the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o he_o die_v for_o oâ—r_a sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n rom._n 4.25_o iii_o point_n whether_o may_v the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n change_v this_o sabbath_n day_n to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o to_o tewsday_n wednesday_n etc._n etc._n ans._n the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o power_n for_o time_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o dispose_n thereof_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n act._n 1.6_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o father_n have_v keep_v time_n and_o season_n in_o hiâ—_n own_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v they_o now_o if_o that_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v then_o be_v this_o also_o sound_a and_o good_a if_o god_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n than_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o but_o god_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o all_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n ergo_fw-la and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o henâ—e_v gather_v thus_o if_o that_o which_o be_v less_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n then_o that_o which_o be_v more_o do_v not_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o power_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o dispose_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o so_o by_o consequent_a may_v not_o alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n object_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o jew_n appoint_v festival_n day_n as_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n which_o christ_n keep_v holy_a joh._n 10.22_o institute_v by_o the_o maccabee_n 4._o in_o token_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o their_o deliverance_n and_o for_o restore_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o temple_n which_o antiochus_n have_v pull_v down_o and_o also_o mordichay_n institute_v the_o feast_n purim_n 17._o which_o be_v celebrate_v of_o the_o jew_n afterward_o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v holiday_n than_o they_o may_v alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o so_o may_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n ans._n these_o feast_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o saboath_n set_v whole_o apart_o for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o be_v only_a day_n of_o the_o solemnity_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n in_o token_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o temple_n &_o deliverance_n of_o god_n people_n and_o be_v only_o celebrate_v as_o they_o serve_v to_o put_v the_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o outward_a benefit_n so_o that_o whereas_o some_o hold_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n or_o to_o make_v two_o more_o sabbath_n day_n in_o a_o week_n if_o it_o be_v convenient_a it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n for_o that_o authority_n which_o do_v alter_v this_o day_n must_v not_o be_v less_o than_o apostolical_a and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o this_o day_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n now_o if_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v the_o lord_n day_n use_n set_v apart_o for_o his_o honour_n in_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a redemption_n than_o here_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n reprove_v first_o those_o that_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n of_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o servant_n who_o spend_v this_o day_n in_o carnal_a rejoice_v in_o riot_n game_n and_o wantonness_n never_o think_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v perform_v but_o these_o sin_n great_o against_o the_o lord_n for_o hereby_o they_o pervert_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o shall_v be_v keep_v holy_a and_o glorious_a to_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o second_o sort_n here_o reprove_v be_v those_o which_o live_v more_o civilltie_n than_o the_o former_a but_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o to_o take_v their_o journey_n thereon_o and_o employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o ordinary_a affair_n persuade_v themselves_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n with_o as_o good_a a_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o about_o their_o business_n as_o they_o do_v who_o go_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o man_n sin_v grievous_o against_o the_o four_o commandment_n for_o hereby_o they_o make_v that_o their_o own_o day_n which_o be_v the_o lord_n a_o three_o sort_n here_o reprove_v though_o not_o so_o bad_a as_o the_o former_a be_v those_o who_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o serve_v god_n at_o those_o ordinary_a time_n of_o the_o sabbath_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n enjoin_v unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v come_v due_o to_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v beside_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v pertain_v either_o to_o their_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v our_o ignorant_a people_n and_o a_o great_a number_n every_o where_o but_o they_o sin_v grievous_o against_o god_n for_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o consecrate_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o they_o part_v stake_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v he_o but_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o day_n and_o that_o the_o lesser_a take_v the_o rest_n unto_o themselves_o which_o thou_o misspend_v upon_o their_o lust_n now_o as_o these_o vice_n must_v be_v abhor_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v with_o all_o conscience_n keep_v the_o lord_n sabbath_n holy_a according_a to_o thâ—_n four_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v thereon_o cease_v from_o all_o work_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o sanctify_v this_o day_n whole_o by_o apply_v it_o all_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n public_a and_o private_a public_a when_o man_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o public_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n and_o to_o call_v on_o god_n name_n for_o further_a grace_n as_o also_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o to_o receive_v his_o sacraman_n private_a when_o man_n in_o their_o private_a place_n employ_v themselves_o in_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n read_v and_o meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n &_o work_n whereby_o god_n be_v honour_v and_o their_o soul_n edify_v and_o both_o these_o must_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o lord_n every_o sabbath_n day_n of_o every_o man_n for_o we_o may_v not_o abridge_v god_n of_o that_o timâ—_n wherein_o glory_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o his_o name_n if_o the_o officer_n shall_v take_v our_o servant_n in_o the_o week_n day_n from_o our_o private_a business_n &_o employ_v they_o in_o public_a affair_n we_o will_v think_v much_o at_o it_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v take_v himself_o dishonour_v of_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v take_v either_o whole_a or_o part_n of_o his_o holiday_n and_o employ_v it_o in_o our_o business_n a_o main_a cause_n why_o many_o profit_n little_a by_o the_o public_a mininisterie_n be_v want_n of_o private_a sanctification_n of_o this_o day_n therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o increase_v in_o faith_n knowledge_n or_o obedience_n as_o we_o shall_v for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v whereof_o this_o day_n have_v be_v set_v apart_o and_o sanctify_a from_o the_o beginning_n object_n 2._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n show_v this_o vision_n unto_o john_n rather_o on_o this_o day_n than_o any_o other_o answ._n though_o john_n be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o bodily_a presence_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a in_o spirit_n withal_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n on_o this_o day_n he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n which_o he_o can_v perform_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o that_o solitary_a place_n now_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n manner_n when_o his_o servant_n be_v thus_o humble_v then_o to_o come_v and_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o they_o in_o special_a manner_n so_o he_o do_v unto_o daniel_n dan._n 9_o and_o to_o cornelius_n act._n 10._o and_o to_o peter_n pray_v
of_o the_o preface_n of_o this_o book_n contain_v the_o title_n and_o inscription_n thereof_o now_o from_o this_o nine_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v contain_v one_o of_o those_o seven_o vision_n which_o be_v show_v unto_o john_n and_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n in_o this_o first_o vision_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v first_o the_o circumstance_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o part_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n be_v four_o first_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v namely_o john_n the_o second_o the_o place_n where_o at_o paâ—mos_n the_o three_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v propound_v it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o be_v 〈…〉_z the_o spirit_n the_o four_o the_o time_n when_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o first_o john_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n befall_v who_o do_v therefore_o name_n himself_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o the_o devil_n have_v he_o 1._o but_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v god_n give_v his_o vision_n not_o to_o all_o man_n but_o unto_o those_o which_o be_v most_o â—it_a for_o they_o such_o as_o be_v most_o holy_a man_n for_o life_n endue_v with_o exceed_a gift_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v wisdom_n constancy_n zeal_n piety_n and_o religion_n so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o deliver_v not_o they_o to_o all_o 〈…〉_z his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n man_n of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o exceed_a holiness_n &_o piety_n indeed_o the_o lord_n reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n by_o wicked_a man_n as_o by_o balaam_n and_o cayphaâ—_n but_o they_o never_o know_v what_o those_o thing_n mean_v which_o be_v show_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v a_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v a_o vision_n and_o to_o know_v the_o same_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o for_o both_o these_o be_v john_n thorough_o qualify_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o exceed_a holiness_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n love_v he_o and_o of_o singular_a and_o rare_a gift_n full_a of_o zeal_n love_n and_o piety_n and_o also_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o vision_n make_v know_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o devil_n make_v no_o such_o choice_n his_o vision_n befall_v man_n which_o be_v heretic_n wicked_a notorious_a sinner_n who_o have_v no_o such_o rare_a and_o special_a gift_n as_o the_o other_o have_v so_o that_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o this_o as_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o apostle_n s._n john_n now_o john_n have_v name_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o receiver_n of_o this_o vision_n for_o the_o great_a credit_n hereof_o he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o modest_a term_n first_o a_o brother_n second_o a_o companion_n first_o he_o call_v himself_o their_o brother_n that_o be_v of_o they_o who_o by_o faith_n be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o family_n whereof_o god_n the_o father_n be_v head_n and_o householder_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o â—lder_a brother_n and_o all_o believer_n be_v fellow_n brethren_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n be_v by_o faith_n the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n member_n of_o that_o family_n and_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d to_o other_o by_o this_o title_n your_o brother_n first_o he_o set_v out_o his_o humility_n and_o great_a modesty_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n above_o all_o man_n which_o liveâ—_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n he_o be_v the_o last_o apostle_n and_o have_v apostolical_a authority_n bâ—ing_v a_o most_o zeâ—lous_a and_o constant_a professor_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o brother_n to_o 〈…〉_z himself_o but_o equal_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o esteem_v better_o of_o our_o brethren_n than_o of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v ourselves_o inferior_a to_o they_o second_o by_o this_o title_n we_o see_v he_o have_v his_o heart_n full_a of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n he_o love_v they_o as_o brethren_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n even_o our_o enemy_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o we_o but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n with_o we_o to_o these_o especial_o shall_v we_o show_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n so_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o christian_n roman_n he_o affection_a to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n rom._n 12.10_o and_o great_a reason_n for_o believer_n be_v link_v each_o to_o other_o with_o the_o near_a bond_n they_o have_v the_o same_o father_n which_o be_v god_n the_o same_o redeemer_n the_o same_o faith_n hope_n baptism_n and_o the_o same_o benefit_n by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o death_n and_o obedience_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o practise_v there_o be_v that_o call_v themselves_o brethren_n who_o as_o isaiah_n say_v hate_v they_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n 66.5_o and_o mock_v they_o even_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n whereby_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v if_o any_o seem_v to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o they_o be_v revile_v and_o hate_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o among_o all_o true_a christian_n shall_v be_v brotherly_a love_n the_o second_o title_n companion_n or_o copartner_n in_o three_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o patience_n of_o christ._n he_o call_v himself_o copartner_n with_o 〈◊〉_d in_o tribulation_n for_o two_o causus_fw-la first_o because_o at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v this_o vision_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n under_o that_o cruel_a tyrant_n domâ—â—ian_n about_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christâ—_n who_o banish_v he_o into_o 〈◊〉_d where_o he_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o therefore_o call_v himself_o a_o partner_n with_o they_o in_o affliction_n by_o which_o he_o show_v what_o be_v that_o state_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n namely_o to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o must_v not_o be_v companion_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n but_o copartner_n in_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n teach_v those_o which_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n these_o lesson_n first_o to_o deny_v themselves_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o because_o of_o this_o estate_n the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v call_v the_o militant_a church_n be_v in_o continual_a fight_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o this_o land_n have_v have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n for_o many_o year_n without_o persecution_n which_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o special_a blessing_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o for_o this_o end_n that_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o see_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v under_o affliction_n we_o be_v all_o in_o duty_n bind_v to_o wait_v continual_o when_o god_n will_v call_v we_o out_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n no_o man_n can_v define_v the_o time_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o trial_n but_o yet_o that_o it_o will_v come_v we_o must_v resolve_v because_o of_o the_o usual_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n send_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n whereby_o no_o doubt_n many_o sheaf_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o lord_n barn_n now_o after_o this_o long_o gather_v there_o will_v come_v a_o day_n of_o â—â—â—â—ing_n the_o lord_n will_v take_v into_o his_o hand_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o affliction_n and_o put_v it_o into_o his_o corn_n and_o thereby_o try_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n it_o stand_v we_o therefore_o in_o hand_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o in_o this_o time_n of_o peacâ—_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v good_a corn_n in_o the_o lord_n sieve_n and_o not_o chaff_n which_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o unquenchable_a fire_n second_o he_o call_v himself_o their_o copartner_n in_o affliction_n because_o his_o pitiful_a heart_n be_v move_v with_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o all_o his_o fellow_n member_n when_o he_o remember_v their_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n under_o the_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n shall_v
alone_o on_o the_o house_n top_n act._n 10.11_o and_o so_o doubtless_o find_v john_n thus_o employ_v this_o lord_n day_n he_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o we_o learn_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o john_n be_v in_o a_o solitary_a island_n keep_v the_o sabbath_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prisoner_n and_o those_o which_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o dead_a paluesie_a or_o other_o great_a disease_n as_o mariner_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v keep_v holy_a the_o lord_n sabbath_n by_o perform_v such_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v as_o prayer_n confession_n of_o sin_n and_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v though_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o in_o that_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o holy_a duty_n hence_o arise_v a_o consolation_n to_o god_n church_n that_o god_n draw_v near_o unto_o they_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o as_o james_n 4.8_o and_o so_o let_v we_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n will_v show_v himself_o sundry_a way_n and_o draw_v near_o unto_o us._n the_o cause_n why_o man_n have_v so_o little_a taste_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o by_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n for_o when_o man_n draw_v back_o from_o god_n be_v it_o not_o good_a reason_n he_o shall_v draw_v back_o from_o they_o this_o therefore_o must_v stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o move_v we_o to_o come_v often_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o by_o use_n in_o these_o duty_n shall_v we_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o i_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o trumpet_n first_o here_o follow_v the_o part_n of_o this_o vision_n which_o be_v two_o the_o beginning_n or_o entrance_n into_o it_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o part_n of_o the_o twelve_o second_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n thereof_o from_o the_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n be_v a_o preparation_n whereby_o the_o lord_n make_v john_n more_o fit_a to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o which_o preparation_n we_o must_v observe_v first_o the_o mean_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n prepare_v he_o be_v a_o voice_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n the_o like_a manner_n of_o preparation_n have_v god_n use_v in_o former_a time_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v with_o adam_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n first_o he_o prepare_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n speak_v unto_o he_o before_o he_o appear_v and_o by_o this_o voice_n cause_v he_o to_o sly_a for_o fear_v then_o have_v rebuke_v he_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o make_v with_o he_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n genes_n 3._o and_o in_o mount_n sinai_n before_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o law_n 20._o he_o first_o come_v down_o in_o thunder_a and_o lightning_n and_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o terrify_v the_o people_n and_o then_o he_o utter_v his_o law_n to_o moses_n and_o to_o his_o people_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v instruct_v samuel_n touch_v the_o house_n of_o elie_n 3._o he_o awake_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n again_o and_o again_o and_o then_o speak_v plain_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o all_o vision_n usual_o and_o general_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o prepare_v his_o servant_n by_o voice_n by_o sign_n and_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o fit_a to_o receive_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n in_o prepare_v he_o to_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o this_o vision_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o much_o more_o shall_v be_v prepare_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o come_v far_o short_a of_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o john_n who_o yet_o must_v be_v prepare_v our_o come_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a and_o we_o dull_a to_o learn_v we_o must_v therefore_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n prepare_v ourselves_o that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o profit_n the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a profit_n after_o long_a hear_n be_v want_v of_o preparation_n but_o hereof_o we_o have_v entreat_v already_o upon_o the_o three_o verse_n this_o voice_n be_v here_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o three_o way_n first_o by_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v second_o by_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o three_o by_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n which_o it_o contain_v for_o the_o place_n it_o be_v utter_v from_o behind_o he_o which_o the_o lord_n observe_v to_o stir_v up_o â—â—re_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o usual_o man_n do_v more_o careful_o mark_v those_o thing_n which_o come_v on_o a_o sudden_a behind_o they_o than_o those_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v direct_o before_o their_o face_n second_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o this_o voice_n be_v great_a as_o be_v express_v further_o by_o a_o similitude_n like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n that_o be_v full_a of_o power_n and_o majesty_n which_o also_o god_n add_v unto_o it_o to_o further_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o ordinary_a voice_n or_o small_a he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o have_v regard_v it_o but_o be_v so_o sudden_a so_o great_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n it_o can_v not_o but_o make_v he_o very_o attentive_a now_o see_v christ_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o prepare_v johns_n mind_n with_o attention_n and_o diligence_n to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v tell_v he_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n of_o attention_n for_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o john_n then_o be_v it_o far_o more_o necessary_a for_o we_o who_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o in_o all_o gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n and_o here_o also_o be_v another_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n and_o little_a like_n of_o god_n word_n namely_o want_v of_o attention_n in_o the_o heart_n we_o must_v therefore_o like_o godly_a lydia_n act._n 16._o stir_v up_o our_o dull_a and_o heavy_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o diligence_n mark_v the_o thing_n we_o hear_v and_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o enemy_n to_o attention_n the_o first_o be_v by-thought_n as_o when_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v present_a but_o the_o mind_n wander_v from_o the_o word_n and_o be_v whole_o possess_v with_o thought_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o worldly_a affair_n for_o these_o be_v thorn_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n many_o will_v complain_v they_o can_v mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v now_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o themselves_o their_o wander_a thought_n which_o hinder_v both_o understanding_n and_o memory_n for_o the_o mind_n conceive_v other_o matter_n can_v observe_v how_o one_o point_n depend_v on_o another_o much_o less_o remember_v they_o afterward_o the_o second_o enemy_n to_o attention_n be_v dulness_n and_o heaviness_n in_o body_n &_o soul_n a_o common_a fault_n in_o many_o hearer_n which_o show_v itself_o by_o drowsiness_n and_o sleepiness_n in_o the_o time_n of_o preach_v when_o they_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o their_o body_n and_o heart_n to_o all_o attention_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o his_o prince_n be_v speak_v unto_o he_o of_o some_o weighty_a matter_n that_o be_v for_o his_o good_a it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o part_n of_o contempt_n and_o disloyalty_n towards_o his_o majesty_n what_o disloyalty_n then_o be_v this_o unto_o the_o king_n of_o king_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o sure_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n unto_o salvation_n we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v and_o in_o hear_v
a_o godly_a and_o learned_a exposition_n or_o commentary_n upon_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n preach_v in_o cambridge_n by_o that_o reverend_a and_o judicious_a divine_a master_n william_n perkins_n ann._n dom._n 1595._o first_o publish_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n church_n by_o robert_n hill_n bachelor_n of_o divinity_n the_o second_o edition_n revise_v and_o enlarge_v after_o a_o more_o perfect_a copy_n at_o the_o request_n of_o m._n perkins_n executor_n by_o thomas_n pierson_n preacher_n of_o god_n word_n hereunto_o be_v prefix_v a_o analysis_n of_o the_o vision_n in_o these_o three_o chapter_n and_o a_o twofold_a table_n add_v one_o of_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o other_o of_o special_a point_n to_o be_v observe_v prov_n 13.9_o and_o prov_n 4.18_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a rejoice_v by_o increase_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n but_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v put_v out_o london_n print_v by_o adam_n jslip_v for_o cuthbert_n burbie_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o swan_n 1606._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n elizabeth_n montagv_n of_o hemington_n in_o northamptonshire_n grace_n and_o peace_n just_a cause_n there_o be_v right_o worshipful_a as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n who_o rest_n be_v now_o in_o glory_n as_o also_o of_o the_o godly_a reader_n who_o good_a herein_o claim_v special_a stroke_n that_o some_o refine_n hand_n shall_v recommend_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o more_o perfect_a copy_n of_o this_o godly_a exposition_n than_o the_o first_o edition_n hereof_o do_v afford_v and_o yet_o no_o cause_n i_o find_v why_o your_o worthy_a child_n who_o no_o doubt_n for_o the_o author_n sake_n do_v more_o grateful_o accept_v the_o former_a dedication_n shall_v by_o i_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n nay_o rather_o as_o they_o in_o heart_n i_o be_o persuade_v do_v high_o honour_v the_o author_n for_o his_o double_a labour_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n so_o do_v i_o rejoice_v this_o recompense_n be_v return_v for_o their_o love_n that_o with_o this_o work_n their_o memory_n with_o posterity_n shall_v long_o endure_v and_o since_o my_o pain_n herein_o yield_v i_o this_o right_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o to_o who_o i_o also_o may_v commend_v the_o patronage_n hereof_o i_o presume_v to_o present_v the_o same_o unto_o your_o ladyship_n if_o this_o be_v any_o kindness_n on_o my_o behalf_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v far_o short_a of_o your_o desert_n and_o of_o my_o desire_n some_o other_o i_o know_v may_v challenge_v i_o herein_o as_o unmindful_a of_o their_o love_n yet_o because_o god_n may_v offer_v i_o opportunity_n hereafter_o to_o give_v they_o good_a content_a this_o way_n i_o will_v entreat_v their_o patience_n for_o this_o time_n that_o i_o may_v join_v the_o mother_n with_o the_o child_n in_o this_o work_n of_o love_n to_o afford_v tuition_n to_o these_o godly_a labour_n of_o the_o dead_a it_o fit_v you_o best_a good_a madam_n in_o many_o respect_n for_o neither_o will_v your_o child_n complain_v of_o your_o admission_n into_o the_o society_n of_o their_o right_n nor_o you_o esteem_v the_o lesser_a hereof_o because_o of_o their_o claim_n hereto_o by_o former_a possession_n they_o be_v your_o own_o and_o you_o they_o this_o come_v unto_o you_o all_o as_o unto_o one_o account_v your_o unite_a love_n for_o great_a safety_n and_o look_v what_o grace_n it_o find_v by_o your_o protection_n like_o grace_n it_o yield_v by_o many_o a_o good_a instruction_n solomon_n say_v 13.15_o good_a understanding_n make_v acceptable_a mean_v to_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n for_o 1.22_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n how_o welcome_a then_o will_v this_o be_v unto_o you_o who_o 7.4_o have_v say_v unto_o wisdom_n thou_o be_v my_o sister_n and_o do_v esteem_v the_o word_n of_o her_o mouth_n 15.16_o the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o your_o heart_n since_o herein_o you_o shall_v find_v on_o every_o leaf_n some_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n a_o taste_n whereof_o i_o will_v here_o set_v before_o you_o that_o you_o may_v judge_v the_o better_a of_o the_o store_n when_o the_o disciple_n heart_n be_v full_a of_o grief_n for_o christ_n departure_n then_o at_o hand_n philip_n say_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o 14.8_o show_v we_o the_o father_n and_o it_o suffice_v loe_o 4_o here_o behold_v and_o you_o shall_v see_v not_o the_o father_n alone_o but_o with_o the_o father_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o with_o they_o both_o the_o â—_o son_n of_o god_n so_o lively_o describe_v to_o your_o view_n that_o you_o may_v true_o say_v of_o this_o knowledge_n god_n sanctify_v the_o same_o unto_o your_o soul_n â—_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n when_o christ_n will_v hearten_v his_o disciple_n for_o the_o great_a work_n of_o their_o ministry_n he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o presence_n say_v 20._o be_v hold_v i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o the_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n whereof_o you_o shall_v 1â—_n hereby_o so_o well_o perceive_v that_o hereupon_o i_o trust_v both_o you_o and_o many_o more_o will_v learn_v to_o say_v with_o david_n in_o temptation_n 16.8_o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n before_o i_o always_o for_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o slide_v and_o with_o jeremie_n in_o affliction_n 20.11_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o i_o like_o a_o mighty_a giant_n therefore_o my_o persecutor_n shall_v be_v overthrow_v and_o shall_v not_o prevail_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o dignity_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o ministry_n here_o handle_v at_o large_a and_o to_o instance_n in_o particular_n through_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o these_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n only_o this_o in_o the_o preface_n of_o each_o epistle_n learn_v what_o christ_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n behold_v the_o state_n of_o every_o church_n and_o see_v what_o christ_n approve_v and_o what_o his_o soul_n detest_v in_o the_o conclusion_n see_v his_o bounty_n towards_o his_o child_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o he_o again_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v much_o delight_v your_o christian_a heart_n for_o beside_o the_o 2.4_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o open_v the_o text_n which_o be_v best_a please_v unto_o god_n and_o most_o profitable_a to_o his_o church_n wherein_o this_o godly_a author_n have_v a_o special_a grace_n the_o application_n be_v so_o fit_a and_o pertinent_a to_o our_o time_n that_o i_o have_v wellnigh_o say_v he_o do_v foresee_v what_o we_o now_o behold_v and_o have_v foretell_v what_o we_o for_o our_o lukewarmenesse_n and_o decay_v in_o love_n may_v just_o fear_v 1.7_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v you_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n 6.10_o for_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a that_o he_o shall_v forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v towards_o his_o name_n in_o that_o you_o have_v minister_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o do_v minister_v now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n 15.13_o fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v and_o increase_v your_o joy_n by_o the_o constant_a 4._o walk_n of_o your_o child_n in_o the_o truth_n yea_o the_o same_o lord_n â—_o make_v all_o grace_n so_o to_o abound_v towards_o you_o all_o that_o always_o have_v all_o sufficiency_n in_o all_o thing_n you_o may_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a work_n 1.11_o which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o gracious_a protection_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o i_o humble_o commend_v your_o ladyship_n with_o your_o godly_a family_n london_n december_n 10._o 1606._o your_o ladyship_n to_o command_v thomas_n pierson_n to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a sir_n edward_n montagu_n sir_n walter_n montagu_n sir_n henry_n montagu_n and_o sir_n charles_n montagu_n knight_n m._n james_n montagu_n doctor_n of_o divinity_n deane_n of_o his_o majesty_n chapel_n and_o m._n sidney_n montagu_n esquire_n the_o lady_n susan_n sandys_n and_o the_o lady_n theodosia_n capel_n child_n of_o that_o right_n worthy_a and_o religious_a sir_n edward_n montagu_n of_o bowghton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o north-hampton_a knight_n and_o of_o the_o lady_n elizabeth_n his_o worthy_a wife_n sister_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n harington_n baron_n of_o exton_n and_o father_n to_o the_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o countess_n of_o bedford_n grace_n and_o peace_n right_o worshipful_a as_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n have_v â—_o twelve_o
persuade_v that_o as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o body_n be_v once_o dismember_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v join_v again_o so_o if_o natural_a brethren_n be_v once_o unnatural_o disjoin_v no_o glue_n will_v conjoin_v they_o fast_o again_o it_o be_v infinite_a to_o show_v example_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o hatred_n etc._n and_o otheâ—s_n have_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o pain_n now_o that_o good_a god_n who_o have_v bring_v you_o from_o one_o root_n place_v you_o in_o one_o country_n advance_v you_o to_o like_a credit_n and_o give_v you_o one_o heart_n give_v you_o also_o one_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o right_o worshipful_a i_o be_o bold_a to_o speak_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o world_n know_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o lord_n know_v i_o desire_v not_o to_o flatter_v go_v on_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o continue_v in_o love_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o labour_n to_o honour_v he_o who_o thus_o honour_v you_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o mundi_fw-la show_n of_o this_o world_n but_o think_v religion_n the_o best_a nobility_n and_o that_o as_o 〈◊〉_d prudentius_n say_v generosa_fw-la christi_fw-la secta_fw-la nobilitat_fw-la viros_fw-la cui_fw-la quisquis_fw-la seruit_fw-la ille_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la nobilis_fw-la he_o noble_a be_v that_o come_v of_o christ_n his_o race_n who_o serve_v this_o lord_n he_o sure_o be_v not_o base_a and_o this_o make_v theodosius_n more_o to_o thank_v god_n eccles._n that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n than_o a_o king_n consider_v that_o he_o must_v lose_v the_o one_o he_o can_v not_o lose_v the_o other_o now_o as_o to_o one_o of_o you_o i_o be_o bind_v in_o parcicular_a and_o by_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n the_o despise_a ministry_n be_v not_o a_o little_a grace_v â—o_o for_o he_o i_o pray_v montagu_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o 20._o abraham_n to_o our_o abimelech_n a_o 12._o nathan_n to_o our_o david_n a_o 11._o jehoida_o to_o our_o joash_n 38._o a_o ebedmelech_n to_o jeremiah_n a_o 4.1_o elisha_n to_o the_o widow_n of_o this_o prophet_n decease_v a_o light_n in_o the_o court_n a_o trumpet_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o 5.2_o ahashuerosh_n may_v long_o hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n unto_o he_o that_o by_o his_o mean_n dicat_fw-la great_a man_n may_v not_o want_v such_o as_o will_v tell_v they_o the_o truth_n no_o son_n earthly_a alexander_n account_v a_o son_n of_o jupiter_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v more_o respect_v than_o a_o good_a 42._o pastor_n and_o that_o he_o may_v ever_o remember_v that_o say_n of_o wise_a solomon_n 22.11_o he_o that_o love_v pureness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o lip_n the_o king_n shall_v be_v his_o friend_n his_o cyrus_n will_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o verbis_fw-la bissinis_fw-la in_o silken_a word_n to_o his_o alexander_n he_o need_v not_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o sweet_a word_n or_o no_o word_n for_o if_o one_o antiochus_n may_v be_v surname_v holy_a and_o another_o good_a prince_n call_v the_o good_a king_n much_o more_o may_v he_o who_o religious_a knowledge_n surpass_v all_o the_o prince_n that_o have_v be_v of_o this_o nation_n and_o who_o humility_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o son_n to_o remember_v regium_fw-la that_o he_o differ_v not_o in_o stuff_n but_o in_o use_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n i_o be_o the_o bold_a for_o that_o one_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n no_o man_n know_v love_v converse_v with_o and_o respect_v this_o author_n more_o than_o he_o he_o resort_v to_o he_o in_o his_o health_n visit_v he_o in_o sickness_n and_o preach_v a_o learned_a sermon_n for_o he_o at_o his_o death_n concern_v this_o author_n as_o he_o say_v of_o carthage_n i_o have_v rather_o be_v silent_a then_o say_v little_a and_o his_o worthy_a labour_n do_v speak_v enough_o for_o he_o by_o name_n that_o his_o theologicum_fw-la posthume_n dedicate_v to_o his_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o college_n a_o excellent_a divine_a in_o a_o word_n therefore_o whatsoever_o this_o man_n do_v he_o desire_v to_o profit_v other_o by_o it_o he_o think_v as_o it_o be_v write_v 7._o of_o bernard_n in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o man_n but_o depute_v to_o the_o service_n of_o other_o he_o be_v never_o idle_a but_o as_o marcellam_fw-la hierome_n report_v of_o ambrose_n and_o bernard_n of_o himself_o he_o do_v either_o read_v or_o meditate_v or_o pray_v or_o confer_v or_o counsel_n or_o comfort_n or_o write_v or_o preach_v and_o thus_o as_o the_o consume_v emblem_n be_v of_o a_o faithful_a teacher_n he_o like_o a_o wax_n candle_n in_o give_v light_n to_o other_o in_o a_o short_a time_n extinguish_v himself_o yet_o in_o this_o short_a time_n of_o he_o what_o art_n be_v he_o not_o master_n of_o what_o virtue_n be_v he_o not_o endue_v with_o he_o be_v a_o complete_a divine_a and_o have_v his_o blessing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o no_o man_n write_n be_v read_v of_o all_o sort_n and_o in_o all_o country_n with_o great_a grace_n and_o profit_n than_o he_o he_o be_v peaceable_a in_o the_o church_n patient_a of_o wrong_n and_o free_a from_o ambition_n for_o as_o jerome_n say_v of_o nepotian_n aurum_fw-la calcans_fw-la schedule_n consectabatur_fw-la he_o regard_v not_o his_o purse_n but_o follow_v his_o book_n and_o as_o bernard_n say_v he_o live_v in_o terra_fw-la auri_fw-la sine_fw-la auro_fw-la in_o a_o kingdom_n of_o gold_n without_o gold_n a_o excellent_a gift_n he_o have_v to_o define_v proper_o divide_v exact_o dispute_v subtle_o answer_v direct_o speak_v pithy_o and_o write_v judicial_o and_o how_o he_o preach_v if_o these_o sermon_n do_v give_v a_o testimony_n what_o witness_n have_v they_o who_o often_o hear_v he_o themselves_o i_o have_v publish_v of_o his_o now_o two_o discourse_n and_o i_o only_o do_v it_o that_o these_o his_o labour_n may_v not_o perish_v i_o have_v no_o benefit_n by_o they_o but_o exceed_v great_a pain_n and_o since_o i_o understand_v that_o his_o other_o labour_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o friend_n to_o make_v benefit_n for_o his_o child_n i_o will_v ease_v myself_o of_o the_o like_a labour_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o future_a impression_n of_o this_o book_n the_o which_o how_o faithful_o i_o have_v publish_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o godly_a and_o indifferent_a reader_n and_o i_o hope_v no_o honest_a mind_a man_n will_v be_v hire_v to_o calumniate_v it_o thus_o as_o one_o desirous_a to_o be_v serviceable_a in_o my_o call_n profitable_a to_o the_o church_n not_o forgetful_a of_o my_o friend_n and_o to_o testify_v the_o happiness_n of_o your_o house_n which_o be_v in_o your_o father_n time_n and_o be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o aurelian_a the_o emperor_n refertapiâ—s_v &_o ecclesia_fw-la dei_fw-la replenish_v with_o the_o godly_a and_o a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o to_o leave_v a_o monument_n of_o my_o duty_n to_o you_o all_o i_o have_v as_o you_o see_v publish_v this_o exposition_n of_o seven_o epistle_n under_o your_o eight_o name_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v as_o welcome_a to_o you_o as_o by_o your_o countenance_n it_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v you_o all_o that_o blessing_n of_o blessing_n julianum_fw-la which_o if_o jerome_n say_v true_a few_o man_n have_v that_o you_o may_v transire_fw-la à _fw-la deliciis_fw-la ad_fw-la dilicias_fw-la go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n and_o be_v a_o long_a time_n happy_a in_o this_o life_n and_o ever_o for_o happy_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v london_n saint_n martin_n in_o the_o field_n from_o my_o worshipful_a friend_n master_n oldisworths_n house_n 16._o by_o which_o family_n as_o paul_n be_v by_o the_o house_n of_o onesiphorus_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o late_a and_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v say_v the_o last_o visitation_n i_o have_v receive_v no_o small_a refresh_n march_n 12._o 1604._o your_o worship_n to_o command_v robert_n hill_n fellow_n of_o s._n johns_n college_n in_o cambridge_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o christian_a reader_n grace_n and_o peace_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a good_a reader_n how_o ungrateful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o deal_v by_o way_n of_o censure_n or_o reformation_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o other_o have_v go_v before_o and_o many_o time_n for_o the_o smart_n that_o follow_v do_v man_n beshrew_v their_o own_o finger_n yet_o the_o warrant_n of_o a_o good_a call_n will_v breed_v peace_n in_o his_o conscience_n that_o herein_o shall_v endeavour_n the_o observance_n of_o these_o rule_n of_o love_n to_o wit_n evil_a judge_v the_o best_a of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v and_o thing_n refer_v his_o own_o pain_n to_o the_o glory_n
be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o towards_o the_o poor_a afflict_a servant_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o be_v our_o fellow_n member_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v and_o show_v our_o compassion_n in_o pity_v they_o if_o the_o foot_n be_v prick_v the_o head_n stoop_v the_o eye_n behold_v and_o look_v on_o it_o the_o finger_n pull_v it_o out_o the_o hand_n apply_v the_o plaster_n the_o other_o foot_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v for_o help_v the_o tongue_n to_o ask_v for_o counsel_n &_o all_o the_o member_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n in_o pity_n and_o fellow-feeling_n so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v affliction_n be_v prick_v with_o persecution_n for_o christ_n cause_n then_o shall_v we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o help_n we_o can_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o show_v our_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v this_o copartner_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o observe_v that_o he_o place_v fellowship_n in_o affliction_n before_o companion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o through_o affliction_n &_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v that_o way_n which_o be_v beat_v and_o tread_v by_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 14.12_o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o this_o â—7_n momentary_a affliction_n cause_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a weight_n of_o glory_n not_o by_o deserve_v it_o but_o by_o show_v the_o plain_a way_n thither_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o think_v it_o hard_o when_o trial_n do_v befall_v we_o but_o rather_o to_o count_v it_o a_o good_a thing_n yea_o exceed_a great_a gladness_n when_o any_o affliction_n do_v befall_v we_o for_o christ_n sake_n for_o hereby_o we_o be_v bring_v like_o wander_a sheep_n into_o that_o beat_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n 1.2_o nay_o we_o must_v rather_o marvel_v when_o we_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v no_o affliction_n then_o we_o may_v 12.8_o fear_v we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n see_v the_o lord_n afflict_v every_o child_n which_o be_v he_o three_o he_o be_v copartner_n in_o patience_n which_o he_o add_v because_o it_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o persevere_v in_o affliction_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n affliction_n be_v the_o beat_a way_n heaven_n be_v our_o joyful_a end_n patience_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o go_v on_o till_o we_o come_v thither_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n &_o comfort_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15.4_o where_o true_a hope_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n be_v obtain_v by_o patience_n which_o make_v a_o believer_n to_o go_v on_o in_o suffer_v till_o he_o come_v to_o life_n eternal_a there_o be_v much_o fruit_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n 1â—_n but_o not_o bring_v forth_o without_o patience_n &_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v save_v by_o hope_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n without_o patience_n ja._n 5._o for_o thereby_o he_o must_v possess_v his_o sâ—ule_n now_o because_o man_n will_v say_v patience_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n and_o so_o be_v discourage_v from_o seek_v for_o it_o therefore_o to_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o their_o desire_n he_o add_v it_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v so_o call_v either_o because_o he_o command_v it_o or_o because_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o chief_o because_o he_o himself_o suffer_v in_o his_o member_n and_o as_o their_o misery_n and_o suffering_n be_v he_o so_o be_v their_o patience_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o singular_a motive_n to_o induce_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n for_o they_o have_v christ_n their_o fellow_n sufferer_n he_o take_v part_n with_o they_o and_o put_v under_o his_o shoulder_n who_o will_v not_o then_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v with_o patience_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o branch_n of_o his_o fellowship_n several_o now_o consider_v they_o joint_o and_o they_o contain_v a_o notable_a description_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v a_o special_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n stand_v in_o three_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o patience_n and_o mark_v well_o that_o this_o communion_n begin_v in_o tribulation_n therein_o we_o must_v be_v partner_n and_o that_o with_o patience_n before_o we_o come_v to_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o man_n therefore_o that_o have_v affliction_n lay_v on_o he_o must_v bear_v they_o patient_o and_o when_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o the_o cross_n he_o must_v in_o tender_a compassion_n be_v touch_v with_o their_o misery_n and_o when_o he_o do_v true_o feel_v in_o his_o heart_n this_o christian_a patience_n and_o compassion_n then_o may_v he_o assure_v himself_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o this_o communion_n and_o shall_v undoubted_o with_o all_o saint_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o patience_n and_o compassion_n be_v want_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o in_o vain_a of_o this_o communion_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o strive_v against_o impatience_n and_o against_o the_o deadness_n and_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o murmur_v against_o god_n in_o our_o own_o affliction_n nor_o yeâ—_n want_v compassion_n towards_o our_o brethren_n that_o any_o where_fw-mi suffer_v affliction_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n call_v patmos_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o second_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o place_n where_o this_o vision_n 〈◊〉_d give_v to_o john_n this_o patmos_n be_v one_o of_o those_o island_n which_o the_o geographerâ—_n call_v sporades_n lie_v in_o the_o west_n part_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o less_o near_o to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o john_n write_v and_o by_o the_o sea_n common_o call_v the_o egâ—â—n_a sea_n this_o island_n be_v a_o small_a base_a and_o poor_a island_n little_a or_o never_o a_o whit_n inhabit_v saint_n john_n have_v his_o vision_n not_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o antioch_n or_o rome_n but_o in_o patmos_n a_o base_a poor_a and_o little_o inhabit_v island_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o one_o place_n above_o another_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o he_o do_v as_o well_o manifest_v himself_o to_o john_n by_o this_o vision_n in_o patmos_n as_o to_o other_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o holy_a city_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v difference_n of_o place_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o presence_n as_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o presence_n and_o tie_v his_o worship_n especial_o to_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o daniel_n show_v by_o his_o gesture_n in_o prayer_n 6._o for_o be_v in_o captivity_n when_o he_o pray_v in_o his_o chamber_n he_o open_v the_o window_n which_o be_v towards_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o turn_v his_o face_n thitherward_o but_o now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o difference_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o paul_n will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o 2.8_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n unto_o god_n and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v think_v the_o like_a i._o then_o away_o with_o popish_a pilgrimage_n to_o church_n and_o chapel_n of_o saint_n use_n or_o to_o their_o relic_n this_o be_v mere_a superstition_n for_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o a_o man_n that_o will_v worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o one_o place_n as_o well_o as_o another_o ii_o also_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o correct_v a_o false_a conceit_n which_o many_o have_v of_o our_o church_n and_o chapel_n for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o dwell_a house_n they_o think_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n there_o to_o humble_v themselves_o to_o kneel_v down_o and_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o if_o they_o come_v into_o a_o church_n or_o chapel_n never_o so_o often_o upon_o ordinary_a affair_n they_o fall_v down_o to_o prayer_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o think_v these_o place_n be_v more_o holy_a and_o god_n more_o present_a there_o and_o they_o shall_v soon_o be_v hear_v in_o they_o than_o in_o
their_o common_a house_n which_o be_v untrue_a for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o such_o diversity_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n service_n and_o presence_n the_o dwell_a house_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n indeed_o church_n must_v be_v maintain_v because_o in_o they_o the_o people_n may_v more_o orderly_o and_o convenient_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v god_n public_o in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n for_o which_o time_n all_o due_a reverence_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o other_o place_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o place_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o what_o mean_v saint_n john_n come_v thither_o second_o to_o what_o end_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n the_o mean_n be_v banishment_n by_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o he_o come_v and_o abode_n in_o patmos_n be_v banish_v thither_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n in_o this_o his_o banishment_n consider_v many_o excellent_a thing_n first_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n endue_v with_o rare_a gift_n a_o singular_a maintainer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o famous_a founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o chief_a pillar_n thereof_o in_o those_o day_n when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n most_o hate_v of_o the_o cruel_a persecutor_n domitian_n and_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o yet_o observe_v that_o whereas_o many_o other_o true_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o the_o sword_n s._n john_n be_v not_o but_o escape_v by_o banishment_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v god_n special_a providence_n by_o which_o he_o reserve_v he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v this_o revelation_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n for_o the_o perpetual_a good_a of_o all_o his_o child_n and_o so_o though_o domitian_n be_v a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o want_v no_o malice_n towards_o john_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o kill_v he_o god_n overrule_v he_o that_o he_o do_v but_o banish_v he_o and_o that_o into_o such_o a_o island_n wherein_o he_o may_v quiet_o receive_v these_o vision_n and_o pen_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n that_o he_o do_v bridle_n and_o over-rule_v the_o cruel_a mind_n and_o may_v of_o bloody_a persecutor_n that_o they_o can_v for_o their_o heart_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n though_o they_o intend_v the_o contrary_n for_o domitian_n intend_v only_o the_o hurt_n of_o john_n yet_o see_v by_o his_o banishment_n into_o that_o isle_n he_o have_v fit_a place_n to_o receive_v these_o vision_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o the_o people_n band_v themselves_o together_o to_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n and_o the_o devil_n he_o labour_v to_o stir_v they_o on_o to_o practice_v their_o intend_a malice_n yet_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n who_o bring_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n direct_v and_o order_v this_o their_o malice_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n so_o josephs_n brethren_n intend_v no_o such_o deliverance_n as_o god_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o sell_v their_o brother_n this_o consideration_n shall_v comfort_v all_o god_n child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o outward_a distress_n even_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n overrule_a hand_n second_o in_o that_o john_n go_v into_o banishment_n when_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v by_o tyrant_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o must_v not_o make_v resistance_n or_o offer_v violence_n but_o suffer_v all_o injury_n with_o patience_n christianorum_fw-la for_o as_o one_o say_v true_o the_o christian_n weapon_n in_o persecution_n be_v only_a prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o saint_n john_n often_o in_o this_o book_n add_v this_o conclusion_n after_o the_o foretell_v of_o persecution_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o saint_n show_v that_o patience_n must_v be_v the_o complete_a armour_n against_o all_o our_o bloody_a enemy_n three_o here_o also_o observe_v that_o john_n come_v into_o this_o island_n not_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n as_o choose_v a_o solitary_a life_n to_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a state_n of_o perfection_n but_o by_o violence_n and_o constraint_n for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v into_o it_o voluntary_o be_v little_a or_o not_o inhabit_v he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o apostleship_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n this_o then_o confute_v the_o monkish_a life_n which_o be_v no_o life_n of_o holy_a perfection_n as_o papist_n call_v it_o but_o of_o glorious_a superstition_n and_o slat_n impiety_n before_o god_n for_o hereby_o they_o forsake_v their_o calling_n and_o utter_o disable_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n four_o whereas_o john_n be_v banish_v receive_v his_o vision_n in_o a_o barren_a and_o base_a desolate_a place_n we_o see_v that_o those_o which_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n even_o then_o when_o man_n seek_v most_o to_o disgrace_v they_o for_o what_o great_a disgrace_n can_v they_o have_v put_v upon_o john_n than_o to_o banish_v he_o into_o so_o base_a a_o island_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n even_o there_o do_v the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o much_o in_o reveal_v unto_o he_o these_o vision_n so_o when_o joseph_n be_v sell_v of_o his_o brethren_n and_o most_o dishonour_v of_o they_o then_o do_v god_n exhalt_v he_o most_o of_o all_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n who_o god_n do_v most_o advance_v when_o his_o enemy_n seek_v his_o great_a ruin_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n child_n they_o which_o honour_n god_n will_v he_o honour_v ii_o point_n the_o cause_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o this_o isle_n be_v express_o set_v down_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n he_o be_v banish_v by_o which_o we_o may_v note_v that_o all_o natural_a man_n as_o domitian_n and_o his_o court_n and_o all_o the_o gentile_n without_o god_n special_a calling_n do_v bear_v a_o deadly_a hatred_n towards_o god_n word_n for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n a_o famous_a man_n for_o gift_n a_o singular_a preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v hate_v nay_o banish_a not_o for_o his_o own_o cause_n but_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o hatred_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n by_o their_o bloody_a persecution_n against_o the_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o word_n and_o yet_o though_o man_n hate_v it_o natural_o the_o same_o word_n win_v they_o and_o take_v place_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o love_v it_o so_o as_o successive_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o world_n which_o show_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o the_o word_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v indeed_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n for_o man_n word_n be_v hate_v can_v win_v unto_o it_o he_o which_o hate_v it_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v by_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o hate_v it_o by_o nature_n which_o it_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v in_o it_o some_o divine_a power_n again_o see_v john_n be_v banish_v for_o god_n word_n all_o minister_n be_v to_o cast_v their_o account_n and_o make_v this_o reckon_n that_o they_o may_v and_o must_v suffer_v trouble_n &_o persecution_n yea_o sometime_o banishment_n itself_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a for_o that_o which_o befall_v the_o principal_a founder_n and_o chief_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v avoid_v of_o they_o which_o be_v ordinary_a minister_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a christ_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o tell_v they_o 6.26_o that_o they_o be_v even_o accurse_v when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o they_o let_v none_o therefore_o think_v it_o strange_a at_o this_o day_n if_o for_o well_o do_v they_o hear_v and_o receive_v evil_a nay_o let_v they_o fear_v the_o curse_n when_o all_o man_n praise_v they_o and_o for_o the_o witness_v of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o john_n do_v note_n more_o special_o the_o
golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o i_o hear_v this_o sudden_a and_o mighty_a voice_n i_o turn_v myself_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o utter_v the_o same_o in_o this_o behaviour_n of_o john_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o word_n as_o john_n dispose_v himself_o towards_o christ_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o vision_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o voice_n speak_v john_n hearken_v and_o because_o the_o sound_n thereof_o come_v behind_o he_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o utter_v it_o even_o so_o must_v we_o do_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n stranger_n with_o god_n slow_a to_o hear_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o ready_a to_o turn_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n when_o we_o hear_v therefore_o when_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n we_o must_v hearken_v and_o though_o we_o be_v go_v another_o way_n yet_o we_o must_v turn_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o voice_n that_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o saint_n john_n have_v not_o see_v this_o marvelous_a vision_n unless_o he_o have_v turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v he_o that_o speak_v no_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n unless_o we_o turn_v our_o heart_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o that_o betimes_o while_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n viz._n the_o entrance_n thereunto_o the_o second_o part_n it_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o vision_n contain_v a_o most_o worthy_a representation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o a_o description_n of_o christ_n continue_v from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n wherein_o john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v and_o partly_o by_o see_v and_o first_o he_o begin_v his_o description_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o see_v he_o represent_v in_o vision_n and_o so_o describe_v he_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o place_n where_o he_o see_v he_o second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n wherein_o he_o appear_v i._o for_o the_o place_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v himself_o vers_fw-la 20._o now_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n for_o that_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o they_o for_o as_o the_o candlestick_n serve_v to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n that_o be_v set_v therein_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n they_o bear_v up_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o call_v candlestick_n than_o candle_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o or_o from_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v god_n instrument_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a true_a lamp_n and_o candle_n that_o give_v light_a to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n second_o hence_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n must_v learn_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v a_o shine_a and_o burn_a candle_n indeed_o this_o principal_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n john_n 5._o vers_fw-la 35._o but_o yet_o it_o must_v also_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o member_n thereof_o as_o saint_n paul_n command_v 16._o shine_v say_v he_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n quest._n how_o shall_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n become_v a_o burn_a light_n answ._n first_o he_o must_v have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o then_o as_o a_o candlestick_n hold_v out_o and_o send_v forth_o the_o beaâ—es_n thereof_o to_o other_o partly_o by_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n and_o partly_o by_o example_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n thus_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v god_n commandment_n shine_v as_o light_n say_v s._n paul_n in_o the_o world_n philip_n 2.15_o and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n ephes._n 5.8_o second_o consider_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o which_o be_v wonderful_a great_a for_o by_o godly_a instruction_n in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o answerable_a obedience_n in_o our_o life_n we_o win_v many_o to_o the_o lord_n show_v forth_o such_o light_n whereby_o other_o may_v walk_v in_o this_o dark_a world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a light_n in_o the_o winter_n season_n man_n think_v they_o do_v other_o great_a pleasure_n if_o in_o the_o night_n they_o hang_v forth_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v passenger_n a_o little_a way_n in_o a_o earthly_a walk_n what_o a_o bless_a thing_n then_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v guide_v a_o sinful_a wicked_a wretch_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n live_v in_o god_n church_n like_o candle_n put_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n hence_o come_v great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o other_o with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o they_o lead_v other_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n especial_o they_o who_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o conscience_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o good_a example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o as_o in_o a_o haven_n town_n if_o any_o man_n in_o the_o night_n time_n do_v remove_v the_o sea-mark_a which_o guide_v the_o ship_n in_o the_o right_a channel_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v near_o the_o shore_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n even_o so_o they_o that_o shall_v give_v light_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o false_a light_n to_o such_o as_o depend_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v sail_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n hereby_o they_o lead_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a haven_n and_o instead_o of_o heaven_n bring_v their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n which_o must_v terrify_v we_o from_o ignorance_n and_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v we_o labour_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o this_o world_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o godly_a conversation_n three_o reason_n consider_v the_o fearful_a judgment_n of_o god_n against_o such_o as_o live_v in_o his_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o yet_o give_v no_o light_n they_o do_v incur_v the_o fearful_a wrath_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o temple_n the_o keep_n of_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n and_o other_o instrument_n to_o trim_v the_o same_o which_o notable_o figure_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n who_o look_v to_o every_o light_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v to_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o a_o lamp_n and_o when_o they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o dark_a he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n to_o trim_v they_o and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o better_a light_n both_o by_o godly_a life_n and_o good_a instruction_n but_o when_o he_o have_v snuff_v they_o again_o and_o again_o if_o still_o they_o burn_v dark_a and_o dim_a and_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o else_o a_o false_a light_n
then_o sure_o he_o will_v either_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o temple_n or_o else_o tread_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n we_o grant_v this_o liberty_n to_o every_o governor_n when_o he_o have_v light_n up_o candle_n for_o his_o family_n if_o any_o of_o they_o will_v not_o burn_v clear_o he_o may_v snuff_v it_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o may_v cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n and_o set_v another_o in_o it_o place_n and_o shall_v we_o deny_v to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o like_a authority_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o house_n over_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n god_n forbid_v the_o minister_n therefore_o in_o his_o place_n and_o every_o other_o christian_a in_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n must_v labour_v to_o be_v a_o shine_a candle_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o godly_a life_n before_o all_o the_o world_n that_o so_o he_o may_v escape_v god_n fearful_a judgement_n in_o common_a reason_n we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o shine_a light_n before_o otheâ—s_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n in_o the_o winter_n time_n to_o hang_v forth_o light_v for_o the_o guide_n of_o man_n body_n safe_a from_o place_n to_o place_n now_o if_o we_o have_v such_o care_n over_o their_o body_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v much_o more_o over_o body_n and_o soul_n both_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v guide_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o dangerous_a way_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o then_o all_o ignorant_a person_n and_o loose_a luâ—ers_n who_o abound_v in_o every_o place_n must_v be_v admonish_v to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o labour_n to_o become_v light_n in_o god_n church_n they_o stand_v as_o candle_n but_o they_o be_v extinct_a â—nd_v give_v no_o light_n to_o other_o ignorant_a person_n therefore_o must_v cast_v off_o their_o ignorance_n and_o labour_n for_o knowledge_n and_o wicked_a liver_n must_v reform_v their_o looseness_n of_o life_n and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o wordâ—_n truth_n that_o so_o they_o may_v shine_v unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o candle_n set_v up_o in_o his_o family_n and_o shall_v assay_v to_o light_v it_o and_o snuff_v it_o once_o or_o twice_o and_o can_v get_v it_o burn_v then_o in_o displeasure_n he_o will_v trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n or_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n even_o so_o christ_n jesus_n seek_v to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o these_o ignorant_a person_n and_o to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o these_o loose_a liver_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v that_o they_o refuse_v the_o light_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v undoubted_o in_o fury_n of_o his_o wrath_n he_o will_v at_o length_n â—_o pluck_v they_o from_o their_o place_n and_o stamp_v they_o to_o powder_n and_o cast_v they_o to_o hell_n many_o be_v ignorant_a in_o every_o place_n and_o more_o be_v profane_a and_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o good_a shine_a light_n but_o we_o must_v remember_v our_o duty_n and_o walk_v worthy_a our_o call_n if_o we_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o firmament_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v dan._n 12.3_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o base_a candlestick_n but_o candlestick_n make_v of_o gold_n there_o be_v two_o cause_n of_o this_o resemblance_n first_o because_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o god_n church_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o society_n the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o man_n in_o family_n town_n and_o kingdom_n and_o in_o other_o common_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o yet_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v far_o surmount_v they_o all_o and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o in_o god_n church_n salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v but_o in_o other_o society_n as_o they_o be_v society_n though_o sundry_a benefit_n arise_v from_o they_o yet_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v in_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v either_o particular_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o second_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o society_n and_o they_o be_v all_o ordain_v to_o preserve_v and_o cherish_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n three_o the_o church_n beautify_v all_o other_o society_n the_o principal_a praise_n and_o dignity_n of_o any_o town_n household_n or_o kingdom_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v either_o church_n of_o god_n or_o true_a member_n thereof_o from_o this_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_n to_o become_v true_a member_n of_o this_o society_n man_n have_v great_a care_n to_o become_v member_n of_o incorporation_n &_o town_n of_o great_a privilege_n but_o few_o there_o be_v that_o seek_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n and_o common_o those_o that_o seek_v most_o for_o privilege_n in_o chief_a town_n have_v the_o least_o care_n to_o become_v the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v a_o wretched_a practice_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v among_o we_o see_v the_o church_n have_v privilege_n far_o above_o all_o other_o society_n second_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v care_n to_o preserve_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n true_a it_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o magistrate_n must_v have_v chief_a care_n thereof_o and_o yet_o every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n must_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n hereunto_o because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a society_n three_o in_o that_o god_n church_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a society_n give_v honour_n to_o all_o other_o we_o be_v teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o calling_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v to_o bring_v all_o other_o society_n unto_o this_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o a_o family_n must_v labour_v to_o bring_v every_o one_o in_o their_o family_n to_o be_v good_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o in_o civil_a society_n man_n of_o government_n must_v labour_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n become_v also_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n thus_o governor_n of_o kingdom_n shall_v labour_v that_o the_o part_n of_o their_o dominion_n may_v be_v particular_a church_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n of_o this_o duty_n because_o all_o other_o society_n without_o this_o be_v companion_n of_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a sit_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n be_v spiritual_o blind_a and_o without_o all_o sound_a comfort_n in_o their_o soul_n second_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n of_o gold_n because_o of_o all_o society_n among_o man_n it_o be_v most_o precious_a &_o dear_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v resemble_v to_o a_o seal_n 8.6_o on_o christ_n heart_n and_o a_o signit_a on_o his_o arm_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n zachar._n 2.8_o the_o church_n be_v the_o queen_n that_o stand_v on_o christ_n right_a hand_n in_o a_o vesture_n of_o gold_n psa._n 4.5.9_o yea_o that_o which_o surpass_v all_o christ_n redeem_v 1â—_n the_o church_n unto_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n oh_o then_o how_o dear_a and_o precious_a be_v she_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o instruction_n that_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o former_a pre-eminence_n namely_o to_o have_v special_a care_n of_o god_n church_n to_o preserve_v the_o same_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v other_o to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n now_o it_o be_v add_v that_o christ_n the_o messiah_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n whereby_o be_v signify_v first_o that_o christ_n be_v present_a with_o his_o church_n at_o all_o time_n and_o second_o that_o be_v present_a he_o have_v care_n to_o gather_v his_o church_n and_o be_v gather_v to_o preserve_v the_o same_o against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o other_o enemy_n from_o hence_o we_o learn_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o one_o be_v make_v head_n of_o all_o the_o militant_a church_n be_v needless_a for_o christ_n be_v present_a always_o with_o his_o church_n have_v special_a care_n to_o gather_v guide_n and_o preserve_v the_o same_o and_o he_o need_v no_o vicar_n general_a to_o supply_v his_o room_n for_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o prince_n all_o commission_n of_o vicegerencie_n do_v cease_v though_o christ_n have_v grant_v this_o supremacy_n to_o any_o
yet_o so_o long_o as_o christ_n be_v present_a their_o commission_n must_v cease_v and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a pride_n and_o great_a for_o any_o to_o presume_v to_o be_v head_n of_o all_o church_n in_o christ_n presence_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o sit_v vicegerent_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o prince_n second_o see_v christ_n be_v always_o present_a with_o his_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o before_o god_n as_o enoch_n do_v genes_n 5.22_o which_o duty_n stand_v in_o these_o point_n first_o whatsoever_o we_o say_v or_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v do_v it_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ._n second_o we_o must_v continual_o depend_v upon_o christ_n providence_n who_o be_v ever_o present_a with_o his_o church_n provide_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n thereof_o three_o we_o must_v do_v all_o our_o action_n as_o look_v for_o approbation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o end_n we_o must_v take_v direction_n for_o the_o same_o out_o of_o his_o word_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v most_o excellent_a for_o by_o walk_v with_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o many_o good_a duty_n as_o namely_o live_v unblamable_o in_o this_o wicked_a world_n make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o approve_v ourselves_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o hart_n and_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o place_n where_o john_n see_v christ._n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v christ_n be_v his_o figure_n or_o form_n in_o these_o word_n one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n some_o think_v that_o these_o word_n be_v a_o description_n of_o some_o angel_n not_o of_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n not_o the_o son_n of_o man_n himself_o but_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o he_o which_o be_v here_o describe_v be_v before_o call_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a which_o can_v agree_v to_o any_o but_o to_o christ._n now_o the_o word_n may_v more_o significant_o be_v translate_v thus_o one_o like_a to_o a_o son_n of_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v translate_v that_o son_n of_o man_n than_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o resemblance_n for_o so_o he_o be_v call_v act._n 7.56_o but_o here_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v like_a to_o a_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o here_o call_v a_o man_n but_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n because_o he_o appear_v unto_o john_n not_o in_o his_o true_a manhood_n which_o be_v then_o in_o heaven_n but_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o manhood_n and_o note_v this_o that_o as_o christ_n here_o appear_v to_o john_n in_o this_o vision_n so_o do_v he_o always_o appear_v after_o his_o ascension_n steven_n indeed_o see_v his_o true_a manhood_n act._n 7._o but_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o paul_n hear_v his_o voice_n when_o he_o be_v convert_v acts._n 9.5_o and_o see_v the_o lord_n 1._o cor._n 9.1_o but_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o chrst_n appear_v unto_o he_o in_o his_o true_a manhood_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o all_o these_o vision_n john_n see_v not_o his_o true_a manhood_n but_o a_o resemblance_n thereof_o now_o christ_n appear_v thus_o for_o special_a consideration_n for_o man_n be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o his_o bodily_a presence_n this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o disciple_n therefore_o christ_n will_v hereby_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o seek_v for_o his_o bodily_a presence_n but_o rather_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o seek_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o say_v to_o marie_n after_o his_o resurrection_n touch_v i_o not_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20.17_o this_o paul_n have_v learn_v though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n say_v he_o after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o 2._o cor._n 5.15_o now_o if_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n never_o appear_v in_o his_o true_a manhood_n iâ—_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v needless_a for_o if_o god_n church_n have_v spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a again_o whereas_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o shape_n and_o form_n of_o man_n after_o his_o ascension_n the_o papist_n gather_v that_o we_o may_v make_v image_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o answerable_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o form_n wherein_o they_o appear_v as_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o 2._o dove_n and_o 9_o of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o old_a man_n ans._n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v or_o to_o have_v a_o image_n of_o christ_n manhood_n so_o that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o religious_a use_n though_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o any_o now_o have_v a_o true_a picture_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o be_v to_o represent_v whole_a christ_n god_n and_o man_n or_o be_v use_v to_o remember_v christ_n thereby_o or_o to_o worship_n christ_n therein_o it_o be_v a_o idol_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o old_a man_n or_o of_o a_o dove_n they_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n when_o it_o be_v paint_v or_o picture_v but_o then_o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o these_o form_n be_v no_o image_n of_o the_o father_n son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_a representation_n of_o such_o visible_a appearance_n as_o sometime_o be_v sign_n and_o pledge_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o person_n but_o now_o to_o abstract_n those_o form_n apart_o from_o the_o history_n and_o to_o make_v they_o image_n of_o any_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v flat_a against_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o do_v general_o forbid_v all_o image_n of_o god_n not_o except_v those_o very_a shape_n in_o which_o himself_o take_v liberty_n to_o testify_v his_o presence_n for_o some_o time_n and_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o god_n commandment_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o seek_v shift_n &_o excuse_n for_o a_o thing_n forbid_v deo_fw-la special_o consider_v we_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o god_n beyond_o our_o commission_n from_o god_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o his_o foot_n here_o christ_n be_v further_o describe_v by_o his_o attire_n the_o first_o part_n whereof_o be_v a_o long_a garment_n reach_v to_o his_o foot_n the_o cause_n why_o he_o so_o appear_v may_v be_v these_o first_o to_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o continue_v do_v the_o office_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n for_o his_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o present_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o one_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o make_v intercession_n to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o they_o for_o the_o long_a garment_n be_v one_o of_o those_o wherewith_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v clothe_v in_o his_o ministration_n under_o the_o law_n second_o to_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o long_a garment_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o among_o the_o heathen_a have_v be_v always_o a_o note_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v call_v isa._n 9.6_o three_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o breast_n the_o 2.3_o treasure_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o 11.2_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n for_o this_o long_a robe_n always_o pertain_v to_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v describe_v isaiah_n 11.2_o now_o in_o this_o example_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o duty_n touch_v our_o attire_n namely_o that_o the_o outward_a garment_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o to_o our_o wisdom_n knowledge_n fear_v of_o god_n name_n to_o our_o sobriety_n modesty_n temperance_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n whatsoever_o we_o must_v not_o only_o in_o speech_n and_o action_n as_o in_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v burn_a light_n but_o even_o by_o the_o gesture_n and_o attire_n of_o our_o body_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n show_v forth_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o heart_n but_o miserable_a be_v these_o time_n wherein_o man_n attire_n be_v suitable_a not_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o the_o common_a corruption_n of_o the_o time_n for_o such_o it_o be_v
god_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o pure_a and_o just_a in_o sundry_a point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o to_o hold_v ourselves_o content_a and_o to_o reverence_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n thereof_o nay_o though_o to_o we_o they_o seem_v against_o all_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v uncorrupt_a though_o the_o blind_a eye_n of_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v full_a of_o light_n so_o though_o our_o blind_a eye_n can_v â—e_v â—old_a the_o purity_n of_o god_n work_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o do_v in_o justice_n and_o equity_n yea_o they_o be_v justice_n itself_o for_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n do_v a_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o right_n but_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n good_a and_o right_n because_o god_n will_v and_o work_v it_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o god_n word_n 20._o god_n command_v abimeleâ—_n to_o deliver_v sarah_n to_o abraham_n or_o else_o he_o will_v destroy_v he_o and_o all_o his_o household_n in_o man_n reason_n this_o may_v seem_v unjust_a for_o why_o shall_v abimelechs_n servant_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o master_n fault_n so_o 7._o achan_n sin_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o israel_n be_v punish_v david_n commit_v adultery_n 12.18_o and_o the_o child_n which_o he_o beget_v â—â—eth_n david_n number_v the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v smite_v with_o the_o plague_n 2._o sa._n 24._o all_o this_o to_o man_n reason_n may_v seem_v unequal_a yet_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n we_o be_v withal_o reverence_v to_o judge_v they_o most_o just_a and_o holy_a again_o the_o 9_o scripture_n show_v plain_o that_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n have_v decree_v to_o save_v some_o and_o to_o reject_v other_o and_o his_o reason_n move_v he_o thereto_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n foresee_v in_o they_o but_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n alone_o this_o in_o man_n reason_n seem_v to_o be_v cruelty_n towards_o some_o and_o therefore_o sundry_a man_n disclaim_v this_o doctrine_n as_o charge_v god_n with_o injustice_n and_o tyranny_n but_o herein_o they_o great_o offend_v for_o it_o be_v the_o manifest_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n &_o therefore_o ought_v with_o reverence_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v though_o we_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n thereof_o for_o who_o be_v thou_o oh_o man_n that_o plead_v against_o god_n rom._n 9.20_o and_o his_o voice_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v resemble_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o signify_v the_o loudness_n and_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o sound_n whereof_o have_v be_v hear_v through_o all_o the_o world_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o to_o show_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o his_o creature_n for_o such_o power_n it_o be_v of_o that_o when_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o he_o but_o speak_v the_o word_n &_o they_o be_v make_v he._n 11.3_o this_o powerful_a voice_n of_o christ_n bring_v 44._o lazarus_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n after_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n bind_v hand_n and_o foâ—â—e_v and_o by_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n shall_v they_o that_o have_v be_v dead_a six_o thousand_o year_n before_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o life_n the_o hour_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o to_o judgement_n john_n 5.28_o 29._o hereby_o than_o we_o may_v see_v the_o great_a security_n and_o the_o deadness_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o this_o age_n for_o though_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o christ_n be_v daily_o sound_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o yet_o it_o enter_v not_o into_o their_o heart_n they_o live_v secure_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v daily_o exhort_v to_o repentance_n but_o shall_v dead_a lazarus_n start_v out_o of_o his_o grave_n when_o christ_n say_v lazarus_n come_v forth_o nay_o shall_v they_o that_o be_v consume_v to_o dust_v many_o thousand_o year_n before_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n voice_n rise_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o shall_v we_o which_o live_v in_o body_n be_v no_o whit_n affect_v with_o it_o in_o our_o soul_n oh_o fearful_a death_n in_o sin_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v move_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n it_o may_v be_v the_o outward_a ear_n receive_v the_o sound_n but_o the_o dead_a heart_n receive_v no_o instruction_n we_o must_v therefore_o apply_v our_o heart_n to_o this_o powerful_a voice_n of_o christ_n and_o leave_v the_o sin_n wherein_o we_o have_v lie_v dead_a that_o so_o the_o quicken_a power_n hereof_o unto_o salvation_n may_v appear_v in_o us._n verse_n 16._o and_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o strength_n here_o john_n proceed_v further_a to_o set_v out_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o the_o property_n thereof_o by_o seven_o star_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v seven_o angel_n that_o be_v as_o christ_n expound_v they_o verse_n 20._o the_o seven_o minister_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o they_o be_v call_v star_n for_o these_o cause_n first_o star_n give_v light_a to_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o give_v spiritual_a light_n to_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n both_o by_o doctrine_n and_o by_o a_o unblameable_a conversation_n second_o star_n have_v their_o continual_a abode_n in_o heaven_n and_o descend_v not_o unto_o the_o earth_n so_o minister_n above_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o call_n and_o this_o heavenly_a conversation_n he_o must_v express_v first_o by_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o eternal_a mansion_n in_o heaven_n three_o they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a they_o shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n and_o make_v to_o shine_v aâ—_n the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o dan._n 12.3_o it_o be_v add_v that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o to_o he_o belong_v the_o regiment_n and_o government_n and_o the_o whole_a disposition_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o matter_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n from_o whence_o arise_v sundry_a instruction_n i._o that_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o give_v to_o his_o church_n minister_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o he_o 4.11.12_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v daily_o unto_o christ_n 9.38_o that_o he_o will_v thrust_v forth_o laborer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o the_o remnant_n of_o god_n elect_v may_v be_v gather_v and_o so_o we_o see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o miserable_a day_n wherein_o we_o live_v second_o in_o that_o christ_n hold_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n give_v protection_n and_o defence_n unto_o his_o minister_n when_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o walk_v in_o their_o calling_n according_a to_o his_o will_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o all_o that_o be_v call_v into_o this_o office_n for_o they_o have_v sundry_a occasion_n of_o discouragement_n as_o the_o negligence_n and_o backwardness_n of_o their_o people_n the_o slander_n and_o mock_n of_o the_o enemy_n but_o this_o protection_n of_o christ_n must_v comfort_v they_o against_o they_o all_o see_v they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n they_o must_v go_v on_o with_o all_o godly_a boldness_n three_o this_o show_v the_o dignity_n of_o this_o call_n indeed_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o repute_v base_a in_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o many_o be_v drive_v from_o it_o but_o let_v the_o wicked_a judge_n what_o they_o will_v behold_v christ_n honour_v it_o for_o his_o faithful_a minister_n be_v not_o only_o present_a before_o he_o which_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n but_o he_o hold_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n than_o which_o what_o great_a glory_n can_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o this_o must_v
seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o to_o send_v unto_o they_o seven_o letter_n or_o epistle_n the_o first_o of_o which_o commandment_n be_v express_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o first_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v then_o after_o follow_v the_o epistle_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o etc._n etc._n continue_v to_o the_o eight_o verse_n first_o for_o the_o commandment_n the_o party_n to_o who_o john_n must_v write_v be_v the_o angel_n which_o word_n may_v be_v expound_v two_o way_n either_o to_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 common_o take_v of_o the_o most_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v token_n the_o company_n of_o the_o minister_n teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o therein_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o appear_v act._n 20.28_o where_o paul_n call_v together_o the_o bishop_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v and_o give_v they_o charge_n over_o their_o particular_a flock_n now_o in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o one_o person_n take_v collective_o oftentimes_o signify_v the_o whole_a multitude_n as_o exod._n 4.22_o israel_n be_v my_o son_n even_o my_o first_o bear_v where_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o one_o man_n and_o so_o though_o antichrist_n be_v not_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o a_o state_n and_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o pope_n yet_o be_v that_o whole_a estate_n note_v by_o the_o special_a name_n of_o one_o manâ—_n as_o that_o 2._o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o word_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v and_o whether_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o one_o man_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o elder_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a in_o this_o particular_a commandment_n note_v two_o point_n first_o that_o christ_n his_o intent_n be_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o appear_z chap._n 1.11_o where_o john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v in_o a_o boohe_o and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n as_o also_o by_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n where_o it_o be_v say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n â—_o and_o yet_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o particular_o to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n thereof_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o intimate_v unto_o this_o minister_n his_o duty_n which_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o teach_v the_o content_n of_o this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o in_o become_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o they_o all_o of_o do_v the_o thing_n therein_o require_v second_o because_o either_o much_o good_a or_o much_o evil_n come_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o minister_n thereof_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n if_o he_o be_v faithful_a he_o bring_v great_a good_a to_o the_o church_n if_o unfaithful_a exceed_v great_a hurt_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o example_n in_o all_o age_n now_o christ_n write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o much_o good_a unto_o they_o all_o by_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n require_v in_o this_o epistle_n ii_o point_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n christ_n write_v first_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n not_o for_o that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o rest_n for_o they_o be_v all_o candlestick_n and_o all_o of_o gold_n but_o because_o ephesus_n be_v the_o mother_n city_n far_o exceed_v the_o rest_n in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n whereby_o christ_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o will_n be_v that_o those_o people_n town_n and_o city_n which_o excel_v other_o in_o estimation_n and_o wealth_n shall_v also_o go_v before_o they_o in_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o answerable_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o particular_a person_n they_o which_o excel_v other_o for_o outward_a reputation_n and_o temporal_a blessing_n aught_o to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o godliness_n and_o religion_n those_o which_o shall_v fail_v herein_o and_o suffer_v other_o that_o be_v far_o their_o inferior_n for_o outward_a thing_n to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n shall_v find_v it_o true_a to_o their_o shame_n before_o man_n but_o especial_o at_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o commandment_n now_o follow_v the_o example_n itself_o which_o contain_v three_o part_n as_o all_o ordinary_a epistle_n do_v a_o pereface_n a_o proposition_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o proposition_n and_o conclusion_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v the_o preface_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n verse_n 16._o and_o 13._o where_o also_o it_o be_v handle_v the_o intent_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v to_o draw_v this_o church_n to_o a_o reverend_a adoration_n of_o his_o person_n and_o to_o cause_v in_o they_o a_o great_a care_n to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v his_o admonition_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o twofold_a action_n which_o he_o avouch_v of_o himself_o to_o wit_n his_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o walk_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n by_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v signify_v his_o power_n in_o protect_v and_o govern_v his_o minister_n and_o by_o the_o second_o be_v note_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n guide_v and_o bless_v his_o minister_n with_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o be_v he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o protect_v and_o govern_v that_o be_o present_a also_o to_o bless_v and_o direct_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n then_o my_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v in_o this_o preface_n note_v two_o special_a point_n first_o that_o christ_n here_o again_o repeat_v that_o which_o be_v before_o deliver_v touch_v his_o presence_n in_o his_o church_n and_o his_o mighty_a power_n and_o providence_n over_o the_o same_o in_o protect_v guide_a and_o blessing_n both_o minister_v and_o people_n by_o which_o reputation_n he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o specall_a weight_n and_o moment_n of_o this_o point_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n and_o indeed_o till_o we_o be_v persuade_v thereof_o we_o shall_v never_o learn_v religion_n sound_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v this_o to_o take_v the_o true_a god_n for_o our_o god_n and_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o redeemer_n and_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o swim_a notion_n hereof_o in_o the_o brain_n but_o in_o the_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o never_o have_v till_o we_o be_v resolve_v both_o of_o christ_n presence_n with_o we_o and_o of_o his_o providence_n over_o we_o for_o our_o blessing_n and_o defence_n ii_o point_n in_o this_o preface_n also_o note_n that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o christ_n presence_n and_o special_a providence_n in_o his_o church_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o draw_v we_o on_o to_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o thereby_o christ_n will_v persuade_v both_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o ephesus_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v this_o his_o epistle_n and_o no_o doubt_n he_o that_o be_v indeed_o persuade_v hereof_o can_v but_o be_v move_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n as_o do_v enoch_n abraham_n and_o all_o the_o godly_a patriarch_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o preface_n verse_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o forbear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n the_o proposition_n contain_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n this_o proposition_n have_v two_o point_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n second_o a_o rebuke_n and_o reprehension_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o commenâ—ation_n be_v first_o general_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n then_o more_o particular_a for_o special_a duty_n &_o action_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o thy_o labour_n and_o patience_n etc._n etc._n
for_o the_o first_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n many_o do_v expound_v this_o of_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n but_o that_o will_v not_o so_o well_o stand_v for_o he_o say_v to_o every_o church_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v blame_v for_o want_n of_o these_o good_a work_n by_o work_n than_o be_v mean_v the_o way_n that_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o deal_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o of_o minister_n as_o people_n in_o all_o their_o affair_n also_o by_o knowledge_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v a_o knowledge_n that_o go_v with_o application_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o four_o verse_n whither_o it_o have_v relation_n for_o thus_o they_o must_v go_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v all_o thy_o way_n and_o deal_n in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o do_v general_o approve_v of_o they_o here_o first_o in_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o knowledge_n christ_n minister_v a_o remedy_n against_o secret_a sin_n and_o offence_n the_o thief_n the_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n wait_v for_o the_o night_n wherein_o to_o attempt_v their_o shameful_a practice_n the_o tradesman_n in_o secret_n falsify_v his_o weight_n and_o mingle_v his_o ware_n among_o most_o man_n fraud_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n do_v abound_v and_o all_o because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o man_n see_v not_o all_o be_v well_o as_o david_n say_v the_o wicked_a man_n say_v god_n shall_v not_o see_v he_o will_v not_o regard_v 94.7_o but_o if_o man_n can_v think_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o christ_n see_v and_o know_v all_o their_o way_n it_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n not_o only_o of_o gross_a sin_n but_o even_o of_o their_o hide_a and_o secret_a offence_n second_o whereas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o approbation_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o this_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o law_n as_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o most_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o be_v stain_v with_o some_o corruption_n isay._n 64_o 6._o answ._n the_o gospel_n which_o be_v another_o part_n of_o god_n will_n reveal_v more_o unto_o we_o than_o ever_o the_o law_n can_v do_v namely_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v his_o true_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o deed_n itself_o 2._o cor._n 8.12_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n approve_v of_o their_o work_n in_o this_o place_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o abide_v the_o â—igor_n of_o his_o law_n but_o a_o papist_n will_v here_o reason_v thus_o if_o a_o righteous_a man_n work_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n for_o god_n will_v not_o approve_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o if_o his_o work_n be_v no_o sin_n than_o he_o may_v fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o work_n answ._n that_o which_o christ_n approve_v simple_o have_v no_o sin_n in_o it_o but_o here_o he_o only_o approve_v of_o their_o work_n in_o part_n namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o but_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o worker_n which_o be_v in_o part_n corrupt_v they_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o he_o approve_v they_o not_o again_o work_v of_o grace_n be_v approve_v of_o christ_n with_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o accept_v of_o the_o person_n he_o remit_v the_o fault_n that_o be_v in_o his_o good_a work_n and_o so_o only_o approve_v his_o own_o work_n in_o he_o and_o so_o here_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o his_o approbation_n of_o their_o work_n to_o wit_n as_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o fault_n thereof_o remit_v in_o his_o own_o merit_n the_o special_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o particular_a action_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v diligent_a labour_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n especal_o in_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n to_o be_v painful_a in_o his_o particular_a call_n for_o the_o faithful_a instruction_n and_o godly_a regiment_n of_o his_o particular_a charge_n hence_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 5.17_o he_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v principal_o worthy_a double_a honour_n and_o herein_o paul_n match_v yea_o prefer_v himself_o before_o other_o apostle_n that_o he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o all_o 1._o cor._n 15.10_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n use_n if_o it_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v be_v a_o work_n full_a of_o great_a pain_n and_o labour_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v full_a of_o ease_n and_o his_o calling_n a_o matter_n of_o nothing_o such_o as_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o hand_n but_o here_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n be_v other_o way_n who_o use_v not_o thus_o to_o approve_v a_o light_n or_o idle_a work_n second_o this_o commendation_n of_o diligence_n in_o the_o minister_n must_v admonish_v all_o christian_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o christ_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o learn_v and_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o here_o a_o common_a fault_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v many_o will_v hear_v but_o where_o be_v their_o labour_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n &_o in_o grace_n that_o be_v want_v which_o iâ—_n the_o cause_n of_o such_o fruitless_a hear_n as_o be_v common_a in_o the_o world_n for_o earthly_a thing_n man_n refuse_v no_o pain_n but_o god_n heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o regard_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v bestow_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n about_o base_a and_o transitory_a thing_n and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o main_a good_a which_o concern_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o three_o the_o minister_n diligence_n in_o teach_v must_v provoke_v conscience_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o hearer_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n without_o this_o he_o spend_v his_o strength_n in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o with_o the_o apostle_n they_o must_v endeavour_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n act._n 24.16_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o christ_n here_o commend_v be_v patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o do_v usual_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n for_o herein_o he_o go_v before_o sundry_a worthy_a prophet_n jeremie_n be_v marvelous_a impatient_a for_o the_o mock_n of_o the_o people_n 15._o and_o though_o jonas_n have_v be_v school_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n yet_o when_o all_o thing_n go_v not_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o niniveh_n he_o become_v exceed_v discontent_a herein_o must_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n become_v follower_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n use_n while_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n they_o must_v possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n their_o meek_a and_o mild_a spirit_n yea_o every_o christian_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n must_v learn_v to_o practice_v this_o duty_n luk._n 8.16_o the_o good_a ground_n receive_v the_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o how_o with_o patience_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n for_o whosoever_o will_v live_v godly_a must_v suffer_v affliction_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o ii_o again_o here_o observe_v how_o christ_n join_v labour_n and_o patience_n together_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o let_v we_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v set_v on_o the_o labour_n of_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n the_o labour_n of_o man_n calling_n be_v practise_v without_o all_o trouble_n or_o pain_n but_o since_o man_n fall_n the_o best_a calling_n have_v their_o cross_n and_o vexation_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o man_n transgression_n socond_o to_o show_v we_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n against_o the_o good_a progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2.18_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n
he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n do_v hinder_v he_o he_o seek_v the_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o minister_n not_o only_o by_o stir_v up_o persecution_n but_o by_o keepinh_v his_o people_n from_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o every_o minister_n have_v need_v to_o take_v pain_n with_o patience_n in_o his_o call_n and_o as_o christ_n join_v together_o labour_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o shall_v every_o christian_n after_o this_o direction_n join_v patience_n with_o his_o pain_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n for_o look_v what_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o place_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o every_o child_n of_o god_n in_o he_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a call_n and_o therein_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n then_o consider_v the_o cross_n do_v accompany_v godly_a diligence_n they_o must_v labour_v to_o join_v patience_n with_o their_o diligence_n for_o their_o continuance_n in_o welldoing_a even_o under_o the_o cross_n and_o for_o attain_v of_o this_o patience_n they_o must_v set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o protection_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v dismay_v by_o any_o affliction_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v thus_o walk_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a place_n painful_o and_o with_o patience_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o commendation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a reward_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o their_o reward_n but_o on_o contrary_a if_o we_o walk_v in_o our_o calling_n negligent_o or_o else_o forsake_v they_o because_o of_o affliction_n or_o be_v impatient_a in_o our_o labour_n we_o shall_v loose_v our_o reward_n and_o undergo_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o outward_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v us._n the_o three_o special_a work_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n be_v severity_n show_v against_o wicked_a man_n in_o these_o word_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o evil_a man_n he_o mean_v such_o as_o live_v offensive_o and_o maintain_v manifest_a error_n and_o heresy_n these_o she_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o judge_v they_o as_o burden_n and_o therefore_o seek_v to_o disburden_v herself_o of_o they_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v purge_v of_o evil_a man_n use_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v put_v in_o practice_v this_o work_n so_o soon_o as_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n 4.14_o god_n cast_v he_o out_o from_o his_o face_n as_o appear_z by_o his_o own_o complaint_n to_o wit_n from_o that_o particular_a place_n where_o adam_n and_o his_o family_n worship_v god_n when_o false_a prophet_n and_o idolater_n do_v arise_v among_o the_o israelit_n the_o lord_n command_v 8._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v kill_v and_o take_v from_o among_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o jeremie_n 15.19_o if_o thou_o turn_v and_o repent_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a thou_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o my_o word_n 1._o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o paul_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n the_o church_n purge_v of_o that_o old_a leaven_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n put_v from_o among_o they_o verse_n 13._o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o testimony_n some_o reason_n may_v be_v add_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o separation_n first_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v be_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v but_o evil_a man_n defile_v god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n second_o lest_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o the_o infection_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o leaven_n sour_v the_o whole_a lump_n so_o will_v evil_a man_n defile_v the_o whole_a church_n three_o they_o be_v burden_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o every_o burden_n this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v a_o common_a fault_n in_o the_o most_o congregation_n among_o we_o wherein_o all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o unto_o the_o lord_n table_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o restraint_n as_o though_o every_o man_n be_v a_o good_a &_o sound_a christian_n whereas_o experience_n show_v that_o many_o be_v ignorant_a many_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o sabbath_n breaker_n drunkard_n and_o blasphemer_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v bar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n sever_v from_o the_o church_n as_o burden_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n a_o power_n judicial_a to_o suspend_v evil_a man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v commend_v this_o minister_n with_o his_o church_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n the_o reason_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o no_o force_n i._o say_v they_o the_o parable_n matth._n 13.30_o allow_v the_o grow_v together_o of_o tare_n and_o wheat_n till_o harvest_n and_o therefore_o evil_a man_n must_v be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o separation_n answ._n in_o that_o parable_n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a purge_n of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a purge_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o the_o field_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o mâ—n_z but_o angel_n that_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n again_o they_o allege_v luk_n 14.23_o compel_v they_o in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o come_v into_o the_o supper_n here_o say_v they_o all_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o but_o none_o must_v be_v exclude_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o compel_a man_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n but_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereto_o man_n must_v be_v cause_v to_o subject_v themselves_o which_o hinder_v nothing_o why_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n ordain_v only_o for_o such_o as_o repent_v and_o believe_v qu._n see_v this_o separation_n must_v be_v make_v how_o far_o forth_o may_v we_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o be_v open_o evil_a &_o offensive_a either_o for_o life_n or_o doctrine_n ans._n evil_a man_n must_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o commonwealth_n of_o some_o city_n or_o incorporation_n second_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n by_o toleration_n in_o the_o first_o regard_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o they_o i._o for_o outward_a deal_n and_o civil_a affair_n as_o bargain_v buy_v and_o sell_v etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o may_v maintain_v outward_a civil_a peace_n with_o they_o so_o paul_n command_v the_o roman_n 12.18_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n iii_o in_o this_o civil_a converse_v with_o the_o wicked_a we_o must_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o outward_a courtesy_n and_o love_n unto_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o do_v not_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n command_v we_o to_o be_v 3.2_o soft_a and_o courteous_a show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o man_n even_o to_o evil_a man_n as_o the_o reason_n follow_v show_v 3._o for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o time_n past_o unwise_a disobedient_a deceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o be_v we_o evil_a second_o consider_v they_o as_o dweller_n in_o the_o church_n and_o member_n by_o permission_n and_o so_o we_o may_v live_v with_o they_o in_o it_o for_o we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v permit_v therein_o christ_n live_v among_o the_o
ver_fw-la 22.23_o iv._o every_o private_a man_n must_v profess_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o 1._o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o this_o confession_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n for_o by_o a_o blameless_a and_o holy_a conversation_n every_o christian_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2_o 15_o 16._o see_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o work_n use_n we_o must_v be_v admonish_v every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o we_o christâ—_n religion_n may_v be_v further_v for_o god_n church_n be_v not_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n only_o because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o maintain_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o pillar_n in_o his_o place_n to_o maintain_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o glory_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v more_o special_a care_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o two_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v herself_o against_o false_a teacher_n and_o have_v not_o faint_v here_o christ_n set_v down_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o church_n labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o true_a religion_n and_o thereby_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n namely_o by_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o labour_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o a_o notable_a example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v for_o we_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o for_o many_o year_n sundry_a among_o we_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o against_o all_o enemy_n though_o not_o without_o some_o trouble_n and_o danger_n now_o this_o which_o have_v be_v do_v be_v nothing_o unless_o we_o hold_v on_o our_o good_a course_n constant_o and_o labour_n unto_o death_n in_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n with_o peace_n for_o usual_o after_o long_a peace_n god_n try_v he_o by_o persecution_n neither_o know_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v of_o trial_n god_n will_v exercise_v us._n therefore_o as_o we_o now_o profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o let_v we_o continue_v constant_a therein_o and_o not_o turn_v with_o time_n or_o state_n for_o than_o we_o lose_v our_o commendation_n at_o christ_n hand_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n for_o her_o virtue_n verse_n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o decay_n in_o grace_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o here_o christ_n speak_v as_o a_o judge_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o lay_v this_o action_n unto_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n that_o be_v that_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v first_o call_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o love_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v not_o as_o though_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v it_o but_o only_o because_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o to_o wax_v cold_a in_o good_a work_n but_o some_o will_v say_v they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o their_o zeal_n and_o labour_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o their_o severity_n against_o false_a teacher_n how_o then_o have_v they_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n answ._n at_o this_o time_n when_o christ_n do_v thus_o reprove_v they_o their_o love_n be_v commendable_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n if_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o this_o church_n for_o leave_v her_o first_o love_n use_n then_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o against_o we_o at_o this_o day_n howsoever_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v high_a in_o his_o favour_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o a_o worse_a estate_n than_o this_o church_n now_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o church_n have_v leave_v off_o their_o first_o love_n and_o the_o great_a part_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o that_o many_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n be_v too_o too_o evident_a for_o such_o as_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n be_v content_a to_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o history_n of_o our_o church_n do_v show_v after_o they_o enjoy_v a_o little_a quietness_n become_v mere_a worldling_n as_o their_o life_n have_v testify_v afterward_o and_o in_o such_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o of_o ten_o or_o seven_o year_n have_v show_v fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n do_v now_o fall_v away_o and_o show_v none_o at_o all_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v see_v many_o for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o very_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n who_o soon_o after_o suffer_v pleasure_n profit_n or_o preferment_n to_o draw_v they_o quite_o away_o some_o i_o confess_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v free_a from_o this_o decay_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o grievous_a fault_n among_o we_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o these_o be_v the_o day_n whereof_o christ_n say_v 24.12.22_o love_n shall_v wax_v cold_a and_o whereof_o paul_n say_v man_n shall_v be_v 3.2_o lover_n of_o themselves_o for_o take_v the_o most_o congregation_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v yet_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o hearer_n be_v neither_o better_v for_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o obedience_n but_o remain_v still_o as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v this_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v no_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o have_v a_o formal_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o their_o mouth_n for_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v there_o most_o needs_o be_v increase_n in_o knowledge_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n again_o see_v how_o man_n general_o walk_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o therein_o behold_v a_o mere_a defect_n of_o love_n all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v be_v for_o their_o private_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n no_o regard_n be_v have_v of_o god_n glory_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n herein_o their_o own_o conscience_n shall_v be_v the_o witness_n so_o that_o general_o this_o may_v be_v say_v we_o have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o what_o a_o action_n than_o shall_v we_o think_v have_v christ_n against_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grievous_a and_o so_o our_o case_n fearful_a and_o dangerous_a if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o potentat_fw-la have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o and_o his_o case_n be_v good_a it_o will_v make_v we_o look_v about_o we_o yea_o to_o tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o to_o be_v at_o our_o wit_n end_n behold_v not_o a_o worldly_a prince_n but_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o matter_n against_o we_o just_a and_o grievoâ—â—â—_o oh_o how_o shall_v this_o move_v we_o to_o search_v ourselves_o to_o try_v our_o estate_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o his_o majesty_n we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o this_o charge_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o concern_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n show_v it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v god_n judgement_n by_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v of_o love_n again_o this_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n for_o decay_n of_o love_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o increase_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o brethren_n add_v grace_n to_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o add_v day_n unto_o day_n in_o our_o life_n that_o so_o our_o love_n may_v obound_v read_v 1._o thes._n 4.1.9_o 10_o where_o paul_n urge_v this_o duty_n at_o large_a he_o confess_v they_o do_v love_v one_o
have_v his_o grace_n come_v by_o creation_n we_o be_v by_o redemption_n and_o regeneration_n adam_n have_v the_o first_o grace_n to_o be_v able_a to_o obey_v but_o he_o want_v the_o second_o to_o be_v sure_a to_o persevere_v because_o god_n will_v permit_v his_o fall_n to_o make_v a_o way_n both_o to_o manifest_v his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ._n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n after_o his_o conversion_n wherein_o he_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v have_v also_o a_o infallible_a promise_n that_o he_o shall_v receive_v the_o second_o grace_n to_o abide_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v i_o 1.6_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o again_o 3_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v establish_v you_o and_o keep_v you_o from_o evil_n second_o david_n say_v they_o by_o his_o two_o grievous_a sin_n fall_v whole_o from_o grace_n answ_n he_o fall_v indeed_o grievous_o but_o not_o whole_o for_o after_o his_o fall_n he_o contemn_v not_o god_n word_n he_o hate_v not_o god_n nor_o despair_v of_o mercy_n which_o he_o must_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v fall_v whole_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v remorse_n for_o his_o sin_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n come_v unto_o he_o but_o say_v they_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o create_v a_o new_a heart_n in_o he_o therefore_o he_o have_v then_o no_o grace_n for_o creation_n be_v a_o make_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v answ._n david_n then_o speek_v not_o as_o he_o be_v before_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o by_o his_o sin_n god_n grace_n be_v sore_o decay_v but_o say_v they_o he_o repent_v not_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n now_o where_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n there_o be_v no_o faith_n and_o consequent_o no_o grace_n nor_o pardon_n answ._n in_o repentance_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o gift_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o act_n and_o practice_v thereof_o the_o gift_n of_o repentance_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o david_n when_o he_o yet_o lay_v in_o his_o sin_n but_o the_o act_n thereof_o lay_v hide_v and_o he_o want_v the_o renew_n thereof_o all_o that_o time_n again_o david_n have_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n past_a though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o pardon_n of_o those_o two_o sin_n till_o he_o repent_v of_o they_o neither_o be_v his_o repentance_n lose_v but_o decay_v only_o he_o want_v not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o simple_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o only_o in_o that_o act_n their_o three_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o equity_n and_o reason_n i._o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n cease_v whole_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n true_o believe_v may_v become_v the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o of_o satan_n as_o david_n do_v answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o member_n dead_a decay_a and_o live_a member_n a_o dead_a member_n be_v that_o which_o be_v only_o in_o show_v a_o member_n as_o a_o leg_n of_o wood_n or_o of_o brass_n in_o a_o man_n body_n a_o decay_a member_n be_v a_o true_a member_n though_o weak_a as_o be_v a_o leg_n or_o arm_n that_o be_v take_v with_o a_o palsy_n or_o sore_o wound_v but_o a_o lively_a member_n be_v that_o which_o do_v move_v and_o do_v all_o it_o function_n perfect_o so_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o member_n dead_a and_o only_o in_o show_n other_o feeble_a and_o weak_a that_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o there_o be_v lively_a member_n which_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o upright_o and_o perfect_a heart_n now_o though_o a_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n can_v be_v a_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n because_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o weaken_v and_o wound_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o every_o adulterer_n and_o fornicator_n do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o christ_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o decay_a member_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o may_v the_o rather_o stand_v because_o a_o man_n be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n one_o way_n namely_o spiritual_o and_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n another_o way_n namely_o bodily_a ii_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n can_v fall_v from_o grace_n then_o preach_v prayer_n the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n be_v needless_a answ._n nothing_o less_o for_o they_o have_v all_o their_o good_a and_o necessary_a use_n unto_o they_o which_o have_v grace_n even_o to_o make_v they_o constant_a in_o grace_n for_o where_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n it_o imply_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n paul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o rome_n be_v certain_a they_o shall_v come_v all_o safe_a to_o land_n 2d_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o marines_n will_v have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o ship_n he_o tell_v the_o captain_n unless_o 31._o these_o stay_n in_o we_o can_v be_v save_v because_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o land_n so_o when_o isaiah_n have_v tell_v ezekias_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v fifteen_o year_n long_o he_o be_v thereby_o assure_v of_o recovery_n and_o yet_o he_o use_v 38.21_o a_o bunch_n of_o fig_n as_o a_o mean_n thereof_o as_o also_o food_n and_o raiment_n to_o preserve_v his_o life_n afterward_o iii_o reason_n this_o doctrine_n of_o certain_a perseverance_n maintain_v man_n in_o security_n answ._n security_n be_v twofold_a carnal_a and_o spiritual_a carnal_a when_o a_o man_n regard_v not_o at_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n spiritual_a when_o a_o man_n rely_v on_o god_n for_o his_o salvation_n by_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o this_o security_n it_o maintain_v but_o not_o the_o carnal_a security_n for_o it_o teach_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n as_o prayer_n hear_v and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o thus_o i_o conclude_v this_o question_n that_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n who_o true_o believe_v when_o he_o sin_v do_v neither_o whole_o nor_o final_o fall_v away_o neither_o can_v do_v last_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v found_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o she_o suffer_v she_o first_o love_n to_o decay_v then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v our_o first_o love_n as_o well_o towards_o god_n as_o man_n to_o lessen_v and_o diminish_v and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o our_o conscience_n will_v tell_v we_o if_o we_o look_v to_o that_o love_n and_o zeal_n we_o have_v at_o our_o first_o calling_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o feel_v this_o decay_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o it_o continual_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o our_o good_a affection_n in_o religion_n to_o diminish_v water_n that_o have_v be_v once_o hot_a will_v afterward_o be_v most_o cold_a and_o freeze_v the_o hard_a even_o so_o when_o our_o heart_n have_v be_v once_o heat_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n altar_n as_o true_a love_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o suffer_v they_o to_o decay_v we_o shall_v become_v more_o freeze_v in_o iniquity_n than_o any_o other_o the_o hawk_n while_o she_o be_v quick_a to_o take_v her_o prey_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o noble_n but_o if_o she_o wax_v weak_a and_o die_v she_o be_v cast_v off_o to_o the_o dunghill_n even_o so_o while_o we_o be_v hot_a and_o cheerful_a in_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o church_n we_o be_v carry_v as_o it_o be_v on_o god_n own_o hand_n but_o if_o we_o faint_v and_o decay_v in_o love_n we_o shall_v be_v cast_v low_a than_o if_o we_o have_v never_o be_v so_o exalt_v this_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o be_v like_o a_o little_a flame_n of_o fire_n for_o the_o maintain_v whereof_o we_o must_v do_v three_o thing_n first_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n which_o quench_v love_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o water_n quench_v fire_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o priest_n keep_v fire_n burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n day_n and_o night_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o must_v we_o keep_v the_o flame_n of_o love_n &_o other_o grace_n continual_o burn_v in_o our_o heart_n
that_o thence_o we_o may_v offer_v up_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n second_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 1.6_o use_v a_o comparison_n from_o the_o fire_n which_o burn_v more_o bright_a and_o clear_a when_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o last_o we_o must_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o faith_n repentance_n love_n and_o such_o like_a &_o so_o shall_v they_o not_o decay_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n verse_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o faithful_a physician_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n do_v here_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o their_o sin_n of_o decay_n in_o love_n fron_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o sin_n be_v reprove_v be_v to_o be_v teach_v but_o yet_o with_o this_o qualification_n that_o withal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v join_v thereunto_o that_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v rip_v up_o by_o the_o law_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v christ_n manner_n of_o preach_v in_o this_o place_n who_o practice_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a platform_n for_o all_o his_o minister_n for_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n at_o this_o day_n to_o preach_v the_o law_n bare_o which_o only_o make_v the_o wound_n without_o the_o gospel_n which_o alone_o show_v the_o remedy_n this_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v be_v of_o special_a use_n and_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n general_o by_o it_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o answer_v to_o two_o necessary_a question_n of_o practice_n which_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n first_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o after_o his_o conversion_n either_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n fall_v into_o sin_n again_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v for_o his_o recovery_n ans._n he_o must_v remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v of_o those_o his_o sin_n and_o do_v his_o first_o work_n the_o second_o question_n be_v this_o a_o man_n that_o have_v all_o his_o life_n long_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n be_v now_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o his_o loose_a life_n how_o shall_v this_o man_n escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n &_o become_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o ans._n he_o must_v first_o remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o by_o his_o own_o transgression_n second_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o his_o sin_n three_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n whereto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n &_o so_o shall_v he_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o particular_a this_o remedy_n have_v three_o part_n the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o second_o and_o repent_v the_o three_o and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n the_o word_n follow_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o remedy_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v for_o the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n examine_v thyself_o thorough_o &_o see_v in_o thyself_o the_o decay_n of_o thy_o former_a love_n and_o then_o ponder_v the_o same_o in_o thy_o heart_n serious_o and_o thorough_o here_o christ_n injoin_v to_o this_o church_n two_o duty_n i._o examination_n whereby_o she_o must_v descend_v into_o she_o own_o heart_n and_o search_v out_o her_o own_o want_n especial_o the_o want_n of_o her_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o her_o brethren_n ii_o consideration_n whereby_o she_o must_v often_o think_v of_o these_o her_o want_n and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o her_o heart_n unfeigned_o this_o course_n which_o christ_n take_v with_o this_o church_n teach_v we_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o person_n in_o god_n church_n not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v thorough_o with_o his_o own_o estate_n that_o so_o he_o may_v search_v out_o his_o own_o want_n and_o deep_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n jeremie_n blame_v the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n that_o no_o man_n say_v with_o himself_o 8.6_o what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o christ_n lay_v this_o sin_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o estate_n 39_o they_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o â—â—oke_v they_o all_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n no_o man_n almost_o do_v examine_v himself_o &_o consider_v in_o his_o hart_n his_o own_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o want_n nay_o man_n be_v grow_v to_o this_o that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o mean_n to_o breed_v melancholy_n and_o therefore_o do_v â—lie_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o nuzzell_v themselves_o in_o their_o fearful_a security_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v out_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o often_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o their_o particular_a want_n zephanie_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o people_n 2.1_o begin_v thus_o search_v you_o search_v yourselves_o oh_o nation_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v where_o the_o word_n translate_v search_n signify_v such_o a_o search_n as_o a_o man_n will_v make_v for_o some_o small_a thing_n in_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o chaff_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n counsel_n hag._n 1.7_o consider_v your_o own_o way_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v our_o practice_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o ground_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o christ_n here_o give_v it_o the_o first_o place_n for_o no_o man_n can_v true_o repent_v before_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o with_o his_o own_o fearful_a and_o damnable_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v 119.59_o i_o first_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o then_o i_o turn_v my_o foot_n into_o thy_o testimony_n the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o repent_v be_v want_n of_o consideration_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o what_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v for_o till_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v she_o own_o misery_n the_o hart_n can_v never_o right_o hunger_n after_o mercy_n sin_n must_v be_v our_o great_a woe_n before_o christ_n become_v our_o chief_a joy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v repentance_n iâ—_n self_n for_o after_o a_o man_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o want_n and_o have_v thorough_o consider_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n than_o he_o come_v to_o repent_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o five_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v i._o what_o repentanceis_n ii_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v iii_o who_o command_v it_o iv._o to_o who_o it_o be_v command_v v._o for_o what_o they_o must_v repent_v for_o the_o first_o repentance_n proper_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n do_v import_v for_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o after_o some_o folly_n or_o overslip_v to_o be_v better_o advise_v repentance_n then_o in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o change_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a or_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.20_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n which_o latter_a word_n expound_v the_o former_a &_o plain_o show_v what_o repentance_n be_v and_o this_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n stand_v in_o this_o resolution_n whereby_o a_o man_n by_o god_n grace_n purpose_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n therewithal_o follow_v a_o turn_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o will_n in_o affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o description_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n which_o paul_n reduce_v to_o seven_o head_n viz._n care_n clear_v of_o themselves_o indignation_n fear_n great_a desire_n zeal_n and_o revenge_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o whereof_o some_o be_v renew_v affection_n
more_o though_o god_n summon_v man_n to_o repent_v by_o his_o daily_a judgement_n yet_o few_o or_o none_o by_o true_a humility_n prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n and_o to_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n security_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o people_n and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o state_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o god_n have_v be_v long_o since_o in_o come_v to_o we_o by_o his_o judgement_n and_o aâ—_n this_o day_n he_o be_v still_o come_v because_o we_o still_o decay_v in_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o more_o and_o more_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o thus_o continue_v the_o truth_n be_v he_o will_v come_v short_o unto_o we_o and_o that_o by_o most_o fearful_a judgement_n for_o this_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v a_o direction_n not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o worse_a case_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o we_o must_v prevent_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o judgement_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n every_o man_n and_o every_o family_n apart_o must_v repent_v private_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n open_o and_o public_o no_o way_n else_o we_o have_v to_o stay_v the_o lord_n come_v against_o we_o by_o his_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v a_o more_o particular_a threaten_n than_o the_o former_a and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n where_o he_o show_v with_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v punish_v this_o church_n namely_o by_o remove_v away_o the_o candlestick_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n therefore_o here_o he_o threaten_v to_o remove_v his_o church_n from_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n to_o send_v among_o they_o ignorance_n apostasy_n and_o heresy_n in_o steed_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n this_o particular_a judgement_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o this_o will_v i_o do_v i_o will_v make_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o church_n and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o in_o this_o particular_a threaten_n three_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v one_o concern_v the_o minister_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o concern_v every_o private_a man_n touch_v the_o minister_n note_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o if_o he_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o either_o of_o his_o call_n or_o of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o for_o this_o threaten_n be_v here_o direct_v especial_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n when_o jeremie_n have_v be_v want_v in_o deliver_v the_o lordâ—_n will_v unto_o the_o people_n partly_o for_o fear_n &_o partly_o through_o impatience_n then_o the_o lord_n become_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o â—â—â—â—_o return_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o whereby_o he_o will_v give_v he_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o he_o return_v not_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o decay_v in_o love_n fail_v in_o their_o duty_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n they_o must_v speedy_o renew_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n or_o else_o god_n will_v deprive_v they_o either_o of_o their_o call_n or_o of_o the_o gift_n thereof_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o renew_n thereof_o be_v needful_a unto_o all_o christian_n but_o especial_o to_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o will_v continue_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o stand_v before_o he_o become_v his_o mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n the_o second_o point_n concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n if_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o do_v lie_v in_o any_o common_a sin_n they_o procure_v hereby_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o they_o and_o the_o abolish_n of_o true_a religion_n 9.7_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o spirit_n iâ—_n mad_a this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n but_o markâ—_n the_o cause_n all_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o iniquity_n that_o be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v god_n send_v foolish_a minister_n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n in_o our_o church_n to_o fear_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o love_n in_o many_o and_o in_o the_o most_o no_o love_v at_o all_o many_o scorn_n and_o contemn_v true_a religion_n and_o hate_v the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o may_v wonder_v at_o the_o great_a patience_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o continue_v his_o gospel_n among_o we_o for_o 2.11_o god_n give_v man_n up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o love_v not_o his_o truth_n wherefore_o be_v in_o this_o danger_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v than_o by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o by_o every_o man_n apart_o and_o every_o family_n apart_o for_o when_o god_n shall_v speak_v sudden_o against_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n to_o root_v it_o up_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o people_n repent_v of_o their_o wickedness_n the_o lord_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o think_v to_o bring_v upon_o they_o jerem._n 18_o vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o any_o man_n decay_n in_o love_n or_o want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o he_o to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v the_o wheel_n stand_v as_o the_o watch_n go_v fast_o or_o soft_o so_o go_v the_o wheel_n answerable_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o man_n if_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n do_v increase_v then_o do_v his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n increase_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o if_o his_o love_n decay_n than_o other_o grace_n decay_n and_o if_o love_v be_v go_v then_o farewell_n all_o piety_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o palpable_a ignorance_n as_o be_v in_o many_o that_o have_v long_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o want_n of_o love_n heb._n 3.12_o 13._o the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v by_o what_o degree_n man_n come_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n first_o sin_n deceive_v they_o by_o draw_v they_o to_o commit_v it_o then_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v by_o custom_n of_o sin_v thence_o follow_v unbelief_n in_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o they_o make_v apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o his_o truth_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o final_a apostasy_n rather_o strive_v to_o increase_v in_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o so_o shall_v all_o his_o good_a grace_n increase_v in_o thy_o heart_n out_o of_o this_o particular_a threaten_v some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n &_o fall_v away_o final_o from_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o become_v no_o church_n then_o may_v any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o become_v no_o member_n but_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o as_o here_o we_o see_v and_o therefore_o may_v any_o one_o man_n answ._n this_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o one_o man_n that_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ._n for_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o mix_a company_n of_o true_a professor_n and_o dissembler_n like_v
unto_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v good_a corn_n and_o tare_n and_o like_v unto_o a_o barn_n floor_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o chaff_n mingle_v together_o and_o yet_o all_o be_v repute_v believer_n because_o they_o profess_v the_o gospel_n outward_o now_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o mixture_n it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v fall_v away_o and_o become_v no_o church_n either_o when_o the_o godly_a be_v take_v away_o and_o hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n make_v manifest_a or_o else_o when_o true_a believer_n wax_v few_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o the_o might_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o enemy_n which_o may_v daily_o increase_v but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o with_o a_o particular_a member_n of_o christ_n he_o can_v final_o fall_v away_o as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a vers_n 4._o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o both_o the_o former_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n except_o thâ—â—_n amend_v that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o unless_o thou_o prevent_v my_o come_n by_o true_a repentance_n here_o note_n that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v conditional_a 〈◊〉_d come_v to_o ninive_n and_o cry_v yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v be_v destroy_v he_o say_v no_o more_o but_o yet_o that_o threaten_a must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v why_o will_n some_o say_v be_v the_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n propound_v conditional_o answ._n god_n whole_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v one_o alone_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o distinguish_v to_o be_v partly_o secret_a and_o partly_o reveal_v god_n secret_a will_n be_v touch_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v manifest_a unto_o man_n he_o reveal_v will_n be_v touch_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v fall_v out_o every_o day_n now_o god_n secret_a will_n be_v without_o condition_n for_o as_o every_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o god_n will_v it_o when_o good_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v they_o he_o will_v simple_o when_o evil_a thing_n fall_v out_o they_o he_o permit_v to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o make_v god_n secret_a will_n conditional_a be_v to_o bring_v god_n will_v under_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o to_o subject_v the_o creator_n unto_o the_o creature_n but_o god_n reveal_v will_n be_v conditional_a because_o it_o contain_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o this_o manner_n of_o propound_v it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v for_o it_o keep_v man_n more_o in_o awful_a obedience_n than_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_a in_o this_o condition_n note_v this_o thing_n that_o christ_n repeat_v it_o twice_o both_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o reason_n if_o not_o and_o in_o the_o end_n except_o thou_o amend_v hereby_o he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o when_o man_n commit_v sin_n and_o lie_v therein_o or_o when_o they_o decay_v in_o any_o grace_n then_o have_v they_o most_o necessary_a cause_n to_o repent_v if_o they_o will_v escape_v god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o see_v our_o estate_n be_v like_a to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n or_o else_o worser_o by_o much_o for_o we_o lie_v in_o sin_n and_o thereby_o cause_n god_n to_o come_v to_o we_o in_o judgement_n as_o we_o tender_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n let_v we_o turn_v from_o our_o sin_n and_o repent_v every_o man_n apart_o every_o family_n apart_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n public_o for_o repentance_n be_v most_o needful_a else_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v double_v this_o condition_n verse_n 6._o but_o this_o thou_o haâ—â—_n that_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o which_o i_o also_o hate_n these_o word_n be_v a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n namely_o that_o this_o church_n can_v not_o abide_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o second_o verse_n this_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o their_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n and_o here_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o their_o affection_n of_o hatred_n towards_o the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o these_o nicolaitan_o be_v certain_a heretic_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o hold_v these_o two_o opinion_n first_o that_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n second_o that_o man_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o idol_n temple_n and_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v their_o practice_n these_o heretic_n as_o it_o be_v think_v come_v of_o one_o nicholas_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o deacons_n mention_v act_v 6._o who_o though_o for_o a_o while_o he_o do_v faithful_o discharge_v his_o duty_n outward_o yet_o after_o fall_v away_o and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o this_o heretical_a sect_n but_o this_o thou_o have_v this_o particle_n but_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o former_a verse_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o this_o be_v thy_o fault_n that_o thou_o fail_v in_o thy_o first_o love_n yet_o for_o this_o i_o commend_v thou_o that_o thou_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o this_o practice_n of_o christ_n discover_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o be_v use_n to_o set_v out_o in_o their_o colour_n man_n fault_n and_o infirmity_n to_o their_o great_a disgrace_n and_o yet_o by_o silence_n and_o oblivion_n to_o bury_v all_o their_o virtue_n which_o be_v praise_v worthy_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n example_n who_o with_o just_a reproof_n adjoin_v due_a deserve_v praise_n if_o our_o friend_n or_o our_o foe_n have_v a_o fault_n when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v reprove_v they_o but_o yet_o withal_o we_o must_v commend_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o second_o christ_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o anymans_n good_a estate_n before_o god_n that_o he_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o for_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n saul_n have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n into_o his_o kingdom_n but_o what_o be_v he_o afterward_o john_n be_v very_o zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n in_o kill_v all_o the_o idolatrous_a priest_n 31._o but_o he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o judas_n no_o doubt_n have_v many_o good_a gift_n while_o he_o be_v with_o christ_n but_o his_o end_n be_v most_o fearful_a and_o this_o church_n have_v many_o good_a thing_n in_o she_o yet_o iâ—_n she_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o so_o many_o among_o we_o have_v excellent_a gift_n some_o for_o knowledge_n some_o for_o 〈◊〉_d and_o conceive_v of_o prayer_n &_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o they_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o these_o but_o labour_n for_o the_o principal_n which_o be_v true_a hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o we_o must_v daily_o renew_v for_o our_o continual_a fall_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o from_o his_o judgement_n more_o particular_o christ_n here_o commend_v this_o church_n for_o hate_v the_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o be_v christian_n namely_o to_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o error_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o hate_v the_o same_o unfeigned_o yet_o note_n he_o commend_v they_o for_o hate_v their_o work_n not_o their_o person_n give_v we_o direction_n how_o to_o temper_v our_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v set_v it_o against_o the_o sin_n not_o against_o the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n some_o will_v say_v the_o prophet_n pray_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o david_n profess_v hatred_n of_o the_o man_n psalm_n 139.21_o do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o answ._n david_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o no_o doubt_n have_v this_o reveal_v unto_o he_o that_o those_o his_o enemy_n be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o repent_v again_o imprecation_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o prophecy_n of_o god_n judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o those_o against_o who_o they_o pray_v but_o we_o which_o want_v that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n must_v keep_v ourselves_o to_o our_o ordinary_a rule_n hate_v the_o sin_n and_o love_v the_o person_n further_o observe_v the_o work_n here_o
hate_v namely_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v join_v together_o in_o these_o nicolaitan_o adultery_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o idolatry_n the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n spiritual_a adultery_n be_v punish_v with_o bodily_a adultery_n this_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o old_a jew_n when_o they_o fall_v a_o whore_v after_o strange_a god_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o unclean_a lust_n and_o it_o be_v palpable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n do_v abound_v in_o all_o uncleanness_n for_o they_o tolerate_v stew_n for_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n and_o sodomic_a be_v common_a among_o they_o again_o sundry_a man_n may_v here_o be_v well_o admonish_v who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o schism_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o best_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v sect_n and_o heresy_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o here_o in_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o there_o be_v sect_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n this_o offence_n shall_v not_o move_v any_o to_o dislike_v the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o cause_v they_o more_o firm_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o also_o do_v hate_n this_o christ_n add_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o virtue_n for_o which_o he_o commend_v they_o in_o hate_v evil_a work_n for_o what_o can_v more_o provoke_v they_o to_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n therein_o than_o to_o know_v they_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o here_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a and_o like_v affect_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v man_n we_o must_v love_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n love_v and_o hate_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n hate_v rejoice_v wherein_o christ_n rejoice_v and_o mourn_v for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o christ_n mourn_v and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n for_o out_o of_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n and_o there_o must_v be_v consent_n and_o conformity_n between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n quest._n if_o christ_n hate_v these_o wicked_a man_n why_o do_v he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v and_o not_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o trouble_v his_o church_n answ._n because_o hereby_o he_o will_v manifest_v his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o wicked_a for_o he_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o good_a not_o only_o out_o of_o good_a but_o out_o of_o evil_a verse_n 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o excite_v this_o church_n to_o the_o more_o careful_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o prescribe_v this_o conclusion_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o commandment_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n let_v he_o that_o have_v aspare_a he_o arâ—_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o commandment_n note_v three_o point_n i._n who_o be_v command_v these_o which_o have_v ear_n ii_o the_o duty_n command_v they_o must_v hear_v iii_o what_o they_o must_v hear_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n i._n point_n the_o party_n command_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n who_o these_o be_v christ_n do_v more_o full_o expound_v matth._n 13.9_o when_o he_o say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v where_o he_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n that_o some_o be_v deaf_a hearer_n some_o hear_v hearer_n the_o deaf_a hearer_n be_v those_o that_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n their_o outward_a ear_n only_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o it_o neither_o do_v they_o care_v to_o learn_v to_o believe_v or_o obey_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o the_o hear_v hearer_n be_v all_o such_o as_o beside_o their_o bodily_a ear_n have_v ear_n pierce_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n outward_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o make_v pliable_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n unto_o it_o this_o hear_a ear_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o david_n when_o he_o say_v 6._o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v but_o my_o â—ares_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o prepare_v and_o then_o i_o say_v loâ—_n i_o come_v hereof_o isaiah_n say_v thou_o 50.5_o open_v my_o ear_n and_o i_o be_v noâ—_n rebellious_a and_o this_o hear_a ear_n 〈…〉_z give_v she_o when_o god_n 16.14_o open_v her_o heart_n whereby_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v by_o paul_n by_o this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n which_o christ_n make_v use_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n grace_n unto_o salvation_n be_v not_o universal_a that_o be_v god_n give_v not_o unto_o all_o man_n such_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v themselves_o they_o may_v believe_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v for_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o ever_o since_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n these_o two_o kind_a of_o hearer_n whereof_o the_o deaf_a hearer_n do_v not_o receive_v nor_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unto_o salvation_n neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n give_v grace_n sufficient_a unto_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o by_o their_o malice_n and_o sin_n do_v not_o abolish_v the_o same_o for_o though_o he_o admit_v all_o sort_n into_o his_o church_n yet_o not_o all_o but_o some_o only_o have_v ear_n pierce_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v christ_n 13._o why_o he_o speak_v in_o parable_n he_o answer_v thus_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 11_o and_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o give_v show_v plain_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o hear_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o and_o in_o some_o make_v void_a by_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n but_o to_o some_o it_o be_v give_v and_o they_o have_v hear_v ear_n and_o to_o some_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o their_o ear_n be_v deaf_a second_o see_v this_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o hear_n hearer_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n bring_v with_o we_o not_o only_o the_o bodily_a ear_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o our_o salvation_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n unless_o the_o inward_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o word_n and_o fit_v to_o receive_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o thus_o do_v good_a king_n iâ—sias_n hear_v the_o law_n read_v the_o text_n say_v 34·27_n his_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d within_o he_o and_o thus_o do_v david_n hear_v when_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n 27.8_o seek_v â—ee_n my_o face_n his_o heart_n answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n and_o as_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o get_v spiritual_a ear_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o deaf_a ear_n which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n come_v &_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o learn_v believe_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v isay._n 6.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o their_o heart_n fat_a that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v nor_o believe_v lest_o they_o shall_v turn_v and_o be_v save_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o we_o must_v look_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o many_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v deaf_a hearer_n which_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o after_o long_o teach_v they_o neither_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n nor_o in_o faith_n nor_o in_o obedience_n but_o remain_v the_o same_o for_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n
of_o hart_n and_o profaneness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n these_o must_v know_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v on_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o come_v out_o of_o this_o estate_n &_o endeavour_n so_o to_o hear_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v unto_o god_n both_o in_o mind_n heart_n and_o life_n ii_o point_n the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o to_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v and_o with_o attention_n to_o bring_v faith_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n every_o way_n eph._n 4.21_o 22_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n be_v notable_o describe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mindâ—_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o utter_v it_o as_o to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o risâ—_n 〈◊〉_d newness_n of_o life_n and_o indeed_o a_o man_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v again_o to_o be_v admonish_v that_o we_o so_o hear_v with_o attention_n that_o by_o hear_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o that_o with_o our_o change_n we_o join_v â—are_v to_o believe_v and_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o iâ—_n that_o save_v hearing_n which_o bring_v eternal_a life_n all_o other_o hear_n do_v increase_v our_o sin_n to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n whereby_o also_o appear_v the_o fearful_a state_n of_o many_o who_o lend_v only_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n to_o hâ—â—re_v the_o word_n but_o then_o heart_n be_v not_o move_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v thereby_o iii_o point_n what_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n say_v â—nto_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o go_v beâ—ore_o &_o not_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o thiâ—_n commandment_n belong_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o go_v before_o the_o promise_n follow_v rather_o concern_v the_o person_n themselves_o than_o the_o matter_n the_o thing_n then_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v these_o christ_n his_o sharp_a reproof_n for_o sin_n his_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n a_o remedy_n prescribe_v &_o motive_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o especial_o repentance_n for_o of_o all_o these_o christ_n speak_v before_o use_n from_o this_o that_o christ_n bid_v they_o hear_v these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n in_o sin_n &_o amendment_n by_o repentance_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o the_o same_o second_o that_o after_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n have_v consider_v of_o theri_fw-la sin_n and_o of_o god_n judgement_n it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v and_o if_o they_o have_v repent_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o daily_a &_o do_v it_o more_o that_o so_o god_n judgement_n both_o private_a and_o common_a may_v be_v avoid_v we_o therefore_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o search_v into_o our_o own_o way_n to_o find_v out_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v that_o by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o so_o escape_v his_o fearful_a iudgementâ—_n further_o these_o word_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n contain_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n to_o move_v every_o man_n to_o hear_v i._o because_o they_o be_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o because_o they_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o one_o man_n oâ—_n one_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o churcheâ—_n for_o the_o firstâ—_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d demand_v seeinâ—_n christ_n spâ—ke_v thâ—se_a wordâ—_n how_o 〈…〉_z be_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v theâ—_n ans._n both_o may_v stand_v first_o because_o all_o the_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v common_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z to_o â—each_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o the_o father_n create_v thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o son_n also_o create_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n create_v they_o so_o herâ—_n when_o the_o son_n reach_v the_o father_n teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v for_o as_o the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o must_v they_o be_v join_v in_o all_o outward_a action_n second_o christ_n say_v the_o spirit_n speak_v because_o he_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o teach_v his_o church_n in_o bodily_a presence_n but_o hy_z his_o spirit_n which_o after_o his_o ascension_n he_o send_v to_o be_v their_o comforter_n and_o instructor_n here_o then_o observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o speak_v unto_o man_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n because_o say_v they_o a_o judge_n must_v speak_v and_o christ_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o church_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o dumb_a letter_n and_o can_v speak_v therefore_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o the_o church_n can_v be_v judge_n it_o be_v but_o christ_n minister_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o he_o command_v christ_n therefore_o must_v be_v judge_n unto_o his_o church_n by_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o dumb_a judge_n for_o therein_o his_o spirit_n speak_v plain_o and_o sufficient_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o any_o point_n in_o controversy_n that_o be_v needful_a in_o god_n church_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o attention_n be_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o all_o church_n where_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n agree_v to_o all_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a duty_n in_o read_v and_o hear_a god_n holy_a word_n namely_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o applicacation_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o flourish_a knowledge_n of_o the_o story_n but_o apply_v every_o precept_n and_o example_n unto_o ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o for_o imitation_n if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o vice_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o move_v we_o to_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v the_o like_a for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o learn_v that_o which_o he_o speak_v unto_o one_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n to_o wit_n a_o most_o excellent_a promise_n wherein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v for_o the_o first_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o fight_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n sin_n sathan_n hell_n and_o condemnation_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o overcome_v these_o enemy_n first_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcom_v the_o world_n so_o by_o regeneration_n he_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n death_n sin_n and_o satan_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 and_o renounce_v himself_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o death_n passion_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ._n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n which_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n his_o victory_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o subdue_v his_o own_o corruption_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n three_o he_o that_o will_v overcome_v must_v keep_v faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n stand_v out_o in_o life_n and_o death_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o use_n in_o this_o that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v first_o we_o observe_v that_o
in_o two_o thing_n in_o due_a deserve_a praise_n &_o commendation_n &_o in_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o good_a virtue_n &_o godly_a life_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n commend_v antipas_n unto_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v his_o good_a conversation_n but_o as_o for_o popish_a honour_n of_o invocation_n &_o adoration_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n again_o in_o call_v he_o faithful_a martyr_n he_o commend_v more_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n than_o the_o death_n to_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n not_o the_o death_n for_o a_o heretic_n may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o damnable_a opinion_n therefore_o antipas_n be_v a_o martyr_n not_o because_o he_o be_v slay_v but_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n ii_o point_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n christ_n show_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o antipas_n his_o death_n namely_o such_o among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n rule_v for_o he_o be_v slay_v say_v christ_n among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o word_n he_o repent_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o persecutor_n let_v they_o carry_v what_o face_n they_o will_v be_v in_o truth_n such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v where_o he_o have_v his_o hold_n and_o keep_v possession_n quest._n why_o do_v satan_n more_o dwell_v there_o than_o in_o other_o place_n answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o place_n be_v gentile_n who_o contemn_v and_o mock_v the_o gospel_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n whereby_o they_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o satan_n and_o by_o proportion_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o contemner_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o wicked_a way_n be_v indeed_o the_o stable_n and_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o many_o family_n as_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v mock_v god_n name_n blaspheme_v injustice_n and_o impiety_n practise_v so_o many_o hold_v of_o satan_n there_o be_v where_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o such_o they_o continue_v till_o they_o reform_v themselves_o of_o their_o impiety_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n of_o family_n especial_o shall_v love_v the_o gospel_n and_o see_v that_o in_o their_o family_n religion_n be_v teach_v embrace_v and_o obey_v that_o so_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v no_o hold_n in_o their_o family_n que._n whether_o may_v not_o antipas_n be_v pastor_n of_o this_o church_n have_v flee_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o persecution_n one_o that_o be_v direct_o intend_v against_o the_o pastor_n principal_o the_o other_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o in_o the_o persecution_n direct_v against_o the_o pastor_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v whether_o god_n give_v he_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o fly_v or_o not_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n he_o may_v fly_v and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assist_v he_o and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o his_o preservation_n but_o if_o god_n deny_v he_o mean_n to_o escape_v than_o he_o must_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o name_n and_o so_o he_o may_v not_o fly_v and_o such_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o antipas_n in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o the_o persecution_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o than_o the_o pastor_n may_v not_o fly_v but_o take_v part_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o stay_v and_o comfort_v his_o brethren_n verse_n 14._o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n here_o follow_v the_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o be_v first_o general_o propound_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o second_o in_o particular_a for_o want_v of_o zeal_n in_o suffer_v among_o they_o such_o as_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balam_n three_o he_o set_v down_o a_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n thereof_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 14_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o the_o general_a reproof_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v out_o against_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n vers_n 4._o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o special_a duty_n namely_o that_o every_o man_n must_v serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o sin_n he_o have_v in_o he_o which_o christ_n may_v have_v to_o lay_v unto_o his_o charge_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n do_v christ_n rehearse_v it_o unto_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v call_v ourselves_o to_o reckon_n and_o examine_v ourselves_o not_o by_o our_o own_o wit_n but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o search_v out_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o see_v how_o many_o thing_n christ_n may_v have_v against_o we_o that_o so_o make_v a_o beforehand_a reckon_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v clear_v by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v this_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o conscionable_a obedience_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v perish_v eternal_o for_o a_o day_n of_o account_n will_v come_v wherein_o we_o shall_v never_o escape_v unless_o by_o a_o beforehand_a reckon_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o prevent_v the_o same_o lamentable_a and_o fearful_a be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o never_o call_v themselves_o to_o this_o account_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o remorse_n hos_fw-la 7.2_o hereof_o jeremie_n complain_v 8.6_o that_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o denounce_v fearful_a judgement_n against_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o old_a world_n 24._o man_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o this_o security_n bring_v man_n soul_n to_o hell_n before_o they_o wot_v where_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o david_n cry_v out_o psal._n 50._o vers_fw-la 22._o oh_o consider_v this_o mean_v the_o account_n that_o god_n will_v take_v with_o they_o lest_o god_n tear_v they_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o the_o end_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o account_n make_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o many_o a_o one_o for_o how_o shall_v man_n embrace_v with_o comfort_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n till_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o their_o enmity_n with_o god_n and_o desert_n of_o condemnation_n ii_o point_n because_o thou_o have_v they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o particular_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o that_o they_o entertain_v and_o suffer_v heretical_a minister_n to_o live_v among_o they_o which_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n this_o show_v that_o though_o they_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o cold_o and_o without_o that_o fervent_a zeal_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v against_o such_o heretic_n use_n here_o first_o christ_n teach_v this_o church_n to_o show_v forth_o zeal_n in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o such_o heretic_n as_o by_o damnable_a doctrine_n do_v trouble_v they_o this_o place_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n when_o man_n hold_v heretical_a opinion_n the_o church_n after_o two_o or_o three_o admonition_n be_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o so_o do_v paul_n to_o hymaeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1._o tim._n 1.20_o second_o christ_n reprove_v this_o church_n for_o entertain_v such_o heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o member_n of_o god_n church_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a dislike_n of_o all_o person_n that_o hold_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o truth_n but_o maintain_v error_n against_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n to_o 5._o separat_fw-la
himself_o from_o such_o aâ—_n teach_v otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v give_v direct_a on_o and_o consent_v not_o unto_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n be_v puff_v up_o and_o know_v nothing_o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o careful_a practice_n we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n true_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o we_o must_v maintain_v with_o zeal_n and_o if_o any_o bring_v in_o other_o doctrine_n we_o must_v reject_v it_o and_o show_v forth_o detestation_n to_o he_o that_o bring_v it_o not_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n 2._o john_n 10._o we_o must_v rather_o loose_v our_o life_n than_o suffer_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deface_v three_o that_o which_o christ_n lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o this_o church_n may_v in_o sundry_a respect_n be_v charge_v upon_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n at_o this_o day_n namely_o want_v of_o zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o severity_n against_o sinner_n for_o though_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n repel_v the_o heresy_n of_o popery_n anabaptist_n and_o family_n of_o love_n and_o suppress_v all_o doctrine_n that_o race_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v commendable_a thing_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o congregation_n be_v abundance_n of_o atheist_n who_o by_o deed_n and_o conversation_n deny_v christ_n jesus_n for_o many_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o be_v profane_a who_o both_o think_v and_o speak_v most_o base_o of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o professor_n thereof_o yea_o we_o have_v flat_a epicure_n permit_v to_o live_v in_o our_o church_n such_o as_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n who_o give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o eat_v drink_v sport_n and_o delight_n without_o all_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o call_n we_o have_v also_o among_o we_o many_o cruel_a and_o merciless_a person_n that_o in_o their_o affair_n abound_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n wrong_v usury_n and_o oppression_n 5.11_o who_o tread_v be_v upon_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o covetousness_n whereby_o also_o they_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o godâ—_n people_n and_o flay_v off_o their_o skin_n from_o they_o and_o break_v their_o bone_n and_o chap_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o for_o the_o pot_n and_o as_o flesh_n within_o the_o cauldron_n mich._n 3.6_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o because_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o civil_a authority_n be_v permit_v without_o controlment_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n even_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v themselves_o flat_a enemy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o many_o of_o these_o be_v great_o countenance_v and_o grace_v for_o wisdom_n and_o reputation_n when_o as_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n be_v count_v vile_a all_o which_o as_o it_o argue_v exceed_v want_n of_o zeal_n in_o severity_n against_o sin_n so_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o come_v against_o we_o in_o judgement_n as_o he_o do_v against_o this_o church_n the_o mean_n whereby_o this_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v reform_v do_v follow_v afterward_o iii_o point_n the_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a reproof_n whereby_o the_o lord_n will_v move_v this_o church_n to_o detest_v these_o false_a teacher_n be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o similitude_n as_o balaam_n the_o false_a prophet_n teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o this_o church_n maintain_v among_o they_o nicholaitan_o who_o teach_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n at_o idol_n feast_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o similitude_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o 14_o verse_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v three_o point_n first_o what_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o offence_n be_v second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cast_v or_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n three_o by_o what_o mean_v king_n balac_n do_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o first_o a_o stumble_a block_n be_v proper_o any_o thing_n as_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o such_o like_a that_o be_v cast_v in_o a_o man_n way_n to_o hinder_v he_o in_o his_o gate_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o trip_v or_o fall_v and_o by_o resemblance_n in_o this_o place_n a_o offence_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o so_o to_o slip_v or_o fall_v or_o to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n further_o a_o offence_n be_v twofold_a either_o give_v or_o take_v a_o offence_n give_v be_v any_o speech_n or_o deed_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v provoke_v to_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v peter_n a_o offence_n unto_o christ_n though_o he_o take_v it_o not_o mat._n 16.23_o a_o offence_n take_v be_v when_o any_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o fall_v and_o sin_n by_o that_o which_o be_v well_o do_v by_o other_o so_o be_v the_o pharisy_n offend_v at_o the_o sacred_a preach_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ._n ii_o point_n the_o cast_n or_o put_v of_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o give_v a_o offence_n be_v the_o do_v or_o say_v of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v occasion_v to_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o about_o thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a thing_n evil_a be_v such_o as_o god_n word_n forbid_v and_o they_o be_v twofold_a either_o persuasion_n or_o example_n bad_a persuasion_n be_v false_a doctrine_n and_o evil_a counsel_n bad_a example_n be_v also_o a_o give_v of_o offence_n because_o it_o do_v embolden_v evil_a man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o draw_v the_o godly_a to_o evil_n again_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n etc._n etc._n may_v offence_n be_v give_v when_o as_o they_o be_v use_v unreasonable_o not_o in_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n and_o before_o fit_a person_n and_o of_o this_o paul_n speak_v say_v if_o i_o know_v my_o eat_n do_v offend_v my_o brother_n i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v the_o offence_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o offence_n give_v in_o evil_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a act_n do_v by_o balaam_n and_o according_o receive_v and_o take_v of_o the_o israelit_n for_o he_o use_v outward_a provocation_n to_o allure_v they_o unto_o sin_n iii_o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o king_n balac_n do_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n by_o provoke_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v this_o full_o read_v number_n 25._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o history_n be_v this_o when_o balaam_n have_v assay_v sundry_a way_n to_o curse_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o can_v not_o he_o give_v balac_n counsel_v to_o use_v mean_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o sin_n at_o his_o counsel_n balac_n send_v forth_o the_o most_o beautiful_a woman_n in_o his_o kingdom_n into_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o banquet_n with_o they_o at_o their_o idol_n feast_n that_o so_o they_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o fornication_n whereunto_o the_o israelite_n condescend_v and_o so_o sin_v against_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o use_n here_o observe_v a_o special_a property_n of_o false_a teacher_n namely_o to_o cast_v offence_n before_o man_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o salvation_n by_o this_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o this_o church_n the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n 1.1_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n because_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o true_a godliness_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n be_v call_v â—_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n because_o the_o scope_n thereof_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o all_o iniquity_n and_o abomination_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v between_o true_a doctrine_n and_o false_a even_o by_o look_v into_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n thereof_o if_o it_o aim_v at_o true_a
in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o renew_v of_o their_o repentance_n all_o which_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n fearful_a and_o careful_a than_o secure_a for_o with_o the_o mean_n be_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n both_o attein_v and_o preserve_v so_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o offence_n but_o a_o true_a doctrine_n that_o beat_v out_o the_o plain_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n second_o christ_n his_o detestation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n must_v admonish_v we_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o our_o behaviour_n every_o way_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o any_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v balaams_n scholar_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o special_a observation_n we_o must_v look_v to_o our_o communication_n that_o it_o be_v void_a of_o rail_v &_o bad_a speech_n and_o to_o our_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a in_o every_o thing_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o to_o hinder_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n woe_n 7._o be_v to_o they_o say_v christ_n that_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o huge_a millstone_n such_o as_o a_o ass_n can_v but_o turn_v about_o as_o the_o word_n import_v be_v tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o a_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n give_v his_o brother_n a_o offence_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o plunge_v his_o brother_n soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v fly_v offence_n as_o hell_n itself_o yea_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v help_v our_o brethren_n forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o remove_v from_o they_o all_o stumble_a block_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v our_o church_n will_v abound_v with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v want_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o we_o have_v so_o small_a increase_n after_o long_a labour_n in_o preach_v for_o example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n do_v quench_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n three_o hereby_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o have_v special_a care_n against_o offence_n give_v by_o evil_a counsel_n or_o bad_a example_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o other_o then_o be_v it_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o us._n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v many_o offence_n give_v but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o take_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o christ_n bid_v we_o â—_o if_o thy_o foot_n offend_v thou_o or_o thy_o haâ—d_a cut_v it_o off_o or_o thy_o eye_n pluck_v it_o out_o teach_v we_o to_o forgo_v the_o dear_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o if_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o mark_v the_o israelit_n example_n in_o the_o wilderness_n while_o they_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o observe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n all_o balaams_n curse_n be_v turn_v into_o blessing_n but_o when_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n &_o fornication_n with_o the_o moabitish_a woman_n then_o be_v god_n wrath_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o his_o plague_n seize_v upon_o they_o even_o so_o if_o our_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o enjoy_v and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o become_v a_o penitent_a and_o obedient_a people_n unto_o god_n then_o may_v balaam_n curse_v and_o all_o our_o enemy_n spit_v their_o venom_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a but_o if_o we_o let_v go_v true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o fall_v to_o sin_n than_o we_o must_v look_v for_o â—ods_n heavy_a judgement_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o his_o wrath_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n four_o when_o balaams_n curse_v will_v not_o prevail_v than_o do_v fair_a woman_n and_o banquet_v draw_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v take_v from_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o soon_o prevail_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_o a_o besiege_a city_n when_o a_o huge_a army_n can_v sack_v it_o than_o silver_n and_o gold_n will_v open_v the_o gate_n hereof_o even_o so_o when_o adversity_n can_v make_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v religion_n &_o good_a conscience_n then_o by_o prosperity_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v the_o devil_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v ease_n pleasure_n and_o outward_a blessing_n at_o will_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a case_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n than_o other_o unless_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o special_a grace_n to_o watch_v against_o these_o please_a temptation_n this_o make_v godly_a job_n 1.5_o to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n every_o day_n when_o they_o feast_v each_o other_o at_o their_o house_n lest_o any_o one_o than_o shall_v have_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n because_o he_o know_v the_o devil_n by_o pleasure_n will_v soon_o wind_v himself_o into_o their_o heart_n last_o note_v the_o order_n of_o these_o sin_n first_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o sit_v at_o idol_n feast_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v adultery_n where_o we_o see_v that_o these_o two_o sin_n go_v together_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o be_v idolatry_n and_o bodily_a adultery_n one_o be_v the_o plague_n &_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o that_o people_n which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n will_v god_n give_v up_o to_o bodily_a adultery_n as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o these_o israeliâ—s_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o turk_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o maintain_n fornication_n in_o tollerate_v stew_n and_o further_o it_o much_o by_o their_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n wherewith_o they_o bind_v the_o conscience_n though_o the_o party_n want_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n verse_n 15._o even_o so_o have_v thou_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o which_o thing_n i_o haâ—e_v here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o comparison_n where_o christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o the_o nicolaitan_o be_v second_o how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o what_o they_o be_v be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n even_o so_o which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o resemblance_n or_o comparison_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n go_v before_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v the_o nicolaitan_o be_v a_o seâ—t_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n that_o maintain_v two_o damnable_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n i._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n sit_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n iâ—_n that_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o commit_v it_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o hold_v such_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v hereby_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v a_o like_n of_o their_o wicked_a opinion_n let_v we_o examine_v their_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v ground_v for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o will_v plead_v thus_o i._o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n liberty_n thing_n indifferent_a may_v â—e_v lawful_o use_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v ans._n meat_n and_o drink_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n if_o they_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o market_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o paul_n teach_v at_o large_a 1._o cor._n 10.25.29_o but_o if_o these_o meat_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o the_o nicolaitan_o hold_v this_o to_o be_v lawful_a ii_o reason_n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o and_o therefore_o we_o sin_v not_o in_o eat_v meat_n offer_v unto_o they_o ans._n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o nature_n subsist_v nothing_o
be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o vow_n in_o baptism_n for_o as_o they_o account_v gain_v godliness_n so_o gold_n be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o say_v to_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n see_v then_o all_o these_o be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o remember_v what_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a as_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o young_a widow_n damnation_n belong_v unto_o us._n the_o four_o virtue_n for_o which_o this_o church_n be_v commend_v be_v patience_n of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o verse_n 2._o here_o only_a note_n that_o it_o be_v join_v with_o love_n to_o man_n with_o fidelity_n to_o god_n and_o with_o service_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n whereby_o christ_n will_v signify_v that_o no_o good_a thing_n can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o man_n without_o patience_n love_n be_v no_o love_n without_o patience_n neither_o be_v faith_n any_o faith_n without_o patience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n love_v another_o for_o his_o love_n he_o shall_v sometime_o receive_v hatred_n now_o unless_o he_o have_v patience_n to_o bear_v that_o hatred_n his_o love_n will_v surcease_v and_o so_o if_o a_o man_n have_v care_n to_o be_v faithful_a unto_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v much_o contempt_n so_o that_o unless_o he_o have_v patience_n to_o bear_v the_o same_o his_o faithfulness_n will_v fail_v patience_n bring_v forth_o experience_n and_o experience_n hope_v rom._n 5.4_o &_o rom._n 15.4_o no_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o hope_v without_o patience_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a the_o good_a ground_n 8.15_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n though_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o good_a gift_n yet_o without_o patience_n he_o can_v put_v they_o in_o practice_n this_o therefore_o we_o must_v join_v with_o all_o the_o good_a grace_n we_o have_v as_o peter_n counsel_v we_o 2._o peter_n 1.6_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o temptation_n and_o apprehend_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sore_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v without_o patience_n he_o will_v despair_v without_o patience_n a_o man_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o well-doing_n both_o in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n heb._n 10.36_o and_o thy_o work_n here_o christ_n repeat_v his_o general_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n which_o we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o be_v do_v in_o vain_a but_o hereby_o he_o will_v let_v we_o see_v how_o exceed_v well_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o their_o work_n the_o cause_n why_o he_o like_v they_o so_o well_o be_v their_o increase_n in_o well-doing_n whereof_o we_o shall_v entreat_v afterward_o christ_n repeat_v his_o approbation_n of_o their_o work_n after_o four_o worthy_a virtue_n use_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o what_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o work_n that_o shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n namely_o these_o four_o thing_n faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n faith_n be_v necessary_a because_o in_o well_o do_v a_o man_n must_v testify_v his_o fidelity_n to_o god_n which_o he_o shall_v best_o do_v if_o first_o he_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n whether_o god_n have_v command_v that_o work_n to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v a_o good_a intent_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o work_n as_o be_v common_o think_v though_o false_o but_o our_o work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n second_o love_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o good_a work_n we_o go_v about_o for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 13.3_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o bestow_v all_o his_o good_n in_o alm_n upon_o the_o poor_a yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o these_o in_o love_n it_o will_v not_o please_v god_n three_o service_n to_o man_n be_v require_v in_o our_o good_a work_n this_o must_v be_v careful_o mark_v for_o the_o end_n of_o man_n life_n be_v in_o his_o calling_n to_o serve_v man_n and_o by_o that_o to_o serve_v god_n col._n 3.24_o servant_n must_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o in_o their_o person_n do_v service_n unto_o christ._n and_o that_o which_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o servant_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o work_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n they_o must_v be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o as_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v in_o they_o this_o overthrow_v the_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o think_v that_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n of_o all_o be_v fast_v pilgramage_n wear_v of_o rough_a attire_n and_o whip_v of_o their_o body_n for_o good_a work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o benefit_v man_n either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o these_o work_n of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n neither_o do_v they_o profit_v the_o doer_n nor_o any_o other_o fast_v have_v it_o place_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o good_a work_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o last_o patience_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o man_n faint_v not_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n shall_v be_v sure_a of_o many_o cross_n partly_o from_o man_n and_o partly_o from_o satan_n as_o also_o by_o god_n providence_n now_o when_o these_o befall_v a_o man_n in_o well_o do_v without_o patience_n they_o will_v stay_v his_o proceed_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o be_v good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n use_n these_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o make_v a_o work_n acceptable_a to_o god_n we_o must_v labour_v in_o every_o action_n of_o our_o lawful_a call_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v to_o practice_v the_o same_o in_o faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n we_o must_v not_o tie_v good_a work_n to_o church_n matter_n only_o as_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o give_v alm_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o work_n of_o a_o man_n lawful_a call_n be_v it_o never_o so_o base_a with_o these_o virtue_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n in_o it_o kind_a as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a work_n that_o be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n itself_o but_o because_o therein_o do_v appear_v faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n and_o because_o this_o church_n so_o perform_v their_o work_n therefore_o do_v god_n double_a his_o approbation_n the_o last_o virtue_n for_o which_o this_o church_n be_v commend_v be_v increase_v in_o godliness_n in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o than_o at_o the_o first_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v before_o reprove_v for_o decay_n and_o loss_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o this_o church_n do_v grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o be_v her_o work_n more_o approve_v than_o the_o work_n of_o any_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o congregation_n may_v be_v commend_v for_o their_o increase_n in_o godliness_n in_o faith_n obedience_n use_n and_o other_o good_a work_n but_o that_o can_v just_o be_v do_v for_o the_o number_n of_o our_o people_n be_v increase_v but_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n do_v not_o appear_v many_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o though_o they_o hear_v much_o yet_o they_o profit_v little_a so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 5.12_o whereas_o concern_v the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v again_o that_o we_o teach_v you_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o paul_n say_v of_o certain_a woman_n 7_o they_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n other_o also_o though_o they_o know_v something_o yet_o they_o practise_v less_o than_o they_o which_o know_v nothing_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o many_o that_o heretofore_o have_v â—ad_v good_a beginning_n in_o they_o by_o their_o bad_a conversation_n and_o the_o greedy_a care_n of_o this_o world_n have_v lose_v the_o same_o again_o and_o go_v backward_o in_o knowledge_n in_o obedience_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v those_o that_o be_v like_a to_o
it_o be_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o devil_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v his_o profound_a craft_n and_o policy_n where_o note_n that_o when_o christ_n will_v allege_v the_o speech_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n he_o do_v it_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o count_v their_o doctrine_n deep_a learning_n but_o christ_n repeat_v their_o opinion_n call_v it_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n hence_o i_o gather_v use_n that_o christian_n can_v safe_o act_v and_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o heathen_a man_n for_o they_o be_v full_a of_o many_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o oath_n flat_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repeat_v but_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o christ_n practice_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n he_o will_v not_o repeat_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o a_o wicked_a woman_n without_o some_o note_n of_o disgrace_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o repeat_v these_o speech_n with_o disgrace_n and_o dislike_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o if_o they_o do_v that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o whole_a comedy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o bad_a speech_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n thus_o to_o reason_n from_o christ_n example_n as_o they_o speak_v these_o word_n christ_n add_v first_o to_o show_v that_o the_o word_n go_v before_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o word_n of_o jezabels_n follower_n touch_v her_o doctrine_n second_o to_o show_v the_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a mind_n of_o heretic_n in_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n thus_o have_v false_a teacher_n uphold_v their_o error_n by_o proud_a and_o swell_a word_n as_o jude_n the_o 16._o and_o 2._o pet._n 2.18_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o maintain_v but_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n of_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n from_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n teach_v the_o lowly_a his_o way_n and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a psal._n 25.14_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o false_a doctrine_n by_o swell_a word_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o preface_n before_o christ_n counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o counsel_n itself_o in_o this_o sentence_n though_o i_o lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o till_o i_o come_v this_o sentence_n be_v a_o distinction_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o than_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o that_o be_v howsoever_o i_o threaten_v my_o judgement_n unto_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n yet_o i_o will_v lay_v none_o other_o punishment_n upon_o you_o but_o my_o reproof_n only_o for_o suffer_v jezabell_n among_o you_o with_o her_o false_a doctrine_n and_o follower_n this_o branch_n of_o this_o distinction_n contain_v a_o most_o comfortable_a instruction_n namely_o that_o all_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o the_o time_n of_o common_a judgement_n under_o the_o bless_a protection_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o good_a and_o consider_v this_o mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o godly_a we_o must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o become_v follower_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o be_v we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o maintain_v the_o pure_a truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o show_v forth_o sincerity_n of_o manner_n in_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o endevor_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o cheerfulness_n hereby_o we_o shall_v get_v protection_n from_o common_a judgement_n when_o they_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o wicked_a but_o if_o we_o partake_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n we_o shall_v receive_v part_n in_o their_o plague_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v in_o these_o word_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v that_o be_v my_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v unto_o you_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n now_o i_o charge_v you_o that_o you_o hold_v that_o fast_o and_o maintain_v it_o until_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o most_o excellent_a commandment_n contain_v special_a instruction_n meeâ—_n for_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o all_o church_n before_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v commend_v this_o church_n for_o not_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o company_n but_o here_o he_o give_v they_o another_o commandment_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o all_o church_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o affect_v or_o approve_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o whatsoever_o according_a as_o paul_n bid_v the_o galatian_n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o be_v direct_v in_o sundry_a duty_n first_o use_n not_o to_o regard_v unwritten_a tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v so_o high_o magnify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v they_o second_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n which_o some_o bring_v unto_o we_o under_o colour_n of_o revelation_n from_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n three_o hereby_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o three_o great_a religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o jew_n and_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n the_o turkish_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o it_o have_v it_o beginning_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n with_o who_o doctrine_n only_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o also_o the_o jewish_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o regard_v for_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o papist_n we_o must_v renounce_v because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v but_o have_v it_o beginning_n by_o little_a and_o little_a long_a after_o their_o time_n if_o this_o commandment_n be_v safe_o keep_v which_o be_v lay_v on_o this_o church_n man_n will_v not_o be_v of_o so_o many_o religion_n but_o all_o will_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n cleave_v fast_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o it_o which_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n for_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o attain_v salvation_n last_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o those_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o therewith_o nothing_o regard_v new_a doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o glorious_a till_o i_o come_v here_o christ_n show_v how_o long_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v hold_v fast_o namely_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n whereby_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n church_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n but_o a_o most_o needful_a duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o by_o special_a commandment_n and_o withal_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o direct_v man_n soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 3.14_o to_o keep_v the_o true_a pattern_n of_o wholesome_a word_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o duty_n 3.15_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o christ_n for_o this_o cause_n give_v to_o his_o church_n both_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n â—1_n pastor_n to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o purity_n in_o manner_n and_o teacher_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n in_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n this_o therefore_o must_v admonish_v we_o that_o we_o have_v care_v not_o only_o to_o learn_v religion_n in_o our_o own_o person_n but_o also_o to_o convey_v the_o same_o to_o age_n follow_v that_o the_o purity_n thereof_o may_v be_v preserve_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n
this_o duty_n especial_o concern_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v teach_v the_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n and_o beat_v down_o false_a doctrine_n which_o poison_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n if_o in_o the_o night_n season_n a_o man_n set_v up_o a_o false_a light_n in_o the_o haven_n all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v to_o land_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o shipwreck_n so_o in_o god_n church_n if_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o pure_a religion_n be_v not_o set_v up_o and_o advance_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n the_o want_n of_o care_n in_o perform_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n send_v heresy_n and_o apostasy_n into_o his_o church_n thus_o come_v in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11_o because_o man_n love_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o i_o no_o doubt_n will_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o if_o we_o have_v not_o care_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n verse_n 26._o for_o he_o that_o overcom_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o nation_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v 28._o even_o as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n so_o will_v i_o give_v he_o the_o morning_n star_n 29._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n vers_fw-la 26_o 27_o 28._o second_o a_o commandment_n vers_fw-la 29._o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o the_o benefit_n promise_v the_o party_n to_o who_o be_v every_o one_o that_o overcom_v who_o christ_n describe_v by_o a_o property_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o keep_v his_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o description_n of_o true_a obedience_n first_o the_o form_n thereof_o consist_v in_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o do_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o of_o a_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o god_n accept_v their_o will_n and_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a obedience_n itself_o this_o we_o must_v know_v and_o hold_v for_o truth_n for_o many_o have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n and_o thereupon_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_v yet_o they_o must_v know_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o if_o they_o have_v care_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n and_o make_v conscience_n to_o obey_v that_o which_o they_o know_v than_o they_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n promise_v second_o obedience_n be_v here_o describe_v by_o the_o object_n or_o matter_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v all_o such_o work_n as_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o those_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o member_n use_n hereby_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o he_o that_o will_v obey_v god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v not_o think_v his_o own_o thought_n speak_v his_o own_o word_n nor_o do_v his_o own_o deed_n but_o he_o must_v think_v speak_v &_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n will_v have_v he_o second_o that_o no_o work_n be_v or_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o be_v ordain_v by_o he_o isaiah_n 29.13_o complain_v of_o they_o that_o will_v teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o man_n commandment_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n commandment_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o our_o obedience_n this_o rule_n overthrow_v all_o other_o religion_n beside_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o papist_n for_o almost_o all_o their_o work_n be_v of_o man_n invent_v and_o be_v never_o ordain_v by_o christ_n such_o be_v most_o point_n in_o popery_n as_o say_v of_o mass_n go_v on_o pilgrimage_n fasting_n vow_v and_o pray_v to_o saint_n etc._n etc._n three_o whereas_o he_o â—aith_v my_o work_n mean_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o all_o his_o work_n we_o learn_v that_o true_a obedience_n consist_v in_o do_v all_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v never_o part_v stake_n god_n must_v either_o have_v all_o our_o work_n or_o none_o and_o therefore_o david_n say_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v because_o 119.6_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n and_o good_a king_n josiaâ—_n be_v commâ—nded_v for_o that_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o 25_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n this_o point_n must_v be_v learn_v of_o all_o for_o many_o think_v if_o they_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n with_o 20_o herod_n all_o be_v well_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n many_o a_o man_n abhor_v covetousness_n and_o pride_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o true_a obedience_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o four_o branch_n of_o true_a obedience_n it_o be_v constant_a that_o obedience_n which_o christ_n will_v reward_v must_v not_o be_v for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o year_n but_o from_o time_n to_o time_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n and_o thus_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o obedience_n not_o by_o some_o particular_a action_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o a_o man_n life_n put_v case_n a_o man_n have_v make_v conscience_n of_o all_o his_o way_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o in_o sickness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o extremity_n thereof_o be_v distract_v and_o rave_v blaspheme_v god_n and_o so_o die_v what_o must_v we_o judge_v of_o this_o man_n sure_o we_o must_v not_o censure_v he_o by_o his_o behaviour_n in_o his_o sickness_n but_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v thâ—â—enour_n of_o his_o life_n if_o that_o have_v be_v upright_o than_o his_o obedience_n be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v reward_v ii_o point_n the_o benefit_n promise_v and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v power_n to_o rule_n verse_n 27._o 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v even_o as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n the_o second_o be_v the_o morning_n star_n verse_n 28._o where_o note_v by_o the_o way_n that_o these_o word_n even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n be_v refer_v amiss_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o morning_n star_n when_o as_o they_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o former_a word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o i_o have_v receive_v power_n over_o nation_n of_o my_o father_n so_o will_v i_o give_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v power_n to_o rule_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o iron_n etc._n etc._n now_o come_v to_o the_o benefit_n first_o here_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o nation_n christâ—_n power_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v very_o great_a and_o here_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o three_o argument_n borrow_v from_o the_o second_o psalm_n verse_n 8.9_o first_o by_o the_o largeness_n of_o it_o iâ—_n reach_v not_o to_o one_o country_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o country_n and_o to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o nation_n second_o by_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o it_o christ_n power_n be_v absolute_a in_o rule_v and_o overrule_a and_o this_o his_o sovereignty_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o make_v law_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o keep_v he_o may_v just_o condemn_v they_o and_o in_o overrule_a the_o will_n of_o all_o man_n conform_v they_o to_o his_o will_n will_v they_o will_v they_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o he_o shall_v rule_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n second_o in_o that_o he_o have_v this_o absolute_a power_n in_o himself_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v 1.18_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v three_o by_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o christ_n receive_v this_o power_n from_o his_o father_n indeed_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o his_o father_n and_o have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n his_o power_n be_v give_v he_o of_o his_o father_n mat._n 28.18_o for_o the_o better_a
and_o doctrine_n second_o reason_n antichrist_n say_v they_o sit_v in_o the_o 2.4_o temple_n of_o god_n now_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v god_n church_n &_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v god_n church_n answ._n he_o sit_v there_o not_o as_o a_o member_n thereof_o but_o as_o a_o usurper_n and_o deceiver_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o popery_n be_v the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v therein_o mingle_v as_o a_o little_a wheat_n with_o much_o chaff_n and_o as_o little_a gold_n with_o much_o dross_n so_o that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v where_o antichrist_n sit_v yet_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o we_o regard_v their_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n to_o beget_v or_o preserve_v spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o church_n further_o this_o which_o christ_n say_v of_o sardis_n may_v be_v say_v not_o only_o of_o the_o papist_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o protestant_n as_o of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n &_o of_o the_o most_o congregation_n in_o the_o great_a town_n thereof_o though_o not_o for_o doctrine_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n conversationsâ—_n for_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n seem_v to_o be_v alive_a by_o their_o outward_a profession_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o by_o occasion_n of_o outward_a peace_n these_o sin_n abound_v fullness_n of_o bread_n pride_n both_o inward_a in_o heart_n &_o outward_a in_o attire_n also_o cruelty_n covetousness_n &_o carnal_a security_n like_v as_o it_o be_v in_o noah_n time_n now_o where_o these_o sin_n reign_v there_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v want_v man_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o prejudice_n the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n to_o nullify_v it_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v his_o choose_a among_o we_o in_o all_o place_n who_o live_v indeed_o a_o spiritual_a life_n though_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n be_v dead_a in_o 〈◊〉_d &_o so_o will_v continue_v while_o peace_n abide_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o minister_n will_v not_o awake_a man_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v the_o rod_n of_o correction_n that_o must_v put_v into_o they_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v like_a to_o little_a child_n who_o beside_o admonition_n must_v feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n further_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n who_o christ_n call_v dead_a though_o they_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v note_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n who_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o and_o yet_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o part_n not_o whole_o and_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a conversation_n and_o of_o sundry_a erroneous_a opinion_n may_v yet_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v they_o err_v not_o in_o the_o foundation_n which_o serve_v for_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o think_v our_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n because_o it_o maintain_v not_o that_o outward_a order_n which_o they_o think_v shall_v be_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o must_v prefer_v church_n before_o church_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o condemn_v a_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n for_o some_o corruption_n that_o be_v therein_o a_o true_a body_n may_v have_v some_o blemish_n and_o a_o true_a church_n some_o want_n again_o the_o church_n of_o god_n say_v this_o be_v a_o church_n yet_o christ_n say_v they_o be_v dead_a how_o can_v these_o two_o stand_n answ._n the_o church_n about_o sardis_n judge_v this_o to_o be_v alive_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n because_o of_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o infant_n be_v not_o indeed_o all_o holy_a as_o experience_n show_v yet_o till_o we_o see_v the_o same_o make_v manifest_a we_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v holy_a that_o be_v bear_v of_o faithful_a parent_n even_o so_o ought_v the_o minister_n and_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n till_o god_n make_v manifest_a what_o he_o be_v paul_n follow_v this_o rule_n call_v whole_a church_n elect_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a here_o be_v two_o judgement_n one_o of_o neighbour_n church_n the_o other_o of_o christ_n and_o christ_n judgement_n be_v prefer_v we_o must_v therefore_o regard_v special_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o labour_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o &_o our_o conversation_n unto_o christ_n rather_o than_o to_o man_n for_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v of_o we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o must_v save_v and_o condemn_v this_o make_v 4.3.4_o paul_n to_o say_v i_o pass_v little_a to_o be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n why_o so_o for_o he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o without_o christ_n commendation_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o for_o christ_n may_v condemn_v we_o when_o man_n think_v well_o and_o speak_v well_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v woe_n be_v unto_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o luke_n 6.26_o verse_n 2._o be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o hypocrisy_n first_o when_o man_n profess_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n at_o all_o the_o second_o when_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o more_o than_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n this_o second_o kind_n of_o hypocrisy_n oft_o befall_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n reprove_v in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o former_a vers_n after_o which_o reproof_n here_o he_o propound_v a_o remedy_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o use_v the_o same_o the_o remedy_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n where_o be_v two_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o be_v watchful_a and_o to_o strengthen_v or_o confirm_v the_o decay_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o for_o the_o first_o be_v watchful_a to_o be_v watchful_a here_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a duty_n it_o be_v not_o bodily_a but_o spiritual_a and_o it_o be_v practise_v when_o any_o man_n have_v a_o circumspect_a care_n and_o diligent_a heed_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n this_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n concern_v two_o thing_n sin_n and_o death_n watchfulness_n against_o sin_n stand_v in_o two_o duty_n first_o a_o man_n must_v daily_o and_o continual_o bethink_v himself_o before_o hand_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o vice_n into_o which_o he_o may_v happy_o fall_v &_o for_o the_o do_v of_o this_o he_o must_v consider_v in_o himself_o two_o â—hings_n his_o nature_n and_o his_o call_v touch_v his_o nature_n he_o must_v consider_v that_o in_o he_o remain_v the_o seed_n and_o root_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o any_o sin_n whatsoever_o again_o a_o man_n consider_v his_o nature_n shall_v find_v himself_o more_o incline_v to_o some_o sin_n then_o to_o other_o and_o those_o he_o must_v especial_o mark_v and_o observe_v second_o for_o his_o call_v a_o man_n must_v mark_v the_o sin_n thereof_o for_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n every_o calling_n have_v his_o especial_a sin_n whereto_o man_n that_o walk_v therein_o be_v more_o incident_a the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o sin_n the_o minister_n he_o the_o lawyer_n his_o the_o physician_n his_o and_o the_o tradesman_n his_o and_o touch_v these_o a_o man_n must_v consider_v unto_o what_o vice_n and_o abuse_n man_n be_v most_o subject_a that_o walk_v in_o that_o call_n wherein_o he_o live_v and_o so_o shall_v he_o have_v a_o foresight_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o second_o after_o this_o foresight_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v watch_v his_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o though_o it_o be_v tempt_v and_o assault_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o any_o one_o sin_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n counsel_v 4.21_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o thy_o action_n may_v be_v keep_v holy_a and_o pure_a the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o watchfulness_n respect_v death_n or_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ._n in_o this_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v practise_v
of_o mankind_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o mean_v appoint_v hereunto_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o show_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a who_o teach_v that_o god_n call_v all_o â—he_n world_n effectual_o unto_o salvation_n use_n for_o how_o can_v thâ—y_o be_v call_v that_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n but_o all_o in_o all_o age_n never_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n albeit_o 〈◊〉_d the_o come_n of_o christ_n their_o sound_n have_v go_v forth_o into_o all_o nation_n second_o this_o show_v the_o fondness_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v grace_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n unto_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v save_v if_o he_o will_v for_o the_o mean_n to_o receive_v grace_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n which_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n never_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o duty_n prescribe_v be_v the_o hold_v fast_o of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o hold_v fast_o here_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n second_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n of_o these_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o cap._n 2.25_o the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o repent_v where_o by_o repentance_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o same_o for_o their_o hardness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o they_o do_v slack_o and_o cold_o practice_v the_o good_a duty_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v use_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v renew_v the_o same_o continual_o &_o that_o not_o for_o gross_a sin_n only_o but_o even_o for_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o for_o our_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o for_o our_o hypocrisy_n and_o decay_v in_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o this_o church_n be_v very_o dead_a and_o dull_a of_o heart_n therefore_o christ_n add_v a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o here_o mark_v christ_n order_n and_o deal_n have_v prescribe_v a_o remedy_n for_o their_o fault_n he_o give_v they_o a_o direction_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o after_o add_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n to_o drive_v they_o thereunto_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v against_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o that_o end_n remember_v my_o word_n hold_v fast_o the_o same_o and_o repent_v then_o look_v as_o a_o thief_n come_v upon_o a_o man_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o spoil_n his_o good_n and_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o his_o child_n so_o will_v i_o come_v on_o thou_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o power_n upon_o thou_o my_o wrath_n whereby_o i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d cut_v the_o throat_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o mean_n to_o escape_v my_o punishment_n here_o christ_n threaten_v sudden_a and_o speedy_a destruction_n but_o yet_o with_o condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o repentance_n now_o because_o we_o be_v like_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a peace_n which_o we_o enjoy_v we_o may_v also_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o threaten_n at_o this_o day_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o dead_a heart_n we_o must_v watch_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o this_o end_n must_v have_v in_o memory_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o repent_v continual_o of_o all_o want_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o then_o be_v the_o vengeance_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o without_o measure_n and_o that_o sudden_o when_o we_o can_v prevent_v they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o will_v move_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o watchfulness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o awake_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o sin_n than_o nothing_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v unavoidable_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n have_v some_o thousand_o year_n allot_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n there_o be_v some_o cause_n why_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o they_o but_o see_v this_o punishment_n be_v eternal_a and_o when_o many_o thousand_o year_n be_v expire_v they_o be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n of_o their_o woe_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v therefore_o it_o must_v stir_v up_o all_o dead_a and_o drowsy_a heart_n unto_o repentance_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o shake_v off_o security_n ignorance_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o every_o sin_n vers._n 4._o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardie_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o thâ—y_n shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n do_v thus_o depend_v upon_o those_o which_o go_v before_o whereas_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o have_v only_o a_o name_n to_o live_v some_o man_n may_v aâ—ke_v how_o it_o can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o this_o christ_n answer_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o though_o the_o great_a part_n in_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n yet_o some_o few_o there_o be_v among_o they_o that_o be_v alive_a in_o christ_n and_o do_v testify_v the_o the_o same_o by_o true_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n in_o this_o coherence_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o instruction_n i._o that_o a_o particular_a congregation_n on_o earth_n be_v make_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o call_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n elect_v therein_o who_o do_v true_o believe_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a true_o beleve_v in_o christ_n &_o particular_a congregation_n be_v member_n of_o it_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o rest_n that_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n but_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n like_v unto_o superfluous_a humour_n which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o no_o part_n thereof_o this_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o teach_v that_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v reject_v in_o god_n decree_n may_v yet_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o this_o coherence_n christ_n intimate_v unto_o we_o a_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o church_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o this_o church_n be_v man_n call_v profess_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o yet_o of_o they_o some_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o other_o be_v alive_a in_o christ._n touch_v this_o distinction_n of_o man_n we_o must_v search_v the_o cause_n thereof_o it_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o power_n or_o will_v in_o man_n but_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v for_o when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelite_n have_v give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n there_o be_v yet_o 11.4_o seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o live_v like_a to_o the_o other_o israelite_n surely_n nothing_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o themselves_o but_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o have_v preserve_v and_o keep_v they_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o erroneous_a and_o false_a the_o divinity_n of_o some_o protestant_n be_v use_n which_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n be_v renew_v by_o grace_n say_v that_o god_n give_v to_o everye_o man_n save_v grace_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o yet_o because_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v still_o remain_v sinful_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o obey_v
david_n himself_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_o dyscipher_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 23.5.6_o &_o hosea_n 3.5_o where_o christ_n be_v plain_o call_v david_n by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o that_o be_v his_o type_n sign_n &_o figure_n quest._n why_o be_v not_o as_o well_o the_o kingdom_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o pharaoh_n type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o david_n answ._n because_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n and_o piety_n but_o they_o be_v kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n kingdom_n because_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o be_v figure_v by_o the_o piety_n in_o david_n kingdom_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o speak_v be_v justifiable_a by_o god_n word_n so_o mat._n 2.23_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n which_o place_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v proper_o of_o samson_n 13._o who_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a figure_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v most_o notable_o represent_v he_o in_o his_o death_n wherein_o he_o kill_v more_o than_o in_o his_o life_n now_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n not_o because_o he_o observe_v their_o rite_n and_o order_n for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o he_o drink_v wine_n so_o do_v not_o the_o nazarite_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o order_n for_o in_o he_o be_v full_o accomplish_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o that_o order_n for_o he_o be_v perfect_o sever_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o pollution_n and_o so_o here_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n because_o he_o have_v the_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o david_n kingdom_n which_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v here_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n which_o can_v be_v open_v and_o shut_v by_o none_o but_o christ_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o none_o have_v power_n above_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o his_o power_n therein_o be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a so_o that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o christ_n jesus_n sit_v in_o heaven_n have_v sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v it_o have_v three_o part_n i._o to_o prescribe_v ii_o to_o judge_n iii_o to_o save_v or_o destroy_v in_o prescribe_v christ_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n as_o first_o in_o prescribe_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v and_o that_o on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n this_o power_n he_o put_v in_o execution_n when_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n he_o prescribe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o believe_v and_o none_o but_o he_o can_v make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o second_o for_o regiment_n he_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o prescribe_v how_o he_o will_v have_v his_o church_n govern_v and_o by_o who_o and_o therefore_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v to_o make_v the_o tabernacle_n 8.5_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o he_o so_o david_n give_v to_o solomon_n pattern_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n touch_v the_o build_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1._o chron._n 28.12_o three_o he_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n for_o as_o the_o ordain_v of_o a_o sabbath_n belong_v to_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o change_v thereof_o he_o that_o prescribe_v worship_n must_v prescribe_v the_o ordinary_a set_a time_n thereunto_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o opinion_n of_o man_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n may_v make_v two_o or_o more_o sabbath_n day_n in_o a_o week_n if_o they_o wil._n four_o in_o prescribe_v the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o 23_o paul_n say_v what_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o deliver_v i_o unto_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o he_o that_o give_v grace_n must_v also_o appoint_v the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v power_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o sovereign_a power_n to_o determine_v on_o his_o own_o will_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o or_o submission_n to_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o in_o determine_v christ_n have_v two_o privilege_n first_o to_o expound_v scripture_n the_o absolute_a power_n of_o expound_v the_o law_n belong_v to_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o his_o exposition_n be_v authentical_a second_o to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o hold_n that_o the_o principal_a judge_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o decyde_v controversy_n be_v the_o church_n the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v to_o save_v and_o destroy_v this_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v say_v 1.18_o to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n whereby_o be_v signify_v first_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n for_o that_o he_o procure_v at_o his_o father_n hand_n second_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o condemn_v for_o when_o man_n believe_v not_o his_o word_n he_o have_v power_n to_o hold_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o can_v cast_v they_o into_o hell_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o threefold_a power_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n this_o because_o he_o be_v sovereign_a lord_n over_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v that_o this_o key_n of_o david_n have_v more_o in_o it_o then_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o power_n to_o make_v and_o depose_v king_n that_o be_v in_o his_o church_n this_o they_o teach_v that_o they_o may_v prove_v the_o pope_n to_o have_v title_n in_o ordain_v and_o depose_n of_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o key_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o for_o though_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v above_o all_o king_n yet_o in_o that_o regard_n he_o neither_o make_v nor_o depose_v any_o king_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v plain_o 3â—_n my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n this_o cause_v he_o to_o refuse_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o earthly_a judge_n or_o prince_n to_o 14_o divide_v a_o inheritance_n between_o two_o brethren_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o 8.11_o refuse_v to_o give_v sentence_n of_o the_o adulterous_a woman_n and_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o make_v or_o depose_v earthly_a king_n so_o the_o wise_a mail_n speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o wisdom_n 8.15_o by_o i_o king_n reign_v for_o the_o further_a clear_n of_o this_o we_o must_v handle_v another_o point_n which_o be_v derive_v hence_o keyeâ—_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v a_o power_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v mention_v mat._n 16.19_o when_o christ_n say_v unto_o peter_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o ministry_n grant_v to_o god_n church_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o i_o call_v it_o a_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o service_n because_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n do_v in_o christ_n name_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n unto_o their_o lord_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o worthy_a member_n and_o officer_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n that_o this_o be_v a_o service_n i_o show_v more_o plain_o thus_o when_o adam_n fall_v in_o his_o sin_n all_o mankind_n fall_v with_o he_o and_o thereby_o be_v all_o bar_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o since_o that_o fall_n christ_n become_v man_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o man_n sin_n and_o this_o
that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o god_n of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o any_o other_o but_o by_o christ_n god_n hear_v not_o god_n help_v not_o god_n save_v not_o but_o by_o christ_n nay_o god_n be_v no_o god_n unto_o we_o out_o of_o christ._n for_o first_o he_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o christ_n and_o then_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o unto_o us._n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n we_o must_v call_v on_o he_o through_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v give_v he_o thanks_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o only_o be_v we_o hear_v if_o we_o will_v know_v god_n it_o must_v be_v by_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v the_o very_a engraven_a image_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o be_v manife_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o idol_n in_o the_o brain_n last_o if_o we_o will_v receive_v any_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n as_o meat_n drink_n and_o clothing_n for_o if_o we_o receive_v they_o from_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n we_o be_v but_o usurper_n of_o they_o and_o the_o use_n thereof_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n four_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o do_v all_o desire_n and_o look_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n after_o this_o life_n therefore_o here_o we_o must_v live_v as_o citizen_n of_o god_n kingdom_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n commandment_n abandon_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o after_o this_o life_n we_o may_v assure_o persuade_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o kingdom_n five_o it_o be_v say_v this_o city_n of_o god_n be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v more_o careful_o to_o seek_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o behold_v god_n endless_a mercy_n herein_o our_o sin_n shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v open_v they_o and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o make_v heaven_n come_v down_o unto_o man_n god_n therefore_o will_v not_o see_v we_o damn_v he_o have_v make_v open_a away_o even_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o escape_n hell_n god_n have_v bring_v down_o heaven_n among_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o with_o the_o people_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n violent_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n and_o strive_v to_o take_v it_o by_o force_n matt._n 11.12_o last_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o new_a name_n on_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v he_o partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o digniâ—ie_v wherewith_o i_o myself_o be_o glorify_v since_o my_o death_n and_o resurrection_n mark_v this_o all_o that_o after_o this_o life_n must_v have_v christ_n new_a name_n must_v in_o this_o life_n become_v new_a creature_n so_o paul_n say_v 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o again_o 6.15_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n will_v we_o then_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v here_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n herein_o stand_v true_a religion_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o not_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n and_o profession_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v of_o 4.23.24_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a with_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mâ—â—ds_n put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n but_o if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o old_a man_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o christ_n glory_n for_o this_o new_a name_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o old_a man_n and_o it_o can_v agree_v together_o vers._n 13._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o conclusion_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n vers._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v amen_o that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n that_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n here_o follow_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n whereto_o be_v prefix_v a_o commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v authorise_v to_o pen_v the_o same_o in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v which_o have_v be_v handle_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v this_o 14._o verse_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n christ_n who_o be_v here_o describe_v by_o two_o argument_n i._o he_o be_v call_v amen_o which_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n ii_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o amen_o be_v a_o hebrew_n aduerbe_n of_o asseveration_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o very_o true_o or_o certain_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n &_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o full_a exposition_n of_o the_o same_o amen_n be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v amen_o to_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o a_o true_a witness_n which_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v expound_v and_o reason_n render_v why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v unto_o which_o title_n be_v here_o add_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n according_a as_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o without_o error_n deceit_n or_o falsehood_n for_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o must_v first_o search_v out_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v amen_o that_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n which_o by_o the_o content_n of_o the_o epistle_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v to_o be_v these_o first_o to_o set_v forth_o himself_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n a_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o fidelity_n in_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o duty_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a christ_n therefore_o by_o his_o own_o example_n will_v teach_v he_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o instruct_v the_o church_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o how_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v have_v be_v show_v before_o chap._n 1.5_o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o member_n do_v christ_n propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o first_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n make_v good_a all_o his_o lawful_a word_n promise_n oath_n league_n compact_n and_o bargain_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o his_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v truth_n be_v another_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n without_o fraud_n lie_v or_o deceit_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o good_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o we_o therefore_o must_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n this_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n without_o any_o fame_a or_o falsehood_n so_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o show_v ourselves_o faithful_a in_o all_o lawful_a promise_n and_o true_a in_o all_o our_o speech_n that_o so_o by_o these_o virtue_n we_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o christ_n through_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n second_o
christ_n be_v here_o call_v amen_o to_o induce_v this_o church_n of_o laodicia_n to_o apply_v effectual_o unto_o herself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o threaten_n or_o promise_n this_o church_n have_v be_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o come_v for_o want_v of_o apply_v god_n word_n unto_o the_o self_n the_o right_a manner_n of_o apply_v god_n word_n be_v this_o in_o god_n word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o law_n there_o be_v commandment_n and_o threaten_n now_o a_o man_n must_v apply_v to_o his_o own_o person_n and_o life_n god_n commandment_n particular_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v come_v to_o know_v his_o particular_a sin_n then_o he_o must_v also_o apply_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n unto_o himself_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v through_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o so_o make_v fit_a &_o capable_a of_o god_n grace_n thus_o the_o prodigal_a son_n apply_v the_o law_n unto_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v 15.21_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n so_o do_v 9_o daniel_n and_o 9_o ezrah_n by_o apply_v the_o law_n unto_o themselves_o humble_v themselves_o and_o their_o people_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o humble_v any_o man_n &_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o receve_v grace_n for_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ._n gal_n 3.24_o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o special_a application_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o dulness_n of_o the_o laodician_n and_o be_v also_o of_o our_o slackness_n in_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n second_o the_o gospel_n also_o must_v be_v apply_v not_o only_o by_o belee_v it_o to_o be_v true_a as_o the_o papist_n teach_v but_o also_o by_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o particular_o the_o promise_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n accord_v as_o paul_n say_v 10._o i_o desire_v to_o win_v christ_n &_o to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n vers._n 15_o let_v we_o say_v he_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v teach_v every_o one_o this_o special_a duty_n of_o particular_a application_n for_o as_o saint_n john_n say_v he_o that_o by_o faith_n do_v not_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n particular_o to_o himself_o 5.10_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o application_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o negligence_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o so_o many_o lukewarm_a gospeler_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o know_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o unto_o other_o unless_o we_o can_v thus_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o this_o then_o serve_v to_o prove_v that_o justify_n faith_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o special_a faith_n which_o do_v apply_v particular_o unto_o a_o man_n those_o promise_n which_o be_v propound_v concern_v righteousness_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n the_o second_o argument_n and_o title_n whereby_o christ_n be_v describe_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o god_n creature_n that_o be_v create_v so_o it_o be_v say_v 1.16_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o though_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o a_o further_a respect_n namely_o because_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o regeneration_n so_o it_o be_v say_v 2.10_o we_o be_v the_o workemaâ—ship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n unto_o good_a work_n so_o that_o every_o regenerate_a person_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n 53.10_o when_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n etc._n etc._n because_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n and_o seed_n of_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o how_o be_v christ_n will_n some_o say_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n answ._n two_o way_n i._o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n for_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o eternity_n isaiah_n 9.6_o and_o again_o he_o say_v behold_v 8.18_o i_o and_o the_o child_n who_o thou_o hest_n give_v i_o second_o because_o he_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o root_n out_o of_o which_o a_o new_a creature_n do_v spring_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v call_v 5.30_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n allude_v unto_o adam_n and_o eve_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o church_n for_o as_o eve_n be_v take_v out_o of_o adam_n side_n so_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o spring_v of_o the_o blood_n that_o issue_v out_o of_o christ_n side_n which_o be_v of_o infinite_a merit_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o be_v god_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v call_v the_o beginning_n of_o god_n creature_n as_o we_o see_v by_o the_o content_n thereof_o be_v to_o meet_v with_o this_o common_a vice_n of_o this_o church_n that_o they_o have_v more_o care_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a then_o to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o now_o châ—ist_n will_v by_o this_o his_o title_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o their_o chief_a caâ—e_n must_v be_v to_o become_v new_a creature_n indeed_o and_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o our_o day_n our_o care_n be_v less_o for_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o for_o the_o name_n thereof_o we_o more_o respect_v show_v than_o substance_n and_o shadow_n than_o truth_n itself_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o if_o we_o will_v be_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v become_v new_a creature_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o without_o this_o new_a creation_n they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n second_o hereby_o he_o will_v meet_v with_o this_o special_a pride_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o do_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o christ_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o dignity_n in_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o this_o whereby_o in_o christ_n they_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n we_o therefore_o must_v learn_v by_o they_o not_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o outward_a privilege_n of_o nobility_n wealth_n strength_n or_o such_o like_a as_o many_o do_v but_o he_o that_o will_v rejoice_v must_v rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n further_o by_o call_v himself_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n christ_n will_v teach_v they_o and_o we_o that_o he_o do_v love_v his_o church_n and_o preserve_v the_o same_o eve_n be_v create_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n not_o a_o part_n from_o adam_n but_o of_o his_o rib_n for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v love_v and_o protect_v she_o &_o that_o she_o may_v reverence_v and_o serve_v he_o even_o so_o every_o new_a creature_n spring_v out_o of_o christ_n heart_n blood_n which_o god_n have_v so_o wrought_v that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o magnify_v and_o honour_v he_o adam_n be_v not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o matter_n only_o whereof_o eve_n be_v make_v but_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o author_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o regeneration_n wherein_o appear_v his_o exceed_a love_n unto_o us._n and_o look_n as_o the_o root_n spend_v itself_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o branch_n so_o do_v ghrist_n spend_v his_o own_o blood_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o church_n four_o whereas_o he_o be_v call_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o regeneration_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a which_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n hatâ—_n use_v of_o his_o natural_a freewill_n and_o can_v dispose_v himself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o regeneration_n but_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n can_v dispose_v himself_o in_o his_o creation_n now_o every_o man_n that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v the_o new_a creature_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o power_n to_o dispose_v himself_o in_o his_o new_a creation_n vers._n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a
nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o were_v cold_a or_o hot_a vers._n 16._o therefore_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o i_o shall_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n in_o these_o word_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o 21._o vers_fw-la be_v contain_v the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n a_o dispraise_n vers_fw-la 15.16_o 17._o and_o counsel_n vers_fw-la 18.19.20_o they_o be_v dispraise_v for_o two_o vice_n first_o lukewarmenesse_a vers_fw-la 15.16_o second_o for_o their_o pride_n vers_fw-la 17._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o be_v a_o general_a reproof_n signify_v thus_o much_o all_o thy_o work_n be_v know_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o utter_o dislike_v they_o then_o follow_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o dislike_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a which_o be_v a_o comparison_n borrow_v from_o water_n whereof_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n hot_a cold_a and_o lukewarm_a now_o hot_a and_o cold_a water_n do_v not_o so_o much_o annoy_v the_o stomach_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n do_v they_o be_v sometime_o comfortable_a to_o the_o stomach_n but_o lukewarm_a water_n do_v disquiet_v it_o till_o it_o be_v cast_v up_o and_o to_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 water_n he_o understand_v such_o as_o be_v enemy_n to_o reliligion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n be_v the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o other_o barbarous_a people_n by_o hot_a water_n he_o understandeth_v man_n that_o be_v earnest_a and_o zealous_a of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o he_o say_v of_o this_o church_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a his_o meaning_n be_v thou_o be_v neither_o a_o open_a enemy_n nor_o true_o zealous_a of_o my_o gospel_n i_o will_v thou_o were_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n wish_v not_o simple_o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o he_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o estate_n of_o lukewarmness_a in_o which_o they_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v leâ—er_o thou_o were_v either_o cold_a or_o hot_a than_o thus_o lukewarm_a as_o thou_o be_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v understand_v it_o simple_o we_o shall_v make_v christ_n to_o desire_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o enemy_n by_o lukewarm_a man_n he_o understand_v a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o show_n god_n church_n but_o in_o truth_n want_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o thou_o be_v such_o say_v christ_n to_o this_o church_n therefore_o i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v look_v as_o he_o that_o have_v drink_v lukewarm_a water_n can_v abide_v it_o on_o his_o stomach_n but_o must_v needs_o spew_v it_o up_o again_o so_o be_o i_o weary_a of_o this_o thy_o securite_n i_o can_v abide_v it_o and_o therefore_o will_v i_o cast_v thou_o off_o from_o all_o fellowship_n with_o i_o and_o make_v of_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o church_n in_o show_n to_o be_v no_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v their_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o greatness_n whereof_o he_o aggravate_v first_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o extreme_n cold_a and_o hot_a both_o which_o he_o prefer_v before_o it_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o his_o wish_n and_o desire_v and_o second_o by_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o namely_o utter_a rejection_n hereby_o we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o whither_o this_o fault_n may_v not_o just_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o use_n after_o due_a trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n the_o which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v note_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o lukewarm_a christian_n the_o first_o lukewarm_a professor_n be_v the_o papist_n as_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o he_o do_v part_n stake_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n affirm_v that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o so_o assume_v part_n of_o christ_n glory_n to_o himself_o second_o all_o timeservers_a be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n that_o be_v all_o such_o as_o alter_v their_o religion_n with_o time_n and_o state_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n the_o prince_n be_v of_o which_o show_v evident_o what_o they_o will_v do_v in_o time_n to_o come_v namely_o turn_v with_o the_o time_n as_o their_o forefather_n have_v do_v the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o follower_n of_o nicodemus_n who_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o night_n only_o that_o be_v such_o as_o say_v and_o think_v that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o mass_n with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o keep_v their_o heart_n unto_o god_n these_o halt_n between_o two_o opinion_n and_o neither_o serve_v god_n nor_o baâ—ll_n four_o all_o mediator_n such_o as_o will_v make_v pacification_n between_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o papist_n so_o hold_v our_o religion_n as_o not_o care_v â—o_o embrace_v they_o also_o because_o they_o think_v they_o differ_v not_o in_o substance_n but_o in_o circumstance_n only_o let_v these_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v they_o be_v in_o heart_n laoditian_n five_o all_o worldling_n which_o as_o christ_n say_v luk._n 16.13_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n god_n and_o the_o world_n by_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o riches_n these_o man_n abound_v every_o where_o for_o though_o they_o hear_v god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v he_o in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o run_v after_o their_o covetousness_n ezech._n 33.31_o and_o who_o be_v such_o their_o conscience_n will_v witness_v yea_o their_o behaviour_n proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o though_o they_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n yet_o their_o wit_n and_o strength_n be_v spend_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o six_o those_o that_o profess_v christ_n reliligion_n in_o outward_a action_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o yet_o in_o their_o life_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o common_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n some_o to_o drunkenness_n to_o fornication_n to_o covetousness_n or_o cruelty_n some_o to_o this_o sin_n and_o some_o to_o that_o to_o this_o sort_n we_o must_v refer_v those_o that_o in_o word_n approve_v religion_n and_o yet_o their_o heart_n delight_n be_v in_o garnish_v themselves_o with_o the_o monstrous_a brutish_a and_o irreligious_a form_n of_o strange_a and_o foreign_a attire_n these_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o wit_n in_o the_o deck_v of_o their_o body_n and_o so_o suffer_v their_o soul_n to_o go_v to_o wrack_n when_o as_o apparel_n shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o shame_n through_o sin_n and_o by_o modest_a attire_n we_o shall_v express_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o these_o hereby_o profess_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n now_o though_o we_o be_v not_o entangle_v with_o these_o gross_a sin_n yet_o we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o from_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a for_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n of_o love_n to_o his_o truth_n of_o care_n to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n the_o want_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n what_o argue_v all_o these_o but_o lukewarmness_a herein_o we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n with_o job_n for_o we_o can_v plead_v with_o god_n no_o not_o for_o this_o common_a sin_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a have_v infect_v our_o congregation_n as_o it_o do_v this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o the_o sign_n thereof_o which_o be_v common_a among_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v our_o fearful_a estate_n the_o first_o sign_n be_v negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v this_o appear_v sundry_a way_n for_o first_o howsoever_o we_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v yet_o few_o do_v profit_n there_o by_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o life_n this_o may_v any_o man_n see_v to_o be_v true_a that_o have_v half_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v into_o the_o state_n of_o our_o assembly_n and_o man_n own_o conscience_n will_v herein_o witness_v against_o they_o again_o where_o god_n word_n be_v ordinary_o hear_v there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o search_v out_o and_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o nay_o man_n will_v not_o be_v at_o cost_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n and_o if_o they_o have_v one_o
yet_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o read_v the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o constant_a course_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v three_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n be_v break_v for_o though_o most_o man_n at_o set_a time_n will_v come_v into_o the_o congregation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o that_o private_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v which_o god_n word_n require_v but_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o to_o outward_a delight_n to_o omit_v those_o that_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n in_o any_o sort_n now_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o want_v both_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o all_o sound_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v employ_v themselves_o in_o god_n word_n and_o by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o infect_v our_o congregation_n now_o where_o this_o negligence_n be_v though_o coldness_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v zeal_n and_o so_o luke-warmnesse_n must_v needs_o abound_v ii_o sign_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n be_v this_o in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_n they_o show_v religion_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o in_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n who_o show_v his_o religion_n for_o when_o as_o man_n shall_v practice_v their_o calling_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o true_a godliness_n they_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n little_a conscience_n be_v make_v of_o lie_v and_o oppression_n that_o love_n and_o plain_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v want_v which_o prove_v they_o plain_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n iii_o sign_n there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a for_o though_o all_o general_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o many_o when_o they_o see_v some_o make_v conscience_n to_o become_v answerable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o receive_v do_v take_v up_o in_o their_o mouth_n this_o slander_n of_o precizenesse_n against_o they_o mock_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n themselves_o profess_v shall_v be_v do_v these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o profess_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v zealous_a by_o reproach_v zeal_n in_o other_o therefore_o they_o do_v more_o than_o these_o laodicean_n do_v even_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a for_o he_o that_o reproach_v another_o for_o zeal_n in_o religion_n brand_v himself_o with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o who_o know_v not_o how_o many_o of_o this_o â—ort_n be_v every_o where_o i_o dare_v with_o good_a conscience_n say_v our_o congregation_n general_o consist_v of_o such_o now_o mark_v what_o follow_v hereupon_o first_o that_o our_o common_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n than_o heathen_a man_n jew_n and_o turk_n that_o know_v not_o christ._n this_o christ_n teach_v in_o prefer_v cold_a person_n before_o the_o lukewarm_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v rather_o thou_o were_v a_o pagan_a than_o a_o professor_n without_o zeal_n and_o 2.21_o saint_n peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v of_o such_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v further_a matter_n in_o we_o than_o knowledge_n and_o bare_a profession_n our_o case_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o turk_n religion_n know_v will_v not_o make_v thou_o better_o than_o they_o but_o it_o be_v zeal_n and_o obedience_n that_o must_v prefer_v thou_o before_o they_o second_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o estate_n i_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n out_o of_o the_o stomach_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n here_o threaten_v which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o may_v know_v where_o lukewarmenesse_a take_v place_n there_o this_o punishment_n will_v follow_v we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o old_a world_n do_v &_o think_v all_o be_v well_o never_o regard_v till_o the_o judgement_n come_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o true_a society_n with_o christ_n god_n can_v do_v this_o sundry_a way_n either_o by_o bereave_v we_o of_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v we_o as_o the_o heathen_a or_o by_o send_v the_o enemy_n among_o we_o to_o destroy_v and_o root_v we_o out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o even_o in_o our_o neighbor-countreys_n and_o town_n he_o set_v spectacle_n before_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v see_v how_o he_o can_v spew_v we_o ouâ—_n &_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a vers._n 17._o for_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o make_v rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a &_o blind_a and_o naked_a here_o be_v the_o second_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o former_a as_o a_o reason_n thereof_o before_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o deadness_n in_o religion_n and_o here_o he_o paint_v out_o the_o cause_n thereof_o namely_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o hart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o think_v thus_o within_o thyself_o i_o be_o rich_a for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n by_o their_o speech_n because_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v as_o evident_a to_o christ_n as_o any_o man_n speech_n can_v be_v to_o another_o use_n in_o that_o christ_n do_v express_v man_n secret_a thought_n and_o propound_v the_o same_o in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o set_v down_o the_o thought_n of_o country_n of_o church_n &_o of_o particular_a man_n even_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o this_o can_v no_o man_n do_v in_o any_o book_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v a_o argument_n against_o atheist_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o they_o reveal_v man_n secret_a thought_n now_o follow_v the_o thought_n itself_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o people_n of_o this_o church_n i_o be_o rich_a that_o be_v i_o have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o this_o effect_n he_o express_v their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o overween_a their_o estate_n before_o god_n this_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o have_v be_v christ_n say_v 5.32_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o righteous_a mean_v such_o as_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o the_o 10._o proud_a pharisie_n in_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o heart_n think_v himself_o far_o better_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n or_o other_o man_n and_o paul_n â—_o bring_v in_o the_o corinthian_n think_v proud_o of_o themselves_o say_v we_o be_v full_a and_o make_v rich_a etc._n etc._n this_o sin_n take_v place_n in_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o temporal_a work_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o other_o to_o come_v to_o ourselves_o this_o same_o proud_a thought_n have_v place_n among_o us._n first_o we_o think_v we_o be_v rich_a in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n both_o young_a and_o old_a scorn_n to_o be_v catechize_v because_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a some_o stick_v not_o to_o profess_v this_o pride_n by_o brag_v thus_o that_o they_o know_v as_o much_o for_o substance_n as_o any_o man_n can_v teach_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o nature_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n second_o man_n plead_v that_o they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a say_v so_o as_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_v
here_o see_v the_o proper_a â—nd_n of_o all_o reproof_n and_o correction_n namely_o the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o man_n fault_n &_o misdemeanour_n whatsoever_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o their_o way_n and_o more_o zealous_a in_o good_a duty_n then_o ever_o they_o be_v whensoever_o therefore_o we_o be_v reprove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v visit_v we_o in_o body_n mind_n or_o good_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o cross_n we_o must_v remember_v to_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o repent_v and_o amend_v know_v that_o by_o all_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o sermon_n the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o amendment_n now_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n of_o their_o luke-warmnesse_n be_v zealous_a that_o we_o may_v understand_v this_o commandment_n we_o be_v to_o handle_v some_o point_n touch_v zeal_n first_o what_o be_v zeal_n zeal_n be_v a_o burn_a affection_n in_o regard_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n this_o zeal_n be_v compound_v of_o two_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o anger_n or_o indignation_n so_o that_o in_o this_o commandment_n be_v two_o duty_n enjoin_v unto_o this_o church_n first_o that_o they_o shall_v love_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n above_o all_o thing_n second_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v grieve_v especial_o for_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v dishonour_v his_o worship_n profane_v and_o his_o doctrine_n not_o embrace_v but_o instead_o thereof_o false_a worship_n and_o false_a doctrine_n entertain_v when_o both_o these_o concur_v than_o zeal_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o most_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n psalm_n 69.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o his_o person_n say_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n have_v eat_v he_o up_o whereby_o thus_o much_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o love_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n have_v even_o consume_v he_o and_o that_o his_o indignation_n be_v so_o great_a because_o his_o father_n name_n be_v dishonour_v and_o his_o worship_n profane_v that_o it_o do_v even_o care_v he_o up_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n john_n 2.17_o yea_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o he_o to_o do_v his_o father_n will_n joh._n 4.34_o that_o thing_n he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o life_n or_o safety_n nay_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v the_o pang_n of_o hell_n the_o like_a zeal_n be_v in_o elias_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n his_o heart_n be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1._o king_n 19.14_o ii_o point_n the_o kind_n of_o zeal_n zeal_n be_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a in_o good_a zeal_n be_v these_o thing_n require_v i._o true_a faith_n as_o the_o root_n thereof_o 1._o tim._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v love_n 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a now_o one_o apart_o of_o zeal_n be_v love_n and_o therefore_o 〈…〉_z procee_v from_o true_a faith_n so_o must_v true_a zeal_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o faith_n be_v rather_o rashness_n and_o fierceness_n of_o nature_n than_o true_a zeal_n ii_o repentance_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o there_o be_v seven_o 〈◊〉_d of_o repentance_n recite_v whereof_o zeal_n be_v one_o that_o be_v good_a zeal_n even_o a_o burn_a love_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o godly_a indignation_n when_o false_a religion_n be_v embrace_v there_o may_v be_v zeal_n in_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o repentance_n as_o be_v in_o jehu_n 2._o king_n 10.16_o come_v with_o i_o say_v he_o and_o see_v the_o zeal_n that_o i_o have_v for_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o want_v repentance_n for_o vers._n 29.31_o it_o be_v say_v jehu_n regard_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n for_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la which_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o in_o he_o the_o true_a zeal_n that_o be_v here_o command_v iii_o zeal_n must_v come_v from_o knowledge_n for_o without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v but_o rashness_n and_o bold-hardinesse_n such_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v rom._n 10.2_o who_o zeal_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o such_o as_o paul_n have_v before_o his_o conversion_n phil._n 3._o vers_fw-la 6._o in_o zeal_n he_o persecute_v god_n church_n knowledge_n therefore_o in_o god_n word_n must_v be_v the_o guide_n and_o conductor_n of_o our_o zeal_n iii_o point_n the_o fruit_n of_o zeal_n must_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o better_a discern_v of_o true_a zeal_n first_o true_a zeal_n constrain_v a_o man_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n 5.13.14_o whether_o we_o be_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d wit_n we_o be_v it_o unto_o god_n or_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o our_o right_a mind_n we_o be_v it_o unto_o you_o for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v us._n so_o wheresoever_o this_o true_a zeal_n be_v in_o any_o measure_n it_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o heart_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v but_o endeavour_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o love_n he_o bear_v unto_o christ._n elihu_n say_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o new_a wine_n in_o a_o vessel_n which_o must_v needs_o vent_v out_o job._n 32.18.19_o second_o true_a zeal_n make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n power_n and_o strength_n so_o good_a king_n josiah_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n read_v he_o turn_v not_o slacke_o or_o negligent_o but_o 23.25_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o like_v he_o be_v no_o king_n before_o neither_o after_o he_o arise_v there_o any_o like_o he_o psal._n 51_o david_n humble_v himself_o for_o his_o sin_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o with_o such_o marvelous_a zeal_n as_o no_o tongue_n can_v utter_v desire_v god_n to_o remember_v he_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n often_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o diverse_a term_n that_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o may_v express_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o give_v god_n thanks_n for_o his_o benefit_n he_o put_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o heart_n thereto_o cry_v out_o my_o soul_n praise_n thou_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o psa._n 103.1_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v zealous_a whence_o true_a zeal_n arise_v and_o what_o it_o work_v in_o man_n heart_n use_n see_v we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v taint_v with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmnesse_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n let_v we_o here_o learn_v how_o to_o redress_v this_o vice_n we_o must_v become_v zealous_a have_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o fervent_a love_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o vehement_a indignation_n when_o the_o same_o be_v disgrace_v and_o false_a worship_n take_v place_n let_v religion_n therefore_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o show_n that_o same_o in_o our_o life_n by_o zealous_a obedience_n away_o with_o all_o slackness_n and_o lukewarmnesse_n it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v jews_n and_o turk_n and_o to_o hold_v no_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a in_o the_o true_a profession_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o zeal_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v to_o repent_v or_o amend_v this_o they_o be_v also_o enjoin_v because_o zeal_n without_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o but_o rashness_n jehues_n zeal_n be_v no_o true_a zeal_n because_o he_o want_v repentance_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v zealous_a but_o wherefore_o be_v this_o church_n enjoin_v to_o repent_v namely_o for_o lukewarmness_n not_o for_o that_o she_o have_v commit_v any_o horrible_a sin_n but_o because_o she_o be_v slack_a in_o good_a duty_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o good_a lesson_n for_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n that_o challenge_n god_n mercy_n unto_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v no_o notorious_a malefactor_n as_o murderer_n &_o adulterer_n they_o hate_v no_o man_n but_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o but_o here_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o reform_v this_o their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o repentance_n must_v be_v for_o want_n of_o good_a duty_n yea_o for_o slackness_n therein_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n soothe_v himself_o in_o his_o ignorance_n with_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o all_o be_v well_o if_o he_o live_v not_o in_o gross_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o enchantment_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o he_o rock_n many_o asleep_a in_o
never_o seek_v it_o this_o his_o mercy_n be_v verify_v in_o all_o church_n and_o unto_o we_o which_o must_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o enlarge_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o vouchsafe_v we_o favour_n when_o we_o never_o seek_v it_o but_o refuse_v it_o quest._n how_o do_v christ_n knock_v answ._n the_o word_n go_v before_o whereto_o these_o have_v reference_n give_v light_n unto_o this_o question_n before_o christ_n have_v threaten_v this_o church_n even_o to_o spew_v she_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o her_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o after_o he_o counsel_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o gold_n and_o other_o remedy_n now_o upon_o this_o grievous_a threaten_n the_o church_n may_v despair_v of_o his_o mercy_n but_o christ_n to_o comfort_v she_o tell_v she_o here_o that_o these_o reproof_n and_o rebuke_n be_v but_o knock_v be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o open_a for_o then_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o people_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o mean_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o withal_o give_v they_o coun_fw-fr whereby_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o fearful_a punishment_n thereby_o deserve_v here_o then_o note_v the_o state_n of_o any_o people_n that_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v to_o come_v in_o by_o exhortation_n admonition_n threaten_n and_o by_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a mercy_n first_o see_v we_o have_v christ_n knock_v at_o our_o door_n use_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o we_o such_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n in_o hear_v he_o knock_v if_o a_o man_n of_o any_o account_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o house_n oh_o what_o a_o stir_n will_v we_o make_v to_o let_v he_o in_o quick_o what_o a_o shame_n than_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v dead-harted_n when_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n second_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o with_o all_o speed_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v continue_v knock_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o turn_v before_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o we_o perish_v eternal_o for_o if_o we_o refuse_v when_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n he_o will_v refuse_v when_o we_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n prou._n 1._o 25.26_o mat._n 25.11.12_o note_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o it_o be_v join_v with_o cry_v for_o he_o say_v if_o he_o hear_v my_o voice_n so_o that_o he_o both_o knock_v &_o cry_n it_o be_v then_o the_o knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v enter_v we_o therefore_o ought_v answerable_o with_o serious_a regard_n to_o receive_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v as_o earnest_n in_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o knock_v to_o come_v into_o us._n the_o second_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o set_v down_o the_o true_a use_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o same_o mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v such_o as_o give_v unto_o a_o man_n will_n &_o soul_n a_o action_n in_o his_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v christ._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o it_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o worker_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o word_n and_o man_n will_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a knowledge_n soften_a the_o heart_n and_o change_v the_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o now_o he_o work_v not_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n but_o ordinary_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v hear_v or_o meditate_v either_o public_o or_o private_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o man_n salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o man_v will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o dead_a unto_o grace_n yet_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o conversion_n move_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v turn_v it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n only_o passive_a which_o without_o any_o action_n receive_v impression_n but_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o fire_n do_v bear_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v it_o be_v fire_n so_o the_o will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o move_v not_o yet_o be_v renew_v by_o grace_n it_o move_v and_o so_o some_o as_o it_o move_v it_o be_v renew_v and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v action_n unto_o a_o sinner_n that_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v which_o argue_v not_o that_o by_o themselves_o man_n can_v have_v a_o will_n to_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o be_v renew_v they_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o these_o term_n repent_v and_o believe_v not_o to_o show_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v repent_v or_o believe_v but_o that_o god_n in_o man_n conversion_n do_v give_v he_o grace_v to_o will_n and_o desire_v the_o same_o hence_o than_o it_o follow_v thar_z this_o text_n have_v be_v diverse_a way_n abuse_v first_o by_o the_o papist_n who_o hence_o will_v gather_v free_a will_n of_o conversion_n in_o a_o sinner_n by_o nature_n true_a it_o be_v a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o be_v gather_v hence_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v and_o open_v when_o i_o knock_v nay_o hence_o we_o may_v rather_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v hear_v nor_o open_a because_o the_o counsel_n be_v give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a by_o nature_n second_o they_o also_o abuse_v this_o text_n that_o hereby_o will_v prove_v a_o flexible_a free_a will_n by_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o man_n which_o be_v this_o sundry_a man_n think_v that_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o sin_n god_n give_v a_o general_a grace_n whereby_o any_o man_n may_v will_v and_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o this_o grace_n though_o it_o dispose_v the_o will_n in_o some_o part_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o it_o take_v not_o the_o corruption_n away_o but_o that_o remain_v still_o whereupon_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v receive_v christ_n by_o that_o general_a grace_n or_o if_o he_o will_v not_o he_o may_v refuse_v christ_n by_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o he_o it_o be_v say_v this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o text_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o flexible_a freewill_n all_o that_o can_v here_o be_v gather_v be_v that_o man_n have_v freewill_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o a_o general_a but_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n nay_o christ_n ministry_n serueâ—_n for_o this_o end_n that_o those_o which_o before_o can_v not_o turn_v of_o themselves_o may_v by_o grace_n be_v convert_v this_o flexible_a grace_n be_v against_o god_n word_n christ_n say_v 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o he_o say_v not_o may_v come_v if_o he_o will_v but_o peremptory_o come_v for_o man_n will_n can_v dispose_v and_o over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n 〈◊〉_d god_n overrule_v the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o man_n be_v unwilling_a yet_o when_o god_n call_v effectual_o he_o can_v but_o come_v for_o the_o creature_n can_v reject_v or_o resist_v the_o will_n and_o call_n of_o his_o creator_n if_o any_o man_n open_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v etc._n etc._n the_o proper_a intent_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o conditional_a promise_n be_v to_o provoke_v they_o that_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a to_o listen_v diligent_o to_o christ_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n from_o he_o glad_o in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v our_o duty_n see_v
&_o 110._o c._n 2._o 5_o 11.12_o 10_o c._n 1_o &_o 137._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 14_o 76._o c._n 2._o 6_o 10_o 135._o c._n 1._o 8_o 5_o 178_o c._n 2._o 9_o 7_o 169_o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 9_o 194_o c._n 2._o 10_o 36_o 136_o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 37_o 6_o c._n 2._o 11_o 3_o 57_o c_o 1._o  _fw-fr 22_o 145_o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 24_o 25_o 26_o 195_o c._n â—_o &_o 174_o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 31_o 185_o c._n 1._o 12_o 2_o 195_o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 8_o 38_o c_o 1._o  _fw-fr 17_o 114._o c._n c._n 1._o james._n 1_o 2_o 38._o c._n 1._o &_o 107_o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 5_o 77._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 21_o 10._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 27_o 135._o c._n 2._o 2_o 23_o 125_o c._n 1._o 4_o 6_o 10._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 8_o 45_o c._n 2._o 5_o 7_o 38._o c._n 1._o 1._o peter_n 1_o 7_o 208._o c._n 1._o 3_o 1_o 113._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 15_o 80._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 19.20_o 90_o c._n 2._o &_o 125._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 21_o 108_o c._n 1._o 4_o 23_o 27._o c._n 2._o &_o 140._o c._n 2._o 2._o peter_n 1_o 12_o 109._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 19_o 155._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 20_o 143._o c._n 1._o 2_o 3_o 6._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 7_o 75._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 8_o 205._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 18_o 151._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 21_o 202._o c_o 1._o 3_o 8_o 6._o c._n 1._o &_o 191._o c._n 1._o 1._o joh._n 1_o 3_o 9_o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 6_o 62._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 10_o 83._o c._n 1._o 2_o 13_o 54._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 19_o 174._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 27_o 26._o c._n 1._o 3_o 1_o 23._o c._n 1._o &_o 131._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 2_o 232._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 3_o 176._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 9_o 83_o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 14_o 135._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 16_o 134._o c._n 1_o 4_o 1_o 76._o c._n 1._o &_o 77._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 6_o 127._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 21_o 134._o c._n 1._o 5_o 4_o 97_o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 10_o 198._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 11_o 66._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 18_o 27._o c._n 1._o 2._o joh._n 0_o 10_o 75_o c._n 2._o &_o 116._o c._n 1._o jude._n  _fw-fr 3_o 78._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 16_o 151._o c._n â—_o  _fw-fr 20.22_o 80._o c._n 1._o revelation_n 3_o 7_o 21._o c._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 16._o c._n 2._o 6_o 10_o 34._o c._n 1_o 7_o 9_o 118._o c._n 2._o â—0_n 9.19_o 79_o c._n 1._o 19_o 9_o 129._o c._n 2._o 20_o 12_o 148._o c._n 2._o 21_o 3_o 194._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 6_o 129._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 8_o 20._o c._n 1._o &_o 105._o c._n 1._o 109._o c._n 2._o  _fw-fr 10_o 194._o c._n 2._o 22_o 15_o 177._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 16_o 155._o c._n 1._o  _fw-fr 20_o 34._o c._n 1_o â§_o a_o table_n of_o the_o special_a point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o exposition_n the_o first_o number_n note_v the_o page_n the_o second_o the_o column_n bâ—_n note_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o column_n m_n the_o middle_a and_o e_z the_o end_n a_o absolution_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n 181.1_o m._n adam_n and_o christ_n oppose_v 97.2_o m._n adultery_n spiritual_a and_o bodily_a 〈◊〉_d punishment_n each_o of_o other·_n 94.1_o m._n and_o 120.1_o c._n affection_n of_o the_o soul_n work_v strong_o upon_o the_o body_n 63_o â—_o c._n we_o ought_v to_o be_v like_o affected_a to_o christ._n 94.2_o b._n affliction_n the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o believer_n 38.1_o b_o they_o be_v profitable_a 203_o â—_o c._n they_o discover_v 〈◊〉_d state_n of_o man_n heart_n 192.1_o m_o christ_n temper_v they_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o offender_n 211.1_o how_o grievous_a affliction_n seem_v short_a â—â—â—â—_o 1_o c._n ground_n of_o true_a comfort_n in_o affect_v 〈◊〉_d 48.2_o m._n 99.1_o 〈…〉_z m._n â—07_n 2._o m._n 11â—_n 〈…〉_z 15â—_n 2_o c._n 1â—5_n â—_o m._n age_a man_n honour_v 54.2_o b._n there_o duty_n thereupon_o ibid._n amen_o a_o title_n give_v to_o christ._n 197_o â—_o m_o angel_n the_o good_a angel_n be_v 〈◊〉_d for_o god_n church_n â—_o 1_o b._n application_n of_o the_o word_n needful_a 96._o â—_o c._n the_o right_a manner_n of_o it_o 〈…〉_z the_o true_a â—round_n thereof_o ibid._n â—_o approve_v we_o must_v seek_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n church_n 147._o â—_o m._n but_o chief_o to_o christ._n 166.1_o b._n assâ—â—erations_n when_o to_o be_v use_v 33.2_o b._n assurance_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n â—8_o 2_o b_o attyreâ—_n a_o rule_n for_o it_o 53.2_o b._n b_o how_o to_o beautâ—fie_v soul_n &_o body_n 208._o â—_o m_o believer_n be_v 〈…〉_z 25.21_o b._n when_o ibid._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d their_o duty_n in_o regard_n 〈…〉_z and_o 27._o â—_o consolation_n thence_o â—8_o 1_o m._n bless_v 〈◊〉_d how_o to_o be_v seek_v 14.1_o c._n blind_a spiritual_o who_o 206.1_o m._n book_n of_o life_n 17.4.1_o m._n how_o a_o man_n may_v be_v blâ—â—ed_v out_o of_o it_o ibid._n c._n buy_v to_o buy_v of_o christ_n how_o &_o what_o 209.1_o m._n few_o bargain_n with_o he_o â—10_n 1_o b._n c_o calling_n a_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o good_a call_n for_o every_o action_n 6._o â—_o m._n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n we_o shall_v 〈…〉_z christ._n 7.2_o m._n best_o 〈…〉_z have_v their_o 〈◊〉_d â—4_n 1_o b._n 〈◊〉_d law_n of_o 〈…〉_z unclean_a 171.2_o m._n childreâ—â—_n how_o punish_v 〈…〉_z father_n offence_n 〈…〉_z m._n christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d godpunc_fw-la 〈…〉_z 1._o m._n god_n of_o himself_o 〈…〉_z 34.2_o m._n all_o see_v 99_o 〈…〉_z â—33_n â—_o m._n 〈…〉_z with_o the_o father_n 35._o â—_o 〈…〉_z 35.2_o m._n his_o power_n for_o his_o church_n â—6_n 1_o b._n and_o 133.2_o b._n and_o 153._o â—_o c._n over_o his_o church_n threefold_a 178._o â—_o c._n christ_n true_a man_n 99_o â—_o m._n goâ—â—e_v aâ—an_n 99_o â—_o â—_o 14â—_n â—_o m._n christâ—_n officies_n 〈…〉_z office_n 2.2_o m._n &_o 21.1_o m._n his_o kingdom_n â—â—_o 1_o c._n and_o 2.6_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n in_o two_o duty_n 17.1_o m._n and_o â—_o â—_o 1_o â—_o christâ—_n priesthood_n and_o the_o â—_z thereof_o 20.1_o 〈…〉_z our_o highpriest_n 5â—_n 1_o m._n he_o have_v 〈◊〉_d holy_a ghost_n 1â—3_n â—_o c._n his_o 〈◊〉_d of_o his_o church_n 2._o â—_o c._n &_o 64._o â—_o b._n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o â—ather_n â—nd_v how_o 132.2_o m._n 〈…〉_z of_o his_o father_n 3._o â—_o m._n his_o holiness_n as_o man_n 175._o 〈◊〉_d 176.1_o his_o 〈◊〉_d presence_n not_o â—o_o be_v regard_v 52.2_o m._n he_o be_v spiritual_a food_n 128.2_o â—_o hide_a food_n 130.1_o b._n 〈◊〉_d catholic_a only_o one_o 12.1_o â—_o church_n triumphant_a 19â—_n 2_o m._n church_n 〈…〉_z the_o cross_v 37.1_o c_o church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v 〈…〉_z 13â—_n 1._o m._n several_a congregationâ—_n be_v particular_a churcheâ—_n 〈…〉_z b._n a 1_n â—_o b._n they_o be_v candlestick_n 49.2_o of_o gold_n â—1_n 1_o m._n the_o 〈…〉_z truth_n â—_o â—_o b._n 1â—_n 2_o m._n it_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v 76.2_o c._n it_o shall_v be_v purge_v of_o evil_a man_n 74.2_o b_o it_o shall_v be_v severe_a against_o they_o 138.1_o c._n and_o 139.1_o c._n when_o a_o church_n become_v no_o church_n 102.2_o c._n whence_o god_n church_n be_v gather_v 112.1_o c._n where_o our_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n 113.2_o b._n material_a church_n no_o more_o holy_a than_o other_o house_n 39.1_o c._n 196.1_o c._n commandment_n their_o use_n in_o the_o church_n 89.1_o comedy_n unlawful_a â—50_n 2_o c._n communion_n of_o saint_n 38.2_o m._n communicant_n ungrateful_a 217.2_o c._n confession_n of_o christ._n 175.1_o c._n conscience_n evil_a 33.1_o m._n good_a conscience_n a_o sure_a treasury_n 114.1_o b._n consideration_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n 115.2_o constancy_n for_o the_o truth_n 113.2_o c._n sign_n of_o it_o 114.1_o m._n controversy_n in_o religion_n how_o to_o know_v truth_n therein_o 18.1_o c._n converse_v with_o evil_a man_n 75.1_o c._n &_o 2._o convert_v of_o soul_n a_o great_a privilege_n 183.2_o c._n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n 186.1_o b._n 215.2_o c._n fruit_n of_o true_a conversion_n 187.1.188.1_o correction_n shall_v be_v for_o reformation_n 211.1_o and_o 212._o corruption_n of_o nature_n help_n against_o it_o 60.1_o b._n corruption_n in_o a_o church_n do_v not_o present_o make_v it_o no_o church_n 165.2_o c._n chief_a counsellor_n christ._n 207.1_o c._n d_o damnation_n how_o escape_v 110.1_o b._n david_n fall_n 85.1_o b._n dead_a christ_n privilege_n among_o the_o dead_a 20.2_o b._n and_o 21.1_o b._n death_n twofold_n 109.2_o b._n spiritual_a death_n have_v 3._o degree_n 58.2_o c._n comfort_n against_o death_n 20.2_o c._n &_o 56.1_o c._n decay_n in_o love_n and_o grace_n 86.1.89.2_o c._n 90.2_o c._n 92.1_o m._n degree_n in_o glory_n 149.1_o c._n despair_n help_n against_o it_o 213.2_o c._n diligence_n in_o a_o minister_n 73.1_o m._n disgrace_v of_o other_o 93.2_o m._n distrust_v in_o god_n providence_n 104.1_o c._n doctor_n of_o the_o church_n