keep_v that_o day_n for_o a_o sabbath_n wherein_o he_o rise_v and_o the_o eight_o day_n after_o appear_v to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n now_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o here_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n day_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n after_o of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n in_o which_o we_o be_v make_v new_a man_n so_o that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n as_o isaiah_n speak_v chap._n 66._o nay_o this_o be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o that_o see_v in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n in_o this_o christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o head_n in_o that_o adam_n be_v the_o chief_a in_o this_o christ._n in_o that_o hevah_n be_v give_v to_o adam_n in_o this_o we_o to_o christ_n his_o church_n to_o he_o in_o that_o adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o that_o god_n mercy_n only_o in_o this_o both_o his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n in_o punish_v of_o chirst_n and_o give_v we_o forgiveness_n appear_v in_o that_o god_n show_v his_o wisdom_n &_o goodness_n but_o in_o part_n but_o herein_o this_o he_o show_v it_o full_o in_o that_o he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o now_o he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o &_o better_a then_o ever_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o day_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v that_o and_o the_o lord_n appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o much_o more_o shall_v there_o be_v one_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o now_o there_o be_v no_o day_n fit_a than_o that_o day_n wherein_o christ_n jesus_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n to_o remember_v his_o resurrection_n but_o may_v the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n change_v the_o sabbath_n to_o any_o other_o day_n objection_n as_o to_o tuesday_n wednesday_n etc._n etc._n answ._n it_o can_v i_o think_v because_o time_n and_o season_n belong_v to_o god_n he_o alone_o can_v dispose_v of_o they_o act._n 1._o 6._o the_o church_n have_v not_o knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n much_o less_o of_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o that_o which_o the_o father_n keep_v in_o his_o own_o bosom_n the_o church_n can_v know_v but_o the_o father_n alone_o so_o keep_v time_n and_o season_n therefore_o the_o church_n can_v know_v they_o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o power_n to_o change_v their_o sabbath_n no_o more_o have_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o change_v their_o sabbath_n ob._n but_o the_o jew_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v feast_n therefore_o they_o can_v appoint_v sabbath_n day_n hest._n 9_o 17._o they_o for_o their_o deliverance_n appoint_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n of_o rejoice_v so_o 1_o maccab._n 4._o 8._o answer_n they_o appoint_v indeed_o solemn_a day_n for_o rejoice_v and_o solemn_a feast_n for_o special_a deliverance_n but_o they_o appoint_v not_o any_o day_n for_o a_o sabath_n &_o rest_n for_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n some_o hold_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v it_o nay_o to_o make_v any_o day_n the_o sabbath_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v convenient_o two_o day_n in_o a_o week_n but_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o the_o word_n if_o this_o day_n use_v the_o lord_n day_n be_v a_o day_n to_o remember_v the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n here_o reprove_v first_o they_o which_o make_v this_o day_n a_o day_n of_o pleasure_n pastime_n and_o delight_n for_o most_o young_a man_n and_o servant_n employ_v this_o day_n whole_o on_o their_o own_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n make_v it_o a_o day_n of_o carnal_a rejoice_v spend_v it_o in_o eat_v drink_v card_v dice_a riot_n and_o excess_n so_o that_o they_o turn_v this_o lord_n day_n set_v apart_o to_o his_o worship_n into_o a_o day_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v of_o they_o which_o live_v more_o civil_o than_o the_o former_a yet_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v their_o own_o business_n and_o take_v iorney_n on_o this_o day_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n that_o a_o man_n may_v aswell_o and_o with_o as_o honest_a and_o good_a a_o heart_n serve_v god_n in_o his_o own_o business_n at_o home_n as_o they_o which_o go_v to_o church_n but_o by_o this_o they_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n appoint_v to_o his_o service_n their_o own_o day_n to_o do_v their_o own_o work_n and_o not_o he_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v of_o those_o which_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n only_o at_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n but_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n they_o may_v spend_v it_o how_o they_o will_v on_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o pastime_n or_o their_o own_o business_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n enjoin_v they_o and_o these_o man_n part_v stake_n with_o god_n they_o give_v he_o one_o part_n and_o that_o the_o lesser_a and_o bestow_v the_o other_o on_o their_o own_o business_n or_o pleasure_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n not_o in_o part_n but_o in_o whole_a and_o so_o they_o break_v the_o four_o commandment_n then_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o duty_n be_v to_o keep_v this_o day_n a_o sabbath_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o be_v command_v in_o the_o four_o commandment_n 1._o we_o must_v rest_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n second_o from_o all_o the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o employ_v it_o whole_o on_o the_o service_n of_o god_n sanctify_v this_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o morning_n to_o the_o evening_n now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n first_o public_a in_o the_o congregation_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_n and_o there_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n second_o private_a when_o man_n in_o their_o own_o private_a house_n at_o home_n sanctify_v it_o in_o meditate_v read_v and_o think_v of_o the_o word_n in_o pray_v private_o and_o give_v thanks_n for_o benefit_n we_o must_v not_o employ_v that_o day_n in_o our_o own_o business_n if_o the_o officer_n shall_v take_v our_o servant_n from_o our_o work_n &_o set_v he_o about_o the_o common_a good_a we_o will_v be_v grieve_v and_o if_o we_o take_v the_o day_n appoint_v to_o god_n service_n and_o bestow_v it_o on_o our_o own_o affair_n shall_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v offend_v and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n public_o and_o never_o profit_n be_v because_o we_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n only_o public_o and_o not_o private_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o meditate_v read_v the_o word_n pray_v and_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n at_o home_n we_o may_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n public_o but_o without_o all_o increase_n of_o grace_n faith_n knowledge_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o we_o perform_v neither_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o get_v any_o grace_n see_v this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o that_o end_n now_o to_o proceed_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n he_o give_v john_n these_o vision_n rather_o on_o this_o day_n than_o another_o be_v because_o though_o john_n be_v absent_a in_o body_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a in_o spirit_n in_o pray_v for_o it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o be_v absent_a he_o will_v show_v his_o presence_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o he_o can_v perform_v in_o that_o solitary_a place_n as_o fast_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n now_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o occupy_v the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n see_v john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o pathmos_n use_v a_o desert_n place_n yet_o he_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o he_o can_v perform_v hence_o we_o see_v that_o they_o which_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n as_o in_o prison_n sick_a of_o some_o great_a disease_n or_o
sure_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o if_o one_o look_v and_o view_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o osea_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n every_o man_n seek_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o way_n none_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v he_o beside_o they_o be_v altogether_o carnal_a fleshly_a dead_a and_o drown_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n none_o affect_v thing_n belong_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o all_o man_n in_o general_a lie_n in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n in_o they_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n have_v wrap_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o security_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v never_o dream_v of_o the_o evil_a day_n though_o god_n preach_v daily_o by_o his_o judgement_n to_o they_o again_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n want_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n the_o cruelty_n which_o abound_v in_o all_o man_n oppression_n whoredom_n fornication_n these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n now_o in_o our_o day_n rife_o in_o every_o place_n these_o be_v common_a sin_n call_v for_o vengeance_n which_o will_v come_v undoubted_o unless_o we_o repent_v so_o that_o christ_n can_v speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o this_o church_n but_o in_o a_o contrary_a voice_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o common_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n yet_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o remnant_n who_o lament_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o they_o must_v take_v to_o they_o christian_a fortitude_n &_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n &_o of_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v and_o bold_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n to_o maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o let_v they_o first_o consider_v that_o they_o which_o fear_v distrustful_o must_v have_v a_o miserable_a portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n reu._n 21._o 8._o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o this_o reward_n let_v we_o go_v on_o fear_v nothing_o 2_o they_o must_v consider_v god_n presence_n he_o be_v by_o they_o ready_a to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o psalm_n 34._o 12._o 2._o king_n 6._o elishah_n servant_n see_v in_o dothan_n a_o huge_a army_n which_o beset_v he_o and_o his_o master_n he_o say_v be_v not_o afraid_a for_o they_o which_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o these_o against_o us._n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n and_o that_o god_n angel_n will_v defend_v and_o guard_v he_o so_o shall_v all_o man_n in_o danger_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o persuade_v themselves_o god_n be_v present_a he_o have_v his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v his_o child_n 3_o god_n child_n must_v consider_v in_o peril_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n paul_n he_o account_v it_o his_o chief_a honour_n nay_o he_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n then_o if_o suffer_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v such_o a_o honourable_a thing_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n &_o affliction_n whatsoever_o but_o those_o which_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o present_a day_n of_o misery_n nor_o have_v not_o this_o perfect_a fortitude_n they_o must_v lament_v and_o howl_v lest_o the_o evil_a day_n take_v they_o unprovided_a the_o next_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o this_o church_n must_v suffer_v but_o before_o he_o propound_v the_o affliction_n he_o set_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n often_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n before_o hand_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n judgement_n and_o correction_n before_o they_o come_v lest_o we_o perish_v in_o they_o for_o christ_n luk._n 19_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o she_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n because_o she_o will_v not_o think_v of_o her_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n forotel_v and_o show_v her_o final_a destruction_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o they_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o he_o which_o can_v foretell_v all_o future_a thing_n in_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v contingent_a he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n but_o christ_n foretell_v their_o particular_a affliction_n to_o come_v ergo_fw-la he_o be_v god_n ob._n but_o the_o physician_n can_v foretell_v the_o death_n of_o his_o patient_n the_o astronomer_n the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o come_v answ._n they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o mean_n the_o physician_n foretell_v by_o the_o cause_n and_o sign_n he_o see_v in_o the_o party_n by_o which_o death_n be_v in_o â—ort_n present_a so_o the_o astronomer_n by_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n can_v foretell_v a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o course_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o eclipse_n be_v present_a but_o without_o these_o sign_n and_o cause_n they_o can_v simple_o but_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n or_o cause_n simple_o foretell_v this_o affliction_n in_o particular_a to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n christ_n describe_v the_o affliction_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o devil_n second_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o three_o the_o kind_n imprisonment_n four_a the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o five_o the_o time_n ten_o day_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n ob._n but_o how_o can_v he_o afflict_v they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o deal_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o man_n ans._n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o rule_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o they_o direct_v their_o thought_n will_n affection_n so_o as_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o move_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v they_o in_o prison_n now_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o persecution_n we_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n those_o be_v which_o persecute_v the_o church_n namely_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n move_v and_o rule_v by_o he_o notorious_a wicked_a wretch_n which_o have_v satan_n for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n 2._o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n see_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o he_o to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o for_o he_o which_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o religion_n in_o word_n or_o action_n he_o in_o that_o action_n be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n lead_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o action_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n satan_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a agent_n he_o be_v his_o slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o be_v as_o a_o soldier_n under_o his_o band_n again_o learn_v we_o to_o take_v pity_n on_o all_o such_o person_n see_v they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n lead_v and_o move_v by_o he_o yea_o even_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecutor_n furthermore_o the_o weapon_n we_o must_v have_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o persecution_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a see_v our_o enemy_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v use_v invocation_n and_o prayer_n fast_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o which_o we_o show_v our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o this_o weapon_n of_o prayer_n elias_n be_v call_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a enemy_n among_o we_o then_o be_v indeed_o the_o soldier_n to_o be_v use_v but_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n that_o must_v be_v our_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n the_o
be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n aristotle_n can_v say_v ethni_n that_o parent_n be_v not_o bless_v unless_o they_o be_v after_o their_o death_n bless_v in_o their_o child_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o a_o father_n blessedness_n to_o see_v his_o child_n like_v to_o flourish_v when_o he_o be_v go_v nay_o of_o all_o monument_n that_o parent_n can_v leave_v behind_o they_o there_o be_v none_o as_o one_o say_v like_o to_o a_o virtuous_a son_n but_o all_o parent_n be_v not_o so_o bless_v 4._o adam_n two_o son_n can_v not_o agree_v in_o one_o field_n 9_o abraham_n in_o one_o house_n rarum_fw-la isaak_v in_o one_o womb_n 1._o david_n in_o one_o palace_n nor_o those_o 13._o two_o brethren_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o inheritance_n and_o though_o concord_n among_o brethren_n especial_o such_o as_o must_v divide_v the_o inheritance_n be_v very_o rare_a yet_o do_v you_o even_o in_o this_o most_o comfortable_o agree_v you_o be_v not_o as_o simeon_n 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be_v the_o argument_n of_o god_n to_o persuade_v abraham_n to_o walk_v upright_o because_o he_o be_v almighty_a able_a to_o correct_v and_o destroy_v those_o which_o refuse_v to_o obey_v he_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o two_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o inscription_n and_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n i_o john_n chapter_n etc._n etc._n here_o follow_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o contain_v a_o vision_n from_o this_o nine_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n in_o this_o vision_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v first_o the_o circumstance_n second_o the_o part_n the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o part_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n be_v 4._o the_o first_o touch_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n befall_v john_n the_o second_o the_o place_n where_o in_o pathmos_n the_o three_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v propound_v it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n the_o four_o the_o time_n when_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o first_o circumstance_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n befall_v circumstance_n john_n he_o do_v this_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o vision_n and_o revelation_n so_o the_o devil_n have_v he_o but_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v god_n give_v his_o vision_n not_o to_o all_o man_n but_o to_o those_o which_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o they_o such_o as_o be_v most_o holy_a man_n for_o life_n endue_v with_o exceed_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o
subsist_v these_o word_n prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v they_o be_v to_o certify_v he_o that_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o to_o show_v he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o bring_v his_o own_o testimony_n namely_o i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v unto_o thou_o be_v from_o god_n even_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 1._o which_o be_o god_n equal_a to_o my_o father_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o christ_n note_v a_o singular_a care_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n but_o withal_o to_o certify_v his_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o here_o he_o tell_v john_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n to_o certify_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o he_o reveal_v not_o only_o his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o act._n 10._o peter_n have_v a_o vision_n and_o withal_o the_o lord_n assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o vision_n and_o when_o christ_n preach_v his_o father_n will_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n which_o be_v as_o sâ—ales_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o 2._o that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o will_n this_o first_o confute_v the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a till_o we_o hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v uncertain_a to_o we_o though_o certain_a in_o itself_o to_o be_v certain_a to_o us._n but_o we_o must_v here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o child_n but_o withal_o use_v mean_n to_o certify_v man_n heart_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sure_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o even_o to_o man_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o speak_v word_n of_o the_o same_o â—_o this_o confute_v all_o carnal_a man_n there_o be_v many_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v as_o they_o think_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n see_v man_n opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o diverse_a that_o one_o can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o we_o differ_v in_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o diverse_a opinion_n yet_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n they_o differ_v not_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v differ_v in_o opinion_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o religion_n but_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v stand_v sure_a and_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o lord_n can_v make_v man_n out_o of_o it_o to_o learn_v his_o will_n and_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o religion_n now_o follow_v the_o commandment_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n etc._n etc._n this_o have_v two_o part_n first_o s._n john_n must_v write_v the_o thing_n he_o receive_v second_o he_o must_v send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n now_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o book_n and_o he_o must_v set_v down_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o god_n to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n because_o he_o be_v now_o in_o banishment_n and_o can_v not_o come_v to_o they_o and_o be_v present_a with_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o therefore_o he_o must_v write_v these_o in_o a_o book_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v holpen_v by_o they_o second_o he_o must_v not_o only_o write_v they_o in_o a_o book_n but_o send_v they_o to_o these_o seven_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o cruel_a time_n of_o their_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v these_o book_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o truth_n first_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o word_n second_o because_o she_o keep_v the_o same_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o also_o give_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o then_o that_o these_o church_n may_v keep_v publish_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o must_v send_v they_o write_v to_o they_o hence_o we_o learn_v use_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v a_o excellent_a help_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o send_v this_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n this_o confute_v first_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o write_a word_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a &_o inky_a letter_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n to_o be_v turn_v any_o way_n second_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o look_v for_o revelation_n contemn_v the_o write_a word_n but_o see_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n we_o may_v learn_v 2._o that_o the_o read_n of_o this_o book_n as_o of_o other_o scripture_n be_v god_n ordinance_n whether_o it_o be_v public_a or_o private_a and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o use_v as_o god_n ordinance_n with_o reverence_n and_o good_a conscience_n indeed_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o begin_v faith_n and_o to_o work_v repentance_n but_o the_o read_n of_o they_o public_o and_o private_o have_v his_o proper_a use_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n yea_o to_o increase_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o us._n write_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o that_o a_o man_n in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n may_v be_v the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n s._n john_n a_o famous_a apostle_n and_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o banishment_n and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n from_o all_o company_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o give_v to_o none_o but_o they_o which_o be_v his_o servant_n then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v and_o continue_v in_o banishment_n yet_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n we_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o he_o be_v sure_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o john_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o these_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o most_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n in_o which_o be_v plant_v seven_o most_o excellent_a church_n of_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n here_o be_v name_v one_o by_o one_o then_o i_o turn_v back_o 12._o here_o be_v his_o preparation_n or_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n when_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o i_o be_v loud_a and_o great_a i_o turn_v to_o see_v he_o which_o deliver_v it_o to_o i_o in_o the_o preparation_n we_o must_v consider_v first_o the_o mean_n to_o move_v john_n to_o attention_n namely_o a_o voice_n second_o the_o end_n to_o make_v he_o attentive_a and_o to_o enjoin_v he_o his_o duty_n namely_o to_o write_v and_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o preparation_n which_o be_v that_o he_o turn_v back_o when_o he_o hear_v this_o loud_a and_o great_a voice_n to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v which_o give_v the_o voice_n by_o this_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n we_o may_v learn_v our_o duty_n for_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o man_n which_o give_v the_o voice_n so_o must_v we_o deal_v with_o god_n s._n john_n hear_v a_o voice_n and_o then_o he_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v so_o must_v we_o do_v with_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n ready_a to_o turn_v from_o god_n and_o run_v from_o he_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v by_o our_o sin_n now_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o we_o be_v run_v on_o in_o another_o way_n we_o must_v turn_v to_o he_o turn_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o way_n confess_v our_o sin_n to_o he_o that_o so_o
father_n will_n deliver_v it_o to_o his_o church_n to_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o they_o to_o us._n and_o his_o face_n shine_v etc._n etc._n for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n so_o be_v christ_n to_o his_o church_n now_o as_o the_o sun_n perform_v two_o duty_n to_o man_n so_o do_v christ_n the_o first_o be_v to_o give_v light_n and_o drive_v away_o darkness_n to_o take_v away_o the_o night_n and_o bring_v the_o day_n so_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n malach._n 3_o he_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n to_o his_o servant_n he_o send_v the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o can_v dispel_v darkness_n and_o enlighten_v his_o people_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o word_n then_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o word_n 1._o first_o when_o the_o day_n daw_v we_o set_v open_a our_o door_n and_o window_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o same_o now_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n he_o send_v light_a he_o shine_v clear_o be_v the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n then_o we_o must_v open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o window_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n to_o receive_v his_o light_n and_o comfort_n into_o us._n see_v christ_n give_v light_a by_o his_o word_n we_o must_v in_o all_o our_o life_n be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o light_n we_o be_v pilgrim_n go_v through_o a_o vale_n of_o misery_n and_o darkness_n christ_n be_v the_o light_n he_o shine_v as_o a_o blaze_a torch_n we_o must_v then_o do_v all_o our_o duty_n by_o direction_n of_o this_o light_n we_o must_v in_o all_o our_o way_n have_v our_o eye_n fix_v in_o this_o word_n which_o be_v the_o son_n of_o light_n and_o direction_n end_n the_o action_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o warm_v and_o comfort_v dead_a and_o cold_a body_n and_o to_o revive_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o spring_n time_n it_o revive_v those_o creature_n which_o before_o be_v as_o dead_a with_o cold_a so_o christ_n give_v not_o only_a light_n but_o life_n he_o give_v spiritual_a comfort_n to_o body_n freeze_v for_o cold_a he_o comfort_v they_o &_o revive_v they_o by_o his_o spiritual_a heat_n and_o for_o this_o be_v call_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n comfort_v our_o cold_a and_o freeze_a heart_n in_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n then_o we_o must_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n use_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o spiritual_a life_n and_o comfort_n which_o come_v by_o the_o spiritual_a heat_n of_o christ._n as_o man_n will_v in_o winter_n go_v into_o the_o sun_n to_o feel_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o beam_n so_o must_v we_o come_v out_o of_o our_o sin_n get_v into_o the_o sunshine_n of_o christ_n that_o his_o beam_n may_v stream_n upon_o we_o plenteous_o to_o have_v life_n convey_v to_o our_o benumb_a and_o dead_a conscience_n we_o will_v seek_v to_o have_v honour_n riches_n preferment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n but_o psa._n 44._o we_o shall_v desire_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o shine_v on_o we_o with_o the_o beam_n of_o mercy_n to_o have_v he_o quicken_v our_o dead_a heart_n with_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v have_v this_o spiritual_a life_n we_o must_v die_v ourselves_o ere_o we_o can_v live_v to_o the_o lord_n we_o must_v first_o be_v kill_v ere_o we_o be_v make_v alive_a if_o we_o will_v live_v to_o god_n we_o must_v suffer_v the_o two_o edge_a sword_n to_o pierce_v to_o the_o heart_n to_o cut_v up_o and_o cut_v off_o all_o our_o corruption_n to_o suffer_v it_o to_o enter_v into_o we_o to_o ransack_v our_o rebellious_a heart_n and_o to_o be_v thrust_v to_o the_o hilt_n that_o so_o it_o may_v divide_v between_o the_o spirit_n &_o the_o flesh_n pare_v off_o all_o the_o rot_a flesh_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o for_o when_o we_o be_v kill_v to_o ourselves_o &_o discourage_v in_o regard_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n we_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v alive_a to_o god_n a_o body_n which_o be_v almost_o dead_a for_o cold_a be_v the_o most_o capable_a of_o heat_n and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o cast_v down_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o sin_n than_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v the_o comfortable_a beam_n of_o christ_n to_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o warm_v and_o to_o quicken_v we_o and_o his_o favourable_a countenance_n to_o shine_v on_o we_o which_o if_o we_o have_v though_o we_o have_v neither_o honour_n riches_n nor_o preferment_n yet_o we_o have_v enough_o and_o if_o we_o want_v that_o heat_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v nothing_o the_o three_o work_n or_o action_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o discover_v all_o thing_n use_v in_o the_o night_n nothing_o appear_v all_o have_v one_o form_n but_o when_o the_o sun_n come_v with_o his_o light_n all_o thing_n appear_v and_o a_o man_n may_v in_o the_o beam_n see_v the_o very_a mote_n so_o christ_n the_o chief_a sun_n see_v all_o thing_n and_o he_o will_v discover_v all_o nothing_o so_o secret_a which_o be_v hide_v from_o he_o nothing_o so_o close_o which_o his_o eye_n see_v not_o he_o know_v and_o he_o can_v and_o will_v discover_v all_o man_n action_n yea_o their_o secret_a thought_n see_v christ_n know_v all_o our_o thought_n use_v so_o as_o he_o can_v make_v they_o manifest_v and_o open_a note_v that_o though_o we_o may_v live_v so_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v of_o our_o hypocrisy_n yet_o christ_n see_v our_o deal_n &_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v manifest_a to_o our_o eye_n so_o our_o action_n be_v clear_a to_o his_o eye_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o our_o way_n and_o work_n that_o we_o do_v or_o think_v nothing_o but_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n for_o we_o can_v blind_v his_o eye_n but_o he_o see_v it_o even_o as_o clear_o as_o we_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n if_o man_n of_o occupation_n will_v consider_v this_o that_o all_o their_o action_n be_v clear_a to_o christ_n they_o will_v not_o commit_v so_o much_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o sin_n practise_v of_o we_o daily_o as_o there_o be_v and_o when_o i_o see_v he_o 18._o i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a in_o these_o seventeen_o &_o eighteen_o verse_n john_n proceed_v to_o describe_v our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o god_n give_v he_o a_o vision_n by_o other_o argument_n that_o be_v by_o his_o action_n the_o first_o action_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o seventeen_o and_o 18._o verse_n which_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o s._n john_n be_v great_o afraid_a and_o this_o confirmation_n be_v the_o whole_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o these_o two_o verse_n in_o this_o note_n two_o thing_n first_o the_o occasion_n second_o the_o mean_n the_o occasion_n move_v christ_n to_o confirm_v s._n john_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n the_o mean_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n &_o in_o the_o eighteen_o the_o occasion_n be_v a_o exceed_a fear_n of_o death_n which_o make_v john_n as_o dead_a as_o appear_z by_o christ_n comfort_v of_o he_o in_o this_o fear_n note_v 3_o thing_n first_o the_o cause_n second_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o three_o the_o kind_n of_o fear_n the_o cause_n in_o these_o word_n and_o when_o i_o see_v he_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n to_o john_n in_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n which_o make_v john_n exceed_o fear_v s._n john_n see_v the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v exceed_o afraid_a and_o astonish_v as_o a_o dead_a man_n we_o all_o by_o nature_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n be_v fearful_a sinner_n before_o he_o fall_v he_o walk_v &_o talk_v with_o god_n face_n to_o face_n but_o after_o his_o fall_n he_o flee_v and_o hide_v himself_o he_o can_v not_o brook_v his_o presence_n because_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o since_o his_o fall_n man_n frailty_n and_o weakness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v abide_v the_o presence_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n but_o as_o manoah_n judg._n 13._o 22._o see_v a_o angel_n of_o god_n say_v we_o shall_v sure_o die_v because_o we_o have_v see_v god_n show_v that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v terrible_a to_o sinful_a man_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o man_n now_o see_v we_o have_v lose_v our_o first_o estate_n we_o must_v labour_v continual_o to_o have_v the_o image_n of_o satan_n abolish_v in_o we_o and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n daily_o renew_v we_o must_v become_v new_a creature_n &_o seek_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v our_o former_a fellowship_n with_o god_n which_o we_o lose_v in_o adam_n for_o in_o this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n
mind_n and_o in_o that_o very_a manner_n he_o will_v if_o he_o be_v present_a and_o if_o they_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n they_o shall_v be_v suspect_v of_o unfaithfulnes_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n will_v he_o deliver_v his_o word_n partly_o in_o english_a partly_o in_o latin_a or_o use_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n &_o philosophy_n or_o of_o poet_n and_o sure_o though_o man_n call_v this_o the_o learned_a way_n of_o preach_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o that_o christ_n command_v nay_o if_o this_o be_v admit_v it_o will_v bring_v in_o barbarism_n and_o expel_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o bring_v in_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v among_o the_o schoolman_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o needless_a disputation_n the_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o phrase_n christ_n use_v the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o they_o signify_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o the_o candlestick_n signify_v the_o seven_o church_n but_o be_v so_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o the_o exposition_n in_o the_o sacrament_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v warrant_v and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o as_o the_o papist_n hold_v for_o as_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hold_v that_o these_o be_v seven_o angel_n indeed_o because_o they_o be_v call_v so_o so_o to_o hold_v the_o bread_n be_v real_o transform_v indeed_o into_o christ_n body_n but_o be_v a_o sign_n as_o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n be_v put_v for_o the_o thing_n signify_v this_o bread_n be_v that_o be_v represent_v my_o body_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o verse_n i._n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o the_o four_o action_n of_o christ_n whereby_o john_n describe_v he_o which_o be_v that_o christ_n in_o these_o two_o chapter_n give_v he_o 7._o particular_a commandment_n to_o write_v seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o first_o of_o these_o seven_o particular_a commandment_n be_v in_o this_o first_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o commandment_n follow_v the_o epistle_n itself_o these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o eight_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n this_o word_n be_v two_o way_n use_v first_o it_o signify_v the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v common_o and_o of_o the_o most_o second_o it_o may_v signify_v a_o company_n of_o minister_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n 28._o as_o paul_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o which_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d overseer_n show_v there_o be_v many_o minister_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o this_o word_n angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n as_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o one_o man_n signify_v a_o whole_a multitude_n god_n bid_v moses_n send_v my_o son_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o particular_a he_o note_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n so_o though_o antichrist_n be_v not_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o pope_n 2._o yet_o paul_n call_v he_o that_o antichrist_n and_o that_o child_n of_o perdition_n &_o so_o it_o skill_v not_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o for_o one_o man_n or_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o governor_n in_o this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v two_o point_n first_o the_o intent_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o he_o direct_v his_o letter_n not_o to_o they_o all_o but_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o where_o he_o say_v he_o which_o have_v ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n write_v to_o the_o church_n now_o in_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n he_o intimate_v to_o he_o his_o duty_n first_o that_o he_o must_v especial_o labour_v to_o teach_v the_o particular_a content_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n second_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o teach_v but_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n second_o he_o write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n himself_o because_o he_o especial_o do_v great_a good_a or_o harm_n to_o the_o church_n if_o the_o minister_n be_v good_a there_o come_v much_o good_a if_o he_o be_v evil_a there_o come_v much_o evil_n as_o all_o example_n show_v now_o christ_n write_v for_o this_o cause_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v diligent_a and_o so_o the_o cause_n of_o good_a not_o of_o evil_a the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o christ_n among_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n first_o which_o be_v not_o because_o it_o have_v authority_n above_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o it_o be_v in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n above_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v the_o mother_n city_n for_o they_o be_v all_o candlestick_n and_o all_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o because_o it_o excel_v all_o other_o city_n in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n for_o that_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n first_o to_o this_o church_n by_o which_o he_o show_v that_o those_o church_n town_n and_o people_n which_o excel_v either_o in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n and_o other_o temporal_a gift_n they_o must_v also_o excel_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o man_n in_o particular_a as_o they_o excel_v in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n they_o must_v excel_v other_o in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n so_o then_o each_o town_n must_v as_o it_o excel_v other_o in_o that_o it_o have_v a_o great_a name_n great_a riches_n or_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n go_v before_o other_o which_o want_v they_o if_o they_o excel_v other_o in_o these_o and_o be_v inferior_a in_o godliness_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o man_n too_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o all_o ordinary_a epistle_n have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n now_o the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o end_n and_o intent_n of_o it_o be_v to_o draw_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o reverence_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o christ_n propound_v not_o that_o first_o but_o make_v a_o entrance_n to_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o reverence_n and_o regard_v his_o admonition_n the_o three_o reason_n which_o he_o use_v to_o do_v this_o be_v thus_o frame_v if_o i_o be_v he_o which_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v he_o which_o by_o my_o mighty_a power_n guide_n bless_v protect_v and_o defend_v thou_o and_o thy_o minister_n and_o if_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n that_o be_v be_o always_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o church_n to_o guide_v bless_v and_o protect_v you_o than_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o reverence_v my_o admonition_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la my_o admonition_n must_v be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o preface_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o see_v christ_n repeat_v that_o again_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o show_v this_o be_v a_o most_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learned_a and_o practise_v of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v that_o christ_n he_o be_v present_a in_o his_o church_n &_o be_v present_a by_o his_o special_a providence_n do_v bless_v guide_n and_o protect_v it_o both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o learn_v and_o to_o be_v certain_o persuade_v of_o even_o of_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o providence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v have_v sound_a religion_n &_o this_o stand_v not_o in_o a_o swim_a knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n but_o in_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o heart_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o providence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o all_o duty_n of_o our_o call_n see_v christ_n make_v this_o his_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o admonition_n so_o if_o we_o think_v
and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n and_o withal_o guide_v bless_v and_o protect_v the_o same_o we_o can_v but_o be_v move_v to_o walk_v as_o enoch_n and_o abraham_n do_v with_o god_n even_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o this_o second_o verse_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n 2._o which_o be_v the_o proposition_n which_o contain_v the_o very_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o epistle_n this_o proposition_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n second_o a_o rebuke_n or_o reprehension_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n first_o the_o commendation_n be_v in_o general_a i_o know_v thy_o work_n second_o in_o particular_a for_o particular_a duty_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n some_o expound_v it_o of_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n but_o that_o can_v stand_v but_o when_o he_o say_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v the_o deal_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o affair_n i_o know_v they_o they_o be_v open_a and_o not_o hide_v from_o i_o and_o not_o only_o know_v they_o but_o with_o approbation_n allow_v they_o as_o in_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o four_o verse_n where_o there_o be_v a_o opposition_n though_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v allow_v they_o yet_o i_o find_v fault_n in_o some_o thing_n with_o thou_o whereas_o christ_n he_o know_v use_v that_o be_v approve_v their_o work_n way_n deal_v conversation_n and_o live_n this_o may_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o all_o secret_a and_o hide_a sin_n the_o adulterer_n thief_n and_o murderer_n wait_v for_o the_o night_n when_o they_o think_v none_o see_v they_o than_o they_o may_v as_o they_o think_v practice_v any_o sin_n so_o the_o tradesman_n he_o think_v no_o man_n see_v he_o change_v and_o counterfeit_v his_o ware_n and_o blear_a man_n eye_n think_v all_o be_v well_o and_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v such_o fraud_n deceit_n guile_n and_o injustice_n among_o man_n be_v because_o man_n think_v they_o can_v do_v it_o so_o as_o none_o shall_v see_v they_o they_o say_v god_n regard_v and_o see_v not_o our_o deal_n psal._n 94._o 7._o but_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v that_o though_o they_o can_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o can_v hide_v it_o from_o god_n see_v they_o be_v always_o in_o his_o sight_n this_o will_v make_v man_n make_v conscience_n of_o many_o secret_a corruption_n and_o sin_n in_o their_o heart_n whereas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o approbation_n obiction_n and_o so_o christ_n approve_v of_o their_o work_n some_o may_v ask_v how_o can_v god_n approve_v of_o that_o which_o do_v not_o satisfy_v his_o law_n as_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n do_v not_o answer_n answ._n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o more_o than_o the_o law_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o word_n now_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v and_o unfeigned_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n if_o a_o man_n do_v this_o in_o truth_n the_o lord_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n so_o christ_n here_o he_o approve_v of_o their_o work_n proceed_v from_o a_o pure_a will_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n as_o perfect_a take_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n but_o see_v christ_n approve_v their_o work_n objection_n the_o papist_n may_v argue_v hence_o thus_o if_o god_n approve_v thus_o of_o man_n than_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n if_o they_o have_v none_o than_o a_o man_n may_v fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o this_o life_n answer_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n ans._n christ_n approve_v not_o their_o or_o our_o work_n simple_o but_o in_o part_n as_o they_o be_v his_o work_n proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o be_v fruit_n of_o our_o flesh_n he_o do_v not_o again_o christ_n approve_v they_o with_o pardon_n as_o they_o be_v pardon_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o approve_v he_o can_v not_o approve_v they_o at_o all_o christ_n say_v i_o know_v your_o work_n that_o be_v as_o proceed_v from_o my_o spirit_n and_o as_o pardon_v have_v the_o guilt_n take_v from_o they_o now_o i_o come_v to_o her_o commendation_n particular_o which_o be_v especial_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n in_o who_o the_o first_o thing_n commend_v be_v this_o namely_o labour_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n especial_o in_o the_o minister_n painfulness_n diligence_n and_o labour_n in_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o this_o virtue_n be_v worthy_a of_o commendation_n as_o 1._o tim._n 5._o 17._o he_o which_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o paul_n match_v and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o all_o other_o apostle_n in_o this_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o they_o all_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n commend_v this_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1_o we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o pain_n and_o diligence_n if_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o not_o of_o ease_n and_o idleness_n as_o man_n common_o esteem_v of_o it_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o commend_v it_o above_o all_o other_o work_v in_o the_o ministry_n see_v christ_n commend_v the_o minister_n 2._o in_o be_v painful_a and_o diligent_a in_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n must_v be_v diligent_a in_o learning_n and_o obey_v they_o but_o man_n think_v all_o be_v well_o if_o they_o come_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n though_o they_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o people_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n be_v hear_v without_o profit_n man_n bestow_v all_o pain_n care_n and_o diligence_n in_o worldly_a thing_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o pain_n in_o the_o principal_a namely_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v commend_v of_o christ_n than_o they_o must_v use_v diligence_n take_v pain_n in_o hear_v learning_n and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n must_v labour_v to_o teach_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o people_n ergo_fw-la they_o must_v labour_v to_o obey_v and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o practice_v religion_n and_o as_o paul_n labour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o must_v all_o man_n learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o then_o to_o obey_v and_o practice_v the_o same_o second_o christ_n he_o commend_v their_o patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v worthy_a commendation_n see_v it_o be_v more_o than_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n perform_v jerem._n 20._o be_v exceed_v impatient_a jonah_n be_v school_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n yet_o after_o that_o all_o thing_n fall_v not_o out_o to_o his_o mind_n he_o be_v most_o impatient_a but_o this_o angel_n labour_v and_o withal_o joy_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v so_o must_v minister_n labour_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o because_o the_o cross_n accompany_v the_o gospel_n they_o must_v be_v arm_v against_o persecution_n with_o patience_n they_o must_v endure_v all_o cross_n as_o luke_n 8._o 15._o the_o good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o frutie_a with_o patience_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o patience_n must_v go_v together_o now_o christ_n join_v these_o two_o labour_v in_o his_o call_n and_o patience_n together_o &_o sever_v they_o not_o first_o because_o before_o the_o fall_n man_n can_v do_v all_o his_o duty_n without_o trouble_n with_o ease_n and_o joy_n but_o since_o the_o fall_n we_o be_v corrupt_v can_v do_v nothing_o but_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o we_o and_o god_n set_v this_o mark_n on_o our_o sin_n that_o all_o our_o duty_n shall_v be_v troublesome_a and_o our_o calling_n shall_v have_v cross_n and_o calamity_n join_v with_o they_o second_o because_o as_o the_o minister_n labour_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n so_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o hinder_v they_o and_o to_o stay_v they_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o only_a labour_n but_o be_v diligent_a to_o strive_v with_o patience_n so_o paul_n 1_o thess._n 2._o he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n hinder_v he_o now_o as_o christ_n join_v these_o two_o in_o the_o ministry_n so_o in_o all_o calling_n these_o must_v go_v together_o both_o in_o particular_a calling_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n first_o we_o
must_v know_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n second_o we_o must_v labour_v in_o patience_n to_o practice_v they_o with_o diligence_n and_o withal_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v also_o join_a affliction_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v arm_v with_o patience_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n in_o our_o calling_n we_o must_v though_o affliction_n come_v obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n injoin_v we_o travel_n and_o labour_n in_o our_o calling_n and_o rely_v on_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v we_o in_o our_o calling_n if_o we_o labour_v diligent_o and_o be_v patient_a in_o affliction_n we_o must_v not_o think_v we_o may_v leave_v our_o particular_a calling_n because_o of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n but_o we_o must_v faithful_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o with_o patience_n endure_v affliction_n and_o then_o christ_n shall_v conmmend_v we_o which_o be_v better_o than_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n his_o commendation_n be_v better_a than_o any_o man_n can_v give_v if_o he_o commend_v we_o than_o we_o be_v happy_a though_o all_o man_n speak_v ill_a of_o us._n but_o if_o we_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v our_o calling_n and_o will_v not_o go_v on_o because_o of_o affliction_n but_o leave_v they_o for_o want_n of_o patience_n than_o instead_o of_o commend_v he_o will_v discommend_v and_o disgrace_v we_o and_o then_o what_o will_v it_o help_v we_o though_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o we_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v etc._n etc._n now_o follow_v the_o three_o particular_a work_n or_o virtue_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v wicked_a here_o he_o commend_v her_o severity_n against_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v such_o as_o live_v offensive_o in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n maintain_v any_o manifest_a heresy_n or_o error_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n can_v not_o bear_v such_o but_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o a_o burden_n which_o she_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o seek_v to_o be_v disburden_v of_o hence_o we_o see_v use_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n and_o she_o must_v be_v purge_v of_o they_o so_o in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v practise_v the_o church_n seek_v to_o be_v disburden_v of_o wicked_a man_n as_o when_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n genes_n 4._o the_o lord_n cast_v he_o out_o from_o his_o face_n that_o be_v that_o place_n where_o adam_n &_o his_o family_n assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n so_o say_v jeremy_n the_o wicked_a must_v be_v take_v away_o jer._n 15._o if_o thou_o will_v turn_v and_o separate_v the_o wicked_a &_o the_o vile_a than_o thou_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o lord_n mouth_n 1._o cor._n 5._o where_o the_o incestuous_a person_n must_v be_v give_v unto_o satan_n all_o these_o place_n prove_v that_o wicked_a man_n which_o be_v offensive_a in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n must_v be_v separate_a from_o the_o church_n she_o must_v be_v purge_v of_o they_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o church_n shall_v be_v purge_v of_o these_o wicked_a man_n first_o because_o they_o defile_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o infect_v it_o by_o their_o wickedness_n whereas_o they_o which_o worship_v he_o must_v be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a second_o lest_o the_o church_n be_v defile_v &_o infect_v by_o their_o wicked_a doctrine_n and_o life_n for_o they_o be_v as_o sour_a leaven_n which_o will_v soon_o infect_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o dough_n by_o this_o we_o see_v a_o manifest_a and_o common_a fault_n in_o our_o church_n use_v wherein_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o only_o suffer_v to_o live_v but_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v as_o though_o they_o be_v good_a yea_o though_o many_o of_o they_o want_v knowledge_n be_v contemner_n of_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n many_o be_v taint_v with_o drunkenness_n and_o vice_n which_o accompany_v that_o 〈◊〉_d but_o such_o as_o want_v knowledge_n or_o be_v wicked_a man_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n therefore_o we_o must_v seek_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o disburden_v the_o church_n of_o they_o second_o see_v they_o seek_v to_o be_v disburden_v of_o they_o we_o see_v christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n judicial_a power_n to_o disburden_v herself_o of_o wicked_a man_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n she_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o but_o seek_v to_o be_v disburden_v which_o she_o will_v not_o unless_o christ_n have_v give_v her_o power_n to_o do_v it_o object_n but_o some_o hold_n that_o wicked_a man_n must_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o must_v be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o mark_n 13._o 30._o the_o tare_n must_v be_v alone_o till_o the_o end_n answer_n but_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v purge_v by_o magistrate_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a purge_n in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o that_o not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o angel_n 2._o object_n luke_n 14._o 13._o christ_n bid_v they_o compel_v all_o in_o the_o high_a way_n now_o if_o all_o must_v be_v compel_v than_o none_o must_v be_v exempt_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n answ._n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o compel_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o must_v come_v and_o hear_v that_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o man_n wicked_a and_o offensive_a may_v not_o be_v suspend_v bar_v and_o excommunicate_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o salvation_n which_o must_v be_v give_v to_o they_o only_o which_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n quest._n see_v wicked_a man_n must_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n hence_o a_o question_n arise_v how_o far_o forth_o a_o man_n may_v converse_v with_o they_o and_o keep_v company_n with_o they_o which_o be_v offensive_a in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n answ._n evil_a man_n must_v be_v consider_v first_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n town_n or_o city_n second_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o toleration_n now_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n city_n or_o town_n we_o may_v converse_v with_o they_o in_o outward_a thing_n and_o civil_a affair_n as_o buy_v sell_v etc._n etc._n we_o may_v make_v outward_a civil_a peace_n with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v wicked_a as_o paul_n bid_v we_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o society_n wherein_o we_o live_v in_o this_o civil_a society_n we_o may_v perform_v outward_a civil_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o civil_a courtesy_n tit._n 3._o 2._o 2_o as_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o may_v live_v in_o it_o with_o he_o for_o we_o may_v not_o because_o of_o he_o leave_v that_o church_n but_o still_o live_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o so_o christ_n though_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o doctor_n be_v wicked_a man_n in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n hypocrite_n yet_o he_o live_v still_o among_o they_o but_o so_o as_o we_o see_v their_o wicked_a life_n allow_v not_o of_o it_o but_o be_v grieve_v with_o it_o as_o the_o sodomite_n grieve_v the_o righteous_a heart_n of_o lot_n nay_o although_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o minister_n yet_o we_o must_v and_o may_v continue_v among_o they_o in_o the_o church_n so_o do_v christ_n he_o live_v among_o the_o jew_n communicate_v among_o they_o in_o eat_v of_o the_o passeover_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n among_o they_o though_o they_o be_v corrupt_a in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o thy_o conscience_n be_v good_a it_o can_v be_v defile_v by_o another_o man_n ill_a conscience_n yet_o though_o we_o may_v do_v these_o thing_n with_o they_o yet_o two_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a first_o we_o must_v have_v no_o private_a or_o familiar_a company_n with_o they_o 1._o cor._n 5._o the_o ten_o and_o eleven_o verse_n second_o no_o special_a familiarity_n we_o must_v not_o bar_v they_o of_o general_a duty_n but_o of_o special_a familiarity_n only_o for_o by_o that_o mean_v a_o man_n do_v not_o only_o countenance_v their_o person_n but_o allow_v of_o their_o sin_n this_o then_o condemn_v they_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n use_v that_o they_o can_v fit_v and_o frame_v themselves_o to_o all_o company_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o disposition_n of_o any_o company_n but_o if_o there_o be_v
etc._n the_o common_a people_n be_v of_o the_o pharisy_n and_o justiciaries_n mind_n that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n see_v they_o live_v civil_o not_o taint_v with_o horrible_a and_o gross_a sin_n but_o we_o must_v repent_v for_o other_o sin_n as_o want_v of_o knowledge_n love_n obedience_n &c_n &c_n otherwise_o we_o can_v true_o repent_v now_o if_o we_o must_v repent_v of_o all_o sin_n much_o more_o of_o notorious_a sin_n as_o of_o atheism_n which_o now_o abound_v and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o pride_n in_o apparel_n contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o increase_v in_o all_o place_n for_o want_n of_o mercy_n for_o cruelty_n and_o for_o those_o sin_n which_o can_v soon_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o us._n now_o the_o remedy_n be_v to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n to_o return_v to_o their_o first_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o to_o man_n this_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n see_v this_o repentance_n never_o perish_v or_o decay_v but_o must_v be_v ever_o renew_v so_o then_o he_o will_v have_v we_o also_o to_o remember_v what_o good_a thought_n affection_n &_o action_n we_o have_v have_v to_o get_v they_o again_o and_o never_o lose_v they_o after_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o do_v our_o first_o work_n which_o the_o lord_n grant_v to_o we_o at_o our_o first_o calling_n they_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v again_o or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o 5._o whenas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v rebuke_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o decay_n in_o love_n and_o set_v down_o the_o remedy_n first_o to_o remember_v whence_o she_o be_v fall_v second_o to_o repent_v three_o to_o do_v she_o first_o work_n in_o these_o word_n he_o lay_v down_o a_o reason_n to_o move_v she_o to_o use_v the_o remedy_n especial_o to_o repent_v if_o she_o will_v not_o than_o he_o will_v come_v against_o she_o short_o this_o contain_v three_o part_n first_o a_o general_a threaten_a or_o commination_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o second_o a_o particular_a threaten_n and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n three_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o two_o threaten_n except_o you_o repent_v because_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o church_n this_o show_v our_o duty_n in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o we_o apply_v all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o one_o man_n or_o to_o one_o church_n to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o see_v any_o virtue_n commend_v we_o must_v imitate_v they_o or_o vice_n discommend_v we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v clean_o of_o they_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o which_o overcom_v etc._n etc._n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v namely_o to_o he_o which_o overcom_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v i_o will_v give_v he_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n namely_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o party_n to_o who_o be_v he_o which_o prevail_v against_o all_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n hell_n death_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n that_o we_o may_v overcome_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o a_o man_n must_v be_v bear_v anew_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o christ._n 1._o john_n 5._o for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v anew_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o overcom_v all_o his_o enemy_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o whole_o rely_v on_o christ_n 1._o john_n 5._o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o our_o faith_n for_o he_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o victory_n over_o death_n hell_n sin_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v his_o natural_a corruption_n abolish_v and_o weaken_v three_o that_o we_o stand_v against_o all_o our_o enemy_n with_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n and_o he_o which_o have_v these_o three_o he_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o these_o his_o enemy_n to_o they_o which_o overcome_v ergo_fw-la it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v to_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n that_o god_n offer_v life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o unless_o they_o will_v reject_v it_o for_o salvation_n be_v promise_v only_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v bear_v anew_o which_o have_v faith_n in_o christ_n deny_v themselves_o and_o they_o which_o stand_v out_o against_o all_o their_o enemy_n by_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n be_v this_o so_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v only_o to_o conqueror_n we_o must_v then_o labour_v to_o be_v conqueror_n to_o overcome_v all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v slavery_n and_o hell_n itself_o and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v in_o truth_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v overcome_v all_o these_o his_o enemy_n this_o be_v freedom_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o great_a among_o man_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v the_o vassal_n of_o sin_n a_o satan_n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o most_o miserable_a second_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v life_n eternal_a which_o be_v set_v out_o by_o two_o circumstance_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o will_v give_v second_o what_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o which_o word_n be_v a_o opposition_n between_o adam_n and_o christ_n for_o adam_n by_o his_o sin_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n but_o christ_n have_v set_v open_a the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v free_a access_n to_o it_o adam_n he_o lose_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n christ_n have_v prepare_v a_o heavenly_a paradise_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o garden_n whereof_o adam_n do_v eat_v it_o be_v call_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o pledge_n to_o he_o of_o eternal_a life_n if_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o his_o estate_n second_o because_o this_o tree_n have_v a_o virtue_n in_o it_o from_o god_n to_o preserve_v adam_n for_o ever_o from_o death_n and_o old_a age_n and_o to_o make_v he_o continual_o to_o live_v if_o he_o stand_v this_o tree_n of_o life_n be_v a_o true_a figure_n of_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n for_o as_o that_o tree_n have_v virtue_n in_o it_o from_o god_n to_o preserve_v adam_n life_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v keep_v from_o old_a age_n so_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n he_o live_v not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v man_n and_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o to_o convey_v quicken_a virtue_n to_o all_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o merit_n by_o a_o true_a faith_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n to_o eat_v signify_v sometime_o to_o believe_v as_o joh._n 6._o 50._o but_o it_o can_v be_v so_o here_o see_v we_o can_v in_o heaven_n believe_v in_o christ_n but_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n be_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o heaven_n with_o christ_n for_o ever_o for_o christ_n shall_v be_v to_o we_o a_o tree_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o ever_o yea_o all_o in_o all_o to_o every_o one_o of_o us._n in_o this_o first_o point_n of_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o first_o wherein_o consist_v eternal_a life_n namely_o in_o immediate_a fellowship_n &_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v our_o true_a felicity_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v be_v to_o his_o all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v all_o happiness_n that_o heart_n can_v wish_v therefore_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o outward_a mean_n as_o meat_n drink_v apparel_n sleep_n respiration_n recreation_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n jesus_n for_o ever_o second_o the_o place_n of_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o midst_n of_o paradise_n where_o christ_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o this_o in_o the_o heavenly_a paradise_n he_o say_v in_o paradise_n that_o be_v in_o the_o three_o or_o high_a heaven_n a_o place_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n where_o the_o lord_n especial_o show_v his_o glory_n and_o where_o he_o provide_v happiness_n for_o his_o child_n there_o be_v indeed_o three_o heaven_n one_o where_o we_o live_v and_o breath_n and_o where_o the_o cloud_n be_v the_o second_o where_o the_o star_n be_v the_o three_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o presence_n and_o where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o child_n be_v of_o this_o paul_n speak_v when_o he_o be_v rapt_v
when_o a_o man_n keep_v this_o promise_n make_v in_o baptism_n and_o perform_v this_o condition_n to_o god_n and_o stipulation_n than_o he_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n &_o when_o he_o break_v it_o than_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a 1._o pet._n 3._o 21._o second_o the_o lord_n he_o give_v his_o servant_n many_o grace_n as_o faith_n hope_n love_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n these_o he_o commit_v to_o man_n to_o see_v how_o he_o will_v use_v or_o abuse_v they_o 1._o tim._n 6._o 20._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o keep_v they_o to_o use_v they_o well_o and_o this_o if_o we_o do_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o our_o own_o good_a than_o we_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n else_o not_o as_o if_o a_o man_n commit_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o another_o if_o he_o lose_v it_o or_o keep_v it_o not_o well_o he_o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o he_o be_v faithful_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o have_v make_v a_o promise_n in_o baptism_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o thou_o have_v have_v many_o grace_n promise_v to_o use_v they_o well_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o life_n and_o death_n &_o be_v faithful_a in_o persecution_n &_o affliction_n keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o then_o thou_o artfaithfull_a against_o this_o duty_n three_o sort_n of_o man_n offend_v first_o they_o which_o though_o they_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o security_n never_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n to_o understand_v his_o will_n or_o to_o obey_v he_o yet_o these_o will_v brag_v of_o their_o good_a meaning_n though_o they_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o please_v god_n no_o care_n to_o keep_v their_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n and_o their_o stipulation_n in_o baptism_n to_o he_o second_o they_o which_o for_o a_o good_a while_n have_v have_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v come_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n yet_o after_o long_a time_n fall_v away_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o world_n with_o the_o profit_n and_o sin_n thereof_o and_o so_o leave_v all_o and_o come_v to_o break_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n both_o these_o be_v unfaithful_a servant_n and_o their_o reward_n if_o the_o lord_n deal_v in_o justice_n with_o they_o be_v destruction_n and_o yet_o all_o man_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v of_o these_o two_o sort_n they_o either_o live_v in_o ignorance_n or_o fall_v away_o after_o a_o long_a time_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o profess_v a_o long_a time_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v earnest_a professor_n yet_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n they_o will_v leave_v all_o profession_n of_o religion_n to_o save_v themselves_o then_o see_v all_o these_o offend_v we_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v god_n to_o obey_v he_o to_o keep_v his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o we_o to_o the_o end_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o lose_v our_o life_n rather_o than_o any_o one_o grace_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o us._n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o persecution_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v merit_v heaven_n see_v there_o be_v promise_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n ans._n it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n by_o resemblance_n for_o as_o man_n in_o a_o race_n first_o run_v and_o after_o they_o obtain_v the_o crown_n at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o race_n so_o man_n must_v first_o in_o this_o world_n live_v godly_a run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n after_o that_o they_o have_v their_o crown_n in_o heaven_n i_o answer_v again_o this_o reward_n be_v not_o of_o the_o work_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o worker_n not_o to_o the_o martyredome_n but_o to_o the_o martyr_n which_o have_v by_o suffer_a death_n show_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o passion_n or_o suffering_n but_o to_o the_o person_n suffer_v &_o not_o for_o his_o suffering_n but_o to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n &_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o by_o his_o suffer_a death_n so_o then_o that_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o work_n but_o to_o the_o worker_n and_o not_o for_o his_o work_n but_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o he_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o use_n than_o be_v use_v that_o if_o we_o keep_v this_o promise_n in_o baptism_n make_v before_o god_n his_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o which_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n promise_v to_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n let_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n 11._o hear_v in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n or_o last_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n now_o in_o these_o three_o verse_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v a_o rehearsal_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n deliver_v before_o in_o this_o and_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n now_o see_v christ_n the_o head_n and_o doctor_n of_o his_o church_n be_v most_o perfect_a in_o his_o doctrine_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o deliver_v the_o same_o see_v he_o repeat_v again_o and_o again_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o see_v peter_n put_v they_o often_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o common_a salvation_n hence_o we_o note_v that_o minister_n may_v often_o repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n not_o only_o the_o same_o matter_n but_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o word_n so_o do_v christ_n the_o head_n doctor_n of_o the_o church_n so_o may_v we_o or_o any_o preacher_n preach_v the_o same_o sermon_n again_o in_o manner_n and_o matter_n not_o for_o to_o ease_v ourselves_o but_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christ_n seven_o time_n repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o the_o hearer_n then_o if_o they_o find_v the_o preacher_n shall_v deliver_v the_o same_o doctrine_n again_o or_o often_o they_o must_v not_o find_v fault_n for_o than_o they_o may_v as_o well_o find_v fault_n with_o christ_n himself_o who_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o often_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n in_o this_o eleven_o verse_n be_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commandment_n second_o a_o promise_n in_o the_o commandment_n first_o what_o be_v command_v second_o to_o who_o the_o duty_n command_v be_v to_o hear_v there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o hear_v good_a and_o bad_a here_o he_o require_v good_a hear_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n not_o naked_a and_o bare_a outward_a hear_n then_o we_o see_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n stand_v in_o hear_v with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v nothing_o we_o hear_v and_o know_v nothing_o with_o sound_a hear_n to_o salvation_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o who_o the_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v for_o some_o be_v deaf_a some_o be_v lively_a and_o hear_v hearer_n they_o be_v deaf_a which_o hear_v only_o with_o outward_a and_o bodily_a ear_n not_o affect_v in_o hart_n nor_o change_v in_o life_n by_o the_o word_n they_o be_v good_a hear_v hearer_n which_o be_v touch_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o word_n change_v and_o renew_a in_o life_n by_o the_o same_o have_v not_o only_o outward_a ear_n of_o the_o head_n but_o inward_a bore_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n hence_o we_o learn_v two_o thing_n use_v first_o that_o election_n be_v not_o general_a and_o universal_a of_o every_o particular_a man_n for_o there_o be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v ever_o some_o deaf_a hearer_n second_o we_o learn_v our_o duty_n that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o lend_v our_o outward_a ear_n but_o withal_o join_v faith_n obedience_n and_o conversion_n in_o life_n so_o hear_v that_o we_o be_v change_v in_o life_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n else_o our_o hear_n be_v fruitless_a nay_o to_o damnation_n the_o three_o thing_n be_v what_o they_o must_v hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v namely_o that_o which_o be_v before_o in_o the_o former_a word_n deliver_v by_o christ._n the_o principal_a thing_n be_v these_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n see_v and_o regard_v the_o tribulation_n and_o affliction_n of_o his_o church_n second_o that_o god_n church_n and_o people_n be_v to_o suffer_v the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n must_v forethink_v of_o it_o and_o consider_v of_o it_o before_o
the_o affection_n of_o christ_n which_o thing_n i_o also_o hate_v that_o be_v not_o their_o person_n but_o their_o error_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v first_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v and_o dislike_v the_o least_o honour_n or_o approbation_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o idol_n for_o these_o nicolaitane_n do_v not_o honour_v idol_n or_o offer_v to_o they_o but_o come_v into_o their_o temple_n and_o invite_v by_o their_o friend_n do_v eat_v of_o the_o meat_n offer_v to_o they_o yet_o christ_n hate_v their_o deal_n show_v he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a this_o also_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o say_v they_o worship_v not_o idol_n yet_o they_o kneel_v down_o to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o saint_n adore_v they_o light_a candle_n and_o taper_n to_o they_o offer_v to_o they_o hang_v costly_a jewel_n about_o their_o neck_n clothe_v they_o with_o costly_a apparel_n and_o so_o do_v indeed_o far_o more_o than_o the_o nicolaitane_n do_v therefore_o have_v christ_n cause_n to_o hate_v they_o much_o more_o this_o also_o teach_v man_n which_o travel_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o travel_v not_o without_o any_o call_n to_o see_v news_n out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o spain_n and_o italy_n for_o than_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o true_a church_n offer_v themselves_o to_o occasion_n which_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n though_o they_o hate_v image_n for_o be_v in_o idolatrous_a place_n they_o must_v come_v into_o their_o temple_n and_o do_v as_o their_o manner_n be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o kneel_v down_o to_o they_o which_o they_o can_v without_o some_o approbation_n whereas_o they_o shall_v hate_v the_o least_o approbation_n or_o like_n of_o they_o then_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n which_o travel_n to_o travel_v within_o the_o church_n and_o not_o out_o but_o by_o some_o special_a call_n and_o necessity_n further_o by_o this_o christ_n will_v have_v we_o to_o hate_v all_o familiar_a society_n with_o idolater_n a_o man_n may_v i_o grant_v live_v with_o idolater_n in_o a_o civil_a course_n of_o peace_n but_o not_o to_o have_v a_o special_a kind_n of_o familiarity_n and_o amity_n with_o they_o now_o as_o christ_n hate_v their_o idolatry_n so_o do_v he_o their_o fornication_n give_v we_o example_n to_o hate_v fornication_n first_o because_o our_o body_n be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o the_o body_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n or_o woman_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v buy_v it_o therefore_o we_o must_v consecrate_v and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o honour_v he_o not_o satan_n his_o enemy_n our_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n at_o least_o by_o profession_n then_o we_o must_v not_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v it_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n our_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v the_o house_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o we_o must_v keep_v they_o fair_a pure_a and_o clean_a fit_a to_o entertain_v such_o a_o guest_n but_o they_o which_o pollute_v themselves_o with_o fornication_n make_v they_o sty_n and_o stable_n for_o the_o devil_n repent_v quick_o 16._o have_v lay_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o the_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n here_o he_o show_v the_o remedy_n to_o escape_v and_o after_o the_o remedy_n add_v two_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o practice_v the_o remedy_n the_o first_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o pergamus_n the_o second_o the_o nicolaitan_o in_o the_o remedy_n note_v first_o what_o repentance_n be_v second_o why_o it_o be_v so_o often_o prescribe_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n three_o to_o who_o to_o repent_v proper_o be_v to_o change_v the_o mind_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a from_o sin_n to_o god_n thus_o when_o by_o god_n grace_n a_o man_n have_v this_o purpose_n in_o his_o heart_n not_o to_o sin_v as_o before_o but_o in_o all_o thing_n whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o but_o here_o repentance_n as_o common_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v take_v more_o large_o for_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o go_v with_o or_o be_v in_o repentance_n as_o first_o humiliation_n confession_n of_o our_o sin_n condemn_v ourselves_o for_o they_o second_o invocation_n for_o pardon_n of_o they_o three_o reformation_n of_o life_n when_o a_o man_n purpose_v and_o indevore_v in_o his_o life_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o why_o do_v christ_n so_o often_o repeat_v and_o prescribe_v repentance_n to_o his_o church_n ans._n not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o procure_v or_o demerit_v salvation_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n for_o only_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n alone_o can_v do_v that_o but_o he_o call_v they_o often_o to_o this_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o faith_n repentance_n of_o itself_o procure_v not_o god_n favour_n but_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o god_n favour_n procure_v in_o christ._n second_o because_o it_o be_v a_o path_n way_n wherein_o all_o man_n must_v walk_v which_o must_v have_v pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a but_o to_o who_o do_v christ_n prescribe_v repentance_n ans._n first_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o pergamus_n second_o to_o the_o nicolaitane_n as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n the_o minister_n and_o people_n thereof_o christ_n before_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o worthy_a grace_n &_o they_o have_v repentance_n before_o yet_o christ_n bid_v they_o repent_v still_o now_o in_o that_o he_o prescribe_v repentance_n still_o to_o a_o repentant_a people_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a practice_n of_o repentance_n a_o daily_a and_o perpetual_a repentance_n when_o one_o have_v begin_v and_o repent_v once_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o but_o as_o every_o day_n add_v to_o our_o age_n so_o every_o day_n for_o our_o new_a sin_n we_o must_v have_v new_a repentance_n 1._o cor._n 5._o paul_n desire_v they_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n now_o 1_o cor._n 6._o they_o be_v reconcile_v already_o and_o have_v true_a repentance_n note_v that_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v their_o reconciliation_n more_o increase_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o their_o daily_a offence_n and_o sin_n now_o we_o must_v think_v that_o what_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v speak_v to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a sin_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o perform_v the_o same_o duty_n which_o they_o be_v command_v here_o christ_n moreover_o prescribe_v this_o not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n but_o to_o the_o nicolaitane_n which_o hold_v two_o damnable_a error_n and_o as_o they_o hold_v they_o no_o doubt_n they_o live_v according_o yet_o christ_n bid_v they_o repent_v then_o great_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v not_o bar_v from_o god_n mercy_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v excellent_a be_v that_o of_o isaiah_n our_o god_n be_v much_o exceed_v much_o in_o mercy_n psalm_n 130._o god_n be_v much_o in_o mercy_n plenteous_a in_o redemption_n no_o man_n which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n but_o god_n offer_v he_o mercy_n if_o he_o will_v repent_v and_o lay_v hold_v on_o it_o among_o we_o in_o this_o church_n be_v many_o ignorant_a and_o evil_a people_n yet_o if_o these_o will_v repent_v the_o lord_n offer_v his_o mercy_n though_o they_o be_v as_o wicked_a as_o the_o nicolaitane_n as_o judas_n or_o herode_fw-la be_v yet_o christ_n offer_v his_o mercy_n and_o merit_n if_o they_o will_v lay_v hold_n on_o it_o then_o let_v all_o such_o wicked_a man_n break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n of_o their_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n fornication_n and_o humble_v themselves_o with_o job_n in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n but_o we_o must_v not_o abuse_v god_n mercy_n to_o presumption_n but_o be_v sure_a that_o though_o thy_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a or_o crimson_a or_o as_o scarlet_a which_o can_v take_v no_o other_o colour_n yet_o there_o be_v mercy_n in_o store_n to_o help_v thou_o if_o thou_o repent_v this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v teach_v to_o malefactor_n not_o to_o embolden_v they_o in_o sin_n but_o to_o assure_v they_o that_o if_o they_o repent_v at_o any_o time_n the_o lord_n will_v hear_v they_o yea_o though_o a_o man_n fall_v often_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o be_v dangerous_a yet_o if_o he_o have_v grace_n to_o repent_v god_n fountain_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o draw_v dry_a but_o still_o he_o have_v in_o store_n only_o they_o must_v repent_v for_o if_o they_o look_v to_o have_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n christ_n look_v to_o have_v their_o repentance_n else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o
cruel_a man_n he_o stand_v to_o fight_v against_o such_o face_n to_o face_n stand_v with_o his_o naked_a sword_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o will_v not_o to_o wound_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o kill_v they_o now_o we_o hear_v our_o sin_n reprove_v we_o shall_v fear_v and_o tremble_v fall_v down_o as_o balaam_n do_v and_o see_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o word_n preach_v stand_v with_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o slay_v we_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v stay_v we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a if_o we_o hear_v of_o a_o enemy_n to_o come_v against_o we_o how_o will_v every_o one_o quake_n for_o fear_n shall_v we_o fear_v the_o shake_a sword_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n and_o not_o the_o bloody_a sword_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n shall_v we_o resist_v he_o and_o go_v on_o though_o he_o fight_v against_o we_o alas_o it_o be_v not_o wisdom_n to_o strive_v with_o god_n for_o than_o he_o will_v hack_v we_o to_o piece_n but_o we_o must_v hear_v he_o and_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o good_a will_n &_o pleasure_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o the_o same_o sword_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v a_o instrument_n to_o pierce_v our_o heart_n to_o death_n then_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o minister_n speak_v to_o we_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o we_o fight_v against_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o contemn_v he_o again_o we_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n not_o only_o because_o he_o once_o deliver_v it_o but_o because_o it_o daily_o proceed_v from_o he_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o minister_n then_o we_o see_v this_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n lawful_o call_v they_o be_v that_o mouth_n of_o christ_n from_o which_o his_o sword_n proceed_v so_o paul_n call_v they_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n to_o deliver_v his_o word_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 19_o then_o they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n use_v and_o they_o also_o which_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o the_o same_o must_v learn_v to_o think_v reverent_o and_o high_o of_o it_o not_o contemn_v it_o and_o think_v it_o a_o base_a call_n for_o to_o be_v a_o lawyer_n or_o physician_n have_v not_o this_o privilege_n to_o be_v call_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o minister_n have_v again_o see_v they_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n minister_n must_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n christ_n will_v speak_v the_o same_o if_o he_o be_v present_a even_o as_o ambassador_n who_o deliver_v their_o master_n will_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o those_o word_n which_o they_o think_v he_o will_v himself_o which_o if_o we_o do_v than_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v that_o humane_a kind_n of_o preach_v partly_o in_o greek_a latin_a &_o english_a mingle_v with_o testimony_n and_o sentence_n of_o man_n for_o christ_n will_v never_o preach_v so_o neither_o do_v his_o apostle_n or_o prophet_n use_v it_o furthermore_o see_v the_o minister_n lawful_o call_v be_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o see_v a_o mortal_a man_n sinful_a like_a to_o we_o deliver_v the_o word_n that_o we_o contemn_v it_o not_o for_o his_o sake_n but_o receive_v the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o power_n of_o god_n though_o it_o come_v from_o a_o mortal_a man_n so_o paul_n commend_v the_o thessalonian_n who_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ever_o live_v god_n beside_o see_v christ_n carry_v his_o sceptre_n in_o his_o mouth_n not_o in_o his_o hand_n we_o see_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a he_o govern_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o people_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n the_o eternal_a word_n of_o god_n publish_v and_o preach_v by_o sinful_a man_n like_o to_o us._n this_o show_v the_o abuse_n of_o that_o sword_n which_o the_o pope_n the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n challenge_v for_o he_o will_v have_v both_o sword_n civil_a and_o ecclesiasticall_n sure_o he_o be_v not_o the_o vicar_n and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n be_v content_a only_o with_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n now_o follow_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n the_o first_o a_o commandment_n let_v he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v the_o second_o a_o promise_n to_o he_o which_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o manna_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o first_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o commandment_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o church_n to_o attention_n to_o mark_v the_o thing_n propound_v the_o first_o special_a point_n what_o be_v command_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o must_v not_o be_v hear_v with_o a_o bare_a and_o simple_a hear_n but_o with_o knowledge_n faith_n belief_n and_o obedience_n in_o practice_n see_v he_o command_v this_o hear_n to_o all_o man_n we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n all_o man_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v frequent_v sermon_n where_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v and_o teach_v by_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n that_o they_o may_v better_o learn_v their_o duty_n at_o a_o good_a time_n man_n will_v come_v to_o the_o church_n though_o they_o come_v not_o half_o a_o year_n after_o but_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o man_n shall_v daily_o at_o all_o lawful_a occasion_n frequent_a sermon_n and_o come_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o if_o we_o be_v his_o sheep_n we_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n joh._n 10._o &_o desire_v to_o hear_v his_o word_n teach_v by_o his_o mouth_n mat._n 16._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o as_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o key_n to_o open_a heaven_n as_o to_o have_v his_o soul_n bring_v thither_o paul_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n because_o the_o same_o by_o god_n grace_n reconcile_v we_o to_o he_o who_o be_v his_o enemy_n be_v make_v by_o it_o to_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n then_o we_o must_v come_v to_o hear_v it_o daily_o not_o at_o christmas_n or_o such_o time_n alone_o for_o this_o be_v to_o magnify_v those_o day_n above_o the_o lord_n day_n but_o man_n corrupt_a &_o froward_a say_v for_o themselves_o tush_o if_o god_n or_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n will_v preach_v to_o we_o we_o will_v come_v but_o when_o man_n speak_v to_o we_o be_v sinful_a and_o like_a ourselves_o we_o will_v not_o ans._n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v publish_v and_o preach_v to_o man_n by_o man_n like_o himself_o for_o since_o adam_n fall_n man_n can_v not_o abide_v to_o hear_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n the_o israelite_n see_v but_o a_o glimmer_n of_o god_n glory_n can_v not_o abide_v it_o but_o say_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o moses_n exod._n 19_o and_o he_o will_v have_v his_o word_n preach_v by_o sinful_a man_n to_o try_v man_n obedience_n and_o humility_n how_o he_o will_v receive_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v by_o man_n again_o he_o do_v it_o to_o make_v love_n between_o man_n and_o man_n when_o one_o man_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o another_o then_o be_v they_o presumptuous_a person_n who_o dare_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n most_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o will_n again_o other_o say_v they_o have_v the_o bible_n contain_v the_o sermon_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o who_o can_v make_v better_a sermon_n than_o they_o now_o see_v they_o have_v these_o at_o hand_n they_o need_v not_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o let_v these_o consider_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o bible_n so_o will_v he_o have_v it_o expound_v by_o man_n in_o the_o church_n that_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o and_o so_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n as_o for_o some_o other_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o have_v a_o journey_n as_o they_o say_v they_o can_v serve_v god_n on_o their_o horse_n back_o or_o in_o the_o way_n as_o well_o and_o with_o as_o good_a a_o heart_n as_o the_o best_a in_o the_o church_n but_o let_v these_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o wise_a man_n solomon_n pro._n 28._o 16._o he_o which_o turn_v his_o ear_n from_o the_o law_n that_o be_v from_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o prayer_n be_v abominable_a and_o if_o he_o turn_v from_o god_n god_n will_v turn_v from_o he_o and_o if_o man_n be_v weary_a
here_o he_o command_v she_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n hence_o we_o see_v christ_n will_v have_v this_o church_n to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o maintain_v that_o and_o not_o to_o regard_v any_o other_o but_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n do_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n he_o shall_v be_v accurse_v galat_n 1._o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o main_a religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n use_v namely_o of_o the_o turk_n jew_n and_o papist_n the_o papist_n magnify_v their_o religion_n stand_v on_o unwritten_a tradition_n but_o they_o can_v prove_v they_o be_v apostolical_a ergo_fw-la we_o must_v not_o regard_v they_o no_o nor_o doctrine_n which_o man_n say_v they_o have_v by_o revelation_n for_o we_o must_v only_o regard_v apostolical_a doctrine_n as_o for_o the_o turk_n religion_n it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o creep_v in_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o and_o for_o the_o jew_n all_o their_o religion_n be_v against_o the_o gospel_n then_o good_a man_n in_o diverse_a country_n shall_v not_o be_v of_o diverse_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n neither_o shall_v man_n because_o of_o dissent_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o religion_n for_o christ_n enjoin_v this_o church_n to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o many_o dissent_v from_o it_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o end_n here_o not_o how_o long_o not_o one_o or_o two_o day_n but_o to_o the_o end_n and_o we_o must_v look_v to_o this_o see_v christ_n so_o straight_o command_v it_o because_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o mark_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o save_v man_n soul_n to_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o end_n and_o for_o this_o 2._o tim._n 2._o paul_n bid_v he_o teach_v that_o he_o learn_v that_o other_o may_v instruct_v they_o which_o follow_v and_o so_o convey_v it_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o for_o this_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n eph._n 4._o give_v the_o church_n pastor_n first_o such_o as_o by_o their_o teach_n maintain_v purity_n in_o manner_n and_o teacher_n which_o maintain_v it_o in_o doctrine_n then_o this_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o continue_v purity_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o mark_n be_v set_v wrong_n in_o the_o haven_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n so_o if_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n be_v corrupt_a which_o be_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o heaven_n than_o we_o shall_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o hell_n then_o the_o minister_n must_v not_o only_o teach_v true_o but_o labour_v to_o beat_v down_o false_a doctrine_n which_o poison_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o man_n labour_v not_o to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a doctrine_n the_o lord_n 2._o thess._n 2._o give_v they_o up_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o fantasy_n of_o man_n to_o he_o which_o overcome_v etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o last_o part_n to_o wit_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o party_n to_o who_o second_o the_o benefit_n promise_v the_o party_n to_o who_o to_o he_o which_o overcome_v who_o here_o christ_n describe_v to_o be_v he_o which_o keep_v his_o work_n by_o his_o practice_n of_o obedience_n he_o which_o keep_v or_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o obedience_n namely_o the_o observe_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o keep_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o constant_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v this_o privilege_n that_o their_o will_n and_o endeavour_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o the_o deed_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v many_o which_o have_v little_a knowledge_n these_o must_v not_o be_v cast_v down_o but_o if_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n their_o obedience_n be_v true_a obedience_n and_o acceptable_a to_o christ._n my_o work_n here_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o obedience_n namely_o christ_n work_n that_o be_v such_o work_n as_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o in_o his_o member_n christ_n call_v these_o work_n his_o work_n 1._o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v our_o word_n or_o work_n but_o only_o christ_n work_n command_v and_o ordain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o cause_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o we_o do_v when_o we_o conform_v our_o work_n and_o will_n to_o his_o word_n and_o will_n we_o see_v no_o work_n be_v acceptable_a 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for_o christ_n have_v power_n over_o all_o man_n all_o country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n second_o it_o be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a rule_v and_o overrule_a all_o creature_n overrule_v of_o none_o this_o sovereignty_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o give_v law_n that_o bind_v the_o conscience_n so_o that_o if_o man_n keep_v they_o not_o he_o have_v power_n to_o condemn_v they_o nay_o he_o rule_v man_n will_n and_o affection_n he_o can_v make_v they_o obey_v he_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o heart_n secon_o in_o that_o he_o have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o reu._n 3._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n psal._n 2._o he_o can_v break_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n three_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o father_n as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a to_o his_o father_n yet_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n he_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o thus_o be_v his_o power_n general_a 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second_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o manhood_n because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v pour_v forth_o into_o his_o manhood_n the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o gift_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n and_o this_o perfection_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o number_n second_o in_o degree_n or_o measure_n first_o in_o number_n thus_o among_o god_n servant_n some_o have_v these_o grace_n some_o those_o none_o have_v all_o but_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o grace_n which_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n have_v &_o more_o too_o second_o in_o degree_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o in_o measure_n than_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n also_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n this_o be_v speak_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o sardis_n which_o be_v a_o dead_a people_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v able_a to_o quicken_v they_o and_o to_o put_v life_n and_o spirit_n into_o they_o that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n use_v or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o other_o place_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o participation_n with_o christ_n before_o there_o can_v be_v any_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o instruction_n because_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o great_a learned_a man_n which_o have_v excellent_a gift_n of_o nature_n wit_n memory_n and_o understanding_n and_o though_o they_o have_v withal_o a_o reform_a and_o civil_a life_n yet_o they_o want_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o worthy_a man_n have_v the_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n want_v the_o special_a the_o cause_n be_v this_o their_o christ_n be_v a_o false_a christ_n yea_o a_o idol_n christ_n they_o profess_v the_o want_n of_o save_v faith_n and_o all_o be_v because_o they_o want_v christ._n therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o you_o see_v the_o great_a learn_v there_o mock_v and_o scoff_n at_o this_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n again_o many_o among_o we_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o you_o shall_v see_v no_o grace_n neither_o of_o knowledge_n nor_o faith_n fear_n nor_o care_n to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n or_o a_o good_a conscience_n no_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ._n how_o can_v these_o stand_v together_o though_o they_o say_v they_o have_v christ_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o they_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n and_o by_o that_o they_o may_v know_v they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n to_o conclude_v then_o we_o must_v all_o be_v admonish_v to_o labour_v that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n true_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n no_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o life_n eternal_a will_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o till_o we_o have_v christ_n himself_o therefore_o first_o labour_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v true_o join_v and_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v have_v all_o grace_n distil_v and_o flow_v into_o our_o heart_n by_o christ._n now_o the_o second_o royaltieis_n he_o have_v seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n christ_n be_v say_v here_o to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o he_o be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n over_o all_o for_o he_o set_v they_o apart_o and_o give_v they_o whatsoever_o gift_n they_o have_v he_o appoint_v they_o their_o office_n duty_n and_o calling_n so_o as_o he_o have_v rule_n over_o they_o he_o appoint_v ordain_v make_v and_o preserve_v they_o as_o he_o have_v in_o he_o the_o fullness_n of_o spirit_n so_o be_v he_o a_o lord_n over_o his_o minister_n he_o have_v power_n to_o save_v if_o they_o obey_v or_o to_o destroy_v if_o they_o rebel_v ob._n the_o church_n make_v minister_n ans._n the_o right_a of_o make_v minister_n and_o ordain_v they_o be_v christ_n royalty_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o the_o church_n do_v but_o testify_v and_o declare_v who_o they_o be_v that_o christ_n make_v minister_n and_o approve_v they_o therefore_o he_o say_v here_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v he_o now_o the_o end_n of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v secure_a and_o negligent_a to_o make_v he_o know_v himself_o and_o his_o place_n that_o he_o may_v begin_v to_o have_v sound_a conscience_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o this_o point_n be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o make_v they_o look_v to_o their_o duty_n their_o gift_n be_v not_o their_o own_o nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v their_o lord_n this_o very_a consideration_n can_v but_o be_v effectual_a to_o stir_v up_o all_o pastor_n to_o regard_v their_o duty_n for_o see_v they_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o own_o will_n we_o must_v renounce_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o bethink_v ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o body_n be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o christ_n let_v this_o consideration_n draw_v we_o on_o to_o do_v think_v and_o speak_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n will_v if_o he_o will_v have_v you_o live_v be_v content_a because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o your_o life_n if_o to_o die_v be_v content_a because_o you_o be_v he_o and_o not_o your_o own_o so_o much_o for_o the_o preface_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o reproof_n second_o a_o promise_n the_o reproof_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v a_o reproof_n and_o withal_o a_o remedy_n in_o the_o next_o word_n i_o know_v here_o note_v the_o vice_n and_o withal_o the_o reproof_n the_o vice_n be_v hypocrisy_n for_o she_o pretend_v religion_n in_o outward_a show_n but_o want_v it_o indeed_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o be_v the_o church_n about_o thou_o judge_v thou_o to_o live_v that_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v anew_o believe_v in_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v his_o spirit_n to_o guide_v thou_o but_o thou_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o want_v newness_n of_o life_n and_o regeneration_n the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o many_o great_a church_n by_o name_n the_o romish_a church_n which_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o live_v yet_o in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v dead_a it_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n yet_o some_o say_v it_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o disease_v full_a of_o sore_n and_o sickness_n and_o though_o the_o throat_n be_v cut_v yet_o it_o breathe_v and_o pant_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v stark_o dead_a and_o cold_a it_o have_v no_o spiritual_a life_n at_o all_o but_o some_o allege_v the_o contrary_a say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n in_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o sacrament_n there_o be_v a_o church_n but_o they_o have_v baptism_n therefore_o a_o church_n ans._n baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o the_o samaritan_n have_v circumcision_n which_o be_v before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v no_o people_n nor_o church_n of_o god_n os._n 1._o 9_o that_o there_o may_v be_v baptism_n &_o yet_o no_o church_n it_o appear_v because_o there_o may_v be_v baptism_n without_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n so_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a baptism_n but_o deny_v the_o inward_a baptism_n which_o be_v justification_n by_o christ_n and_o sanctification_n by_o his_o spirit_n again_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o that_o church_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n in_o popery_n for_o the_o lord_n ever_o have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o he_o keep_v among_o they_o even_o 7._o thousand_o which_o never_o worship_v their_o idol_n now_o then_o that_o sacrament_n be_v reserve_v in_o that_o church_n not_o for_o the_o papist_n but_o for_o god_n child_n among_o they_o by_o this_o we_o see_v god_n own_o providence_n to_o call_v they_o by_o those_o mean_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n
he_o reserve_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n among_o they_o but_o they_o say_v antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o god_n temple_n but_o antichrist_n as_o we_o say_v be_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n therefore_o that_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n ans._n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v among_o they_o but_o it_o be_v hide_v now_o he_o sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o not_o as_o a_o member_n but_o as_o a_o usurper_n thief_n and_o deceiver_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o church_n as_o wheat_n among_o chaff_n and_o gold_n in_o dross_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v though_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o life_n of_o all_o our_o great_a town_n in_o england_n for_o the_o body_n of_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o live_v if_o we_o look_v on_o their_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o show_n yet_o indeed_o they_o be_v dead_a which_o appear_v by_o the_o common_a sin_n now_o in_o prosperity_n as_o pride_n inward_a and_o outward_a fullness_n of_o bread_n carelessness_n in_o religion_n though_o we_o have_v now_o the_o word_n plentiful_o preach_v yet_o we_o seem_v to_o live_v be_v stark_o dead_a yet_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o church_n among_o we_o but_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n though_o they_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v but_o as_o a_o father_n which_o can_v reform_v his_o son_n by_o word_n must_v use_v the_o rod_n so_o the_o lord_n when_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o serve_v he_o must_v needs_o take_v the_o rod_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o make_v we_o obey_v his_o will_n to_o reform_v our_o life_n to_o try_v which_o be_v his_o own_o child_n &_o which_o not_o christ_n before_o call_v these_o seven_o church_n his_o true_a church_n use_v yet_o here_o we_o see_v this_o church_n have_v corruption_n in_o it_o so_o that_o a_o church_n may_v have_v corruption_n in_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o if_o it_o err_v not_o in_o fundamental_a point_n it_o may_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v not_o condemn_v a_o church_n for_o corruption_n in_o it_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n other_o church_n judge_v of_o this_o church_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n see_v they_o to_o make_v show_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o must_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o see_v man_n live_v outward_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n profess_v religion_n judge_v of_o they_o in_o charity_n till_o we_o see_v some_o evident_a sign_n and_o commit_v secret_a judgement_n to_o god_n we_o see_v all_o infant_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o admit_v all_o judge_v well_o of_o they_o in_o charity_n come_v of_o believe_v parent_n and_o paul_n call_v all_o the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o elect_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n condemn_v none_o till_o god_n make_v they_o manifest_a but_o thou_o be_v dead_a the_o church_n about_o judge_v she_o to_o live_v but_o christ_n judgement_n be_v thou_o be_v dead_a then_o we_o must_v regard_v especial_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o care_n so_o much_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o the_o church_n though_o that_o be_v good_a as_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o christ_n which_o can_v err_v for_o though_o the_o church_n approve_v and_o commend_v we_o if_o christ_n approve_v we_o not_o our_o estate_n be_v miserable_a verse_n 2._o be_v awake_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n ready_a to_o die_v after_o the_o reproof_n follow_v first_o the_o remedy_n second_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o remedy_n note_v two_o duty_n first_o to_o be_v watchful_a second_o to_o confirm_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n decay_v in_o they_o in_o that_o first_o he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v watchful_a we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n and_o then_o be_v a_o man_n watchful_a when_o he_o have_v great_a circumspection_n and_o heedinesse_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n this_o duty_n concern_v two_o thing_n namely_o sin_n and_o death_n for_o we_o be_v command_v in_o the_o word_n to_o watch_v against_o these_o two_o against_o sin_n in_o two_o thing_n first_o for_o a_o man_n to_o bethink_v himself_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n he_o may_v fall_v into_o to_o do_v this_o he_o must_v consider_v first_o his_o nature_n second_o his_o call_n first_o his_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v in_o it_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o sin_n ergo_fw-la he_o may_v fall_v into_o all_o sin_n second_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v that_o he_o be_v more_o incline_v to_o one_o sin_n then_o to_o another_o and_o against_o that_o he_o must_v labour_v most_o second_o for_o his_o call_n we_o must_v know_v that_o every_o calling_n have_v his_o sin_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n now_o a_o man_n must_v consider_v which_o be_v the_o especial_a sin_n of_o his_o call_n and_o when_o a_o man_n see_v they_o he_o shall_v know_v by_o these_o two_o into_o what_o sin_n he_o may_v fall_v and_o against_o they_o he_o must_v watch_v another_o thing_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o any_o sin_n pro._n 4._o 24._o above_o all_o watch_n and_o ward_n keep_v thy_o heart_n that_o be_v use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o keep_v thy_o heart_n clean_o from_o all_o sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o watchfulness_n be_v in_o death_n against_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n at_o judgement_n unto_o we_o or_o in_o particular_a by_o death_n in_o which_o note_n two_o thing_n first_o to_o bethink_v ourselves_o of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n or_o to_o come_v to_o we_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o this_o regard_n we_o must_v make_v account_n that_o every_o day_n be_v the_o day_n wherein_o christ_n will_v come_v either_o in_o general_a or_o particular_a judgement_n the_o second_o duty_n be_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o christ_n come_n to_o make_v we_o ready_a to_o die_v every_o hour_n as_o if_o christ_n will_v come_v even_o this_o day_n so_o to_o morrow_n and_o every_o day_n that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o we_o must_v use_v sobriety_n and_o temperancy_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n moderate_o to_o use_v they_o not_o to_o be_v drown_v with_o the_o pleasure_n &_o profit_n of_o this_o life_n for_o we_o they_o forget_v the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o as_o christ_n prescribe_v the_o remedy_n to_o sardis_n so_o to_o we_o we_o be_v not_o better_a than_o they_o we_o take_v great_a care_n to_o prepare_v for_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o life_n if_o a_o town_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v sack_v or_o a_o house_n to_o be_v rob_v we_o will_v set_v watch_n and_o ward_n to_o guard_v they_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o watch_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o not_o hazard_v they_o at_o death_n for_o want_n of_o watchfulness_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o to_o watch_v be_v the_o want_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o security_n which_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o destruction_n 1._o thes._n 5._o 3._o when_o man_n cry_v peace_n then_o come_v destruction_n luk._n 12._o when_o the_o rich_a man_n think_v all_o be_v safe_a then_o come_v destruction_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o he_o when_o the_o old_a world_n think_v nothing_o then_o come_v the_o flood_n and_o sweep_v they_o away_o this_o shall_v admonish_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o and_o watch_n both_o against_o sin_n and_o death_n unless_o we_o will_v cast_v away_o our_o soul_n and_o strengthen_v here_o be_v the_o second_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o reform_v of_o the_o decay_a grace_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o have_v have_v many_o grace_n whereof_o diverse_a be_v lose_v and_o many_o be_v sore_o decay_v therefore_o labour_v to_o recover_v and_o strengthen_v they_o where_o christ_n teach_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o gift_n of_o god_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o preserve_v it_o and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o to_o increase_v and_o grow_v on_o and_o strengthen_v it_o we_o must_v not_o stand_v in_o one_o estate_n but_o increase_n in_o good_a work_n that_o we_o may_v become_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n by_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o in_o day_n for_o our_o gift_n be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o god_n we_o be_v his_o steward_n he_o look_v to_o have_v his_o own_o with_o advantage_n else_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n then_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o to_o do_v so_o we_o must_v often_o and_o daily_o read_v the_o scripture_n daily_o hear_v they_o and_o meditate_v on_o they_o use_v the_o sacrament_n often_o use_v often_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n and_o strive_v daily_o against_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o withal_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o good_a
propound_v doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n to_o be_v believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n christ_n show_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v one_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n nay_o he_o which_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1._o second_o christ_n have_v absolute_a power_n to_o prescribe_v regiment_n to_o his_o church_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o also_o the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v so_o moses_n make_v the_o tabernacle_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n christ_n show_v he_o solomon_n build_v the_o temple_n according_a to_o the_o form_n he_o see_v by_o revelation_n 1._o chron._n 28._o 12._o three_o christ_n have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v time_n for_o his_o worship_n to_o appoint_v sabbaths_n etc._n etc._n and_o gen._n 1._o as_o he_o create_v the_o sabbath_n so_o have_v he_o power_n alone_o to_o alter_v it_o no_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v a_o time_n to_o god_n service_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o christ_n alone_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v two_o sabbath_n in_o one_o week_n or_o one_o in_o many_o week_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n honour_n to_o prescribe_v his_o worship_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v to_o judge_v to_o have_v power_n to_o determine_v of_o his_o own_o will_n without_o help_n of_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o give_v sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o alone_o give_v they_o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n and_o must_v expound_v his_o own_o law_n second_o christ_n alone_o must_v decide_v question_n and_o controversy_n concern_v faith_n then_o the_o church_n have_v not_o any_o such_o power_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o help_n of_o the_o write_a word_n by_o which_o christ_n expound_v they_o to_o us._n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o sovereignty_n be_v that_o christ_n can_v save_v and_o destroy_v open_a and_o shut_v he_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n he_o can_v open_v that_o be_v pardon_v sin_n proper_o and_o he_o alone_o promise_v this_o pardon_n and_o can_v perform_v it_o be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o give_v the_o pardon_n for_o sin_n so_o he_o give_v also_o eternal_a life_n save_v man_n soul_n second_o he_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v to_o cast_v some_o into_o hell_n and_o to_o destroy_v when_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o die_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n he_o have_v power_n to_o hold_v man_n in_o sin_n after_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o hell_n and_o shut_v they_o up_o for_o ever_o see_v christ_n prescribe_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n use_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a part_n of_o man_n soul_n &_o such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v save_v and_o destroy_v we_o see_v christ_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a will_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o papist_n say_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o key_n of_o david_n christ_n can_v set_v up_o and_o depose_v king_n and_o prince_n at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o this_o they_o hold_v crafty_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o damn_a power_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o it_o will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n of_o the_o church_n and_o governor_n thereof_o he_o depose_v none_o he_o make_v no_o king_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n so_o he_o make_v and_o pull_v down_o at_o his_o pleasure_n be_v far_o above_o all_o man_n and_o hence_o king_n be_v call_v god_n because_o they_o represent_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v god_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n make_v man_n spiritual_a king_n but_o he_o make_v not_o temporal_a king_n but_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n for_o if_o he_o have_v such_o power_n why_o do_v he_o refuse_v to_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o adulterous_a woman_n confess_v he_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n from_o this_o power_n be_v another_o derive_v from_o christ_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o which_o power_n the_o key_n of_o david_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n mat._n 16._o 19_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o ministry_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o it_o be_v a_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o service_n and_o duty_n for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n do_v be_v but_o a_o service_n do_v to_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v but_o servant_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v it_o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o authority_n but_o a_o service_n when_o adam_n fall_v we_o all_o fall_v in_o he_o and_o he_o thrust_v himself_o and_o all_o mankind_n out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n by_o his_o sin_n &_o close_v up_o heaven_n gate_n against_o us._n now_o since_o that_o fall_n christ_n become_v man_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o this_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o proper_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o else_o proper_o christ_n alone_o can_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o church_n can_v only_o reveal_v and_o pronounce_v the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o no_o otherwise_o she_o open_v or_o shut_v but_o by_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v open_a or_o shut_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o the_o company_n of_o true_a believer_n call_v to_o salvation_n by_o christ_n to_o they_o only_o be_v this_o key_n give_v mat._n 18._o 18._o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o god_n people_n not_o to_o all_o society_n of_o man_n the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v how_o christ_n he_o know_v best_a joh._n 20._o 23._o where_o he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o key_n and_o what_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v namely_o to_o pardon_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o no_o way_n else_o can_v man_n open_a and_o shut_v now_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o give_v sentence_n &_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n the_o first_o belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o the_o second_o to_o man_n who_o forgive_v sin_n not_o by_o give_v sentence_n but_o pronounce_v sentence_n give_v already_o by_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v sin_n proper_o be_v to_o rob_v christ_n of_o a_o special_a honour_n due_a to_o his_o godhead_n then_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v they_o only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v first_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o steward_n second_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o word_n not_o man_n tradition_n and_o affection_n three_o to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o salvation_n to_o beget_v and_o continue_v they_o in_o repentance_n they_o be_v so_o use_v have_v a_o promise_n namely_o what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o christ_n power_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n now_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o the_o church_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n the_o first_o mat._n 16._o 19_o namely_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v down_o and_o authorise_v by_o christ_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o who_o sin_n thou_o shall_v bind_v by_o that_o word_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o cord_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v two_o way_n first_o by_o teach_v &_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o key_n luk._n 11._o 52._o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n in_o man_n lawful_o call_v in_o that_o they_o apply_v in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n to_o they_o which_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o repentant_a heart_n so_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n pronounce_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v fast_o bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n
gift_n may_v be_v humble_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o point_n naamans_n servant_n persuade_v he_o when_o elisha_n the_o prophet_n can_v 2._o king_n 5._o 12._o behold_v these_o word_n may_v also_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o door_n that_o be_v a_o special_a privilege_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o title_n to_o it_o i_o approve_v thy_o work_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o it_o that_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o entrance_n into_o the_o same_o now_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n not_o belong_v to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o confute_v universal_a redemption_n use_v if_o this_o than_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o have_v such_o liberty_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o use_v it_o strive_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o place_n we_o have_v this_o privilege_n to_o see_v heaven_n open_a by_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o then_o be_v so_o slack_a to_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o alas_o we_o make_v no_o account_n of_o it_o we_o be_v whole_o possess_v with_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o our_o sin_n be_v such_o a_o load_n to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v enter_v in_o oh_o let_v we_o cast_v off_o such_o burden_n that_o so_o we_o may_v more_o easy_o enter_v which_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v that_o be_v no_o power_n after_o i_o have_v open_v heaven_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o shut_v it_o here_o after_o the_o liberty_n he_o show_v the_o continuance_n of_o it_o namely_o for_o ever_o how_o then_o be_v it_o true_a that_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o man_n effectual_o if_o all_o man_n be_v not_o save_v because_o they_o will_v not_o so_o christ_n shall_v for_o his_o part_n open_a heaven_n and_o they_o shall_v shut_v it_o by_o their_o will_n but_o christ_n say_v no_o power_n either_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o he_o have_v once_o open_v the_o same_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n thou_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o little_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n of_o faith_n hope_n &_o regeneration_n yet_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n thou_o have_v defend_v my_o word_n and_o not_o deny_v i_o in_o persecution_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v do_v work_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o come_v to_o life_n everlasting_a if_o his_o grace_n be_v true_a grace_n math._n 17._o if_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n it_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v mountain_n now_o that_o which_o be_v true_a of_o miraculous_a faith_n that_o be_v true_a of_o justify_v faith_n if_o it_o be_v true_a though_o never_o so_o little_a yet_o it_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v work_n please_v to_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o we_o may_v come_v to_o salvation_n for_o god_n regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v true_a not_o feign_v in_o this_o be_v a_o special_a comfort_n for_o those_o which_o labour_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n such_o be_v often_o trouble_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o want_n but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o if_o they_o have_v true_a faith_n though_o it_o be_v but_o in_o small_a measure_n the_o lord_n accept_v of_o they_o if_o they_o labour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o lord_n accept_v a_o man_n not_o for_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v but_o for_o that_o he_o bestow_v on_o he_o be_v it_o much_o or_o little_a this_o may_v encourage_v those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o forward_o in_o religion_n which_o have_v not_o make_v such_o proceed_n as_o they_o shall_v for_o many_o see_v the_o lord_n to_o require_v so_o much_o they_o cast_v all_o off_o and_o never_o labour_v to_o come_v to_o know_v religion_n and_o to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o these_o shall_v remember_v that_o the_o lord_n accept_v of_o small_a gift_n if_o they_o be_v true_a he_o accept_v a_o man_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n he_o bestow_v on_o he_o be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o then_o we_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v for_o our_o want_n imperfection_n and_o ignorances_n for_o if_o we_o labour_v to_o have_v true_a faith_n the_o lord_n regard_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o abuse_v not_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o take_v occasion_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o become_v negligent_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o still_o labour_n to_o come_v to_o such_o measure_n as_o the_o lord_n will_v most_o approve_v of_o because_o etc._n etc._n here_o christ_n show_v for_o what_o work_v he_o commend_v this_o church_n first_o she_o keep_v his_o word_n second_o she_o deny_v not_o his_o name_n but_o maintain_v it_o in_o persecution_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o these_o two_o contain_v even_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a and_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o these_o must_v be_v a_o example_n for_o we_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o keep_v his_o word_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v his_o will_n second_o we_o must_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n defend_v his_o name_n and_o maintain_v his_o word_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n to_o keep_v his_o word_n a_o few_o word_n but_o a_o great_a duty_n for_o it_o signify_v that_o she_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o every_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n have_v care_n to_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o will_n and_o happy_a be_v we_o indeed_o if_o christ_n can_v say_v so_o of_o we_o that_o we_o obey_v his_o word_n all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n by_o obey_v and_o the_o gospel_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o can_v for_o though_o in_o show_n we_o profess_v we_o do_v yet_o in_o life_n we_o show_v we_o fail_v in_o most_o point_n of_o both_o vers._n 9_o 10._o in_o these_o verse_n be_v two_o promise_n concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o certain_a jew_n behold_v etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o first_o promise_n concern_v the_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n now_o it_o be_v likely_a in_o this_o city_n there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o bare_a man_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n yet_o deny_v christ_n the_o saviour_n and_o so_o persecute_v this_o church_n now_o christ_n here_o promise_v he_o will_v make_v this_o synagogue_n repent_v and_o become_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n to_o profess_v christ_n and_o worship_v he_o in_o this_o promise_n note_v three_o point_n first_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o conversion_n namely_o god_n for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o or_o i_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o that_o estate_n to_o worship_v i_o second_o who_o be_v convert_v namely_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n three_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v worship_v before_o thy_o foot_n first_o the_o author_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v christ_n himself_o for_o so_o he_o say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o to_o repent_v these_o be_v significant_a word_n which_o give_v all_o to_o god_n in_o their_o conversion_n of_o some_o and_o of_o all_o sinner_n god_n be_v the_o sole_a author_n man_n have_v no_o stroke_n in_o his_o own_o conversion_n man_n indeed_o will_v it_o and_o be_v convert_v willing_o yet_o not_o by_o nature_n do_v he_o will_v it_o but_o by_o grace_n this_o confute_v the_o papist_n who_o hold_v that_o nature_n and_o grace_n may_v concur_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n for_o a_o man_n say_v they_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o grace_n can_v will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o a_o man_n be_v sick_a he_o have_v the_o faculty_n of_o walk_v yet_o be_v faint_a he_o can_v unless_o he_o lean_v on_o another_o shoulder_n so_o a_o man_n have_v a_o power_n to_o will_n that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o it_o must_v be_v stir_v up_o first_o by_o grace_n but_o ephes._n 2._o man_n by_o nature_n be_v not_o only_o sick_a but_o stark_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o can_v move_v one_o foot_n no_o more_o than_o a_o dead_a man_n object_n but_o say_v they_o than_o man_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o block_n if_o he_o do_v nothing_o in_o his_o conversion_n answ._n though_o he_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o conversion_n yet_o he_o have_v sense_n and_o understanding_n which_o he_o can_v use_v in_o natural_a and_o civil_a cause_n though_o he_o can_v use_v they_o in_o spiritual_a action_n and_o so_o he_o be_v not_o
yea_o though_o they_o preach_v it_o oftentimes_o but_o they_o must_v look_v that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o ease_v but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o hearer_n hear_v the_o minister_n repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o curious_o to_o reprehend_v he_o for_o than_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reprehend_v christ_n himself_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v here_o then_o be_v a_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v this_o hear_n be_v the_o good_a learning_n that_o bring_v true_a faith_n salvation_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o it_o but_o to_o who_o be_v this_o commandment_n give_v to_o hear_v hearer_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n but_o with_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n hence_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v to_o all_o man_n grace_v to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o their_o salvation_n second_o that_o we_o must_v so_o hear_v that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o change_v but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n teach_v to_o the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v attentive_o he_o use_v a_o double_a reason_n one_o draw_v from_o the_o speaker_n another_o from_o the_o auditor_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o before_o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v 14._o etc._n etc._n as_o before_o all_o the_o other_o epistle_n so_o before_o this_o last_o epistle_n there_o be_v a_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n to_o write_v it_o and_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o the_o former_a have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o the_o matter_n three_o a_o conclusion_n first_o of_o the_o preface_n wherein_o christ_n be_v describe_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v pen_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o his_o name_n and_o title_n amen_o a_o faithful_a witness_n second_o by_o his_o privilege_n and_o property_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o crature_n amen_n be_v a_o adverb_n of_o affirmation_n or_o asseveration_n signify_v true_o very_o &_o certain_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v be_v render_v in_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v which_o be_v a_o commentary_n and_o full_a exposition_n of_o this_o the_o faithful_a witness_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v call_v amen_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o there_o i_o expound_v it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v repeat_v the_o head_n only_o of_o that_o exposition_n he_o be_v call_v a_o witness_n between_o god_n the_o father_n and_o we_o because_o he_o do_v not_o only_o reveal_v the_o father_n will_n to_o we_o but_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n inward_a and_o outward_a but_o of_o all_o testimony_n that_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o for_o these_o three_o respect_n he_o be_v thus_o term_v first_o because_o he_o do_v reveal_v it_o and_o seal_v it_o and_o ratify_v it_o by_o inward_a and_o outward_a testimony_n second_o because_o he_o will_v accomplish_v his_o father_n wil._n 2._o cor._n 1._o 20._o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a witness_n three_o he_o be_v call_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o which_o he_o reveal_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o he_o say_v as_o the_o thing_n be_v without_o error_n or_o falsehood_n nay_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n now_o the_o use_n and_o the_o end_n why_o here_o christ_n be_v so_o call_v if_o we_o do_v but_o read_v the_o epistle_n and_o mark_v the_o content_n we_o may_v guess_v probable_o at_o the_o end_n which_o be_v that_o he_o may_v show_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o ministry_n therefore_o christ_n instruct_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n teach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o to_o all_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o all_o christian_n he_o propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n he_o will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n even_o as_o he_o be_v this_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n word_n become_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v whereby_o we_o make_v good_a all_o our_o word_n oath_n and_o promise_n truth_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n without_o lie_v deceit_n or_o fraud_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o i_o say_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o and_o other_o good_a and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n set_a we_o this_o example_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n so_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o show_v ourselves_o true_a in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o speech_n and_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o our_o promise_n these_o be_v excellent_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christian_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v know_v by_o these_o to_o be_v like_o christ._n the_o second_o end_n of_o this_o title_n be_v to_o induce_v this_o church_n to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n effectual_o for_o it_o be_v faulty_a in_o this_o point_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o this_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n how_o shall_v they_o do_v this_o thus_o consider_v in_o the_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o commandment_n promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o apply_v they_o particular_o every_o man_n to_o himself_o the_o commandment_n to_o know_v sin_n the_o threaten_n to_o humble_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v god_n grace_n see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o luke_n 15._o in_o the_o prodigal_a son_n i_o have_v sin_v and_o be_o not_o worthy_a etc._n etc._n so_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n humble_v themselves_o no_o man_n can_v true_o be_v humble_v till_o he_o make_v this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n which_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v now_o the_o gospel_n also_o must_v be_v thus_o apply_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a but_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o further_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o proof_n see_v phil._n 3._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o sum_n be_v this_o he_o esteem_v all_o thing_n loss_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n now_o mark_v the_o fifteen_o verse_n let_v so_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o apply_v christ_n to_o our_o own_o person_n thus_o be_v we_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o apply_v the_o gospel_n to_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o so_o he_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v 1._o john_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n and_o reason_n why_o christ_n call_v himself_o so_o that_o man_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o word_n in_o general_a but_o apply_v it_o in_o particular_a to_o themselves_o the_o not_o do_v of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o negligence_n in_o religion_n of_o so_o many_o lukewarm_a christian_n and_o professor_n therefore_o let_v we_o all_o learn_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v the_o word_n no_o nor_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n to_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v true_o humble_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n therefore_o justify_v faith_n be_v that_o which_o apply_v in_o particular_a now_o the_o second_o title_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n col._n 1._o 16._o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o creation_n he_o be_v so_o call_v yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a cause_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v here_o namely_o because_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o ephes._n 1._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v
in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n mark_v there_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o workmanship_n of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n isaiah_n 53._o 10._o say_v when_o christ_n shall_v give_v himself_o a_o free_a will_n offer_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n how_o thus_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v a_o new_a they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o root_n and_o so_o much_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n declare_v now_o he_o be_v such_o a_o beginning_n two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v a_o new_a christ_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o his_o conversion_n therefore_o isaiah_n 9_o 6._o he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o eternity_n because_o he_o do_v regenerate_v man_n to_o life_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o isaiah_n 8._o 18._o he_o say_v loe_o here_o i_o be_o and_o the_o child_n that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o second_o as_o he_o be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o ephes._n 5._o the_o church_n be_v flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o adam_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v and_o as_o eve_n have_v her_o beginning_n from_o adam_n side_n so_o the_o church_n and_o every_o christian_a have_v their_o be_v and_o begin_n from_o christ_n from_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o all_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v new_a creature_n and_o regenerate_a not_o as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n now_o the_o end_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v be_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o vice_n in_o that_o and_o other_o church_n man_n have_v more_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o seem_v to_o be_v christian_n then_o to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o man_n set_v more_o by_o a_o show_n than_o truth_n shadow_n than_o substance_n therefore_o he_o show_v that_o their_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o be_v true_a christian_n indeed_o &_o not_o to_o seem_v so_o only_o this_o church_n be_v not_o regenerate_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v they_o of_o it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o same_o be_v our_o fault_n our_o care_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o for_o the_o show_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o have_v care_n of_o this_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v good_a thing_n in_o their_o kind_n but_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n except_o thou_o become_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n thou_o have_v no_o good_a by_o they_o 2_o he_o say_v this_o to_o meet_v with_o another_o vice_n that_o be_v spiritual_a pride_n he_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o excellency_n in_o outward_a thing_n all_o earthly_a excellency_n be_v nothing_o without_o this_o whereby_o a_o man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o stand_v upon_o our_o pantofle_n for_o our_o birth_n or_o gentry_n but_o whosoever_o will_v rejoice_v must_v rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v christ_n for_o the_o author_n of_o his_o regeneration_n further_o this_o teach_v we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o christ_n love_v and_o preserve_v his_o church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o woman_n have_v not_o her_o beginning_n apart_o from_o man_n but_o of_o and_o from_o he_o that_o he_o may_v love_v she_o the_o better_a and_o have_v care_n of_o her_o preservation_n so_o this_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v a_o care_n of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v honour_v he_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o adam_n be_v but_o the_o matter_n only_o and_o not_o the_o author_n of_o hevah_n but_o christ_n be_v both_o to_o the_o church_n to_o show_v his_o love_n to_o be_v endless_a the_o root_n never_o hurt_v the_o branch_n nay_o it_o strengthen_v itself_o to_o defend_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v the_o branch_n it_o have_v no_o affection_n inclination_n or_o disposition_n to_o hurt_v but_o to_o help_v thus_o much_o of_o these_o word_n to_o note_v the_o bond_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n yea_o his_o love_n and_o our_o duty_n hence_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v in_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o will_n in_o his_o regeneration_n and_o that_o he_o can_v dispose_v himself_o in_o his_o justification_n for_o a_o creature_n can_v work_v nor_o help_v to_o create_v himself_o but_o every_o regenerate_a person_n be_v a_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v here_o make_v the_o creation_n of_o a_o man_n the_o creature_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o such_o say_n in_o the_o bible_n this_o one_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v that_o opinion_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n now_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n or_o content_n and_o substance_n verse_n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o hot_a etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o dispraise_n or_o reproof_n second_o counsel_n the_o dispraise_n be_v for_o two_o fault_n the_o first_o lukewarmnesse_n the_o second_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n then_o first_o i_o will_v make_v the_o word_n plain_a second_o declare_v the_o use_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o be_v all_o thy_o way_n and_o work_n be_v manifest_a to_o i_o and_o i_o utter_o dislike_v they_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a their_o fault_n the_o more_o he_o borrow_v a_o comparison_n from_o water_n whereof_o there_o be_v these_o three_o sort_n hot_a cold_a and_o warm_a cold_a and_o hot_a water_n may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o stomach_n with_o less_o hurt_n and_o annoyance_n but_o the_o water_n that_o be_v lukewarm_a trouble_v the_o stomach_n and_o cease_v not_o till_o it_o be_v cast_v up_o again_o now_o with_o these_o three_o kind_n of_o water_n he_o compare_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o cold_a man_n understand_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n as_o jew_n and_o gentile_n turk_n and_o saracen_n gadaren_n and_o galilean_n by_o hot_a understand_v man_n zealous_a in_o religion_n by_o lukewarm_a indifferent_a so_o the_o meaning_n be_v thou_o be_v neither_o a_o open_a enemy_n of_o religion_n nor_o yet_o true_o religious_a or_o a_o true_a friend_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n christ_n here_o make_v a_o wish_n but_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o estate_n he_o wish_v they_o be_v either_o of_o those_o rather_o than_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o this_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v that_o christ_n shall_v wish_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o people_n no_o people_n of_o god_n by_o lukewarmenesse_n he_o understand_v a_o people_n profess_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o great_o regard_v and_o reverence_v it_o this_o people_n be_v a_o lukewarm_a people_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v a_o mixture_n of_o both_o neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a want_v the_o heat_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v heat_v and_o inflame_v vers._n 16._o because_o thou_o be_v neither_o etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v receive_v such_o water_n will_v cast_v it_o up_o and_o can_v keep_v it_o in_o so_o christ_n be_v grieve_v with_o their_o sin_n will_v cast_v they_o off_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o in_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v first_o christ_n set_v down_o their_o fault_n and_o aggravate_v it_o second_o he_o compare_v three_o kind_n of_o man_n together_o the_o hot_a man_n have_v the_o best_a place_n and_o the_o cold_a man_n the_o second_o and_o the_o lukewarm_a man_n the_o last_o and_o low_a so_o you_o see_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o god_n grace_n be_v better_a than_o he_o that_o profess_v religion_n and_o live_v not_o thereafter_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o ordinary_a gospeller_n which_o content_v himself_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o so_o good_a before_o god_n as_o the_o turk_n and_o jew._n the_o threaten_n follow_v i_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n now_o have_v find_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o may_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o and_o even_o plain_a laodicean_n which_o that_o you_o may_v see_v i_o will_v show_v diverse_a kind_n of_o such_o lukewarm_a gospeler_n and_o christian_n 1_o
the_o papist_n though_o he_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n yet_o he_o perform_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o he_o part_v stake_n with_o christ_n and_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o own_o saviour_n so_o that_o howsoever_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o most_o zealous_a catholic_a yet_o he_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n 2_o the_o temporizer_n he_o which_o alter_v his_o religion_n as_o time_n alter_v and_o such_o be_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v it_o that_o they_o will_v follow_v the_o prince_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n with_o the_o time_n and_o this_o show_v what_o man_n will_v do_v if_o popery_n come_v again_o they_o may_v say_v they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o they_o show_v themselves_o plain_a laodicean_n 3_o all_o such_o as_o follow_v nicodemus_n that_o be_v which_o love_n christ_n but_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o he_o by_o day_n light_n such_o as_o think_v they_o may_v hear_v mass_n and_o yet_o keep_v their_o conscience_n to_o themselves_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n 4_o such_o as_o be_v mediator_n and_o pacificator_n and_o will_v make_v a_o union_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n be_v persuade_v that_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n for_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o circumstance_n so_o they_o write_v and_o defend_v their_o opinion_n but_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v it_o never_o so_o much_o they_o be_v but_o laodicean_n a_o five_o fort_n there_o be_v and_o who_o be_v they_o luk._n 16._o such_o as_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n and_o where_o be_v they_o nay_o where_o be_v they_o not_o lamentable_a be_v out_o time_n wherein_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v professor_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v all_o their_o time_n spend_v upon_o care_n for_o this_o world_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o time_n be_v bestow_v on_o that_o there_o be_v all_o their_o joy_n care_n desire_v labour_n and_o study_v let_v they_o say_v what_o they_o will_v so_o long_o as_o their_o care_n and_o study_n be_v spend_v upon_o mammon_n they_o be_v very_a laodicean_n and_o such_o be_v the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o hearer_n they_o draw_v near_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v upon_o their_o good_n the_o whole_a heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o this_o who_o they_o be_v your_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v you_o they_o be_v indeed_o christian_n &_o professor_n but_o lukewarm_a and_o worse_o than_o christ_n enemy_n 6_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o like_o it_o but_o in_o their_o life_n give_v themselves_o to_o sin_n blasphemy_n drunkenness_n fornication_n oppression_n usury_n some_o to_o this_o vice_n some_o to_o that_o and_o even_o in_o this_o very_a rank_n i_o place_v those_o which_o profess_v religion_n but_o yet_o delight_n in_o the_o fond_a and_o irreligious_a fashion_n of_o the_o world_n use_v the_o new_a strange_a and_o monstrous_a fashion_n of_o apparel_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n upon_o their_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n go_v naked_a the_o world_n abound_v with_o such_o now_o young_a and_o old_a it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o absurd_a man_n be_v beyond_o all_o common_a reason_n in_o apparel_v themselves_o so_o fond_o whereas_o their_o garment_n shall_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n &_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o glory_v in_o they_o and_o the_o modest_a garment_n shall_v show_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o what_o do_v they_o else_o but_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o vice_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o use_v shall_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o though_o we_o be_v none_o of_o these_o not_o entangle_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n no_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v find_v want_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o reverend_a regard_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v so_o as_o no_o man_n can_v say_v he_o be_v free_a from_o this_o nay_o every_o man_n even_o he_o that_o have_v best_a grace_n shall_v feel_v in_o himself_o want_v of_o care_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n therefore_o we_o must_v with_o job_n lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n and_o say_v we_o be_v vile_a well_o this_o be_v so_o now_o consider_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v lie_v it_o before_o your_o eye_n mark_v the_o end_n and_o recompense_v christ_n will_v spew_v such_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v cast_v they_o from_o god_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n this_o threaten_a pertain_v to_o this_o age_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v tremble_v and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o repent_v of_o this_o sin_n leave_v ere_o long_o we_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o sin_n now_o of_o the_o amendment_n of_o it_o where_o note_n first_o the_o fault_n second_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o three_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n now_o i_o will_v proceed_v further_a to_o show_v that_o even_o among_o we_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n this_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v find_v that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v the_o better_o acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o state_n and_o this_o appear_v by_o diverse_a sign_n first_o by_o common_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v manifest_v diverse_a way_n first_o though_o we_o come_v often_o and_o greedy_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o very_a few_o profit_n in_o knowledge_n and_o few_o in_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o many_o that_o profit_n in_o knowledge_n something_o do_v thrive_v in_o obedience_n little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o how_o true_a this_o be_v i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n conscience_n this_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o great_a negligence_n in_o all_o sort_n take_v the_o body_n of_o our_o congregation_n &_o they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o any_o i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o which_o profit_n both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a part_n experience_n in_o diverse_a occasion_n make_v this_o manifest_a the_o second_o token_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o few_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o read_v of_o the_o word_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n &_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v teach_v or_o not_o nay_o few_o will_v be_v at_o the_o cost_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n or_o if_o they_o have_v one_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v in_o it_o or_o to_o keep_v a_o constant_a course_n in_o read_v of_o it_o daily_o a_o three_o sign_n be_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n though_o many_o come_v to_o church_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o private_a sanctification_n of_o it_o at_o home_n but_o when_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n profit_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n no_o such_o person_n can_v possible_o have_v any_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n and_o grace_n because_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v time_n for_o this_o purpose_n by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a yea_o palpable_a that_o there_o be_v great_a negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o negligence_n though_o coldness_n be_v want_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o heat_n and_o we_o be_v but_o lukewarm_a gospeler_n another_o sign_n of_o lukewarmnesse_n be_v this_o our_o religion_n stand_v on_o general_n and_o reach_v not_o to_o our_o particular_a calling_n in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o when_o we_o come_v home_o to_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o our_o private_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n then_o where_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o we_o hear_v there_o be_v no_o conscience_n make_v of_o lie_v deceive_a &_o oppress_v &_o no_o care_n of_o that_o good_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o man_n al_n our_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o none_o at_o home_n whereas_o if_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o hart_n it_o will_v show_v some_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n as_o fire_n and_o heat_n can_v be_v hide_v although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o who_o these_o sin_n take_v no_o hold_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o which_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a but_o in_o a_o mean_a between_o both_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o when_o they_o see_v any_o have_v care_n to_o obey_v they_o have_v present_o the_o name_n of_o
on_o the_o sea_n yet_o they_o must_v keep_v the_o sabbath_n they_o must_v pray_v fast_o and_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o vision_n then_o 2._o when_o he_o be_v exercise_v in_o pray_v and_o fast_v here_o be_v a_o comfort_n for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o when_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o god_n he_o draw_v near_o to_o they_o jam._n 4._o john_n a_o worthy_a apostle_n be_v in_o banishment_n he_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n he_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o and_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o so_o if_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n by_o faith_n &_o repentance_n by_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n than_o he_o will_v draw_v near_o to_o us._n but_o if_o we_o draw_v ourselves_o back_o from_o he_o he_o draw_v back_o from_o us._n this_o than_o shall_v move_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o seek_v to_o draw_v as_o near_o he_o as_o can_v be_v then_o he_o will_v come_v and_o show_v his_o goodness_n to_o us._n and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o be_v so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o his_o goodness_n be_v because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o he_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n follow_v after_o the_o four_o circumstance_n the_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o be_v two_o first_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n second_o the_o representation_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o chief_a thing_n in_o this_o vision_n the_o entrance_n be_v in_o these_o word_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n behind_o i_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eleven_o verse_n the_o vision_n or_o the_o representation_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o twelve_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n be_v a_o preparation_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v s._n john_n more_o fit_a to_o receive_v and_o mark_v thing_n to_o be_v reveal_v which_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o mean_n to_o prepare_v john_n be_v a_o voice_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n the_o like_a to_o this_o we_o have_v common_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o will_n do_v send_v a_o voice_n before_o to_o prepare_v his_o servant_n to_o receive_v his_o will_n so_o when_o he_o will_v give_v the_o covenant_n to_o adam_n gen._n 3._o he_o prepare_v he_o to_o receive_v and_o let_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o garden_n which_o make_v he_o afraid_a and_o to_o hide_v himself_o after_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o give_v the_o covenant_n to_o he_o so_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v the_o law_n to_o moses_n in_o the_o mount_n 6._o first_o he_o send_v a_o voice_n in_o a_o mighty_a thunder_n lightning_z and_o sound_v of_o a_o trumpet_n after_o he_o declare_v the_o law_n to_o he_o 1._o sam._n 3._o when_o the_o lord_n will_v speak_v to_o samuel_n he_o send_v a_o voice_n to_o he_o three_o time_n and_o after_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o plain_o and_o call_v he_o by_o his_o name_n so_o common_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o the_o lord_n will_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o his_o prophet_n he_o prepare_v they_o by_o a_o voice_n so_o to_o cornelius_n act._n 10._o etc._n etc._n see_v the_o lord_n deal_v thus_o with_o this_o most_o famous_a apostle_n use_v when_o he_o receive_v his_o will_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v first_o prepare_v then_o much_o more_o we_o which_o be_v sinful_a man_n which_o have_v not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o those_o grace_n he_o have_v of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o be_v so_o far_o short_a in_o ordinary_a gift_n we_o must_v much_o more_o be_v prepare_v that_o our_o understanding_n and_o memory_n may_v be_v make_v fit_a to_o hear_v know_v and_o remember_v god_n will_v and_o word_n declare_v to_o us._n and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o increase_v not_o in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o knowledge_n after_o long_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v because_o we_o come_v unprepared_a without_o look_v that_o our_o understanding_n &_o memory_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n the_o voice_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o place_n behind_o i_o not_o before_o he_o but_o behind_o he_o to_o stir_v up_o attention_n in_o he_o for_o man_n most_o mark_v those_o thing_n which_o come_v as_o of_o a_o sudden_a behind_o they_o so_o this_o come_n sudden_o behind_o he_o draw_v he_o to_o more_o earnest_a attention_n a_o great_a voice_n three_o it_o be_v like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n not_o only_o a_o great_a voice_n but_o full_a of_o power_n and_o majesty_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n now_o he_o utter_v these_o to_o stir_v up_o more_o attention_n in_o he_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v a_o ordinary_a voice_n or_o a_o small_a voice_n it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o have_v stir_v he_o but_o be_v a_o great_a powerful_a sudden_a and_o a_o strange_a voice_n it_o can_v not_o but_o make_v he_o very_o attentive_a see_v he_o use_v all_o these_o mean_n of_o attention_n in_o john_n a_o worthy_a apostle_n then_o much_o more_o must_v we_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o stir_v up_o attention_n in_o we_o see_v we_o in_o all_o gift_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n inferior_a to_o the_o least_o apostle_n see_v we_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o our_o sense_n not_o so_o sharp_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v we_o must_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o seek_v to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o which_o be_v speak_v 16._o and_o as_o lydia_n do_v we_o must_v employ_v all_o our_o diligence_n to_o make_v we_o attentive_a and_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v without_o fruit_n be_v because_o we_o hear_v it_o without_o attention_n and_o have_v no_o affection_n to_o it_o now_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o two_o enemy_n of_o attention_n the_o first_o be_v by-thought_n when_o a_o man_n bring_v his_o body_n but_o his_o mind_n go_v about_o his_o farm_n or_o worldly_a riches_n about_o a_o journey_n or_o bargain_n or_o some_o worldly_a affair_n 8._o these_o by-thought_n be_v thorn_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o can_v prosper_v and_o grow_v for_o man_n which_o be_v trouble_v with_o they_o can_v see_v how_o one_o point_n depend_v and_o hang_v on_o another_o but_o their_o memory_n and_o understanding_n be_v hinder_v the_o second_o enemy_n be_v dulness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v show_v in_o this_o that_o we_o come_v heavy_a and_o sleepy_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o spend_v that_o time_n which_o we_o shall_v employ_v in_o hear_v in_o heaviness_n and_o sleep_v but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o word_n fruitful_a to_o we_o we_o must_v shake_v off_o this_o drowsiness_n be_v affect_v with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o greediness_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v heavy_a and_o sleepy_a into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n especial_o he_o be_v to_o tell_v he_o of_o great_a matter_n or_o the_o give_n of_o he_o some_o great_a benefit_n he_o will_v take_v it_o for_o disloyalty_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n have_v no_o better_a effect_n in_o we_o but_o that_o after_o long_o preach_v and_o teach_v we_o be_v as_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o we_o be_v be_v because_o we_o come_v not_o prepare_v contrary_o if_o we_o come_v prepare_v the_o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n knowledge_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n 11._o before_o he_o describe_v the_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o this_o preparation_n by_o the_o place_n second_o the_o quality_n a_o great_a voice_n like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o these_o word_n he_o proceed_v further_a to_o describe_v this_o voice_n in_o this_o eleven_o verse_n &_o set_v down_o the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v which_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o a_o commandment_n to_o write_v all_o these_o word_n etc._n etc._n 1_o the_o testimony_n in_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o eight_o verse_n before_o in_o which_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o before_o a_o comparison_n namely_o as_o alpha_n and_o omega_n be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o letter_n in_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n so_o i_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_o the_o first_o and_o last_o of_o all_o thing_n because_o before_o i_o there_o be_v nothing_o neither_o after_o i_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o