous_a people_n the_o jew_n but_o shall_v be_v gather_v in_o peace_n unto_o their_o father_n the_o ninivites_n upon_o their_o repentance_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n on_o ionas_n preach_v have_v a_o long_a date_n set_v to_o their_o political_a state_n and_o city_n and_o this_o repentance_n too_o ought_v to_o be_v speedy_a for_o who_o know_v how_o long_o god_n will_v suffer_v though_o long_o often_o he_o do_v before_o he_o send_v forth_o the_o inevitable_a decree_n of_o execution_n as_o god_n be_v merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n slow_a to_o wrath_n yet_o know_v that_o god_n be_v also_o just_a and_o that_o one_o attribute_n be_v as_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o another_o the_o duty_n we_o see_v be_v present_o require_v and_o we_o know_v not_o though_o god_n defer_v the_o execution_n whether_o he_o will_v give_v we_o heart_n again_o unto_o the_o work_n after_o we_o have_v once_o slight_v his_o gracious_a call_n and_o invitation_n thereunto_o it_o be_v a_o old_a proverb_n sero_fw-la sapiunt_fw-la phryges_n which_o may_v be_v our_o lot_n if_o we_o defer_v too_o long_o and_o we_o know_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o sera_fw-fr penitentia_fw-la raro_fw-la vera_fw-la and_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o jerusalem_n to_o howl_v and_o cry_v after_o she_o have_v slight_v the_o many_o gracious_a invitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n unto_o repentance_n who_o will_v have_v gather_v she_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n when_o titus_n the_o roman_a general_n have_v cast_v a_o trench_n against_o her_o wall_n and_o bolt_v up_o her_o gate_n by_o the_o siege_n of_o a_o potent_a army_n christ_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o sister_n asian_a church_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v he_o will_v come_v quick_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o as_o indeed_o he_o do_v in_o few_o age_n after_o by_o the_o incursion_n of_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o quite_o remove_v their_o church_n from_o among_o they_o quere_z but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o legal_a teach_n 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 i_o answer_v such_o as_o object_v thus_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o repentance_n be_v not_o strict_o a_o legal_a duty_n but_o a_o duty_n evangelical_n and_o of_o grace_n for_o the_o law_n admit_v of_o no_o repentance_n for_o it_o say_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v it_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o grace_n alone_o that_o say_v repent_v and_o live_v that_o be_v return_v from_o thy_o wicked_a way_n and_o accept_v of_o christ_n as_o thy_o lord_n saviour_n and_o teacher_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o law_n be_v inexorable_a and_o exact_v the_o whole_a satisfaction_n as_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o breach_n thereof_o which_o be_v full_o lay_v on_o christ_n and_o satisfy_v by_o he_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o that_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o admit_v of_o repentance_n in_o the_o sinner_n while_o the_o surety_n have_v complete_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o offend_v law_n second_o what_o god_n have_v sanctify_v no_o man_n shall_v call_v unholy_a for_o have_v not_o christ_n command_v this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n very_o abundant_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o very_o often_o to_o be_v interpret_v for_o faith_n itself_o and_o shall_v we_o count_v it_o legal_a repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o repent_v or_o you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v etc._n etc._n but_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v no_o little_a difference_n between_o repentance_n under_o the_o gospel_n administration_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n administration_n under_o the_o one_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v more_o clear_o teach_v upon_o more_o evident_a term_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o other_o more_o dark_a and_o on_o more_o sensitive_a and_o carnal_a ground_n as_o christ_n under_o the_o law_n be_v veil_v under_o cloud_n and_o typical_a ordinance_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n more_o clear_o preach_v unto_o all_o so_o his_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o by_o far_o so_o radiant_a before_o the_o day_n of_o his_o manifestation_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o after_o so_o the_o difference_n lie_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o clearness_n not_o of_o the_o verity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n quere_z 2._o but_o again_o some_o may_v query_n be_v not_o this_o to_o join_v repentance_n unto_o christ_n in_o some_o causality_n unto_o salvation_n and_o to_o set_v they_o both_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o joint_a commission_n though_o somewhat_o subordinate_o unto_o that_o great_a end_n indeed_o this_o be_v a_o question_n worthy_a the_o clear_n which_o many_o unskilful_a ignorant_o handle_v not_o know_v how_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o do_v miserable_o stumble_v in_o it_o understand_v for_o clear_v of_o this_o in_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n god_n free_a love_n be_v the_o first_o move_v and_o predeterminate_v cause_n unto_o life_n and_o salvation_n christ_n next_o be_v the_o alone_a procure_n and_o meritorious_a cause_n and_o as_o christ_n have_v purchase_v the_o elect_a unto_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n and_o merit_n so_o as_o a_o king_n or_o a_o sovereign_a legislator_n he_o set_v up_o a_o royal_a law_n for_o his_o redeem_a people_n to_o walk_v by_o to_o wit_n that_o of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n now_o he_o set_v not_o faith_n nor_o repentance_n in_o any_o causality_n with_o himself_o in_o this_o great_a work_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v only_o but_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o law_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o redeem_a one_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o do_v not_o require_v those_o grace_n in_o they_o as_o cooperate_a or_o efficient_a cause_n unto_o life_n or_o justification_n nor_o as_o condition_n proper_o
wherein_o sin_n be_v but_o not_o in_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n as_o the_o sun_n that_o emit_v his_o efficacious_a beam_n upon_o a_o dunghill_n yet_o itself_o be_v undefiled_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o dunghill_n so_o god_n that_o have_v his_o hand_n and_o efficiency_n about_o sin_n be_v far_o from_o mix_v with_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o creature_n neither_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o direct_a author_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o next_o proper_a cause_n thereof_o sin_n be_v only_o a_o moral_n be_v or_o entity_n and_o it_o have_v subsistence_n alone_o in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o all_o our_o physical_a action_n be_v good_a wherein_o god_n have_v a_o concurrence_n and_o they_o become_v ill_a or_o sinful_a by_o our_o own_o depravity_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n be_v the_o mix_v proper_a author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o let_v god_n be_v justify_v and_o all_o man_n liar_n second_o yet_o i_o say_v god_n have_v his_o hand_n and_o efficiency_n about_o sin_n several_a manner_n of_o way_n and_o for_o distinct_a method_n sake_n i_o shall_v brief_o set_v they_o down_o 1._o god_n foresee_v and_o preordains_a it_o else_o as_o i_o say_v it_o can_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v see_v god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a to_o hinder_v it_o if_o he_o will_v act_v 2.23_o christ_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o fore_a knowledge_n and_o determinate_a counsel_n of_o god_n what_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o betray_v the_o innocent_a and_o that_o too_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v preordained_n of_o god_n and_o he_o mean_v to_o draw_v excellent_a good_a out_o of_o it_o and_o gen._n 15.19_o 20._o joseph_n tell_v his_o brethren_n as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a but_o god_n mean_v it_o for_o good_a to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n to_o save_v much_o people_n alive_a 2._o god_n permit_v it_o god_n decree_n imply_v a_o necessity_n that_o sin_n shall_v be_v but_o do_v not_o impel_v or_o enforce_v thereunto_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o free_a choice_n god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o hinder_v we_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n act_n 14.16_o and_o we_o be_v leave_v unto_o our_o own_o choice_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n we_o be_v sure_a to_o choose_v the_o worse_a part_n 3._o god_n have_v his_o concurrence_n in_o every_o action_n wherein_o sin_n be_v but_o not_o in_o the_o obliquity_n of_o it_o all_o our_o action_n and_o motion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 4._o god_n withdraw_v his_o prevent_a grace_n or_o suspend_v it_o from_o a_o sinner_n for_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o to_o law_n and_o condition_n unto_o we_o and_o he_o may_v do_v it_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n and_o he_o will_v do_v it_o sometime_o in_o wisdom_n to_o try_v we_o and_o see_v whether_o we_o will_v seek_v after_o he_o and_o keep_v close_o unto_o he_o as_o he_o do_v to_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 33.31_o god_n left_a hezekiah_n that_o he_o may_v know_v what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o sometime_o he_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n in_o justice_n and_o judgement_n psal_n 81.12_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n 5._o god_n give_v a_o concession_n and_o permission_n to_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o move_v to_o evil_a as_o 1_o king_n 22.22_o i_o will_v go_v forth_o and_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o abab_n prophet_n and_o god_n say_v go_v forth_o 6._o god_n wise_o dispose_v his_o providence_n that_o they_o become_v a_o snare_n unto_o the_o sinner_n and_o yet_o no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n for_o his_o act_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o be_v rather_o motive_n to_o holiness_n and_o duty_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v sound_a than_o temptation_n to_o sin_n yea_o his_o very_a mercy_n will_v become_v unto_o they_o a_o snare_n psal_n 69.22_o let_v their_o table_n become_v a_o snare_n and_o their_o welfare_n a_o trap._n a_o sinner_n like_o the_o sea_n will_v make_v all_o it_o receive_v brackish_a though_o ever_o so_o sweet_a that_o run_v into_o it_o 7._o god_n hand_n be_v conversant_a about_o sin_n as_o some_o of_o his_o judiciary_n punishment_n that_o he_o afflict_v the_o sinner_n with_o as_o rom._n 1.26_o 2_o thes_n 2.11_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o give_v they_o strong_a delusion_n when_o we_o leave_v god_n and_o his_o way_n just_o may_v he_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o perverse_a way_n in_o a_o judiciary_n way_n and_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n 8._o god_n limit_n sin_n thus_o far_o thou_o shall_v go_v and_o no_o far_o psal_n 76.10_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n shall_v praise_v thou_o and_o the_o remainder_n thereof_o shall_v thou_o restrain_v so_o far_o as_o god_n get_v glory_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o sin_n god_n will_v let_v the_o sinner_n take_v his_o swing_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o exceed_v its_o bound_n but_o can_v present_o destroy_v it_o or_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o it_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o so_o the_o remainder_n of_o wrath_n thou_o will_v restrain_v 9_o god_n dispose_v the_o event_n and_o end_n of_o all_o sin_n to_o his_o glory_n god_n will_v never_o permit_v sin_n if_o he_o can_v not_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o it_o rom._n 3.7_o adam_n sin_n as_o one_o witty_o say_v be_v a_o happy_a sin_n because_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o clear_o manifest_v unto_o the_o creature_n many_o of_o god_n attribute_n will_v never_o be_v so_o clear_o advance_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o sin_n to_o wit_n his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v justice_n in_o punish_v wisdom_n in_o order_v power_n in_o overrule_a it_o let_v we_o never_o therefore_o murmur_v against_o god_n for_o pre-ordaining_a and_o permit_v sin_n for_o though_o the_o wage_n thereof_o be_v death_n yet_o thank_v be_v god_n we_o have_v victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n observe_v 4._o another_o note_n from_o the_o word_n the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o in_o prison_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a comfort_n to_o know_v that_o their_o imprisonment_n and_o affliction_n come_v from_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n saint_n peter_n rule_n be_v 1_o pet._n 4.15_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o evil_a doer_n the_o comfort_n of_o suffering_n will_v be_v quite_o abate_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n neither_o must_v the_o saint_n suffering_n be_v voluntary_a and_o out_o of_o choice_n for_o unto_o such_o it_o may_v one_o day_n be_v say_v who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n there_o must_v be_v a_o just_a call_n unto_o afflication_n that_o must_v make_v they_o comfortable_a to_o we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fond_a presumption_n to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o imprisonment_n and_o tribulation_n satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n will_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o that_o we_o may_v true_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n have_v think_v we_o worthy_a to_o be_v martyr_n to_o his_o truth_n act_v 5.41_o matth._n 5.12_o and_o have_v give_v we_o so_o sure_a and_o strong_a a_o token_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o together_o with_o a_o sight_n of_o that_o glory_n of_o our_o interest_n which_o we_o then_o under_o that_o condition_n must_v virtual_o and_o strong_o enjoy_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n but_o such_o be_v very_o fond_a that_o will_v desire_v to_o fall_v into_o imprisonment_n and_o tribulation_n out_o of_o a_o affectation_n to_o martyrdom_n as_o many_o of_o the_o quaker_n of_o these_o day_n do_v and_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n and_o this_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v grievous_a and_o evil_a to_o fall_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v either_o the_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n or_o temptation_n of_o affliction_n or_o the_o cross_n for_o christ_n himself_o pray_v when_o his_o soul_n be_v trouble_v within_o he_o father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n and_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o john_n 12.27_o though_o christ_n submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o free_o choose_v death_n and_o suffering_n as_o our_o mediator_n yet_o as_o a_o private_a person_n he_o will_v manifest_v the_o same_o affection_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o deprecate_v the_o evil_n of_o suffering_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v therefore_o for_o we_o to_o desire_v or_o rush_v into_o they_o will_v be_v a_o mad_a zeal_n and_o irregular_a and_o not_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n sincere_o and_o live_v godly_a
be_v ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o other_o of_o god_n precious_a child_n in_o babylon_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n it_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o will_v nothing_o but_o scratch_v and_o tear_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n nor_o too_o great_a a_o vex_a burden_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n and_o providence_n have_v dispose_v of_o our_o habitation_n among_o the_o ungodly_a for_o hereby_o 1._o god_n have_v the_o great_a glory_n from_o we_o 2._o we_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o he_o 3._o our_o grace_n shine_v more_o eminent_o as_o star_n in_o a_o frosty_a night_n shine_v clear_a and_o fish_n in_o the_o salt_a sea_n be_v sweet_a so_o we_o keep_v our_o savour_n the_o better_a for_o it_o and_o our_o grace_n be_v more_o enliven_v 4._o our_o conversation_n it_o suitable_a to_o god_n word_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n among_o who_o we_o live_v obs_n 3._o to_o a_o godly_a soul_n to_o have_v its_o habitation_n among_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o soul_n vex_v grief_n righteous_a lot_n be_v vex_v with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o sodomite_n 2_o pet._n 2.7_o though_o god_n have_v dispose_v this_o in_o his_o providence_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o affliction_n and_o for_o the_o present_a grievous_a woe_n be_v i_o say_v david_n that_o i_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n with_o a_o barbarous_a &_o profane_a people_n that_o be_v like_a to_o the_o posterity_n of_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n o_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v to_o moses_n and_o to_o all_o true_a israelite_n to_o dwell_v among_o the_o egyptian_n how_o do_v the_o poor_a captive_a israelite_n weep_v when_o they_o be_v in_o caldea_n by_o the_o river_n of_o chebar_v and_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v still_o for_o honest_a believe_a soul_n to_o dwell_v among_o a_o profane_a and_o wicked_a multitude_n where_o they_o can_v stir_v out_o of_o door_n or_o converse_v but_o with_o very_a few_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v god_n profane_v his_o name_n blaspheme_v his_o truth_n and_o scripture_n slight_v vilify_v deride_v and_o jest_v at_o his_o saint_n and_o faithful_a one_o either_o spiteful_o treat_v open_o persecute_v or_o at_o least_o close_o undermine_v to_o bring_v the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n upon_o they_o therefore_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a the_o society_n and_o cohabitation_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v most_o desirable_a but_o of_o the_o wicked_a most_o grievous_a and_o loathe_a obs_n 4._o god_n have_v the_o more_o special_a eye_n of_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o his_o people_n that_o have_v their_o habitation_n among_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a though_o they_o dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n and_o throne_n be_v yet_o god_n hold_v they_o as_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 1._o and_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o tribulation_n and_o where_o they_o dwell_v and_o therefore_o be_v present_a with_o suitable_a grace_n and_o strength_n from_o himself_o for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n thou_o remember_v we_o say_v david_n in_o our_o low_a estate_n where_o christ_n church_n have_v the_o great_a enemy_n god_n will_v show_v himself_o their_o great_a friend_n where_o his_o saint_n be_v most_o afflict_a and_o straighten_a there_o he_o will_v supply_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o enlargement_n in_o babylon_n of_o old_a among_o the_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o israel_n god_n send_v a_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n etc._n etc._n choice_a man_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n so_o we_o often_o see_v in_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o wicked_a place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n send_v there_o the_o great_a sound_a and_o clear_a light_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o ephesus_z smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n place_n of_o idolatry_n and_o cruelty_n and_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v have_v their_o angel_n and_o martyr_n that_o shine_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o late_a year_n have_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o switzerland_n in_o saxony_n in_o savoy_n and_o the_o barbarous_a corner_n of_o the_o pyrenean_n mountain_n and_o alps_n than_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o in_o england_n and_o scotland_n under_o the_o antichristian_a and_o persecute_v bishop_n of_o late_a the_o saint_n then_o live_v under_o they_o do_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o their_o grace_n than_o now_o they_o do_v in_o this_o their_o day_n of_o prosperity_n and_o many_o than_o be_v more_o faithful_a martyr_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n then_o now_o they_o be_v for_o the_o more_o high_a satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v against_o the_o saint_n god_n care_n over_o they_o be_v the_o more_o intense_a and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o more_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o obs_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a duty_n and_o their_o high_a glory_n to_o hold_v fast_o their_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a time_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o people_n the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n be_v approve_v for_o hold_v fast_a christ_n name_n and_o faith_n among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n do_v bear_v sway_n and_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v martyr_a and_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o same_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o carry_v a_o full_a sail_n of_o profession_n when_o the_o soft_a gale_n of_o prosperity_n blow_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o hypocritical_a heart_n to_o seem_v godly_a with_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v sober_a with_o the_o sober_a or_o to_o be_v righteous_a among_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v then_o try_v when_o his_o habitation_n be_v among_o the_o ungodly_a that_o can_v keep_v himself_o sound_a among_o their_o corruption_n upright_a and_o perfect_a among_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o untainted_a with_o their_o folly_n and_o sweet_a as_o fish_n in_o the_o brackish_a ocean_n the_o three_o faithful_a child_n will_v not_o bow_v in_o babylon_n to_o nebuchadnezzar_n image_n though_o death_n itself_o attend_v they_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n many_o will_v follow_v christ_n in_o smile_a time_n or_o when_o the_o state_n do_v countenance_n christ_n and_o godliness_n this_o be_v to_o follow_v christ_n for_o the_o loaf_n sake_n but_o when_o christ_n be_v hurry_v to_o pilat_n hall_n of_o judgement_n his_o formal_a follower_n will_v forsake_v he_o yea_o peter_n himself_o may_v deny_v he_o weak_a christian_n may_v stumble_v and_o draw_v back_o when_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n as_o peter_n fall_v so_o foul_o he_o be_v the_o only_o approve_a christian_a that_o will_v hold_v his_o profession_n fast_o before_o the_o face_n of_o nero_n and_o dioclesian_n as_o the_o virum_fw-la victoriae_fw-la which_o st._n austin_n mention_n and_o at_o the_o stake_n can_v free_o with_o stephen_n forgive_v his_o enemy_n and_o commend_v his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o god_n jo_n hus_n hierom_n of_o prague_n the_o poor_a waldenses_n and_o our_o late_a christian_n martyr_n as_o bradford_n philpot_n glover_n etc._n etc._n in_o our_o english_a marian_n day_n have_v with_o antipas_n for_o their_o constant_a witness_v unto_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n attain_v the_o everliving_a and_o honourable_a name_n of_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o most_o just_o in_o that_o they_o suffer_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v slay_v that_o be_v in_o a_o persecute_v bloody_a age_n when_o many_o godly_a person_n burn_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o wicked_a antichristian_a tyrannise_a and_o bloody_a prelate_n for_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n in_o such_o ungodly_a time_n and_o among_o such_o a_o devilish_a crew_n among_o who_o satan_n have_v his_o throne_n sway_n and_o full_a dominion_n they_o just_o shall_v ever_o live_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o reverend_a martyr_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n thus_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o lot_n in_o sodom_n never_o touch_v with_o sodom_n wickedness_n to_o keep_v himself_o pure_a and_o sincere_a and_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a generation_n to_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n this_o bring_v honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n obs_n 6._o the_o grace_n of_o well_o approve_a and_o faithful_a christian_n depart_v be_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o live_n both_o for_o encouragement_n and_o imitation_n antipas_n be_v here_o set_v as_o a_o example_n of_o
be_v only_o in_o name_n and_o outward_a or_o whither_o inward_a and_o sincere_a they_o be_v the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o experience_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o precede_v and_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o every_o spiritual_a work_n and_o service_n whatsoever_o observe_v another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o the_o spirits_n method_n be_v first_o to_o convince_v of_o sin_n before_o it_o manifest_v its_o remedy_n against_o sin_n the_o whole_a say_v christ_n need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o the_o sensible_a sick_a and_o wound_a christ_n first_o convince_v sardis_n that_o she_o have_v only_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a before_o he_o lay_v down_o her_o remedy_n in_o the_o three_o ver_fw-la in_o bring_v she_o to_o repentance_n so_o he_o deal_v with_o pergamus_n thyatira_n and_o other_o delinquent_a church_n also_o it_o be_v a_o anti-scriptural_a method_n of_o some_o that_o preach_v up_o faith_n and_o repentance_n unto_o a_o sinful_a and_o backslidden_a people_n before_o they_o have_v first_o full_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v under_o bondage_n sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v no_o legal_a method_n as_o the_o antinomist_n do_v conjecture_v but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o gospel_n spirit_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o sensible_o convince_v of_o our_o loss_n and_o misery_n by_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n or_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o the_o primitive_a convert_n that_o we_o read_v of_o be_v first_o prick_v unto_o their_o heart_n for_o sin_n before_o they_o ask_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v act_n 2._o but_o to_o return_v to_o christ_n charge_n against_o sardis_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n a_o reputation_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o faithful_a profess_v church_n and_o live_v in_o i_o by_o faith_n but_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v not_o altogether_o dead_a for_o than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o put_v she_o afterward_o to_o strengthen_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n but_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a low_a weak_a and_o infirm_a and_o that_o faith_n and_o profession_n which_o thou_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a profession_n and_o liveless_a faith_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o though_o church_n may_v carry_v a_o fair_a outward_a profession_n and_o a_o common_a reputation_n of_o faithful_a one_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o hipocritical_a and_o no_o better_a than_o dead_a liveless_a and_o rot_a at_o the_o root_n this_o church_n at_o sardis_n have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v dead_a her_o grace_n be_v even_o at_o death_n door_n yet_o still_o will_v keep_v up_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n who_o high_a in_o profession_n and_o name_n then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v she_o not_o take_v unto_o herself_o and_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_a as_o if_o she_o have_v be_v the_o only_a church_n that_o hold_v the_o general_a faith_n deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o what_o church_n more_o dead_a and_o rot_a then_o she_o notwithstanding_o our_o nominal_a faith_n and_o common-reputed_n christianity_n among_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v dead_a to_o all_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o all_o true_a spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 9_o they_o be_v those_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n but_o they_o be_v not_o and_o christ_n tell_v they_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n &_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o dishonour_n do_v unto_o god_n when_o under_o the_o cover_n of_o profession_n we_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v our_o error_n and_o profaneness_n open_v opposition_n be_v less_o dishonourable_a unto_o god_n then_o impure_a and_o dead_a life_n under_o the_o vizor_n of_o profession_n mat._n 21.28_o 29._o that_o froward_a son_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v less_o guilty_a that_o say_v he_o will_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n than_o he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o james_n resolve_v the_o question_n in_o that_o interrogation_n of_o he_o cap._n 2._o 14_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o mean_v a_o dead_a nominal_a faith_n without_o fruit_n and_o work_n so_o will_v i_o put_v the_o question_n here_o what_o will_v the_o pretend_a faith_n and_o christianity_n of_o our_o nominal_a and_o national_a christian_n profit_n or_o advantage_v they_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o lip_n and_o yet_o fare_v enough_o from_o salvation_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n these_o formal_a outward_a grace_n be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v in_o any_o real_a comfort_n or_o hope_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o future_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o only_o have_v they_o that_o they_o bring_v in_o real_a disadvantage_n and_o loss_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o argue_v a_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o a_o refusal_n thereof_o in_o the_o love_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o second_o it_o have_v be_v always_o a_o hard_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o bring_v pretend_v and_o formal_a professor_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o open_a harlot_n publican_n and_o sinner_n witness_v the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a in_o christ_n day_n and_o the_o national_a formal_a jew_n who_o will_v boast_v of_o their_o carnal_a privilege_n and_o of_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o the_o oracle_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n among_o they_o somewhat_o like_o the_o late_a levitical_a prelatical_a tribe_n among_o we_o and_o yet_o who_o more_o blind_a and_o dead_a than_o they_o unto_o true_a spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o who_o more_o eager_a persecutor_n and_o enemy_n to_o christ_n his_o way_n and_o saint_n than_o those_o formal_a national_a jew_n who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n but_o to_o give_v you_o a_o test_n and_o taste_v to_o try_v whither_o your_o profession_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o live_a profession_n and_o faith_n or_o not_o first_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n unit_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o draw_v life_n and_o virtue_n from_o he_o i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.20_o you_o know_v there_o be_v life_n in_o a_o body_n by_o the_o notion_n and_o beat_n of_o the_o pulse_n a_o live_a faith_n will_v be_v active_a and_o discover_v itself_o in_o some_o gracious_a effect_n and_o operation_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o he_o will_v live_v in_o you_o he_o will_v not_o be_v dead_a and_o idle_a but_o be_v move_v in_o you_o to_o gracious_a duty_n and_o operation_n for_o there_o be_v none_o live_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n io._n 15.5_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n may_v not_o always_o be_v alike_o lively_a and_o active_a but_o where_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a it_o will_v be_v always_o live_v and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o its_o activity_n yet_o you_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o deadness_n and_o complain_v under_o it_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n though_o not_o a_o lively_a one_o second_o where_o this_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o will_v be_v its_o constant_a concomitant_a that_o forcible_a principle_n love_n see_v cap._n 2._o 19_o affection_n follow_v persuasion_n and_o where_o love_n be_v there_o will_v be_v service_n and_o work_v for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n for_o when_o we_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n god_n love_n in_o christ_n to_o we_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o return_n of_o love_n and_o act_n of_o service_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n true_a faith_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a but_o will_v be_v a_o work_a faith_n and_o will_v produce_v that_o labour_n of_o love_n mention_v heb._n 6.10_o 1_o thess_n 1.3_o three_o a_o live_a faith_n must_v needs_o be_v active_a be_v wrought_v by_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n help_n engage_v to_o action_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n shall_v work_v who_o shall_v resist_v his_o power_n four_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o will_v be_v high_a aim_n to_o glorify_v god_n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o disingenuous_a to_o take_v and_o receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n but_o it_o will_v study_v how_o to_o give_v and_o render_v unto_o god_n due_a praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v by_o christ_n to_o live_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o soul_n
body_n and_o spirit_n well_o then_o try_v your_o faith_n and_o profession_n whether_o it_o be_v dead_a or_o formal_a or_o active_a or_o live_a by_o these_o few_o particular_n it_o be_v not_o a_o naked_a assent_n or_o unactive_a outward_a profession_n will_v serve_v turn_n this_o be_v dead_a and_o liveless_a yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n jud._n 12._o dead_a in_o your_o first_o natural_a condition_n and_o dead_a in_o your_o hypocritical_a profession_n for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v never_o to_o be_v otherwise_o with_o you_o but_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o work_a faith_n by_o and_o through_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o glory_n paul_n whole_a life_n phil._n 1.21_o be_v as_o it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o christ_n for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n say_v he_o that_o be_v my_o life_n be_v christ_n for_o his_o use_n his_o purpose_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o short_a a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o christ_n by_o the_o continual_a supply_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o for_o christ_n and_o with_o aim_n at_o his_o glory_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a for_o dead_a formalist_n to_o carry_v a_o high_a hand_n in_o outward_a profession_n than_o the_o real_a christian_n sardis_n pretend_v high_o to_o faith_n and_o to_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v beyond_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o the_o name_n be_v only_a that_o she_o aim_v at_o for_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n she_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a and_o rot_a it_o be_v not_o very_o usual_a still_o among_o dead_a and_o carnal_a christian_n to_o boast_v of_o their_o christianity_n their_o baptism_n their_o church_n their_o external_a ordinance_n and_o the_o like_a they_o needs_o will_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o carnal_a jew_n that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o vers_n 9_o so_o unto_o these_o carnal_a formalist_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v pleasant_a to_o they_o yet_o still_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o true_a saint_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o perceive_v they_o want_v the_o true_a work_a faith_n which_o be_v only_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n all_o be_v natural_o self-lover_n they_o will_v needs_o content_v themselves_o and_o god_n too_o if_o they_o may_v with_o a_o guild_a sophisticate_a and_o dead_a faith_n and_o profession_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n than_o the_o true_a one_o which_o shall_v commend_v they_o unto_o god_n and_o denominate_v they_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o faith_n be_v too_o short_a for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v dead_a false_a and_o liveless_a as_o a_o carcase_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o justifi_v and_o christ_n accept_v that_o work_v by_o love_n 1_o thes_n 1.3_o verse_n 2._o be_v thou_o watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n esto_fw-la vigilans_fw-la as_o beza_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o shall_v rather_o take_v it_o in_o the_o active_a sense_n be_v thou_o awake_v or_o awake_v thou_o then_o be_v watchful_a for_o it_o it_o argue_v the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o activity_n to_o be_v watchful_a watch_n and_o pray_v but_o to_o awake_v it_o only_o show_v a_o dormant_a dead_a and_o sleepy_a state_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v for_o she_o bear_v the_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a therefore_o christ_n tell_v her_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rouse_v up_o thyself_o from_o thy_o sleepy_a state_n and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v reinforce_v revive_v and_o stir_v up_o those_o small_a remain_a spark_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o give_v up_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n within_o thou_o and_o though_o thou_o think_v and_o may_v have_v a_o conceit_n of_o thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v something_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o external_a profession_n and_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v yet_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o say_v christ_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n hence_o note_v observe_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a impair_n and_o consumption_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n sardis_n be_v bring_v by_o it_o even_o to_o death_n door_n her_o grace_n that_o be_v once_o eminent_a be_v come_v thereby_o to_o some_o small_a remainder_n and_o they_o too_o almost_o extinct_a and_o near_o the_o grave_n and_o though_o death_n itself_o i_o mean_v spiritual_a have_v not_o yet_o seize_v she_o yet_o she_o be_v somewhat_o near_o it_o she_o be_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n for_o she_o sleep_v and_o be_v call_v to_o awake_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o remainder_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o she_o lest_o she_o take_v her_o last_o sleep_n by_o the_o spiritual_a death_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o eternal_a death_n hereafter_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o sickness_n be_v to_o the_o body_n 1._o it_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o distemperature_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o leprosy_n under_o the_o law_n 3._o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o sickness_n cause_v grief_n to_o the_o body_n so_o sin_n cause_v horror_n and_o anguish_n unto_o the_o soul_n 4._o it_o cause_v weakness_n for_o the_o more_o sin_n the_o more_o weakness_n and_o disability_n to_o spiritual_a duty_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 5.6_o weak_a feeble_a soul_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n 5._o every_o sickness_n of_o the_o body_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n so_o every_o sin_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n eternal_o the_o only_a remedy_n that_o we_o have_v against_o this_o poison_n and_o sting_v of_o sin_n be_v to_o hasten_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n who_o be_v the_o physician_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o who_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v here_o to_o sardis_n to_o awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o sardis_n to_o awake_v herself_o recover_v herself_o and_o renew_v her_o grace_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n i_o answer_v negative_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n not_o only_o for_o a_o propitiation_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n but_o it_o be_v also_o from_o his_o influence_n and_o from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n whereby_o all_o our_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a for_o the_o life_n i_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o awake_v out_o of_o sin_n nor_o do_v our_o first_o work_n or_o renovate_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n second_o this_o duty_n to_o awake_v and_o renew_v their_o grace_n be_v set_v on_o those_o of_o sardis_n that_o have_v already_o receive_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v here_o say_v strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v therefore_o they_o have_v a_o be_v though_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v grace_n from_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o work_v from_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n have_v receive_v the_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v christ_n the_o great_a end_n and_o object_n of_o the_o promise_n cleanse_v yourselves_o go_v on_o in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o our_o gracious_a act_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o through_o his_o continue_a power_n and_o influence_n three_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o awake_v strengthen_v and_o renew_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n they_o must_v be_v always_o take_v to_o be_v as_o inseparable_a part_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o we_o can_v awake_v from_o sin_n unless_o we_o first_o look_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o renew_v or_o restore_v our_o fall_a grace_n before_o we_o first_o eye_n god_n in_o christ_n out_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o set_v home_o spiritual_a duty_n on_o person_n that_o have_v not_o first_o receive_v light_n and_o life_n from_o christ_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o work_n that_o must_v be_v offer_v and_o
the_o more_o glory_n it_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o hereafter_o every_o vessel_n shall_v have_v his_o fullness_n in_o glory_n but_o every_o one_o according_a to_o its_o capacity_n as_o there_o be_v a_o glory_n in_o the_o star_n moon_n and_o sun_n and_o one_o differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n yet_o every_o one_o have_v their_o fullness_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n oâ—_n glory_n when_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n every_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o work_n eternal_a happiness_n but_o some_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n all_o shall_v be_v shine_a star_n but_o some_o of_o a_o great_a magnitude_n than_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n it_o be_v not_o a_o legal_a perfection_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v in_o sardis_n he_o do_v never_o seek_v for_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o they_o that_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a see_v they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o this_o intimate_v that_o the_o faithful_a christian_n and_o their_o work_n may_v be_v perfect_a before_o god_n although_o they_o be_v not_o find_v perfect_a in_o sardis_n yet_o may_v be_v find_v perfect_a in_o other_o that_o be_v more_o sound_a and_o godly_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o understand_v that_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n perfection_n be_v take_v for_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n as_o gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o &_o be_v thou_o perfect_a that_o be_v upright_o &_o sincere_a as_o job_n 1.1_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a he_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n honest_a at_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o work_n of_o sardis_n be_v not_o perfect_a before_o god_n they_o be_v not_o honest_a sincere_a and_o upright_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o be_v hypocritical_a in_o name_n show_v and_o appearance_n only_o not_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n second_o perfection_n may_v be_v take_v 1._o as_o respect_v our_o justification_n or_o 2._o our_o sanctification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v a_o complete_a perfection_n for_o the_o saint_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n leave_v which_o be_v not_o wash_v away_o by_o his_o blood_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v perfect_a by_o one_o offering_n christ_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.14_o then_o second_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o part_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o aim_v thereof_o 4._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n have_v a_o perfect_a beginning_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o its_o part_n because_o it_o begin_v in_o every_o part_n they_o be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o though_o every_o part_n be_v not_o throughout_o sanctify_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o medium_n by_o which_o they_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o every_o part_n throughout_o in_o understanding_n will_n affection_n desire_n memory_n thought_n and_o heart_n second_o they_o have_v every_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o only_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o as_o when_o faith_n love_n patience_n humility_n etc._n etc._n overcome_v infidelity_n hatred_n impatience_n pride_n and_o other_o their_o opposite_a vice_n and_o evil_n so_o when_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v in_o all_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v a_o perfect_a work_n in_o beginning_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o perfect_a work_n have_v prevail_v against_o its_o contrary_n three_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o he_o that_o aim_v and_o strive_v for_o perfection_n god_n accept_v as_o perfect_a though_o mix_v with_o much_o imperfection_n christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n neither_o four_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o duration_n apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o truth_n will_v loose_v the_o honour_n of_o perfection_n and_o make_v their_o crown_n to_o wither_v when_o a_o righteous_a or_o perfect_a man_n turn_v to_o iniquity_n all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v ezek._n 18.24_o five_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o the_o saint_n be_v perfect_a soul_n compare_v they_o unto_o the_o guild_a out_o side_n formal_a christian_n and_o they_o be_v gold_n and_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o and_o so_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a before_o he_o as_o those_o of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v first_o observe_v 1._o the_o great_a cause_n that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a before_o god_n be_v for_o want_v of_o honest_a sincerity_n in_o they_o sardis_n be_v blame_v for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n she_o carry_v a_o fair_a name_n that_o she_o live_v in_o her_o pretend_a grace_n but_o she_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v no_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o they_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o avoid_v all_o outward_a evil_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v double-heartedness_n in_o his_o spirit_n all_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n as_o abominable_a sincerity_n be_v that_o that_o give_v perfection_n to_o every_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o every_o grace_n as_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o must_v believe_v sincere_o when_o we_o love_v we_o must_v love_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o when_o we_o sorrow_n or_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v do_v sincere_o that_o be_v true_o full_o without_o any_o mixture_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o a_o double_a mind_a man_n god_n do_v hate_v sincere_a quasi_fw-la sine_fw-la cera_fw-la without_o wax_n without_o composition_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o bear_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n full_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v within_o to_o make_v they_o complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o this_o ingredient_n grace_n of_o sincerity_n all_o our_o duty_n be_v but_o as_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cimbal_n but_o add_v sincerity_n unto_o the_o least_o and_o most_o imperfect_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v become_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n most_o perfect_a god_n accept_v a_o lamb_n from_o abel_n offer_v in_o sincerity_n rather_o than_o cloud_n of_o incense_n and_o thousand_o of_o sacrifice_n from_o a_o wicked_a and_o profain_a cain_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o widow_n mite_n or_o some_o goat_n hair_n come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v sincere_a god_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rich_a present_a and_o call_v the_o presenter_n thereof_o perfect_a truth_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n be_v our_o perfection_n here_o but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v have_v perfection_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o let_v we_o so_o walk_v before_o god_n as_o become_v perfect_a one_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o saint_n duty_n that_o they_o aim_v and_o press_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o their_o grace_n work_n and_o duty_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v worthy_o blame_v for_o want_n of_o this_o perfection_n her_o work_n be_v not_o full_a and_o entire_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v and_o therefore_o blame-worthy_a and_o imperfect_a first_o they_o be_v to_o press_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o evidence_v by_o love_n and_o work_n and_o so_o make_v their_o election_n and_o justification_n sure_a unto_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o manifest_v it_o unto_o other_o also_o second_o to_o seek_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o part_n of_o christianity_n in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v perfect_a entire_a want_v nothing_o ja._n 1.4_o as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o to_o wit_n charity_n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o there_o must_v not_o one_o necessary_a grace_n be_v want_v in_o true_a saint_n though_o
over_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o discovery_n to_o wit_n the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o security_n in_o that_o condition_n together_o with_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n its_o reign_n pollution_n and_o a_o discovery_n thereof_o and_o at_o last_o its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o abolition_n and_o the_o consequent_a thereof_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o church_n to_o glory_n judicious_a christian_n shall_v account_v this_o knowledge_n excellent_a it_o will_v much_o help_v to_o keep_v their_o spirit_n in_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n this_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o time_n of_o patience_n and_o tribulation_n not_o of_o triumph_v and_o reign_v while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v absent_a the_o spouse_n be_v under_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n not_o of_o mirth_n and_o rejoice_v the_o scarlet_a whore_n or_o harlot_n church_n sit_v yet_o as_o a_o queen_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a spouse_n sit_v mourning_n yet_o still_o expect_v the_o daystar_n to_o arise_v for_o her_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n see_v more_o concern_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o work_n observe_v 3._o the_o content_n and_o intendment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n read_v and_o hear_v will_v not_o serve_v turn_n there_o must_v be_v a_o keep_n that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v read_v to_o advantage_v the_o thing_n in_o this_o prophecy_n must_v read_v observant_o hear_v attentive_o and_o at_o last_o treasure_n up_o in_o his_o heart_n what_o he_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o so_o have_v careful_o observe_v the_o content_n of_o each_o prophecy_n with_o a_o right_a application_n thereof_o he_o become_v most_o bless_v and_o happy_a from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n observe_v 4._o that_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o the_o choice_a truth_n be_v hard_a come_v by_o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n quod_fw-la difficilimum_fw-la pulcherrimum_n truth_n as_o treasure_n that_o lie_v deep_a be_v sweet_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o knot_n there_o be_v in_o the_o choice_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n justification_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o inform_v we_o several_a lesson_n 1._o to_o set_v a_o reverence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v choice_a one_o not_o easy_o come_v by_o 2._o it_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o our_o swell_a conceit_n as_o if_o we_o know_v all_o mystery_n and_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v creature_n not_o omniscient_a and_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o many_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n though_o we_o know_v they_o not_o 3._o it_o quicken_v we_o to_o duty_n and_o whet_v our_o endeavour_n to_o the_o attainment_n thereof_o strive_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o strait_a gate_n choice_a truth_n as_o heaven_n must_v be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v they_o by_o force_n 4._o god_n have_v hide_v some_o excellent_a truth_n under_o the_o rock_n and_o lay_v they_o deep_a that_o the_o great_a ability_n and_o grace_n he_o give_v may_v be_v exercise_v therein_o in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v meat_n for_o babe_n and_o also_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n both_o have_v enough_o that_o neither_o may_v complain_v for_o want_n 5._o last_o it_o drive_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o david_n open_v thou_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o same_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n v._o 10._o which_o intimate_v that_o all_o aught_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o content_n of_o this_o prophecy_n because_o the_o time_n be_v then_o at_o hand_n and_o draw_v nigh_o wherein_o all_o the_o prediction_n thereof_o must_v be_v accomplish_v and_o wherein_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v forthwith_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o order_n until_o all_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o these_o prophecy_n by_o christ_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v hence_o observe_v that_o those_o prophecy_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o run_v out_o present_o upon_o john_n time_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n since_o until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n treat_v on_o the_o particular_n verse_n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n john_n have_v discover_v the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o first_o two_o verse_n by_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o the_o instrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v send_v and_o receive_v and_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o a_o sure_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o he_o go_v on_o with_o a_o salute_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n by_o way_n of_o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n wherein_o partly_o he_o commend_v and_o encourage_v they_o partly_o he_o check_v they_o which_o will_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o discourse_n before_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n themselves_o from_o whence_o observe_v that_o christ_n minister_n or_o prophet_n though_o they_o have_v a_o burden_n or_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n to_o denounce_v against_o a_o people_n or_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o their_o mouth_n with_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o they_o the_o work_n of_o judgement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o abhorrency_n unto_o god_n why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v and_o heal_v you_o but_o you_o will_v not_o it_o be_v god_n method_n a_o long_a time_n to_o exercise_v his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n before_o his_o wrath_n be_v execute_v he_o will_v try_v all_o mean_n in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o mercy_n by_o providence_n by_o deliverance_n to_o win_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o he_o will_v as_o a_o good_a husbandman_n many_o year_n enclose_v dig_v dress_v and_o prune_v his_o vineyard_n in_o expectance_n of_o fruitfulness_n before_o he_o will_v hew_v they_o down_o and_o cast_v they_o in_o the_o fire_n he_o will_v abide_v long_o with_o his_o backslide_a child_n forty_o year_n long_o be_v he_o grieve_v by_o his_o gainsay_n people_n israel_n yea_o he_o will_v come_v down_o and_o see_v as_o if_o former_o he_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o sin_n hope_v of_o their_o amendment_n by_o such_o forbearance_n whether_o their_o transgression_n be_v so_o or_o not_o ezek._n 33.11_o god_n take_v a_o solemn_a oath_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a turn_v turn_v etc._n etc._n when_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v by_o unrepentant_a sinner_n enforce_v to_o withdraw_v his_o presence_n and_o execute_v his_o judgement_n o_o how_o trouble_a be_v he_o at_o it_o he_o do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v step_z by_z step_z ezek_n 10.4_o when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o glory_n from_o the_o temple_n first_o it_o move_v to_o the_o threshold_n then_o towards_o heaven_n v._o 19_o then_o to_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o mountain_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o city_n cap._n 11._o 23._o and_o so_o at_o last_o go_v whole_o from_o they_o this_o set_v a_o reproof_n upon_o such_o that_o come_v like_o boanarge_n son_n of_o thunder_n with_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n before_o they_o have_v make_v experiment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o peace_n and_o grace_n that_o of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v unto_o they_o they_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o observe_v 2._o that_o all_o christ_n faithful_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o soul_n by_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o god_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o all_o their_o hearer_n it_o be_v john_n wish_n here_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n paul_n always_o in_o every_o epistle_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v they_o rom._n 1.7_o it_o manifest_v our_o charity_n and_o our_o duty_n in_o pray_v for_o all_o
but_o especial_o for_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n quest_n what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n answ_n not_o only_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o grace_n itself_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o all_o good_a even_o the_o good_a will_n and_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o elect_n even_o whilst_o sinner_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v not_o only_o happy_a success_n from_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o felicity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o reconciliation_n unto_o and_o with_o god_n from_o whence_o flow_v all_o true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n quest_n how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o seven_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 answ_n he_o wish_v unto_o they_o a_o full_a sense_n and_o more_o plenteous_a fruit_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o perseverance_n in_o it_o it_o seem_v by_o their_o backslide_n they_o have_v lose_v some_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o therefore_o need_v a_o supply_n from_o god_n second_o i_o answer_v all_o grace_n be_v not_o give_v at_o once_o to_o god_n best_a child_n but_o by_o degree_n and_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o right_o may_v john_n wish_v these_o church_n a_o increase_n and_o so_o may_v all_o christ_n minister_n unto_o all_o that_o will_v ever_o want_v increase_n of_o grace_n while_o here_o beneath_o for_o none_o here_o in_o this_o world_n will_v ever_o see_v perfection_n in_o a_o absolute_a and_o abstract_a sense_n and_o therefore_o will_v still_o have_v need_n of_o a_o additament_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n you_o have_v here_o the_o author_n or_o fountain_n to_o wit_n the_o trinity_n from_o which_o all_o happiness_n all_o true_a grace_n and_o peace_n do_v proceed_v even_o from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v from_o that_o almighty_a glorious_a god_n who_o only_o have_v a_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a be_v in_o and_o of_o himself_o who_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o be_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_n be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o interpretation_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o spirit_n some_o interpret_v that_o here_o be_v mean_v seven_o principal_a minister_a spirit_n or_o angel_n that_o always_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o command_n but_o this_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o first_o because_o grace_v and_o peace_n be_v here_o desire_a from_o they_o joint_o as_o from_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o angel_n or_o creature_n work_v but_o only_o the_o creator_n second_o for_o that_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a salutation_n you_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o in_o any_o create_a spirit_n or_o angel_n name_n but_o only_o in_o this_o sort_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o consolation_n or_o peace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v with_o you_o three_o for_o that_o in_o chap._n 5._o v._n 6._o these_o seven_o spirit_n be_v there_o call_v the_o seven_o eye_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v which_o the_o spirit_n send_v forth_o into_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o reason_n do_v clear_o convince_v i_o that_o we_o must_v here_o in_o this_o place_n and_o there_o also_o understand_v this_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o here_o go_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o seven_o spirit_n to_o signify_v its_o sevenfold_a power_n virtue_n efficacy_n and_o gift_n rom._n 12._o for_o this_o mystical_a number_n of_o seven_o do_v always_o in_o this_o book_n and_o all_o other_o prophecy_n signify_v compleatness_n and_o perfection_n seven_o church_n seven_o candlestick_n seven_o seal_n seven_o trumpet_n seven_o vial_n seven_o angel_n all_o signify_v a_o perfection_n in_o their_o kind_n hence_o take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n the_o whole_a trinity_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o support_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o of_o all_o our_o joy_n comfort_n and_o happiness_n here_o hereafter_o and_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o father_n more_o peculiar_o flow_v the_o grace_n of_o election_n from_o the_o son_n the_o grace_n of_o redemption_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o spirit_n the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n peace_n and_o consolation_n and_o from_o the_o three_o in_o one_o our_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a glory_n verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o the_o first-begotten_a of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n verse_n 6._o and_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n etc._n etc._n christ_n here_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n in_o sundry_a respect_n first_o in_o that_o he_o have_v faithful_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n second_o in_o that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o work_n about_o our_o redemption_n commit_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n three_o in_o that_o he_o have_v here_o faithful_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n in_o these_o prophecy_n from_o whence_o observe_v as_o before_o on_z vers_n 1._o observe_v that_o this_o prophecy_n have_v so_o faithful_a a_o author_n and_o relater_n as_o christ_n it_o must_v sure_o be_v true_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a much_o more_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o son_n heb._n 2.1_o 2._o see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 3._o 14._o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o first-gotten_a of_o the_o dead_a first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o rise_v by_o his_o own_o proper_a power_n from_o the_o dead_a second_o because_o all_o that_o have_v rise_v or_o shall_v so_o rise_v do_v it_o by_o a_o derivative_a virtue_n and_o power_n from_o he_o three_o he_o may_v be_v call_v the_o first-born_a or_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o dead_a because_o he_o be_v the_o true_a and_o substantial_a first-fruit_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o levitical_a primicy_n or_o first_o fruit_n or_o first-born_a that_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15.20_o observe_v this_o prove_v the_o resurrection_n if_o christ_n be_v the_o first-born_a of_o the_o dead_a than_o other_o of_o his_o member_n must_v necessary_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o resurrection_n also_o 2_o cor._n 4.14_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n first_o as_o head_n of_o his_o church_n or_o of_o saint_n who_o be_v call_v king_n of_o the_o earth_n rev._n 5.10_o second_o as_o king_n of_o king_n so_o by_o he_o king_n reign_v this_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o bless_v we_o here_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o at_o last_o to_o raise_v we_o and_o to_o save_v we_o and_o unto_o this_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a saviour_n who_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n that_o be_v king_n and_o conqueror_n not_o only_o over_o our_o own_o lust_n but_o over_o the_o world_n and_o over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o priest_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n unto_o the_o father_n to_o this_o gracious_a saviour_n who_o have_v do_v all_o these_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o be_v give_v all_o glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o evermore_o amen_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n under_o these_o particular_n first_o he_o love_v we_o that_o be_v accept_v our_o person_n in_o himself_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o in_o time_n justify_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n second_o he_o sanctify_v we_o by_o make_v we_o conqueror_n over_o our_o lust_n and_o to_o become_v active_o zealous_a towards_o god_n in_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o last_o he_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n after_o the_o resurrection_n ruler_n with_o christ_n and_o sharer_n with_o he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n see_v more_o cap._n 5._o 1._o verse_n 7._o behold_v he_o come_v with_o cloud_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o also_o which_o pierce_v he_o and_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o